Checking and topping up fluids
qualified workshop without delay and have
the fault rectified. If the warning lamp
comes on again, stop the vehicle and switch
off the ignition. Seek professional assis-
tance.
The brake fluid level is also automatically moni-
tored.
Driver messages
The following driver messages may appear, de-
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-
cle:
– Applies to coolant expansion tank for com-
bustion engine: If too much coolant has
been added to the coolant expansion tank,
drive to a qualified workshop soon and have
the coolant level corrected.
Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake fluid
level
Stop the vehicle and check the brake fluid level.
Seek professional assistance.
– If you use non-distilled water, the chemicals
that it contains can cause serious corrosion
damage to the engine – risk of engine dam-
age!
Having the brake fluid changed
The brake fluid must be changed at regular inter-
vals by a qualified workshop. The workshop can
inform you about the service intervals for the
brake fluid change.
– If you have used a large quantity of non-dis-
tilled water (more than 0.5 ltr.) in an emer-
gency, drive directly to a qualified workshop
and have the coolant changed.
WARNING
Brake fluid
– If the brake fluid level is under the MIN
mark, the effectiveness of the brakes and
therefore the safety of the vehicle may be
impaired – risk of accident! Do not drive on.
Seek professional assistance.
– Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour
lock if old brake fluid is left in the system.
This would seriously impair the effective-
ness of the brakes and the safety of the car –
risk of accident!
Fig. 204 Engine compartment: Cap of brake fluid reservoir
– The brake fluid in your vehicle must comply
with the VW 501 14 standard. If this brake
fluid is not available, it is permissible to use
an alternative high-quality brake fluid com-
plying with the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle
Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4, Class 6
(ISO 4925).
Please refer to the safety information
ðpage 320, General information.
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located underneath a
cover in the engine compartment on the driver's
side.
– If used brake fluid or brake fluid not ap-
proved for your vehicle is used, the effective-
ness of the brakes will be seriously impaired
and the brake system could even fail com-
pletely. The vehicle manufacturer will accept
no liability for faults or damage which occur
as a result. In addition, no warranty claims
will be accepted.
►
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
►
Slide the cover, which is located under the
windscreen wiper on the driver's side, towards
the windscreen and detach it.
►
Read off the brake fluid level on the brake fluid
reservoir ðpage 323, Fig. 200. The brake fluid
level must be between the MIN and MAX marks
ð
.
►
Replace the cover.
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