VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2012 Owners Manual

A WARNING (Continued)
-Remove the vehicle key from the igni-tion lock.
-Always keep children away from the en-gine compartment and never leave the ve-hicle unattended.
• The engine cooling system Is under pres-sure when the engine Is hot. Never open the cap of the coolant expansion tank when the engine Is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and other Injuries.
-Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anti-clockwise while exerting gentle down-ward pressure on the cap.
-Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth.
• When refilling, do not spill any service flu-ids on engine components or on the exhaust system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.
A WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries and death!
• Never short circuit the electric system. The vehicle battery could explode.
• Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and serious Injuries while the engine is running or being started:
-Never touch the electrical wiring of the Ignition system.
A WARNING
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
• Never place your hand near these compo-nents or In the radiator fan. Touching the ro-tary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan Is temperature-controlled and can start automatically, even if the engine has been switched off and the vehicle key has been re-moved from the ignition lock.
• If any work has to be performed when the engine Is started or with the engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always be particularly careful.
A WARNING (Continued)
-Always ensure that no body parts, jew-ellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work, re-move any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes In tightly to avoid them getting caught In the engine com-partment.
-Always depress the accelerator careful-ly and never without due consideration. The vehicle can start to move even if the handbrake is applied.
• Always ensure that you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and fires.
A WARNING
Additional insulating materials such as cov-ers in the engine compartment could disrupt the operation of the engine, cause damage and lead to severe Injuries.
• Never cover the engine with any Insulating materials.
A WARNING
Service fluids and some materials In the en-glne compartment are highly flammable and can cause fires and serious Injuries!
• Never smoke while working on the vehl-cl e.
• Never work near naked flames or sparks .
• Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could Ignite on hot engine components and hence cause injuries.
• Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the elec-trlcal system:
-Always disconnect the vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle Is unlocked when the vehicle battery Is disconnected as oth-erwlse the anti-theft alarm will be activa-ted.
-Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any oth-er open flames.
• Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
In the engine compartment I 351
...

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The engine oil used must correspond exactly to specifications.

The correct engine oil is important for the function and service life of the engine. A special high quali-ty multigrade oil has been filled at the factory and this can normally be used as an all-season oil.
If possible, only use Volkswagen-approved engine oil =>CD. To comply with the requirements of the flexible service, only use approved flexible service engine oil that complies with the corresponding VW standard =>table on page 355. The engine oils listed are multigrade high-lubricity oils.
Engine oils are constantly being developed and im-proved. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealers are kept up to date with regard to any changes. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles therefore recom-mends having engine oil changes done by a Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles dealer.
The quality of the engine oil is not only tailored to the requirements of engines and exhaust gas treat-ment systems, but also to fuel quality. Due to the
way in which a combustion engine works, engine oil always comes into contact with combustion resi-dues and fuel, which has a knock-on effect on the ageing process of the oil.
The quality of fuels can vary greatly between indi-vidual markets and this must be taken into account when selecting the correct engine oil.
The use of engine oils compliant with the VW 504 00 und VW 507 00 specifications requires a fuel quality compliant with EN 228 (petrol) and EN 590 (diesel), or fuel of an equivalent quality. Engine oils compliant with VW 504 00 und VW 507 00 are therefore unsuitable for use in a large number of markets.
Permitted engine oil specifications =>CD
Engine type Flexible service QIS, QIS Fixed service Ql1, Ql2, Q13, Ql4, Ql5
110 kW petrol engine VW504 00
150 kW petrol engine -
All diesel engines with DPF VW507 00
All diesel engines without DPF VW507 00
CD
• Do not add any additional lubricants to the engine oil. Any damage caused by the use of such additives is not covered by the warranty.
• Only engine oil specifications that have been approved for use with the engine should be used. Using other engine oils can cause en-gine damage.
• Another engine oil can be used in the event of an emergency if the listed engine oils (=>table on page 355) are not available. To
vw 502 00
VW502 00
VW507 00
VW505 01
CD
avoid damaging the engine, a maximum quanti-ty of 0.5 litres of the following engine oil may be used only once until the next oil change:
-Petrol engines: standards ACEAA3/B4 or API SN (API SM).
-Diesel engines: standards ACEA C3 or APICJ4.
In the engine compartment 1355

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.

A WARNING (Continued)
• If engine oil is spilt on cold engine parts it can heat up and Ignite when the engine Is running.
• Always ensure that the engine oil filler cap Is securely tightened after refilling, and that the dipstick Is properly Inserted back Into the guide tube. This will prevent the engine oil from draining out on to hot engine compo-nents when the engine Is running.
CD
• Do not start the engine if the engine oil level Is above area@. Seek expert assistance. The catalytic converter and the engine could other-wise be damaged.
• 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.
Engine oil consumption
n"'n First read and observe the introductory l.-J,:.ll information and safety warnings & on page 353.
Engine oil consumption can vary from engine to engine and can change during the working life of an engine.
The vehicle may consume up to 1.0 litre of engine oil per 2,000 km, depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used. In new ve-
Changing engine oil
n"'n First read and observe the Introductory l.-J,:.ll Information and safety warnings & on page 353.
The engine oil must be changed regularly in ac-cordance with the data given in the service sched-ule.
The engine oil and filter change should be carried out by a qualified workshop due to the special tools and knowledge required, this also applies to the disposal of used oil. Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
The engine oil level must never be above I!!S area @. Otherwise oil can be drawn in through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the exhaust system. <1
hicles. consumption is likely to be higher for the first 5,000 km. The engine oil level must therefore be checked at regular intervals, preferably when refuelling and before long journeys.
When the engine is working hard the oil level must be kept within area =>Fig. 274 @,for instance dur-ing long motorway cruising in summer, trailer tow-ing or climbing mountain passes. <1
More details on the service intervals can be found in the service schedule.
Additives in the engine oil can cause new engine oil to discolour quickly. This is normal and does not mean that the engine oil should be changed more frequently.
A WARNING
If, In exceptional cases, you have to carry out an oil change yourself, please note the fol-lowing:
• Always wear eye protection. .,.
In the engine compartment 357

A WARNING (Continued)
• Always allow the engine to cool down completely to avoid burns.
• Avoid raising your arms when removing the oil drain plug with your fingers to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
• Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. it must be at least large enough to hold the entire quantity of engine oil re-quired for refilling.
• Never store engine oil in empty food con-tainers, bottles or any other non-original con-tainers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain engine oil.
Coolant
o:::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning lamp and coolant temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Coolant specification . . . . . 360 Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Never carry out any work on the engine coolant system if you are not familiar with the requisite pro-cedures, or if you do not have access to the cor-rect tools, operating equipment and fluids &. The work should be carried out by a qualified work-shop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.
Additional information and warnings:
• Towing a trailer 139
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment 350
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts =>page 394
358 I Cleaning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
r:Q:.. Before changing the engine oil, first find out W where old oil can be disposed of properly near you.
Used oil must be disposed of in accordance W with regulations governing the protection of the environment. Never dispose of old oil in loca-tions such as gardens, woods, sewerage systems, on streets and roads, or in rivers and waterways. A WARNING
Engine coolant is poisonous and can cause serious Injuries.
• Engine coolant should only be kept in sealed original containers In a safe place.
• Never store engine coolant In empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers may then drink the engine coolant.
• The engine coolant must be stored out of the reach of children.
• Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the lowest ambient temperature that you ex-pect the vehicle to be exposed to.
• Coolant can freeze at extremely cold out-side temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. Vehicle occupants with Inade-quate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will also no longer func-tion.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the W environment. Spilt service fluids must be col-lected then disposed of properly and in an environ-mentally responsible way.

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.
CD
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-ing damaged. In the engine compartment I 359

Coolant specification
r-l"'n First read and observe the Introductory l..-J,::,U Information and safety warnings & on page 358.
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13 (fl-VW 774 J). The coolant additive is dyed purple. This mixture of wa-ter and coolant additive gives the necessary frost protection down to -2s•c (-13.F) and protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. The mixture also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
In order to protect the coolant system, the propor-tion of coolant additive must always be at least 40%, even if anti-freeze is not required in warm weather and warm climates.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 60%, as this would re-duce the frost protection and the cooling effect.
When refilling the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13 or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used in order to obtain the optimum corrosion protection =>(]). Mixing G 13 with the coolant additives G 12 plus (Tl-VW774 F), G 12 (dyed red) orG 11 (dyed blue-green) will significantly decrease the level of corro-sion protection and should therefore be avoided => A WARNING
Insufficient anti-freeze In the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and cause serious Injuries.
• Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the lowest ambient temperature that you ex-pect the vehicle to be exposed to.
• Coolant can freeze at extremely cold out-side temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. Vehicle occupants with Inade-quate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will also no longer func-tion.
360 I Cleaning and maintenance
CD
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by Volks-wagen. Mixing other coolants could cause seri-ous damage to the engine and cooling system.
• If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is brown instead of purple, for example, G 13 has been mixed with another unsuitable engine coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this Is the case. Failure to ob-serve this point can result In serious faults or engine damage.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the "7!1:5 environment. Spilt service fluids must be col-lected then disposed of properly and in an environ-mentally responsible way.