check engine VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2013 Service Manual

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.
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• 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.
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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

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

A WARNING (Continued)
-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. In certain circumstances, the ethylene glycol in the engine can catch fire.
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• Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the en-gine due to the chemical components con-
Vehicle battery
CQJ Introduction
This chapter conlains information on the following subjects:
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery ................................. 364 Charging, replacing, disconnecling and connecting the vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
The vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.
Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary procedures and the general safety requirements and only un-suitable tools are available => &. The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles rec-ommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for this purpose. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.
3621 Cleaning and maintenance
(j)
tained therein. This can also lead to engine fail-ure. If any other type of water is refilled, the flu-id in the engine cooling system should be com-pletely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
• Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area =>Fig. 277. Otherwise the excess coolant will be pressed out of the cooling sys-tem when the engine is hot and could cause damage.
• If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an in-dication of leaks in the engine cooling system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
• Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank. Air could enter the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
• When refilling service fluids, please ensure that the correct container is filled. The use of incorrect service fluids can result In serious faults and engine damage. Number and location of the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is located on the left of the en-gine compartment.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the ve-hicle could have two vehicle batteries. Camper vans can have up to three vehicle batteries. The second vehicle battery is located under the left front seat: the third battery in camper vans is loca-ted in the wardrobe on the rear left of the vehicle. •

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.
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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

De-icing door lock cylinders
....-m First read and observe the introductory L-I=JJ information and safety warnings & on page 380.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends the use of genuine Volkswagen spray with lubricating and anti-corrosive properties to de-ice the lock cyl-inders.
Undersea I
....-m First read and observe the introductory L-I=JJ information and safety warnings & on page 380.
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corrosion and damage. The protective coating on the underside of the vehicle could be damaged when driving. Therefore, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.
Cleaning the engine compartment
....-m First read and observe the introductory L-I=JJ information and safety warnings & on page 380.
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area L1l. 350.
The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. Corrosion protection could be removed and electrical components damaged if the compartment is cleaned incorrectly. Further-more, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber
If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recom-mend that you always go to a qualified workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends us-ing a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Plenum chamber
The plenum chamber is located in the engine com-partment between the windscreen and the engine and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is
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Do not use lock de-leers containing substances that dissolve grease, as this can cause the door lock cylinder to rust. A CAUTION
Undersea! and anti-corrosion coatings can ig-nite on the hot exhaust system or on other hot engine parts.
• Never apply undersea! or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic con-verter, heat shields or other vehicle compo-nents that become hot. drawn in from the plenum chamber and is passed into the vehicle interior via the heating and air con-ditioning system.
Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.
A WARNING
All work in the engine compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.
• Before carrying out any work, ensure that you are familiar with the requisite procedures and general safety regulations 350.
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends having the work carried out by a quali-fied workshop.
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Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the
vehicle. "'
Vehicle care and maintenance I 387

Retrofitting two-way radios
.--m First read and observe the introductory L-.lc.U information and safety warnings & on page 394.
You will need an external aerial to use a two-way radio in the vehicle.
Any retrofit installation of electrical or electronic equipment in the vehicle will affect its vehicle type approval. Under certain circumstances, this can negate the type approval for the vehicle.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has approved the vehicle for use with two-way radios providing the following conditions are observed:
• Correct installation of external aerial.
• A maximum transmitting power of 10 watts.
The equipment can only operate at maximum range with an external aerial.
Check first with a qualified workshop if you wish to use a two-way radio with a transmitting power of over 10 watts. Qualified workshops are familiar with the technical options for retrofitting. Volkswa-gen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Information stored in the control units
.--m First read and observe the introductory L-.lc.U Information and safety warnings & on page 394.
Your vehicle is factory fitted with electronic control units which are responsible for engine and gearbox management. The control units also monitor the function of the exhaust system and the airbags.
These electronic control units continuously evalu-ate data relevant to the vehicle while the vehicle is being driven. Only these data will be stored if there are any faults recorded or any deviations from the specified values. This is generally displayed by the indicator lamps on the instrument cluster.
Special units are required to read and evaluate da-ta stored in the control units.
These data are stored so that specialist workshops can diagnose and solve problems. The following data may have been stored:
• Engine and gearbox-relevant data.
• Speed.
• Direction of travel.
398 Cleaning and maintenance
Please comply with relevant legislation and the in-structions and information given in the operating manuals for radio equipment.
A WARNING
If radio equipment is not secured or not prop-erly secured in the vehicle, it could be flung though the interior during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, or In the event of an accident. This can cause Injuries.
• While the vehicle is in motion, always se-cure radio equipment properly outside the airbag deployment zone or stow them away safely.
A CAUTION
If you use two-way radios in the car without an external aerial, electromagnetic radiation in the vehicle could exceed limit values. This also applies to external aerials which have not been correctly installed.
• Two-way radios should only be used In the vehicle If an external aerial Is properly connected.
• Braking power.
• Seat belt monitor.
The control units never record conversations that take place in the vehicle. it is neither possible nor permitted to use the stored data to create move-ment profiles.
When the vehicle is being used, situations may arise in which the stored data (alone or in conjunc-tion with other information such as accident re-ports, vehicle damage, witness statements etc.) can become assignable to a particular person, whereby consultation of an expert and use of the expert's information may be necessary.
In vehicles with an emergency call function via a mobile telephone or other units, the current loca-tion can be transmitted. In the event of an accident in which the control units register that an airbag has been triggered, the system can automatically send out a signal. This depends on your service provider. Transmission is possible only in areas
with a sufficiently strong mobile telephone signal. .,..