check engine VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2021 Owner's Guide

Capacities
r--('n First read and observe the introductory L-W.I information and safety warnings & on page 340.
Checks when filling the tank
r--r'n First read and observe the introductory L-W.I information and safety warnings & on page 340.
Checklist
Never carry out any work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the necessary procedures and the general safety re-quirements or if the correct operating equipment, fluids and unsuitable tools are not available 350, Preparation for working in the engine compartment! The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Please en-sure that the following are checked regular1y, pref-erably every time you fill the tank:
..( Windscreen washer fluid level 116
..( Engine oil level 353
Fuel
c:QJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Petrol
Diesel ...
344 345
Different engines require different fuels. The facto-ry-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap indi-cates the fuel type that is required for your particu-lar vehicle.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends us-ing fuels with a low sulphur content or which are sulphur-free in order to reduce fuel consumption and prevent damage to the engine.
If the engine is not running smoothly or begins to judder, this can indicate poor or inadequate fuel quality, e.g. water in the fuel. If these symptoms appear, reduce the vehicle speed immediately and drive to the nearest qualified workshop at medium engine speeds, avoiding high engine loading. If these symptoms occur immediately after the vehi-
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 80.0 I,
..( Engine coolant level 358
..( Brake fluid level 269
..( Tyre pressure 367
..( Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:
-Turn signals
-Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
-Tail light cluster
-Brake lights
-Rear fog light 1 08
Information on changing bulbs 432.
cle has been refuelled, switch the engine off as soon as it is safe to do so and seek expert assis-tance. This can help to prevent further damage.
Additional information and warnings:
• Filling the tank 340
• Engine management system and exhaust puri-fication system 407
• Service schedule
A WARNING
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explo-sions, fire, serious burns and other injuries.
• Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable.
• Never handle fuel near open flames, sparks or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes).
• Keep naked flames, hot parts and sparks at a safe distance.
At the filling station 1343

A WARNING (Continued)
• Switch off your mobile telephone or two-way radio when dealing with fuel. Electro-magnetic radiation can generate sparks which can in turn start a fire.
• Avoid electrostatic discharge and electro-magnetic radiation in the direct vicinity of fuels.
• Never spill fuel in the vehicle or In the lug-gage compartment.
Petrol
1"'111 First read and observe the introductory L-lo::.l.l information and safety warnings & on page 343.
Petrol types
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on un-leaded petrol in compliance with the European standard EN 228 =><D. Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E1 0) can be used for refu-elling.
Petrol types are categorised according to their oc-tane number, e.g. 91, 95, 98 or 99 RON (RON = research octane number). The vehicle may be fil. led with petrol that has a higher octane number than the engine requires. However, this does not provide any advantage in terms of fuel consump-tion or engine output. Where petrol complying with the EN 228 standard is not available, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealerships and filling sta-tions will have information on which fuels do com-ply with the EN 228 standard.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends petrol with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free petrol for use with this engine. This reduces petrol consumption.
Petrol additives
The quality of petrol influences the running proper-ties, performance and service life of the engine. This is why the vehicle should be refuelled with good quality petrol that has only non-metallic addi-tives pre-added by the petroleum industry. These petrol additives help to prevent corrosion. keep the fuel system clean, and prevent the build-up of de-posits in the engine.
If good quality petrol containing non-metallic addi-tives is not available, or if engine problems arise. the necessary petrol additives must be added to the petrol when refuelling =><D.
344 Whila driving
A WARNING (Continued)
• Comply with any relevant safety Informa-tion and legislation concerning the handling of fuels. <l
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends "genuine Volkswagen or Audi fuel additives for pet-rol engines". These additives and information on how to use them are available from your Volkswa-gen Commercial Vehicles dealership.
Not all petrol additives are effective. The use of un-suitable petrol additives can cause considerable damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Met-allic additives should be avoided at all times.
Petrol additives on sale that are intended to im-prove knock resistance or increase the octane number can also contain metallic additives =><D.
CD
• Before filling up with petrol, check whether the fuel corresponds to the vehicle's require-ments according to the fuel standard Informa-tion at the pump.
• Only use fuel that complies with the EN 228 standard and has the correct octane number. Otherwise, the engine and the fuel system can suffer considerable damage. The engine can al-so lose power or fall.
• The use of unsuitable petrol additives can cause considerable damage to the engine and catalytic converter.
• If, In an emergency, you have to use petrol with an octane number lower than the recom-mended number, drive at medium engine speeds and avoid high engine loading. Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads. Failure to do so can result In engine damage. Fill the tank with petrol with the correct octane number as soon as possible. .,.

CD
• Fuels that are identified at the fuel pump as containing metallic additives may not be used. LRP fuel (lead replacement petrol) also con-tains high concentrations of metallic additives. Risk of engine damage I
Diesel
r'""'('n First read and observe the Introductory L-J,:.U Information and safety warnings & on page 343.
Diesel
Diesel fuel must comply with the European stand-ard EN 590 (in Germany DIN EN 590).
The service intervals are shorter if you use diesel with a high sulphur content =>Booklet Service schedule =>CD. A Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content.
Where diesel fuel complying with the EN 590 standard is not available, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealerships and filling stations will have information on which fuels do comply with the EN 590 standard.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners. or similar addi-tives) with diesel.
Winter diesel
When using summer-grade diesel. difficulties may be experienced at temperatures below o•c (+32.F)
because the fuel thickens due to paraffin separa-tion. For this reason winter-grade diesel which can be used at temperatures below -2o•c (·4°F) is available in countries such as Germany during the cold months.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel sold generally has different temperature characteristics. Check with a Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles dealer or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel fuels available.
it is not unusual for a cold diesel engine to be loud-er in cold temperatures that in warm weather. In addition, exhaust emissions may be tinged with blue while the engine starts and reaches operating temperature. The amount of exhaust fumes de-pends on the outside temperature.
CD
• Just one tankful of leaded fuel, or fuel con-taining other metallic additives, can seriously Impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter and can also cause considerable damage to the catalytic converter and engine. <l
Filter preheater
Diesel vehicles are equipped with a filter pre-heat-er system. This ensures that the fuel system re-mains operational even down to approximately -24•c (-11.F) provided that winter-grade diesel which is safe down to -15•c (+5.F) is used.
However, if the fuel has thickened to such an ex-tent that the engine will not start at temperatures below -24•c (-11.F) simply place the vehicle in a warm garage or workshop for a while.
Supplementary heater
Vehicles fitted with a diesel engine may also be equipped with a fuel-driven supplementary heater. This heater is powered with fuel from the vehicle tank. In this case, odour and water vapour may es-cape from the vehicle, and there may be a greater quantity of smoke. This is quite normal when the system is in use, and does not indicate damage or a fault in the system.
The supplementary heater will be switched off au-tomatically if the level in the fuel tank is low (re-serve level).
A WARNING
Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode or cause the engine to suddenly run at high revs, which can cause serious Injuries and engine damage.
CD
• Before filling up with diesel, check whether the fuel corresponds to the vehicle's require-ments according to the fuel standard Informa-tion at the pump.
• Only use fuel that complies with the EN 590 standard and has the correct cetane number. Otherwise, the engine and the fuel system can suffer considerable damage. The engine can al-so lose power or fall. ..,.
At the filling station 1345

CD
• Your vehicle is not suitable for use with bio-diesel and must not be filled up or driven with biodiesel. Failure to observe this point can re-sult in damage to the fuel system and engine.
• Some diesel manufacturers blend biodiesel with diesel fuel in compliance with European Standard 590 or an equivalent standard (in Ger-many). Use of this diesel is allowed and will not damage the engine or fuel system.
• The diesel engine has been developed for use with diesel only. For this reason, petrol, heating oil or other unsuitable fuels may not be used. These fuels can cause serious damage to the fuel system and engine.
CD
• The service life of the diesel particulate filter can be reduced considerably if diesels with a high sulphur content are used. A Voikswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content. <l
Emission control system for diesel vehicles (AdBiue®)
o:::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps Refilling Ad Blue® ... 347
348
SCR catalysts can be used to reduce emissions from diesel engines (SCR = Selective Catalytic Re-duction). The SCR catalyst uses Ad Blue® urea sol-ution to convert nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.
If the vehicle is equipped with this kind of emission control system for diesel vehicles, the filler neck for the Ad Blue® tank is located below the filler cap for the fuel tank.
The Ad Blue® level should be checked within the scope of the service work Service schedule.
Information on AdBiue®
The Ad Blue® consumption figures depend on the individual driving style, the system's operating tem-perature and the ambient temperature that the ve-hicle is operated in.
The vehicle is fitted with a separate tank for Ad Bl-ue®. The Ad Blue® tank holds approximately 13 li-tres. For technical reasons, the capacity may be slightly larger when refilling using refill bottles.
The Ad Blue® tank must never run empty. As of a remaining distance of approximately 2,400 km. the instrument cluster display will indicate that the
346 While drivmg
Ad Blue® must be refilled 348. If the re-maining range is 0 km, the engine cannot be star-ted anymore 347.
The Ad Blue® trademark is held by the German As-sociation of the Automobile Industry (VDA) in the USA, Germany, the European Union and other countries.
Additional information and warnings:
• Fuel 343
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A WARNING
If the AdBiue® level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the Ignition has been switched off. Starting with jump leads is also not possible.
• Refill AdBiue® at the latest when the re-maining distance reaches approximately 1,000 km.
• Never allow the Ad Blue® tank to run emp-ty.
A WARNING
Ad Blue® is an Irritant and corrosive fluid that can damage the skin, eyes and breathing passages upon contact.

A WARNING (Continued)
• If Ad Blue® gets Into the eyes or onto the skin, Immediately wash the area with lots of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
• If Ad Blue® is swallowed, Immediately rinse the mouth out with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. Do not induce vomiting un-less Instructed to do so by a doctor. Seek medical assistance Immediately.
Warning and indicator lamps
CD
Ad Blue® can corrode surfaces such as painted vehicle parts, plastics, clothing and carpets. Remove any spiltAdBiue® as quickly as possi-ble with a damp cloth and plenty of cold water.
• If the Ad Blue® has already formed crystals, use warm water and a sponge to remove. <l
m First read and observe the Introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 346.
Lit up Possible Solution
OG The engine cannot be restarted! AdBI-Park the vehicle in a suitable. flat location and refill the minimum amount of Ad Blue® ue® level too low. 348.
OG
with The engine cannot be restarted! Fault in the Ad Blue® system. Go to a qualified workshop. Have the system checked.
,.,..,c
Ad Blue® level is low. Refill Ad Blue® before the kilometres displayed
r drop to zero 348.
with Ad Blue® system faulty or not refilled using norm-standard Ad Blue®_ Go to a qualified workshop. Have the system checked.
,.,..,c
OG Ad Blue® level is low. Refill Ad Blue® before the kilometres displayed drop to zero 348.
OG
with Ad Blue® system faulty or not refilled using Go to a qualified workshop. Have the system norm-standard Ad Blue®.
,.,..,c
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few seconds.
A WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause acci-dent and serious injury.
checked.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
CD
Failure to observe illuminated Indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-Ing damaged. <l
At the filling station 347

Cleaning and maintenance
In the engine compartment
Preparation for working in the engine compartment
ClJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 Opening and closing the bonnet 352
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable sur-face before carrying out any work in the engine compartment.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. Never carry out any work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the requisite procedures and general safety requirements, or if you only have access to incorrect operating equipment, service fluids, and unsuitable tools &. The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views 5
• Wipers/washer 116
• Starting and stopping the engine 257
• Brake fluid 269
• Pull-away assist systems (starUstop system) 282
• Checks when filling the tank 340
• Engine oil 353
• Engine coolant 358
• Battery page 362
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A wARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
• Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must
350 I Cleanmg and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
be on a level, the wheels must be blocked and the vehicle key must be removed from the ignition lock.
• If you have to work underneath the vehi-cle, use suitable stands to provide extra sup-port for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail, which can lead to serious injuries.
• The start/stop system must have been de-activated.
A WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehi-cle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.
• The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
• Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know exact-ly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious Injuries can re-sult from work that has not been carried out properly.
• Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compart-ment. Hot steam or coolant can cause seri-ous burns. Always wait until you can no lon-ger see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
• Always allow the engine to cool down be-fore opening the bonnet.
• Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
• The following points should be noted be-fore opening the bonnet once it has cooled down.
-Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position P or move the manual gear lever to the neutral position. .,..

CD
When refilling or changing service fluids, please ensure that the correct fluids are added through the correct openings. Incorrect service fluids can cause serious functional problems and engine damage.
r:(ib Service fluids leaks are harmful to the envi-f!f:J ronment. So you should regularly check the ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other fluids on the ground, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of properly and with respect to environmental legislation. <l
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
1"1'11 First read and observe the Introductory L-.J,::,jJ Information and safety warnings & on page 350.
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working In the engine compartment =:-&,:
..( Park the vehicle on a level and stable sur-face.
..! Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.
Apply the handbrake firmly ::-page 269.
Select the neutral position or move the se-lector lever toP =:-page 260 .
..( Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition =:-page 257.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 272 The bonnet release lever is located in the driver side footwell.
1"1'11 First read and observe the introductory L-.J,::,,J Information and safety warnings & on page 350.
352 I Cleaning and maintenance
Allow the engine to cool sufficiently.
Children and other people should be kept well away from the engine compartment.
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away un-expectedly.
A WARNING
Ignoring any of the Items on this Important safety checklist can lead to severe Injuries.
• Always follow the Instructions In the checklist and observe the general safety pro-cedures. <J
Fig. 273 On the fronl edge of the bonnet: release lever for opening.

Opening the bonnet
• Please ensure that the wiper arms are lying on the windscreen before opening the bonnet =:.CD.
• Pull the release lever in the direction of the ar-row =:.Fig. 272. The bonnet is released from its lock by a spring mechanism =:. &.
• Lift the bonnet at the release lever =:.Fig. 273 (arrow) and open fully.
• Vehicles with gas struts: the bonnet is held in the open position by the gas-filled strut.
• Vehicles with support rods: hold the bonnet open.
• Remove the support rod on the right-hand side of the lock carrier.
• Hook the end of the support rod correctly in the retainer on the right side of the open bonnet.
Closing the bonnet (vehicles with gas struts)
• To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure =:. &.
• Let the bonnet drop into the catches-do not press it down!
If the bonnet is not closed, open it again and close it properly.
The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is closed properly.
Closing the bonnet (vehicles with support rods)
• Raise the bonnet until you can release the sup-port rod.
• Hold the bonnet open and fold the support rod back into the bracket.
• Let the bonnet drop into the catches -do not press it down!
Engine oil
CO Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps 354 Engine oil specification . . . . 354 Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356 Engine oil consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Changing engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
If the bonnet is not closed, open it again and close it properly.
The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is closed properly.
A WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it can open suddenly while you are driving and completely obscure your view of the road. This can lead to accidents and serious Inju-ries.
• After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.
• If you notice that the bonnet is not closed properly while the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and close the bonnet.
• Therefore the bonnet should only be opened or closed when you are sure that no-body is in its path.
CD
• The bonnet should only be opened when the wiper arms are flush to the windscreen and when they are switched off in order to avoid damage to the bonnet and the wiper arms.
• Always fold the wiper arms back onto the windscreen before driving away. <l
Additional information and warnings:
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment =:.page 350
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts =:.page 394
• =:. Booklet SeNice schedule ._
In the engine compartment 1353

A WARNING
Incorrect handling of engine oil can cause se-rious burns and other Injuries.
• Always wear eye protection when han-dling engine oil.
• Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
• Engine oil must be kept in the closed orig-inal container. This also applies to used oil until it is disposed of.
• Never use empty food containers, bottles or other containers to store engine oil as oth-er people may then drink the engine oil.
Warning and indicator lamps
A WARNING (Continued)
• Regular contact with engine oil can dam-age the skin. Skin that has been in contact with engine oil should be washed thoroughly with water and soap.
• Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running and can scald skin se-verely. Always allow the engine to cool down.
Leaking or spilt engine oil can pollute the en-(!Jtf vironment. Spilt service fluids must be collec-ted then disposed of properly and in an environ-mentally responsible way. <l
ro First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings & on page 353.
Lit up Possible cause
Engine oil level is too low. -
Flashes Possible cause
c:e:r. Engine oil pressure is too low.
r... Fault in the engine oil system.
A WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause acci-dent and serious injury.
• Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
Engine oil specification
rT'n First read and observe the introductory L-J,::.U information and safety warnings & on page 353.
354 I Cleaning and maintenance
Solution
Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level "'Page 356.
Solution
t Do not drive on I Switch off the engine. Check the engine oillev-el. • Do not drive on or remain at idling speed if the warning lamp is flashing even if the engine oil level is correct. The engine could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.
Go to a qualified workshop. The engine oil sen-sor should be checked.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
Q)
Failure to observe illuminated Indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-ing damaged. <l
The engine oil used must correspond exactly to specifications.

Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil
Fig. 274 Oil dipstick with markings.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory L-W! information and safety warnings & on page 353.
Checklist
Carry out the steps in the specified order &:
1. With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure that the engine oil reading is correct.
2. Switch off the engine and wait a few mi-nutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.
3. Open the bonnet&. 350.
4. Identify the engine oil filler cap and oil dip-stick. The engine oil filler opening bears the symbol 'l!:r. on the cap 275 and the oil dipstick has a coloured handle. If you can-not find the cap and dipstick please contact a qualified workshop.
5. Pull the dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
6. Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a mark-ing on the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the guide tube when inserting.
7. Pull the dipstick out again and read the en-gine oil level on the dipstick 274 as follows:
@: do not refill oil Continue to step 15.
@: oil can be refilled (approximately 0.5 1). Continue to step 8 or 15.
©: oil must be refilled (approximately 1.0 1). Continue to step 8.
356 I Cleaning and maintenance
Fig. 275 in the engine compartment: engine oil filler cap (illustration).
8. After reading the oil level, push the oil dip-stick back into the guide tube as far as it will go.
9. Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap =>Fig. 275.
1 0. Using only the engine oil approved by Volkswagen expressly for this engine, top up the oil in small gradual amounts (no more than 0.5 1).
11. To avoid overfilling, wait for approximately one minute after each pour to allow the en-gine oil to flow into the oil sump up to the marking on the engine oil dipstick.
12. Read the engine oil level from the dipstick again before refilling with a further small quantity of engine oil. Never overfill engine oil
13. After the refilling procedure, the engine oil level should be at least in the centre of area =>Fig. 274 @,but never above area®
14. After refilling, screw the engine oil filler cap back on correctly.
15. Re insert the oil dipstick correctly into the guide tube as far as it will go.
16. Close the bonnet correctly & 350.
A WARNING
Engine oil can Ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine components. lt can cause fires, burns and other serious Injuries.