Engine compartment for Your Volkswagen Caddy SUV Fifth Generation (2020-2025)

Safety notes on working in the engine compartment  
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. You should only carry out work on the engine and in  
the engine compartment if you know exactly how to perform the required tasks, are aware of the general safety  
procedures and have access to the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Carrying out work incorrectly  
can cause serious injuries. The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen  
Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.  
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine compartment.  
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 be on a level surface, the wheels must be blocked  
and the ignition switched off.  
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra support 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 be manually deactivated.  
WARNING  
The engine/motor compartment of any motor vehicle 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 exactly 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  
result from work that has not been carried out properly.  
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the front compartment. Hot steam or hot  
coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from  
the engine compartment.  
Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.  
Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.  
Observe the following points before opening the bonnet when the engine has cooled down:  
Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to positionP or move the manual gear lever  
to the neutral position.  
Switch off the ignition.  
Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave unsupervised.  
The cooling system is under pressure 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.  
Slowly and carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank anti-clockwise while exerting gentle  
downward 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 fluids on engine components or on the exhaust system. The spilt service  
fluids can start a fire.  
WARNING  
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.  
Never reach into the radiator fan or into the area of the radiator fan. Touching the rotary blades can result in  
serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and could start automatically - even when the ignition is  
switched off.  
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 poly V-belt, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and  
from the high-voltage ignition system. Always be particularly careful.  
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Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long hair can be caught up in  
rotating engine components. Before starting work, remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull  
clothes in tightly to avoid them getting caught in the engine compartment.  
Always take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle could move, even if the  
electronic parking brake is applied.  
Always ensure 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.  
WARNING  
Additional insulating materials such as blankets in the engine compartment could disrupt the operation of the  
engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.  
Never cover the motor with any insulating materials.  
WARNING  
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and can cause fires and serious  
injuries!  
Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.  
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 electrical system:  
Always disconnect the 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle  
battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-theft alarm will be activated.  
Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other naked flames.  
Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.  
NOTICE  
When refilling or replacing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service fluids into the correct openings.  
The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.  
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason, 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.  
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment  
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 surface.  
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.  
Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to positionP .  
Manual gearbox: Move the gear lever into the neutral position (→ Manual gearbox).  
Switch on the electronic parking brake .  
Switch off the ignition(→ Switching off the engine).  
If necessary, remove the vehicle key from the vehicle and keep it in a separate location so that the vehicle cannot  
be started accidentally.  
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 unexpectedly.  
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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 procedures.  
Opening and closing the bonnet  
Fig. 1 In the left-hand footwell: Bonnet release lever  
(illustration).  
Fig. 2 Above the radiator grille: Lever for opening the  
bonnet.  
Fig. 3 In the engine compartment: bonnet stay in the  
holder.  
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Fig. 4 On the bonnet: mount for the bonnet stay.  
Opening the bonnet  
Please ensure that the wiper arms are positioned on the windscreen before opening the bonnet→  
.
Open the front left door and pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow→ Fig. 1. The bonnet is released  
from the lock carrier catch by spring force → Opening and closing the bonnet.  
Lift the bonnet slightly and at the same time press the opening lever in the direction of the arrow→ Fig. 2 to open  
the bonnet fully.  
Take the bonnet stay out of the holder→ Fig. 3 in the direction of the arrow and insert it into the  
opening → Fig. 4.  
Closing the bonnet  
Lift the bonnet slightly and hold it.  
Unhook the bonnet stay from the opening→ Fig. 4 and clip it into the holder→ Fig. 3.  
Let the bonnet drop into the catch from a height of about 20 cm –do not press it down!  
If the bonnet has not closed properly, open it and then close it again.  
The bonnet is flush with the surrounding bodywork when it is closed properly→  
.
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 injuries.  
After closing bonnet, always check that the catch is properly engaged in the lock carrier. 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.  
Open or close the bonnet only when no-one is in its movement path.  
NOTICE  
You should only open the bonnet when the wiper function is switched off and the wiper arms are in the folded-in  
position in order to avoid damage to the bonnet and the wiper arms.  
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Display  
Fig. 1 On the display of the instrument cluster: The bonnet  
is open or not properly closed (illustration).  
A symbol on the instrument cluster display indicates if the bonnet is open or is not closed properly→ Fig. 1.  
Do not drive on! If necessary, lift the bonnet and then close it again.  
This symbol remains visible when the ignition is switched off and will go out a few seconds after the vehicle has been  
locked when all doors are closed.  
WARNING  
Failure to observe warnings can cause your vehicle to break down in traffic, which can lead to accidents and serious  
injuries.  
Never ignore any warnings.  
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.  
The symbol can differ depending on the version of the instrument  
cluster.  
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Service fluids and equipment  
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. tyres, coolant and vehicle batteries, are being constantly developed. The same  
applies to toothed belts, engine oils and spark plugs for combustion engines. For this reason, service fluids and  
consumables should be replaced at a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealers are kept up to  
date with regard to any changes.  
WARNING  
Unsuitable service fluids and consumables, and the incorrect use of these fluids and consumables, can cause  
accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.  
Service fluids must be kept in their original sealed container.  
Never store service fluids in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding  
these containers could drink them.  
Keep children away from all service fluids and consumables.  
Always read and follow the information and warnings on the service fluid packaging.  
When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.  
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids for vehicle care. They are toxic  
and highly flammable. They could cause fires and explosions.  
NOTICE  
Only use suitable service fluids for refilling. Never use the wrong service fluid. Failure to observe this warning can  
result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.  
Optional equipment and other accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. The  
engine may overheat at high ambient temperatures and high engine loads.  
Leaking service fluids can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected in suitable  
containers and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.  
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Windscreen washer fluid  
Fig. 1 In the engine compartment: washer fluid reservoir  
cap.  
The windscreen washer fluid level should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary.  
A filter can be found in the feed throat of the washer fluid reservoir. The strainer keeps larger dirt particles away from  
the washer jets when refilling. The filter should only be removed for cleaning. If the filter is damaged or cannot be  
found when refilling, dirt particles will reach the system and will block the washer jets.  
Open the bonnet (→ In the engine compartment).  
The washer fluid reservoir is identified by the symbol on the cap→ Fig. 1.  
Check whether there is enough windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.  
To top up, mix clean water(not distilled water) with a washer fluid recommended by Volkswagen Commercial  
Vehicles . Observe the dilution instructions on the packaging.  
At low outside temperatures, add a special anti-freeze agent so that the fluid cannot freeze→  
.
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of about 5.0 litres.  
WARNING  
Never mix coolant additive or other unsuitable additives into the washer fluid. These may leave an oily film on the  
screen, restricting the field of vision.  
Use clean, clear water(not distilled water) with a suitable washer fluid.  
A suitable anti-freeze agent should be added to the washer fluid if necessary.  
NOTICE  
Never mix suitable cleaning agents with other cleaning agents. This can cause the ingredients to separate and  
block the washer jets.  
When refilling service fluids, please ensure that your pour the correct service fluids into the correct openings. The  
use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.  
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Introduction  
Engine oils are matched to the requirements of the engines, the emission purification systems, and the fuel quality.  
Due to the operating principle of combustion engines, engine oil always comes into contact with combustion residues  
and fuel, which has corresponding effects on the ageing process of the engine oil. The correct engine oil is important  
for the function and service life of the engine. A special multigrade high-lubricity oil has been filled at the factory and  
this can normally be used as an all-season oil.  
Engine oils are constantly being developed and improved. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealers are kept up to  
date with regard to any changes. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles therefore recommends having engine oil changes  
done by a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer.  
Information on warning and indicator lamps that light up can be found in the troubleshooting sections at the end of  
the chapter (→ Engine oil).  
WARNING  
Incorrect handling of engine oil can cause serious burns and other injuries.  
Always wear eye protection when handling engine oil.  
Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.  
Engine oil must be kept in the closed original 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 other people may then drink  
the engine oil.  
Regular contact with engine oil can damage 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 severely. Always allow the  
engine to cool down.  
Leaking or spilt engine oil can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected then disposed  
of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.  
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Engine oil standards  
Ask a qualified workshop which engine oil is suitable for your vehicle. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends  
using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.  
Another engine oil can be used in an emergency if the engine oil recommended by the qualified workshop is not  
available. To avoid damaging the engine, a maximum quantity of 0.5 litres of the following engine oil may be used  
until the next oil change:  
Petrol engines without particulate filter: Standards VW 502 00 and ACEA A3/B4 or API SN(API SM)  
Petrol engines with particulate filter: Standards VW 504 00, VW 508 00 and ACEA C3 or API CJ-4  
Diesel engines without particulate filter: Standards VW 505 01 and ACEA A3/B4 or API CJ-4.  
Diesel engines with particulate filter: Standards VW 507 00, VW 509 00 and ACEA C3 or API CJ-4  
Check with a qualified workshop if you are unsure whether your vehicle is equipped with a particulate filter.  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.  
NOTICE  
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.  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends use of approved engine oils in accordance with the corresponding  
VW standard. The use of engine oils that do not meet these quality requirements can cause engine damage.  
NOTICE  
If the vehicle has been filled with engine oils in accordance with the standards VW 502 00, VW 504 00, VW 505 01,  
VW 507 00, VW 508 00 or VW 509 00, refill with engine oil of the same standard where possible. Failure to do so  
may result in engine damage.  
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Changing engine oil  
The engine oil must be changed on a regular basis. Always observe the service intervals applicable to your vehicle .  
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 Vehicles recommends using a  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.  
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.  
WARNING  
If, in exceptional cases, you have to carry out an oil change yourself, please note the following:  
Always wear eye protection.  
Always allow the engine to cool down completely to avoid burns.  
Keep your arms horizontal 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 required for refilling.  
Never store engine oil in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding  
these containers may not know that they contain engine oil.  
Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.  
Before changing the engine oil, first find out where old oil can be disposed of properly near  
you.  
Used oil must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection of the environment.  
Never dispose of old oil in locations such as gardens, woods, sewerage systems, on streets and roads, or in  
rivers and waterways.  
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Engine oil consumption  
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 vehicles, 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.  
B
When the engine is working hard, the engine oil level must be in the upper permissible area (→ Engine oil)  
, for  
instance during extended motorway journeys in summer, when towing a trailer or when climbing mountain passes.  
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Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil  
Fig. 1 Oil dipsticks with engine oil level markings(variants).  
A
Engine oil level too high – follow the messages in the instrument cluster display or contact a qualified  
workshop, if necessary.  
B
C
Engine oil level OK.  
Engine oil level too low – follow the messages in the instrument cluster display or add engine oil, if necessary.  
Fig. 2 In the engine compartment: engine oil filler opening  
cap (illustration).  
Checklist  
Carry out the steps in the specified order→  
:
1. With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on alevel surface to ensure that the engine oil  
reading is correct.  
2. Switch off the engine and wait at least five minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.  
3. Open the bonnet (→ In the engine compartment).  
4. Identify the engine oil filler cap and oil dipstick. The opening for refilling the engine oil is indicated by the  
symbol on the cap, and the dipstick by the coloured handle → Fig. 2. If you cannot 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.  
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6. Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a marking on the oil dipstick, this  
marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the guide tube when inserting.  
7. Pull out the oil dipstick again and read the engine oil level on the dipstick as follows→ Fig. 1:  
A
Engine oil level too high. Follow any messages that are shown on the instrument cluster display andgo to a  
qualified workshop →  
.
B
Engine oil level OK. The engine oil can be refilled to the upper limit of this area, e.g. if the engine is working  
hard. Continue to step 8 or 16.  
C
Engine oil level is too low. Where applicable, follow any messages that are shown on the instrument cluster  
display and make sure you add engine oil. Continue to step 8.  
8. After reading off the oil level, push the oil dipstick back into the guide tube as far as it will go.  
9. Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap→ Fig. 2.  
10. Gradually add engine oil in small quantities, no more than 0.5 l in total, or follow the recommendation in the  
instrument cluster. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends use of approved engine oils in accordance  
with the corresponding VW standard.  
11. In order to avoid overfilling, wait for at least one minute after each refill step to allow the engine 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 with engine oil →  
.
B
13. After filling, the engine oil level should be in the middle of the area→ Fig. 1  
A
. The engine oil level must not  
be in area → Fig. 1  
.
A
14. If you accidentally add too much engine oil and the engine oil level is in area→ Fig. 1  
engine; consult a qualified workshop and seek expert assistance as required.  
, do not start the  
15. After refilling, screw the engine oil filler cap back on.  
16. Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube as far as it will go. If there is a marking on the upper end of the oil  
dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the guide tube when inserting.  
17. Close the bonnet (→ In the engine compartment).  
WARNING  
Engine oil can ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine components. It can cause fires, burns and other serious  
injuries.  
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 components  
when the engine is running.  
NOTICE  
A
Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is in area→ Fig. 1  
converter and the engine could otherwise be damaged.  
; consult a qualified workshop. The catalytic  
When refilling service fluids, please ensure that your pour the correct service fluids into the correct openings. The  
use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.  
Troubleshooting  
Engine oil pressure too low  
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The warning lamp flashes red. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.  
Do not drive on! The engine could otherwise be damaged.  
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.  
Switch off the engine.  
Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).  
Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp is flashing even when the engine oil level is correct.  
Seek expert assistance.  
Engine oil level very low  
The warning lamp flashes red. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.  
Do not drive on! The engine could otherwise be damaged.  
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.  
Switch off the engine.  
Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).  
Top up the engine oil gradually in small quantities, using no more than 0.5 l in total.  
Engine oil level too low  
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.  
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.  
Switch off the engine.  
Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).  
If necessary, gradually add engine oil in small quantities, no more than 0.5 l in total, or observe the recommended  
refill amount in the instrument cluster.  
Engine oil level too high  
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.  
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.  
Switch off the engine.  
Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).  
Notify a qualified workshop after performing an inspection.  
or  
Fault in the engine oil system  
The indicator lamp flashes yellow and a message also appears on the instrument cluster display.  
Go to qualified workshop.  
Introduction  
You should only carry out work on theengine cooling system if you know exactly how to perform the required tasks,  
are aware of the general safety procedures and have access to the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable  
tools. Failing to carry out work correctly can cause serious injuries . The work should be carried out by a qualified  
workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial  
486  
Vehicles dealership for this purpose.  
WARNING  
Coolant is toxic.  
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 expect the vehicle to be exposed to.  
Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. Vehicle occupants  
with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will also no longer function.  
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected then  
disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.  
Coolant specification  
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially treated water and at least 40%G 12evo (TL-  
VW 774 L).  
The proportion of coolant additive mustalways be at least 40% to protect the cooling system. 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 55 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and the cooling  
effect.  
The coolant additive is dyed purple. The mixture of water and a coolant additive offers anti-freeze protection down to  
-25°C (-13°F), protects the alloy parts in the cooling system against corrosion, prevents limescale deposits and  
significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.  
When refilling the coolant, a mixture ofdistilled water and at least 40 %G 12evo (TL 774 L) coolant additive must be  
used in order to obtain the optimum corrosion protection. The coolant additives G 13 (TL 774 J), G 12 plus (TL 774 G)  
or G 12 plus (TL 774 F)can also be used for refilling.  
Please note: Mixing G 12evo with the coolantsG 13, G 12 plus-plus, G 12 plus will significantly decrease the level of  
corrosion protection and should therefore be avoided →  
.
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 expect the vehicle to be exposed to.  
Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. Vehicle occupants  
with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will also no longer function.  
NOTICE  
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by Volkswagen.  
If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is not pink(colouring results from mixing the purple coolant additive  
with distilled water) but brown, for example,G 12evo has been mixed with an unsuitable coolant additive. The  
coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is the case. Failure to observe this warning can result in  
serious malfunctions or damage to the engine and cooling system.  
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected then  
disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.  
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Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant  
Fig. 1 In the engine compartment: Mark on the coolant  
expansion tank (illustration).  
Fig. 2 In the engine compartment: Coolant expansion tank  
cap.  
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too  
low.  
Preparations  
Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.  
Allow the engine to cool down →  
.
Open the bonnet (→ In the engine compartment).  
The coolant expansion tank is identified by the symbol on the cap→ Fig. 2.  
The engine coolant may be above the marked area when a new vehicle is delivered. This is normal. The coolant does  
not have to be sucked off.  
When the engine is cold, check the coolant level at the side markings of the coolant expansion tank→ Fig. 1. The  
coolant level must be between the markings.  
Refill coolant if the liquid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum marking (“min”). When the  
engine is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper mark.  
Refilling coolant  
Always protect your 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 →  
.
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Only top up the engine coolant if there is coolant residue in the engine coolant expansion tank. Failure to comply  
could damage the engine. If you cannot see any coolant in the coolant expansion tank, do not drive on. Seek  
professional assistance.  
Refill only with new coolant that complies with the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles specification (→ Coolant).  
If there is still a remaining quantity of coolant in the coolant expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains  
stable.  
The coolant level must be between the markings on the coolant expansion tank→ Fig. 1. Do not fill above the top  
edge of the marked area →  
.
Close the cap tightly.  
If in an emergency you do not have access to coolant with the required specification (→ Coolant), do not use any  
other coolant additive! Instead, initially refill with distilled water only. Then add the correct proportion of the  
specified coolant additive as soon as possible (→ Coolant).  
WARNING  
Hot steam and hot coolant can cause serious burns.  
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Always  
wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.  
Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet. Hot components can burn  
the skin.  
The following points should be noted before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:  
Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the gear lever to the neutral position or the selector lever to  
the P position.  
Switch off the ignition.  
Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave unsupervised.  
The cooling system is under pressure 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 downward 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 fluids 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.  
NOTICE  
Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine due to the chemical  
components contained therein. This can also lead to engine failure. If any other type of water is refilled, the fluid  
in the cooling system should be completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.  
Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area→ Fig. 1. Otherwise the excess coolant will be pressed out of  
the cooling system 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 hascooled completely.  
Significant coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the cooling system. The cooling system should be checked by a  
qualified workshop as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.  
Do not refill coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank. Air could have entered 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 your pour the correct service fluids into the correct openings. The  
use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.  
Brake fluid  
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Fig. 1 In the engine compartment: brake fluid reservoir  
cap.  
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 system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks  
reduce levels of braking power, considerably increase 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 Commercial Vehicles has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the  
vehicle. To ensure the best possible operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles expressly  
recommends the use of brake fluid compliant with VW standard 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 standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles  
dealerships.  
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead, brake fluid that is  
compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can be used.  
Not all brake fluids that are compliant withDIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same  
chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can damage or destroy brake system  
components over time.  
To ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles therefore recommends  
the use of brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14.  
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements ofDIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or  
US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.  
Brake fluid level  
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX markings on the brake fluid reservoir or above the  
MIN marking →  
.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked exactly because a flap impedes visibility of the fluid level in the brake fluid  
reservoir. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go to a qualified workshop.  
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the brakes are  
automatically adjusted.  
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