Fuel and emissions control system -> Troubleshooting for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

WARNING  
Exhaust system components will become very hot. This can cause fires.  
Park the vehicle in such a way so that no exhaust system components come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle such as brush,  
leaves, dry grass, etc.  
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion protection on exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, particulate filters or heat shields.  
Catalytic converter  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice   
and  
Safety precautions for handling fuel.  
To ensure that the exhaust system and the engine catalytic converter can work correctly for a long time, observe the following:  
Only refuel with fuel permitted for the vehicle.  
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty Refueling.  
Never add too much engine oil Checking the engine oil level and adding oil .  
Do not tow-start the vehicle; use jump-start assistance instead Preparing and Performing a Jump-start.  
If there are engine misfires, loss of power, or poor engine operation while driving, reduce the speed immediately and have the vehicle checked by suitably qualified  
professionals Troubleshooting. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise,  
uncombusted fuel could be present in the exhaust system and then enter the atmosphere. The catalytic converter may also be damaged from overheating.  
The exhaust may smell like sulfur when the emissions control system is running correctly.  
Particulate filter  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
Safety precautions for handling fuel.  
Function  
The particulate filter (depends on how your vehicle is equipped) filters out soot from the exhaust gas.  
Regeneration  
With normal vehicle usage, the filter cleans itself. If the filter is unable to clean itself, e.g. if you only make short trips for an extended period of time, the filter can  
become blocked with soot. The particulate filter needs to be cleaned (regenerated).  
Noises, light odors, and increased engine speeds may occur during the regeneration. The radiator fan may continue to run while driving and after turning off the  
engine.  
To assist in particulate filter regeneration, Volkswagen recommends avoiding driving short distances too frequently.  
The soot in the particulate filter is burned periodically at high temperatures. The yellow  
indicator light does not turn on during a periodic regeneration.  
Safety precautions for handling fuel.  
Troubleshooting  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
If the engine does not run smoothly and malfunctions  
If the engine does not run smoothly or malfunctions while driving, it can indicate poor fuel quality.  
1. Reduce your speed immediately.  
2. Drive with a moderate RPM and low engine load to the nearest suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen  
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
3. If these symptoms occur directly after refueling, stop the engine immediately to prevent subsequent damage.  
4. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.  
Particulate filter clogged with soot  
The yellow indicator light turns on.  
The particulate filter is clogged with soot and a regeneration is necessary.  
Prerequisite for the regeneration drive: The engine is at operating temperature.  
For gasoline engines  
1. Drive at a speed of at least 50 mph (80 km/h).  
2. Take your foot completely off the accelerator pedal for a few seconds to let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged.  
3. Repeat this process of accelerating and letting the vehicle roll until the indicator light turns off.  
4. If the indicator light does not turn off after some time, immediately consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
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Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Exhaust-related malfunction  
The yellow indicator light turns on.  
An exhaust-related component is malfunctioning, which could damage the vehicle.  
1. Contact a suitably qualified professional and have the engine and the exhaust system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen  
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Misfire  
The indicator light flashes yellow.  
There is misfire which could damage the vehicle.  
1. Contact a suitably qualified professional and have the engine and the exhaust system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen  
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
WARNING  
If you perform driving maneuvers that other road users cannot anticipate, you may cause an accident.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.  
Follow the road traffic laws and regulations that apply in the country you are driving in.  
If the indicator lights are on or flashing, it is likely that there is an engine malfunction and that fuel consumption will increase.  
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