ESP VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2008 Repair Manual

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables. The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage electronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine compartment
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Do not smoke.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response

the dipstick are located, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
5. Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe the dipstick off using a clean cloth.
6. Reinsert the dipstick into the guide tube and push it all the way in. If there is an alignment tab on the engine oil dipstick, make sure it lines up with the notch in the guide tube, and that the dipstick goes all the way in.
7. Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick ⇒ fig. 179 as described below:
(A): Do not add any oil ⇒ . Continue with step 15.
(B): Oil may be added (about 1 pint / 0.5 liter). Continue with step 8 or step 15.
(C): You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). Continue with step 8.
8. After reading the oil level, reinsert the dipstick back into the guide tube and push it all the way in.
9. Remove the cap on the engine oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 180.
10. Only add engine oil that Volkswagen has approved for that engine. Add the oil gradually in small quantities (no more than 1 pint / 0.5 liter).
11. To help prevent overfilling, you must wait about 1 minute each time you add oil so that the oil can flow into the oil pan up to the marking on the dipstick.
12. Read the oil level on the dipstick again before adding another small amount, if necessary. Never
add too much oil ⇒ .
13. After adding oil, the level must at least be in the center of the ⇒ fig. 179 (B) area, but never above
(A) ⇒ .
14. After adding oil, securely install the cap on the engine oil filler opening. Otherwise, oil could leak out while the engine is running.
15. Insert the oil dipstick back in the guide tube and push it all the way in.
16. Close the hood ⇒ 
Engine oil level ranges

Required action according to the respective engine oil level:
Range (A) Do not refill oil ⇒ .
Range (B) You may add oil (about 1 pint / 0.5 l). The oil level may go into the (A) range, but not above the (A) range.
Range (C) You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 l). After adding oil, make sure that the oil level is about in the middle of the (B) range.
WARNING
Engine oil can ignite when it touches hot engine parts. This can cause fires, burns, and other severe injuries.
x Never spill oil on the engine. Oil spilled on a cold engine can also cause a fire when the engine warms up.
x Always make certain that you screw the cap of the engine oil filler opening back on tightly after adding oil and that the dipstick has been pushed all the way back into the in the guide tube. This helps prevent engine oil from leaking onto the hot engine when the engine is running.

Changing oil at regular intervals is very important because the lubricating properties of oil decrease gradually during normal vehicle use. If you are not sure when to have the oil changed, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Sometimes, engine oil should be changed more often than specified for normal use. Change oil more frequently if you often drive short distances, in dusty areas or in stop-and-go traffic, or if you use your vehicle where temperatures stay below freezing for long periods.
Volkswagen recommends that you have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ . They have the required expertise and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.
Detergent additives in the oil will make fresh oil look dark after the engine has been running a short time. This is normal and no reason to change engine oil more often.
WARNING
If you must change the engine oil yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:
x Always wear eye protection.
x To reduce the risk of burns from hot engine oil, let the engine cool down completely before beginning.
x When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, stay as far away as possible. Always keep your forearm parallel to the ground to help prevent hot oil from running down your arm.
x Drain the oil into a container designed for this purpose, one large enough to hold at least the total amount of oil in your engine.
x To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.
x Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.
x Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
Before changing the oil, first make sure you know where you can properly dispose of the old oil.
Dispose of the old oil an environmentally-responsible manner. Never dump the old oil on garden soil, in wooded areas, in the street, into streams, rivers, or bodies of water, or down sewage drains.
Recycle used oil by taking it to a collection facility for used engine oil in your area, or contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends that you always have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They have the required expertise and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

Lights up
Temperature gauge needle
⇒ fig. 181
Possible cause Proper response
(B) Normal range Engine coolant level too low.
Check the engine coolant level after the engine has cooled down and add engine coolant if low If the engine coolant level is correct or the problem continues after adding coolant, do not drive any farther. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. These instructions apply only when the coolant temperature stays in the normal range. Stop immediately if the needle goes into the red warning zone (C).
– Engine coolant system malfunction.

x First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable (+) ⇒ .
Connecting the vehicle battery
x Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
x Connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-) ⇒ .
After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different indicator lights may come on. They should go out after you drive a short distance at 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator lights do not go out , contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle checked.
If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled service may not be correctly
calculated and displayed ,Instrument cluster The maximum permissible service and maintenance
intervals are shown in the ⇒ booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
Vehicles with Keyless Access
If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock the vehicle from the outside and unlock it again, Unlocking and locking vehicles with Keyless Access. Then try to start the ignition again. If the ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.
Automatic electrical load deactivation
If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical system management automatically takes steps to help prevent battery drain.
x The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more power.
x The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or switched off completely.
x When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets and the cigarette lighter, Cigarette lighter is temporarily interrupted.
The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the battery from being drained. For example, the battery will drain if the engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking lights are left on for a long time when parked.
Battery disconnection in an accident with airbag deployment
In vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the battery is disconnected automatically in a collision with airbag deployment. This helps to prevent a short-circuit.
What drains the vehicle battery?
x Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is on.
x Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched off.
x Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.
x The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than P when the ignition is switched off, Automatic transmission: Selector lever.
WARNING
Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and connections may cause short circuits, fires, and serious personal injuries.
x Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof batteries with the same specifications and dimensions as the original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the battery housing.

Removing stains
When treating stains, it may be necessary to clean entire surface and not just the stain itself. This is especially true if the entire surface has become dirty from normal use. Otherwise, the area that is treated may be lighter than the untreated area. If you have questions or concerns, consult a professional cleaner.

Type of stain Recommended cleaning for fabric and upholstery
Water-based stains, such as coffee or fruit juice. – Moisten a sponge with water and rub the stain gently with a circular motion. – Wipe dry with an absorbent cloth.
Persistent stains, such as chocolate or make-up. – Use only Volkswagen-approved cleaning products. – If necessary, have the fabric or upholstery professionally cleaned.
Grease-based stains, such as oil, lipstick, etc. – Use only Volkswagen-approved cleaning products. – If necessary, have the fabric or upholstery professionally cleaned.
WARNING
If there is a malfunction in the airbag system, the airbag may not deploy correctly or at all, or it may deploy unexpectedly. This could cause fatal injuries.
x Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
NOTICE
If the upholstery on power seats, heated seats, or seats with airbag components is wet, electrical components and the vehicle electrical system could be damaged.
x If the seating surface becomes soaked, have it dried and the system components checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Do not use steam cleaners because the steam could cause the dirt to penetrate deeper into the fabric and make it impossible to remove.
x Pressure washers and cooling sprays can damage the upholstery.
NOTICE
x Clean only the carpet and floor mats with brushes. Other textile surfaces can be damaged by brushes.
x If detergent pastes or mild detergent solutions are applied with a damp cloth or sponge, the surfactants in the detergent may cause visible lines to form at the edges of the area where the detergent was applied. These lines are generally difficult or impossible to remove.
NOTICE
x Do not soak Alcantara®.
x Do not treat Alcantara® with leather care products, solvents, floor wax, shoe polish, stain remover or similar products.
x Do not use brushes for damp cleaning, because they can damage upholstery surfaces.
x Do not use a steam cleaner, because dirt will penetrate deeper into the fabric.

WARNING
Inappropriate spare parts and accessories as well as unprofessionally performed work, modifications and repairs can cause vehicle damage, accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Volkswagen strongly recommends to only use accessories approved by Volkswagen and Genuine Volkswagen Parts®. These parts and accessories have been evaluated by Volkswagen for their suitability, reliability and safety.
x Have repairs and vehicle modifications performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities have the required tools, diagnostic equipment, repair information, and trained personnel to properly replace any airbag in your vehicle and assure system effectiveness in a crash.
x Only install parts on the vehicle that are consistent with factory-installed parts with respect to design and characteristics.
x Never store, mount or attach objects, such as cup holders or phone cradles on or next to the airbag module covers or within the airbags deployment zones.
x Only use wheel rim / tire combinations approved by Volkswagen for the respective vehicle type.
Break-in period

Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunications and
Electronic Systems
Radio Frequency Devices and Radiocommunication Equipment User Manual Notice.
Radio-based equipment
x Mobile Phone Package
x Electronic immobilizer.
x HomeLink® Universal Transmitter.
x Remote control vehicle key.
x Keyless Access locking and starting system.
These devices comply with:
FCC Part 15.19
These devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following 2 conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Part 15.21
CAUTION:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
These devices comply with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following 2 conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
%0# Engine control malfunction (Electronic Power Control).
Have engine checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
D Diesel engine pre-glow before engine start-up.
B
Engine control / monitoring system malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have engine checked.