check engine light VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2011 Owner's Manual

Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Fig. 277 In the engine compartment: markings on the coolant expansion tank.
r--f'n First read and observe the Introductory information and safety warnings & on page 358.
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparation
• Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.
• Allow the engine to cool down &.
• Open the bonnet&. 350.
• The coolant expansion tank has the all. symbol on its cap 278.
Checking the coolant level
• When the engine is cold, check the coolant lev-el on the side markings of the engine coolant ex-pansion tank 277.
• Refill the coolant if the liquid level is below the minimum marking ("min"). When the engine is warm, the coolant level may be slightly above the top end of the marked area.
Refilling coolant
• Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a suitable cloth on the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
• Unscrew the cap carefully &.
• Refill only new coolant according to the Volks-wagen specification 360)
• Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the en-gine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive on. Seek professional assistance.
Fig. 278 In the engine compartment: coolant ex-pansion tank cap.
• If you can see coolant residue in the expansion tank, top up coolant until the level remains stable.
• The coolant level must be between the marks on the engine coolant expansion tank 277. Do not fill up over the top line of the marked area
• Close the cap tightly.
• If in an emergency you do not have access to the coolant of the required specification 360), do not use any other coolant addi-tive. Instead, initially refill with distilled water only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant ad-ditive as soon as possible 360.
A WARNING
Hot steam or engine coolant can cause seri-ous burns.
• Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of the engine compartment. Always wait until no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or heard.
• Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bon-net. Hot components 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.
-Remove the vehicle key from the lgni-
In the engine compartment I 361

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery
Symbol Meaning
Always wear eye protection!
Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!
No fires, sparks, naked lights or smoking!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is charging!
Always keep children away from acid and the vehicle battery!
Additional information and warnings:
• Additional batteries, California 192
• Pull-away assist systems (starUstop system) 282
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment 350
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
• Service schedule
A WARNING
Any work on the vehicle battery and the elec-trical system can cause serious chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety informa-tion before carrying out any kind of work:
• Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.
• Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.
• Always wear eye protection.
• Electrolyte Is very aggressive. lt can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protec-ted from acid spillages.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.
• When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and elec-trostatic charge.
• Never short circuit the battery poles.
• Never use a damaged vehicle battery. it can explode. Damaged vehicle batteries must be replaced as soon as possible.
• Damaged or frozen vehicle batteries must be replaced immediately. Discharged vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around ooc (+32°F).
• In vehicles with a second battery under the driver's seta or a third battery in the lug-gage compartment, ensure that the gas dis-charge hose is connected properly to the ve-hicle battery.
• Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays could damage the battery housing.
• If the vehicle is left standing in cold condi-tions for a long period, protect the vehicle bat-tery from frost. If it freezes it wilt be damaged.
• Vehicles with a starUstop system are fitted with a special vehicle battery. The installation of a different vehicle battery could cause prob-lems with the vehicle electronics. When replac-ing the vehicle battery, only insert a battery with specifications that correspond exactly with those of the original battery.
W After starting the engine with a discharged L!J vehicle battery, or after the battery has been changed, system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) may have been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged. In the engine compartment 363

Warning lamp
ro First read and observe the Introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 362.
Lit up Possible cause
0 Fault in the alternator.
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.
Solution
Go to a qualified workshop. Have the electrical system checked. Switch off any electrical consumers that are not required. The vehicle battery will not be charged by the alternator while the vehicle is in motion.
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. <1
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 279 Engine compartment: pushing up the ve-hicle battery sleeve.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory l-Jo=,.lJ Information and safety warnings & on page 362.
The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
364 I Cleaning and maintenance
Vehicles with a starUstop system (=>page 283) are fitted with special vehicle batteries. The acid level of these vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical reasons.
Preparation
• Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment =>page 350.
• Open the bonnet &::. =>page 350.
Opening the battery cover
Fold the sleeve away to one side =>Fig. 279.
Checking the electrolyte level
• Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
• The colour display in the round window on the top side of the vehicle battery will change accord-ing to the electrolyte level.

Colour dis-Action play
Light yellow The electrolyte level of the vehicle
or without is too low. The vehicle battery
colour should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if necessary.
Black The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is correct.
A WARNING
Any work on the vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and elec-trlc shocks.
• Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Electrolyte is very aggressive. lt can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protec-ted from acid spillages.
• Never tilt the vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause chemical burns.
• Never open a vehicle battery.
• if acid is spilt in your eye or on your skin, rinse immediately for several minutes with cold water. Then consult a doctor immediate-ly.
• If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor im-mediately. Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
r-"f'n First read and observe the introductory L-Jo:.l.l information and safety warnings & on page 362.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should always be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in fac-tory-fitted batteries requires voltage-limited charg-ing => &. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
If the battery cannot be charged in a qualified workshop, the charging cables of a suitable battery charger must be connected as described in =>page 443, Jump starting for vehicles with a Start/Stop system.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the condi-tions of its location and has special safety features. If a vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic compatibility, size and necessary servicing, output and safety requirements for the new vehicle battery with a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer before purchase. The vehicle bat-tery should be replaced by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends us-ing a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Only maintenance-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VVV 7 50 73 should be used. These standards must be dated July 2012 or later.
Vehicles with a Start/Stop system =>page 282 or auxiliary heater =>page 332 are fitted with a special vehicle battery. These vehicle batteries may only be replaced by a vehicle battery with the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
Please note the following if the vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical system in the vehicle:
• Switch off all electrical consumers and the igni-tion.
• Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the alarm.
• First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable => &.
Connecting the vehicle battery
• Switch off all electrical consumers and the igni-tion before reconnecting the vehicle battery.
• First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable=>&.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the vehi-cle battery has been connected and the ignition is switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of 15-20 kmlh (10-12 mph). If the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop.
if the vehicle battery was disconnected for long pe-riods, the system may not able to calculate or cor-rectly display the time when the next service is due =>page 19. Comply with the maximum permissible service intervals =>Booklet Service schedule. ""
In the engine compartment 365

Lit up Possible cause Solution
Drive in 4th gear (manual gearbox) or in gear D (DSG® dual clutch gearbox) at a speed of at
Diesel particulate filter has become satura-least 70 km/h (43 mph) for approximately 15 mi-nutes. ted with soot (except for courier vehicles). Observe the valid speed limits &. Go to the nearest qualified workshop if the indi-cator lamp still does not go out 409.
If possible, do not switch off the engine.
Only for specially equipped courier vehi-Please observe the applicable regulations for switching off the engine in special traffic situa-cles: lions (e.g. at level The indicator diesel particulate filter is being regenerated. lamp switches off when the diesel particulate fil-ter has been regenerated.
Flashes Possible cause Solution
Fault in engine management system (diesel The engine should be checked by a qualified } engine).
Misfiring, which damages the catalytic con-vert er.
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
Please observe legal requirements If cleaning the diesel particulate filter when in traffic.
• Follow driving recommendation only if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions are suitable.
• Do not endanger other vehicles on the road.
A WARNING
The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Car-bon monoxide can cause people to lose con-sclousness. lt can also cause death.
• Never start or run the engine In unventlla-ted or closed spaces.
• Never leave the engine running If you leave the vehicle unattended.
Catalytic converter
,..-('n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.U Information and safety warnings & on page 407.
408 I Cleaning and maintenance
workshop as soon as possible.
Decrease speed. Drive carefully to the next qualified workshop. The engine should be checked.
CD
To avoid damage to your vehicle, always ob-serve the Indicator lamps and associated warn-Ing texts.
m If the indicator lamps -.. c or EPC are lit up, L!J fuel consumption may be higher and engine performance reduced. The catalytic converter is used for exhaust gas post-treatment and helps to reduce exhaust emis-sions. To help ensure long-term functionality in the exhaust system and the catalytic converter: .,.

To note Some possible causes Possible solution
-Headlights are adjusted for -Change over the headlights for driving driving on the left or right. on the left or right 106. The road ahead is not lit up -Headlight beams set too high. -Set the headlight range 106. properly. -Bulbs are defective. -Change the bulbs 432. -The dipped beam headlights -Switching on dipped headlights are not switched on. 106.
Low vehicle battery charge. Recharge vehicle battery 362.
Electrical consumers not Low fuel level. Fill the tank 340. working. Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace as necessary 429.
-Short journeys. -Avoid short journeys.
-Uneven acceleration. -Think ahead when driving. -Accelerate evenly.
An electrical consumer is switch-Switch off all consumers that are not nee-ed on. de d.
Fault in engine management Have the fault rectified 407. Fuel consumption is higher system. than indicated. Tyre pressure too low. Adjust the tyre pressure 367.
Driving in hilly regions. No direct solutions possible.
Driving with a trailer or roof carri--Check whether it is needed. er. -Remove when not being used.
Driving with a heavy load. No direct solutions possible.
Driving at high engine speed. Select a high gear.
In an emergency
COl Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Making you and your vehicle safe . . 412
First aid kit. warning triangle, high-visibility waistcoat and fire extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Additional information and warnings:
• Braking, stopping and parking 269
• Manual opening and closing 413
• Vehicle toolkit 416
• Changing a wheel 420
A WARNING
Any broken-down vehicle Increases the risk of accidents in road traffic-both for you and other road users.
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic In order to lock all doors securely In an emergency. Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone In the vehicle when the doors are locked. This may mean that they are locked In the vehicle in an emergency. People locked In the vehicle may be subjec-
ted to very high or very low temperatures. Practical tips 1411

Making you and your vehicle safe
8S0.00)7
Fig. 289 In the middle of the dash panel: hazard warning light switch.
f"'""'('n First read and observe the Introductory L-lo:.U Information and safety warnings Lb. on page 411.
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of a broken down vehicle. For example, many countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility waistcoat =>page 413.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following actions in the specified order => &:
1. Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable sur-face=>&.
2. Switch on the hazard warning lights using button =>Fig. 289.
3. Apply the handbrake =>page 269.
4. Select the neutral position or move the se-lector lever to P =>page 260.
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition =>page 257.
6. Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go straight to a safe place away from moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety barrier.
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
8. Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
9. Allow the engine to cool down and seek ex-pert assistance.
4121 If and when
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if the vehicle is being towed, a change in direction or lane change can still be indicated by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Switch on the hazard warning lights:
• When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam, to will warn vehicles behind you.
• When there is an emergency.
• When the vehicle breaks down.
• When the vehicle is being towed.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, use an alternative method of drawing attention to the bro-ken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
A WARNING
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and se-vere Injuries.
• Always follow the Instructions In the checklist and observe the general safety pro-cedures.
A wARNING
The components of the exhaust system be-come very hot. This can cause fires and seri-ous Injuries.
• Park the vehicle so that no part of the ex-haust system can come Into contact with any Inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel.
m The vehicle battery will discharge if the haz-L.:!J ard warning lights are left on over a long peri-od of time -even when the Ignition is switched off.
m If you brake hard at speeds over approxi-L.:!J mately 60 km/h (37 mph), the brake lights will flash to warn the traffic behind. If you then continue to brake, the hazard warning lights will be switched on automatically at speeds under approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The brake light will light up stead-Ily. Once the vehicle starts to accelerate, the haz-ard warning lights will switch off again.

Changing a wheel
CllJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparations for changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . 420
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Lifting the vehicle with the jack . . . . . . . . . . . . 423
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
After changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
Some models are delivered without a factory-fitted jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the wheel should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. Seek ex-pert assistance if both tyres on one side of the ve-hicle, both tyres on one axle, or all tyres are dam-aged.
Only change the wheel yourself when the car is parked in a safe place, you are familiar with the necessary steps and safety procedures and you have access to all the correct tools. Seek expert assistance if this is not the case.
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views =>page 5
• Vehicle key set =>page 36
• Tyre monitoring system =>page 318
• Wheels and tyres =>page 367
• In an emergency =>page 411
• Vehicle tool kit =>page 416
• Hubcaps =>page 417
Preparations for changing a wheel
1"1'11 First read and observe the introductory L-1o:.U information and safety warnings & on page 420.
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for changing the wheel=>&:
1. In the event of a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe dis-tance from the flow of traffic.
2. Apply the handbrake =>page 269.
420 I If and when
A wARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, espe-cially when carried out at the side of a road. Please note the following steps in order to re-duce the risk of serious injuries:
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
• All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from your area of work during the wheel change.
• Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
• Check that the surface the vehicle Is parked on Is level and firm. If necessary use a large, strong board or similar support for the vehicle jack.
• Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not, seek expert assistance.
• Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
• Always switch off the engine, apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gear-box in order to reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
• The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately after changing a wheel. 3. With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P =>page 260.
4. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition =>page 257.
5. Manual gearbox: select a gear =>page 260.
6. Make sure all vehicle occupants exit the ve-hicle and move to safety, for instance be-hind the safety barrier.
7. Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being worked on with a stone or a similar object. ""

• If the tyre pressure is very low or the tyres are flat.
• If the use-by date on the tyre filler bottle has ex-pired.
Additional information and warnings:
• Vehicle key set 36
• Seat functions, front 69
• Stowage 150
• Braking, stopping and parking =>page 269
• Wheels and tyres 367
• In an emergency 411
• Hubcaps 417
A WARNING
Using the breakdown set can be dangerous, especially if the tyres are inflated at the road-side. Please note the following points In or-der to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic in order to fill the tyre.
• Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm.
• All passengers, and children in particular, must be at a safe distance and away from your area of work.
• Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
• The breakdown set should only be used if you feel confident with carrying out the pro-cedure. If not, seek expert assistance.
Storing
rT'n First read and observe the introductory L-W.I information and safety warnings & on page 425.
Model
Multivan
California
426 I If and when
A WARNING (Continued)
• Tyres repaired with the breakdown set are intended for temporary, emergency use only. They should only be used until you can reach the nearest qualified workshop.
• Tyres that have been repaired using the breakdown set should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Sealant Is hazardous to health and must be washed off Immediately if it gets onto the skin.
• The breakdown set must be stored out of the reach of children.
• Never use a vehicle jack, even If it Is ap-proved for the vehicle.
• Always switch off the engine, apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gear-box In order to reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
A WARNING
Tyres that have been filled with sealant will not handle In the same way as a standard tyre.
• Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends In the road.
• Drive for just 10 minutes at no more than 80 km/h (50 m ph) and then check the tyre.
Dispose of used or out-of-date sealant in ac-W cordance with legal requirements.
m You can get a new tyre filler bottle from a L!:J Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership.
m Observe the separate instructions from the l!:J manufacturer of the breakdown set. <1
The breakdown set can be located in different pla-ces depending on the model.
Stowage
In the drawer in the 3-seat bench or in the drawer of the rear left single seat.
Behind the load-through hatch cover on the side of the bench seat/bed. <1

Contents of the breakdown set
Fig. 302 The breakdown set.
r--T'n First read and observe the introductory L-L::.U information and safety warnings & on page 425.
The breakdown set consists of the following com-ponents 302:
Preparation
r--T'n First read and observe the introductory L-L::.U information and safety warnings & on page 425.
The steps should only be carried out in the speci-fied order.
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for filling a tyre &:
1. If you get a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.
2. Apply the handbrake firmly 269.
3. With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P 260.
4. Manual gearbox: select a gear 263.
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition 257.
6. Ensure that all vehicle occupants exit the vehicle and go straight to a safe place, e.g. behind the safety barrier.
1) Could also be integrated in the compressor.
CD Valve core extractor
® Sticker with the maximum permitted speed "max. 80 km/h" or "max. 50 mph"
@ Filler hose with plug
@ Air compressor
® Tyre filler hose
® Tyre pressure display 1 l
0 Air bleed screw2l
® On/off switch
® 12-volt plug
@ Tyre filler bottle with sealant1l
® Spare valve core
There is a slot on the lower end of the valve insert extractor CD for the valve insert. This is required for extracting and fitting the tyre valve. This also applies to the spare valve core @. 7. Switch on the hazard warning lights and po-sition the warning triangle 411. Ob-serve any legal requirements.
8. Check whether the puncture can be re-paired with the breakdown set 425.
9. When towing a trailer, unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park it properly.
10. Remove any items of luggage from the lug-gage compartment.
11. Take the breakdown set out of the luggage compartment.
12. Take the sticker 302 ®from the breakdown set and stick it on the dash pan-el within the driver's field of vision.
13. Do not remove foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails) from the tyre.
A WARNING
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and se-vere Injuries. ,..
2) This function may be carried out by a button in the compressor instead.
Practical tips 427