brake fluid VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 2021 Owners Manual

Instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps
The warning and indicator lamps indicate various warnings ::.&.faults ::.(D or certain functions. Some warning and indicator lamps light up when the ignition is switched on and should go out once the engine is running or the vehicle is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment level, addi-tional text messages could appear in the display on the instrument cluster to provide further infor-mation or to ask you to perform certain tasks ::.page 19, Instruments.
Symbol Meaning=:>&
Do not drive on I
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, sym-bols may be displayed in the instrument cluster in-stead of warning lamps.
Signal tones are given when some warning or indi-cator lamps light up.
For details on indicator lamps which light up in the light switch see Chapter "Lighting" ::.page 106.
See
Parking brake applied, brake fluid level too low or fault in the ::.page 269 brake system.
Lit up: ·i:-Do not drive ont
-F-Coolant level too low. coolant temperature too high, or coolant ::.page 358 system is faulty.
Flashing: fault in engine coolant system. ::.page 358
Do not drive ont ::.page 353 "t:::r. Engine oil pressure too low.
oG The en£ine cannot be restarted! AdBiue level too low. ::.page 346
oG
with The engine cannot be restarted! Fault in the Ad Blue® system. ::.page 346
CRl ::0 Do not drive on I ::.page 45 .... At least one vehicle door is opened or not properly closed .
c:::5 Do not drive on I ::.page 49 The tailgate or wing doors are open or not properly closed. ::.page 52
!6 'er Driver seat belt is not fastened. ::.page 79
Changing gear ::.page 260
({5)) Depress the brake pedal. Brakes ::.page 269 Adaptive cruise con-trol (ACC) ::.page 298
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) not available. ::.page 298
0 Fault in the alternator. ::.page 362
m DSG® dual clutch gearbox is too hot. ::.page 260
Overv1cw of the vehicle

Symbol Meaning=>& See
.......,. Front brake pads worn .
Lit up: ESC fault or switched off for system-related reasons.
Flashing: ESC/TCS is taking corrective action. =>page 269
1} TCS switched off manually.
e ABS faulty or not functioning.
0$ Rear fog light switched on. =>page 106
Lit up: vehicle lighting not working partially or completely. =>page 432
0 Lit up or flashing: catalytic converter fault.
w Lit up: glow period for a diesel engine.
Flashing: fault in engine management system.
EPC Fault in engine management system. =>page 407
Diesel particulate filter has become saturated with soot.
Only for specially equipped courier vehicles: diesel particulate filter is being regenerated.
(1) Tyre pressure too low. =>page 367 Tyre monitoring system faulty.
0 Windscreen washer fluid level too low. =>page 116
f] Fuel tank almost empty. =>page 340
Flashing: engine oil system fault.
Lit up: engine oil level too low. =>page 353
....... Fault in airbag and belt tensioner system. =>page 87
tf'
Front passenger front airbag switched off (PASSENGER AIR BAG =>page 87
f9 Ad Blue® level is low. =>page 346
/>.
with Ad Blue® system faulty or not refilled using norm-standard AdBI-ue®. =>page 346
Have the air filter replaced. => Booklet SeNice schedule
a, Electronic Immobilizer active. =>page 257
Lit up: rear axle differential lock switched on. =>page 282 .... Flashing: rear axle differential lock fault.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) currently not available. =>page 298
Instrument cluster 17

Braking, stopping and parking
COl Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps Handbrake ............................ .
Parking . . . . . . . ............. .
Information on the brakes ................ . Brake support systems .................. .
Switching the TCS on and off ............. .
Brake fluid ............................ .
270 271
272 272
274
276
277
The brake support systems are the anti-lock brake system (ASS), the Brake Assist system (SAS), the electronic differential lock (EDS), the traction control system (TCS) and the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
• Towing a trailer 139
• Pull-away assist systems 282
• Wheels and tyres 367
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and seri-ous Injuries.
• If the warning lamp 0 lights up either on its own or with a text message In the display of the Instrument cluster, go to a qualified workshop Immediately, have the brake pads checked and any worn brake pads replaced.
A WARNING
Incorrect parking can cause serious Injuries.
• Never remove the vehicle key from the lg-nltlon lock when the vehicle Is In motion. The steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the vehl-cl e.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
• Always apply the handbrake when the ve-hicle Is parked.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone In the vehicle. They could release the handbrake, move the selector lev-er or gearshift lever and thus set the vehicle In motion. This can lead to accidents and se-rious injuries.
• Always take all vehicle keys with you ev-ery time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be used which could cause serious injury.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergen-cy and may not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low tempera-tures, according to season. This can cause serious Injuries and illness or fatalities, espe-cially for small children.
CD
• To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake and then remove your foot from the brake ped-al.
• Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels can touch the bollards or kerbs.
• Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the running gear, engine or exhaust system could be dam-aged.
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 269

Warning and indicator lamps
[Q First read and observe the Introductory information and safety warnings & on page 269.
Lit up Possible cause=>&
Handbrake is applied.
Brake system fault.
Brake fluid level is too low.
Together with ABS indicator lamp El: ABS not functioning.
-...-Brake pads worn .
ESC switched off by the system.
ESC fault.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp CS>: ABS fault.
Vehicle battery has been reconnected.
TCS switched off manually.
In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp
((oil ABS fault.
In conjunction with warning lamp ID: ABS not functioning.
Brake pedal not depressed.
Flashes Possible cause
'• ESCITCS is taking corrective action.
Trailer stabilisation controlled.
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.
270 I While driving
Solution
f; Do not drive on I Seek expert assistance immediately =>page 273.
a:. Do not drive on I Check the brake fluid level =>page 277.
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary.
Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary, drive a short distance.
Go to a qualified workshop.
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 -20 km/ h (10 -12 mph). if the indicator lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop =>page 362.
Switch on TCS =>page 276. Switch on TCS au-tomatically by switching the ignition off and on.
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
To select a position, press the brake pedal.
Solution
Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt driv-ing style to suit road conditions.
Remove foot from accelerator pedal. If possible, do not turn the steering wheel =>page 139.
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.
A WARNING
Driving with poor brakes can result in acci-dents and serious injuries.

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.
CD
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.
CD
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

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

A WARNING (Continued)
of braking power, considerably increase brak-ing distance and can cause the brake system to fail completely.
• Please ensure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that Is explicitly compliant with VW standard 501 14.
• Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and reduce their effectiveness.
• If a brake fluid compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 Is not available, use a high-quality brake fluid compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, but only in exceptional circumstances.
• The refilled brake fluid must be new .
A wARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
• In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store brake fluid. These containers could encour-age other people to drink out of them, even if they are labelled otherwise.
• Brake fluid must always be stored in its original sealed container and kept out of the reach of children.
CD
Brake fluid that has leaked or been split can damage the vehicle palntwork, plastic parts and tyres. Brake fluid that has leaked or been split should be cleaned off the vehicle paint-work and other components Immediately.
& Brake nuid can pollute the environment. Any W spilt service nuids must be cleaned up and disposed of properly. Driving with respect for the environment
o:::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
An economic driving style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Saving fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and tyres depend largely on three factors:
• Personal driving style.
• Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
• Technical conditions.
An economic driving style
i""1"'n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 278. .,.
278 I While drivmg
A few simple measures can help save fuel by up to 25%, depending on how you drive.
A WARNING
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehi-cles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

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

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

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
...