check engine light VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2011 User Guide

A WARNING (Continued)
• If the brake warning lamp ID does not go out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehi-cle Immediately and seek expert assistance 277, Brake fluid.
• If the brake warning lamp@ lights up to-gether with the ABS indicator lamp S, the control function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quick-ly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If pos-sible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified work-shop in order to have the brake system tes-ted. Avoid sudden braking and driving ma-noeuvres on the way.
• The ABS Is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lampS does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The
Handbrake
Fig. 223 Handbrake between the front seats.
r--fl1 First read and observe the introductory L-J,::.IJ information and safety warnings & on page 269.
Applying the handbrake
• Lift the handbrake lever up fully.
• The handbrake is applied when the indicator lamp ID lights up in the instrument cluster =-page 270.
Releasing the handbrake
• Lift the handbrake lever up slightly and press the lock button ::.Fig. 223 (arrow).
• Guide the handbrake lever down whilst the lock button is pressed.
A WARNING (Continued)
vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS is no longer available. Go to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
• If the warning lamp 0 lights up either indi-vidually or together with a text message in the display of the instrument cluster, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake pads checked or any worn brake pads replaced.
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Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-Ing damaged. A WARNING
Incorrect use of the handbrake can cause ac-cidents and serious Injuries.
• The handbrake should never be used to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies. The braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always use the foot brake.
• Never drive the vehicle with the handbrake lightly applied. This can overheat the brakes and adversely affect the brake system. lt can also cause premature wear to the rear brake pads.
• Never activate the accelerator from the en-gine compartment if a position or gear has been selected and the engine is running. The vehicle can start to move even if the hand-brake Is applied.
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To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
r::l An acoustic warning is given if the car is driv-L.!:.J en faster than approximately 6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake applied. Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 271

A WARNING (Continued)
• If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be Increased due to the lack of assistance for the brake system.
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• Never let the brakes "rub" by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to brake. Continual pressure on the brake pedal will overheat the brakes. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, In certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
Brake support systems
r-f'n First read and observe the Introductory l..-Wl information and safety warnings&. on page 269.
The brake support systems ESC, ABS, BAS, TCS and EDL only function when the engine is running. They make a considerable contribution to active driving safety.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
The ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability by braking individual wheels in certain driving situations. The ESC de-tects critical driving situations such as oversteer, understeer and wheelspin. The system helps to stabilise the vehicle through targeted application of the brakes or by reducing engine torque.
ESC has its limitations. lt is important to realise that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. ESC will not be able to assist in every situation faced by a driver. For example, ESC will not be able to assist every time that there is a sudden change in the road surface quality. If a section of dry road is suddenly covered with water, mud or snow, ESC will not be able to assist in the same manner as on a dry road. If the vehicle aquaplanes (drives on a layer of water rather than on the road surface), ESC will not be able to assist in steering the vehicle as the contact to the road surface has been interrupted and it is therefore no longer pos-sible to steer or brake the vehicle. When driving at speed through bends, particularly on stretches of road with many bends, the ESC will not always be able to process complicated driving situations as
2741 While dnvang
• Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fall. The brakes should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
m If the front brake pads are tested, the rear L!..J brake pads should be tested at the same time. Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check. Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose. effectively as at lower speeds. When towing a trail-er, ESC is unable to assist the driver in regaining control over the vehicle.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. ESC cannot defy the laws of motion, improve the availa-ble power output, or keep the vehicle on the road if insufficient care and attention on the part of the driver causes the vehicle to leave the road. In-stead, the ESC improves the chances of keeping the vehicle under control and, in extreme on-road driving situations, exploits the driver's steering in-put to keep the vehicle travelling in the desired di-rection. If the vehicle is driving at a speed that leads it to leave the road before the ESC can pro-vide any kind of support, the ESC will be unable to provide any assistance.
The ASS, BAS, TCS and EDL systems are integra-ted into the ESC. The ESC is always on. If the trac-tion achieved in certain situations is not sufficient, TCS can be switched off by pressing the ASR (TCS) button =>Fig. 224. Always ensure that ASR (TCS) is switched back on again once traction is sufficient.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of an accident, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to re-duce the risk of skidding, and the danger of secon-dary collisions, through automatic braking.

Brake fluid
B7E.02AO
Fig. 225 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory l-Jr:,U Information and safety warnings&. on page 269.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake sys-tem if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably in-crease braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends the use of brake fluid compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessa-ry to use another high-quality brake fluid instead, brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical com-position. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can damage or destroy brake sys-tem components over time.
To ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles there-fore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking of the brake fluid container or above the MIN marking &.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go to a quali-fied workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehi-cle is being used as the brake pads wear and the brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be changed as indicated in the service schedule Service schedule. The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles rec-ommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that confonns with the required specification should be used.
A WARNING
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by brake fluid that Is too old or unsuitable.
• The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
• The brake fluid should be changed regu-larly, according to the service schedule Service schedule.
• Heavy use of the brakes may cause a va-pour lock If the brake fluid Is left In the sys-tem for too long. Vapour locks reduce levels
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 277

Driver assist systems
Pull-away assist systems
cr:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Start/stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 283
Hill Hold Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Hill Descent Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Rear axle differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Additional information and warnings:
• Volkswagen information system =>page 24
• Braking, stopping and parking =>page 269
• Battery =>page 362
• Wheels and tyres =>page 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts =>page 394
• Jump starting =>page 443
Warning and indicator lamps
A WARNING
The intelligent technology of the pull-away assist systems cannot overcome the laws of physics or system-related vehicle limitations. Never let the extra convenience afforded by pull-away assist systems tempt you into tak-ing any risks when driving-this can cause accidents.
• Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious Injury.
• The pull-away assist systems cannot re-place the driver's full concentration.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
• Pull-away assist systems cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy). m First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings & on page 282.
Lit up Possible cause
Rear axle differential lock switched on . ...
Hill Descent Assist switched on.
(A) The start/stop system is available, automat-ic engine stop is active.
ex;
The start/stop system is not available. OR: the start/stop system has switched off the engine automatically.
Flashes Possible cause
The rear axle differential lock cannot be .... switched on .
Hill Descent Assist is regulating.
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. .,..
282 I While drivmg
Solution
=>page 286
=>page 285
=>page 283
Check whether all technical requirements have been fulfilled. If necessary, make sure that all technical requirements are fulfilled =>page 283.
Solution
=>page 286
=>page 285

Settings for optimal road visibility
• Switch off air recirculation mode 330.
• Set blower® to level 1 or 2.
• Set the temperature selector G) to the required position.
• Open and position all vents on the dash panel.
• Turn the air distribution Fig. 258 0 to the desired position.
Rear window heating
A button for the rear window heating @ may be contained in the dash panel.
• When the engine is running, press the @ but-ton to switch on the rear window heating.
• The rear window heating is switched off auto-matically after approx. 10 minutes. To switch it off before the automatic switch-off, press the(!) but-ton again.
A WARNING
Stale air can quickly make the driver tired and affect their concentration, which in turn can cause collisions, accidents and serious inju-ries.
• Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculatlon mode for an extended pe-riod as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle Interior. Information on the air conditioning system
.........r'n First read and observe the Introductory L-.lr:.ll Information and safety warnings & on page 322.
The cooling system for the vehicle interior only works when the engine is running and the blower is switched on.
The air conditioning system operates most effec-tively with the windows and the sliding/tilting roof closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun for some time, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the win-dows and the sliding/tilting roof for a short time.
Settings for optimal road visibility
Switching the cooling system on not only reduces the temperature of the vehicle interior, but also the humidity. This improves comfort for the vehicle oc-cupants and prevents the windows from misting when the outside humidity is high.
Climatic
• Switch off air recirculation mode 330.
• Set the blowers to the required level.
• Set the temperature to +22•c (+72.F).
• Open and position all vents on the dash panel 329.
• Turn the air distribution controller to the desired position.
• Press the@) button to switch the cooling sys-tem on. The indicator lamp in the button lights up.
328 I While driving
Cllmatronlc
• Press button.
• Set the temperature to +22•c (+72.F).
• Open and position all vents on the dash panel 329.
The cooling system cannot be switched on
The following criteria may prevent the cooling sys-tem from being switched on:
• The engine is not running.
• The blower is switched off.
• The air conditioning system fuse has blown.
• The ambient temperature is lower than approxi-mately +3"C (+38°F).
• The compressor has been temporarily switched off because the coolant temperature is too high.
• There is a different fault in the vehicle. The air conditioning system should be checked by a quali-fied workshop.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a

A WARNING (Continued)
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-Please ensure that the spare fuel can is· ter corresponds with the Industry stand· ard, for example AN SI or ASTM F852-86.
• Remove split fuel from all vehicle compo· nents as quickly as possible In order to avoid damage to the wheel housing, tyres and vehicle paint.
• • Filling up with petrol in a vehicle fitted with a diesel engine or refilling with diesel in vehicle equipped with a petrol engine can cause seri· ous ands expensive engine damage and dam· age to the fuel system that is not covered by
Indicator lamps and fuel gauge
Fig. 269 In the instrument cluster: fuel gauge for petrol and diesel.
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any Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles guaran· tee. Do not start the engine under any circum-stances if you have refilled using the Incorrect fuel. Seek expert assistance. The substances In these fuels can cause serious damage to the fuel system and to the engine itself if it Is switched on.
• Vehicles with a diesel engine should under no circumstances be filled and driven with pet· rol, kerosene, heating oil or any other fuels that have not been expressly approved for diesel engines. Other fuels could cause extensive and expensive engine damage and damage to the fuel system which will not be covered by any Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles guarantee.
r.:Gh Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt W service fluids must be cleaned up and dis· posed of properly. il'"'n First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings & on page 340.
Lit up Needle position Possible cause & Solution 269
b Red marking (arrow) Fuel tank almost empty. Fill the tank as soon as possible Reserve is used up 343.
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.
When the Indicator lamp Blllghts up, the supple-mentary heating system and fuel-powered supple-mentary heater switch off automatically.
A WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down In traffic, accidents and serious injuries.
• When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be Irregular, espe-cially when driving up or down hills and in-clines. .,..
At the filling station 341

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

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• 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.
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• 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. 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
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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. 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.
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Failure to observe illuminated Indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-Ing damaged. At the filling station 347

Warning lamp and coolant temperature display
Fig. 276 In the instrument cluster: coolant temper-ature display with cold range @, normal range ® warning range @.
Needle posi-Lit up tion Possible cause =>Fig. 276
© Coolant temperature too Warning area high.
® Coolant level too low. Normal area
r-f"n First read and observe the introductory L,....J.:.lJ Information and safety warnings & on page 358.
In normal driving conditions, the needle will be in the middle section of the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard, es-pecially at high ambient temperatures.
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.
Solution
t Do not drive on! Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Stop the engine, let the engine cool down until the needle is back in the normal area. Check the coolant level =>page 361.
After the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level and refill engine coolant if the level is too low =>page 361. There is a fault if the coolant level is correct.
Fault in the coolant system. ·t Do not drive on! --Seek expert assistance.
--® Cold area --
Flashes Possible cause
Fault in the coolant 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.
• Always heed illuminated warning lamps and text messages.
Avoid high engine revs and heavy engine loads until the engine is warm.
Solution
Seek expert assistance.
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.
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Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-ing damaged. In the engine compartment I 359