Get Fuel and exhaust purification Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Safety instructions when handling fuel

WARNING

Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire, serious burns and other injuries.

● Before refuelling, switch off the engine, ignition, auxiliary heater, mobile telephone and other radio equipment.

● Do not get into the vehicle while refuelling in order to avoid electrostatic discharge.

● Make sure that the tank cap is properly closed and that no fuel is escaping.

● Observe the applicable safety instructions and local regulations on handling fuel.

WARNING

Incorrect refuelling can lead to fire, serious injuries and vehicle damage.

● Refuel only with fuels that are approved for the vehicle.

● Do not refuel with fuels that contain metal and use only additives that have been approved by the manufacturer

in the approved quantity.

● Immediately remove any spilled fuel from all vehicle parts.

CAUTION

Fuel can leak out of the spare fuel canister. This can lead to fire and injuries.

● Never transport a spare fuel canister in the vehicle.

Fuels can pollute the environment. Collect any service fluids that escape or are spilled and dispose of them

correctly.

Manual release of the tank flap is not possible. In an emergency, seek expert

assistance.

473

Introduction

The fuel cap is located on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

474

Identification of fuels and fuels standards

Fig. 1 In the tank flap: fuel information label.

Fuel information label

Different engines require different fuels. There is a factory-fitted fuel information sticker in the tank flap that

indicates the required fuel type for the vehicle → Fig. 1.

The designation and the framework indicate, which fuels are suitable for the vehicle. This is a minimum requirement.

Other fuels must not be used for the vehicle →

.

Fuel standards

The fuel being filled needs to comply with one of the following standards→

.

Where fuel complying with the specified standards is not available, a correspondingly qualified workshop will have

information on which available fuels are suitable for the vehicle.

Diesel

B7 stands for diesel with a maximum biodiesel content of 7%.

Fuel standards

—EN 590 in the current version.

—DIN EN 590 in the current version.

Synthetic diesels

Synthetic diesels.

XTL stands for X - To - Liquid and is the designation used for synthetic diesel fuels.

XTL fuels are diesel fuels that are manufactured synthetically. These synthetic diesel fuels includeGTL

(Gas To Liquid), BTL (Biomass To Liquid) and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils), where natural gas or biomass are

used as the initial energy carrier.

Fuel standard

475

—EN 15940 in the current version.

—DIN EN 15940 in the current version.

NOTICE

Using fuel that does not comply with these standards and is not approved may reduce performance and cause

damage to the engine and fuel system.

● Before refuelling, check whether the fuel identification specified on the pump meets the vehicle's requirements.

● In order to avoid damage to the fuel system and engine failure, always refuel only with fuels in accordance with

the specified standard and labelling.

Diesel

Always refuel diesel with a low sulphur content or with sulphur-free diesel in order to avoid damage to the engine

and particulate filter.

Fill vehicles with a diesel engine only with diesel or diesel with a maximum biodiesel content of 7%→

.

If you use diesel with a high sulphur content, the service intervals are shorter. Qualified workshops can provide

information on countries that use diesel with a high sulphur content.

The fuel quality affects the running properties, performance and service life of the engine. Refuel with fuel that

already contains suitable additives →

.

Winter-grade diesel fuel and filter preheater system

During the winter season, you have to use diesel with improved flow characteristics under cold conditions(winter

diesel). You can avoid operational faults by refuelling winter diesel. Winter diesel is offered at filling stations during

the winter season.

There may be different classes of cold depending on the climate and time in the national fuel standards.

Diesel vehicles are equipped with a filter preheater system. The cold flow characteristic of the diesel is ensured while

driving by the filter pre-heating function. Information on the cold properties of diesel is provided by the filling

stations in the respective country and any other qualified workshop.

In order to ensure that the vehicle can also be started at low outside temperatures, it should be parked in a location

that is sheltered from the weather, e.g. in a garage.

WARNING

Incorrect refuelling can lead to fire, serious injuries and vehicle damage.

● Before refuelling, check whether the fuel standard specified on the pump meets the vehicle's requirements.

● Do not refuel with pure RME fuel, petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels.

● Use only additives that have been approved by the manufacturer in the approved quantity.

At cold temperatures, louder noises may occur in the diesel engine and the exhaust gas may be tinged

blue.

476

Refuelling

Fig. 1 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: tank flap with

open tank cap.

Refuelling process

You must refuel the vehicle only with the fuel grades specified on the fuel information label in the tank flap

(→ Identification of fuels).

1. To unlock the tank flap, unlock the vehicle with the button on the vehicle key (→ Vehicle key).

Or: To unlock the tank flap, unlock the vehicle with the button in the driver door (→ Central locking button).

2. Open left-hand front door.

3. Open the tank flap.

4. Turn the tank filler neck→ Fig. 1 to remove it and place it in the opening above the tank filler neck.

5. Hold the filler nozzle so that the handle is facing down in order to ensure optimum filling.

The fuel tank is full when the properly operated automatic filler nozzle clicks off for the first time→

6. Turn the tank cap onto the tank filler neck until it clicks into place.

7. Close the tank flap.

.

8. Close the left-hand front door.

Do not continue filling the tank after it switches off. The expansion space in the fuel tank can fill with fuel, for

example due to heating up. This could cause fuel to overflow or automatic venting may not function.

WARNING

Overfilling the fuel tank may cause the fuel to splash out and overflow. This can cause fires, explosions and serious

injuries.

● Do not continue refuelling after the filler nozzle switches off for the first time.

477

Diesel ageing

Compared to other fuel types, fuels with a high biodiesel content(> 7 vol.%) may have a higher water absorption

capacity and tend to age (decompose) more rapidly due to lower oxidation resistance. Water and dirt promote

microbial activity and accelerate fuel ageing, which can lead to the vehicle's fuel system being damaged.

Perform the following actions to avoid damaging the vehicle’s fuel system.

If the vehicle is stationaryas from two weeks:

1. Fill fuel tank to maximum level.

2. Start the vehicle at least once a week for around five minutes.

If the vehicle is stationaryas from 45 days:

1. Diesel fuel in the fuel tank may have aged→

.

2. You must replace the diesel in the fuel tank and fuel filter before starting the engine again. The diesel and the

fuel filter should be changed by a suitably qualified workshop.

NOTICE

If the diesel fuel contains water or is decomposed and the engine is started, this can cause serious damage to the

fuel system.

● If water has settled in the fuel filter, it must always be drained.

● Always fill up with high-quality diesel fuel that meets the required specifications.

Water and diesel fuel must never be disposed of in gardens, forests, sewage systems, roads or paths, rivers

or running waters. In order to avoid environmental pollution, disposal must be carried out by a suitably

qualified workshop.

478

Draining fuel filter

Fig. 1 In the engine compartment: Fuel filter with water

drain plug (depending on equipment).

1

2

Fuel filter.

Water drain plug on the fuel filter.

Water in diesel

If a vehicle is refuelled with diesel of poor or insufficient quality, water can make its way into the fuel system and

accumulate in the fuel filter. Too much accumulated water leads to engine malfunctions →

.

Observe the yellow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display (→ Fuel types and refuelling).

Draining fuel filter

1

Depending on the equipment level, you may be able to drain the fuel filter yourself→ Fig. 1

2

. For this purpose, a

water drain plug must be fitted to the fuel filter on the vehicle

.

The water drain plug of the fuel filter can be found in the engine compartment→

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.

.

2. Apply the handbrake and take steps to ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away.

3. Switch off the ignition.

4. Use a sturdy, sealable container with a capacity of at least 500 ml.

5. Place the container on a level surface next to the vehicle.

6. Open the bonnet.

7. Connect a suitable, non-slip hose to the neck of the water drain plug

2

.

8. Feed the hose from the water drain plug into the container next to the vehicle.

9. Use the socket wrench on the handle of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit to loosen the water drain plug,

by turning it anticlockwise by about half a turn.

10. Start the engine.

Water in the fuel filter is automatically discharged under system pressure.

11. Drain about 200 ml of the fuel/water mixture until you can see only fuel escaping.

479

12. Switch off the engine and tighten the water drain plugclockwise with the box spanner.

13. Pull the hose off the water drain plug.

14. Allow fuel residue to flow from the hose into the container.

15. Remove the hose and close the container.

16. Start the engine and check the system for leaks(visual check).

The engine may need a few seconds to start in this instance owing to the system being bled automatically.

Have the system checked by a correspondingly qualified workshop if the yellow indicator lamp continues to light

up.

WARNING

Incorrect handling of diesel fuel can cause serious burns and injuries.

● Drain the fuel filter in an area in which there are no flammable materials.

● Never let your hand or any other body part come into contact with the fluid as it drains out. The high pressure of

the diesel and water mixture can cause injuries during the draining procedure.

● Always wear eye protection when handling the diesel and water mixture.

● Should the diesel and water mixture come into contact with the eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly with

water. Seek medical assistance immediately if required.

● Diesel fuel is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.

● Never use empty food containers, bottles or other containers to store drained fluid as other people may be fooled

into thinking that the diesel and water mixture contained within is potable.

● Always wash skin that has been in contact with diesel thoroughly using water and soap. Regular contact with

diesel fuel can damage the skin.

NOTICE

Ensure that no diesel is spilt on other components or released into the environment. Clean immediately if

necessary.

Observe the rules of disposal in accordance with the applicable regulations. If necessary, dispose of the fuel

and water mixture at the next filling station or a correspondingly qualified workshop.

Ensure that fuel is of sufficient quality when

refuelling.

Troubleshooting

Irregular engine running and malfunctions

Irregular engine running or faults when driving may be a sign of poor fuel quality:

1. Reduce speed immediately.

2. Drive to the nearest suitably qualified workshop at moderate engine speeds and low loads on the engine.

3. If the symptoms occur immediately after refuelling, switch off the engine straightaway to avoid any subsequent

damage.

Seek assistance from a suitably qualified workshop.

Water in the diesel

Vehicles with a water drain plug:

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

1. Drain the diesel fuel filter using the water drain plug (→ Diesel).

480

Or: Seek assistance from a suitably qualified workshop.

You can expect engine faults and increased fuel consumption if the indicator lamp is lit

up.

Introduction

Checklist

The emission-relevant components reduce exhaust emissions. Observe the following points so that the emission-

relevant components function for a long time:

✓ Never run the fuel tank completely empty.

✓ Refuel the vehicle only with fuels that are suitable for the vehicle (→ Identification of fuels).

✓ Use only engine oil that is suitable for the vehicle (→ Engine oil).

✓ Never overfill with engine oil (→ Engine oil).

✓ Do not tow-start the vehicle but perform jump starting instead (→ Jump starting).

If misfires, loss of power or rough engine running occur while driving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle

checked by a suitably qualified workshop. Otherwise uncombusted fuel could enter the exhaust system and thus be

discharged into the atmosphere. In addition, emission-relevant components can also be damaged by overheating.

WARNING

Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which can cause people to lose consciousness and also lead to

death.

● Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed spaces.

● Never start the engine in enclosed spaces.

● Do not leave the vehicle unsupervised with the engine running.

WARNING

The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires.

● Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any easily flammable material

underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass.

● Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, particulate

filters or heat shields.

A sulphur-like exhaust gas smell can also occur even if the exhaust purification system is functioning

properly.

481

AdBlue®

Legal information

®

No technical modifications which affect emission control by AdBlue may be made to the emission control system.

®

Only operation with AdBlue that complies with ISO-22241-1 is approved by Volkswagen and corresponds to the

Certificate of Conformity issued for this vehicle type.

®

Operating the vehicle without AdBlue that complies with ISO-22241-1 may be a criminal offence.

If the emission control system is not operated as intended, the exhaust emissions may become worse.

®

Information on AdBlue

The AdBlue^®consumption figures depend on the driving style, the operating temperature and the ambient

temperature.

The expected AdBlue^®consumption is 0.5 – 2.0 l/1,000 km and can vary and deviate depending on the driving style,

the operating and ambient temperature.

With some equipment levels, the remaining range and refill quantity can be checked on the instrument cluster

display.

Because AdBlue^®freezes at temperatures below -11 °C(+13 °F), there may be limitations when filling at very low

temperatures. While the vehicle is in motion, the system is heated to ensure effective emission control even at very

low temperatures. During prolonged spells of cold weather with temperatures below -11°C (+13°F), and in extremely

adverse conditions, it is possible that the AdBlue^®cannot be defrosted and is not available for the emission control

system.

1. Stop the vehicle in a warm place.

2. Wait until the AdBlue^®becomes liquid again.

3. If necessary, have refilling performed by a suitably qualified workshop.

AdBlue^®must be refilled independently of the service events. This may be necessary more frequently and between

the service intervals.

The AdBlue^®tank must never run empty→

.

Warning and prompting system with low fill level

Always add AdBlue^®when a prompt to add it appears in the instrument cluster display.

AdBlue^®in normal operating range. Remaining range of 2000 km or 2400 km(depending on equipment).

AdBlue^®can be added, but it is not necessary.

As of a remaining range of 2,000 or 2,400 km(depending on equipment), the instrument cluster display will indicate

that AdBlue^®must be refilled. The respective remaining range at that time is indicated in this prompt.

If this prompt is ignored, the yellow indicator lamp lights up from aremaining range of 1000 km. A message

informing you that it will no longer be possible to restart the engine in XXX km appears in the instrument cluster

display.

It will no longer be possible to restart the engine if the yellow indicator lamp is still ignored and the displayed

remaining range is 0 km. The red warning lamp lights up.

Warning and prompting system in the event of faults

482

If there is a fault in the exhaust gas purification system or if the tank has not been filled with standard-compliant

AdBlue^®in accordance with ISO-22241-1, the white or yellow indicator lamps light up . Theremaining range is

1,000 km when the white or yellow indicator lamps light up (→ Emission-relevant components).

If the yellow indicator lamps are ignored, the red warning lamps light up

. There is aremaining range of 0 km and

it is no longer possible to restart the engine (→ Emission-relevant components).

CAUTION

AdBlue^®is an irritant and corrosive fluid that can damage the skin, eyes and breathing passages upon contact.

®

● Always observe the instructions for use when using AdBlue. Compliance with the instructions usually prevents

users from coming into contact with AdBlue^®.

● AdBlue^®must be kept only in the closed original container. Never use empty food tins, bottles or other

containers.

● Always store AdBlue^®in a safe place out of reach of children.

● If AdBlue^®gets into the eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult

a doctor.

● If AdBlue^®comes into contact with the skin, immediately rinse your skin with plenty of water for at least

15 minutes and consult a doctor in the case of skin irritations.

● If AdBlue^®is swallowed, immediately rinse the mouth out with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Do not

induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Seek medical assistance immediately.

NOTICE

If the AdBlue^®level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition has been switched off. Starting with

jump leads is also not possible.

● Refill a sufficient quantity of AdBlue^®at the latest when the remaining distance reaches approximately 1,000 km.

®

● Never allow the AdBlue tank to run empty.

● Observe the remaining range displayed in the instrument cluster display.

NOTICE

Improper use of AdBlue^®may cause damage to the vehicle that is not covered by the warranty.

®

● Only use and add AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO-22241-1.

®

● Never add water, fuel or additives to the AdBlue .

®

● Never fill AdBlue into the diesel fuel tank.

● Do not permanently carry the refill bottle in the vehicle. The bottle may develop a leak following changes in

temperature and damage and the AdBlue^®may damage the vehicle interior.

Refilling AdBlue®

Fig. 1 Behind the tank flap: cap for the AdBlue filler neck.

483

Fig. 2 Refilling AdBlue® with a refill bottle.

Fig. 3 Refilling AdBlue® with a nozzle.

1

2

3

Cap for the AdBlue^®filler neck.

Refill bottle.

AdBlue^®nozzle.

Preparing for filling

®

The AdBlue filler neck is located behind the tank flap under the tank filler neck for fue→l Fig. 1

1

.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and switch off the ignition.

2. Open left-hand front door.

3. Open the tank flap.

®

4. Remove the cap from the AdBlue filler neck.

5. Insert the cap into the opening provided above the fuel tank filler neck.

If a message about the AdBlue^®level appears on the instrument cluster display, add at least the minimum refill

quantity. A smaller refill amount is insufficient.

Use only AdBlue^®that complies with the standardISO-22241-1.

484

Filling with the refill bottle

Observe the manufacturer’s use-by specifications, instructions and information on the refill bottle.

1. Remove the screw top of the refill bottle.

®

2

2. Place the refill bottle on the AdBlue filler neck and tighten the bottle hand-tight→ Fig. 2

3. Do not squeeze the refill bottle to prevent it from being damaged.

4. Press the refill bottle towards the filler neck and hold it in this position.

5. Add at least the minimum refill quantity indicated in the instrument cluster.

®

.

The AdBlue^®tank is full when AdBlue no longer flows out of the refill bottle→

6. To avoid overfilling the tank, do not squeeze the refill bottle.

7. Unscrew the refill bottle.

.

Filling with the filler nozzle

The AdBlue^®tank can be refilled at all AdBlue pumps.

®

Do not fill fuel and AdBlue at the same time.

The AdBlue^®filler nozzle works in the same way as a filler nozzle for fuel.

®

1. To ensure optimum filling, hold the AdBlue filler nozzle so that the handle is facing down→ Fig. 3

3

.

2. Add at least the minimum refill quantity indicated in the instrument cluster.

The AdBlue^®tank is full as soon as the filler nozzle clicks off for the first time→

.

®

3. Do not continue to fill. This will prevent the AdBlue tank from being overfilled.

Filling with the canister

1. Remove the cap from the canister.

®

2. Use the integrated spout to refill the AdBlue tank.

3. Add at least the minimum refill quantity indicated in the instrument cluster.

® ®

The AdBlue^®tank is full when AdBlue is filled up to the level of the AdBlue filler neck. Do not overfill the

AdBlue^®tank →

.

Preparing to continue the journey

®

1. Screw in the cap on the AdBlue filler neck until it engages.

2. Close the tank flap.

3. Close the left-hand front door.

4. Switch on the ignitiononly for at least 30 seconds so that refilling can be detected by the system.

5. Then start the engine afterwards.

NOTICE

Overfilling AdBlue^®may damage the tank system and the vehicle.

● Do not fill with more than the maximum refill quantity indicated on the instrument cluster display.

● Remove any spilled AdBlue^®as quickly as possible with a damp cloth and plenty of water.

485

®

● Remove any crystallised AdBlue with water and a sponge.

When filling with an AdBlue^®filler nozzle, you may notice an

odour.

Suitable AdBlue^®refill bottles are available from a correspondingly qualified

workshop.

Particulate filter

Fig. 1 Upper section of the centre console: buttons for

particulate filter regeneration (illustration).

Regeneration function

During regeneration of the particulate filter, the accumulated soot inside the filter is burnt to ash so that the filter

does not become clogged. Regeneration takes place at periodic intervals at high temperatures. In order to achieve

the high temperatures in the particulate filter, additional diesel is injected into the engine which is burnt in the diesel

oxidation catalytic converter, thus allowing the regeneration.

Depending on the driver’s driving profile and the load placed on the engine, the amount of diesel fuel injected is

continuously adjusted to maintain a high temperature in the particulate filter during regeneration. During the post-

injection of diesel, small amounts of fuel may enter the oil circuit in the engine. This fuel will evaporate from the

engine oil again during regular driving. If the engine oil temperatures are not high enough due to the driving profile,

or if you drive a lot of short distances, the fuel cannot evaporate from the engine oil and this can cause oil thinning.

An indicator lamp may light up on the instrument cluster display (→ Engine oil).

Automatic regeneration

Automatic regeneration occurs at regular intervals during everyday driving and is not shown on the display.

To assist the regeneration of the particulate filter, avoid making only short journeys.

The radiator fan may run on while the vehicle is moving or when the engine has been switched off.

Regeneration is interrupted automatically when the vehicle is driven in the reserve range and the yellow indicator

lamp lights up.

Manual regeneration (stationary regeneration)

2

The automatic regeneration of the particulate filter can be delayed via the→ Fig. 1

button, e.g. for driving into

closed halls. You can only postpone regeneration if the indicator lamp in the button lights up. Regeneration is

about to start when the indicator lamp in the button lights up. You can no longer postpone regeneration once it

486

has begun.

The

indicator lamp in the button flashes when regeneration has been postponed. Regeneration remains

2

postponed once you restart the engine. Postponement of regeneration is deactivated when you press the

again.

button

1

You can only start stationary regeneration using the

indicator lamp in the button lights up.

button if the particulate filter is saturated with soot and the

To start stationary regeneration:

1. Park the vehicle on a level, non-flammable surface.

2. Manual gearbox: Shift into neutral.

3. Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to positionP.

4. Apply the handbrake and take steps to ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away.

1

5. Press the button

A text message about theparticulate filter is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1

for around two seconds.

1. Press the button

again for about two seconds to confirm the message.

The text message is confirmed and stationary regeneration is started. The indicator lamp in the button flashes

during stationary regeneration.

Stationary regeneration is stopped automatically in the following situations:

—Manual gearbox: when the clutch pedal is depressed.

—Automatic gearbox: when the selector lever is shifted out ofP.

—If the handbrake is released.

—If the engine is switched off.

1

—If the

button is pressed again.

NOTICE

If regeneration is not completed, this can thin the oil and cause engine damage.

● Do not switch off the engine unnecessarily while the indicator lamp is active.

● Avoid frequent short journeys and driving cycles at continuously low engine speeds or stationary operation.

Stationary regeneration takes some time. If the stationary time is not sufficient to self-clean the particulate

filter completely, regeneration continues automatically while the vehicle is in motion.

Noises, slight smells and increased engine speeds may occur during

regeneration.

Troubleshooting

Fault in the SCR system

The red warning lamps

light up.

A text message may also be displayed.

There is a fault in the selective catalytic reduction system or the system is not filled with standard-compliant AdBlu^®e.

It is therefore no longer possible to restart the engine.

1. Drive immediately to a suitably qualified workshop without switching off the engine.

487

2. Have the system checked.

®

AdBlue level too low

The red warning lamp lights up.

A text message may also be displayed.

®

It is not possible to start the engine because the AdBlue level is too low.

1. Park the vehicle.

®

2. Refill the minimum quantity of AdBlue (→ AdBlue).

or

SCR system fault

The yellow or white indicator lamps

A text message may also be displayed.

light up.

There is a fault in the selective catalytic reduction system or the system is not filled with standard-compliant AdBlu^®e.

1. Drive immediately to a suitably qualified workshop.

2. Have the system checked.

Or:

During prolonged spells of cold weather with temperatures below -11°C(+13°F), and in extremely adverse conditions,

it is possible that the AdBlue® cannot be defrosted and is not available for the emission control system.

1. Drive the vehicle to a warmer environment with an ambient temperature higher than -11°C(+13°F) within the

stated range, e.g. a garage.

®

The error message disappears if there is sufficient AdBlue and it has defrosted.

®

AdBlue level low

or

The yellow or white indicator lamp lights up.

A text message may also be displayed.

1. Refill AdBlue^®before the displayed remaining range drops to zero (→ AdBlue).

Particulate filter clogged with soot

The yellow

indicator lamp lights up.

The particulate filter is clogged with soot and must be regenerated while driving. Stationary regeneration of the

particulate filter is no longer possible.

1. Driving at speeds between 50 – 120 km/h (31 – 75 mph) will help with regeneration.

2. Observe the relevant speed limits and the vehicle’s gear-change indicator.

The indicator lamp goes out automatically when the particulate filter has been regenerated.

1. If the indicator lamp is still lit up after driving for approx. 30 minutes, seek assistance from a suitably qualified

workshop immediately.

The particulate filter may become completely clogged if you ignore the indicator lamp . If the particulate filter is

488

Fuel and exhaust purification for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals