Get Maintenance Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

5

3

2. Reconnect the tyre filler hose → Fig. 2

3. 1.3 bar (19 psi / 130 kPa) and lower:

and read the tyre pressure on the tyre pressure display→ Fig. 2

.

—Do not drive on! The tyre cannot be sealed adequately with the breakdown set.

—Seek assistance from a suitably qualified workshop→

4. 1.4 bar (20 psi / 140 kPa) and higher:

.

— Adjust the tyre pressure back to the correct value.

—Drive carefully to the nearest suitably qualified workshop. Do not exceed a maximum speed of 80 km/h

(50 mph).

—Have the damaged tyres replaced by a suitably qualified workshop.

WARNING

The tyre filler hose and the air compressor can get hot during inflation.

● Protect your hands and skin from hot components.

● Do not place the hot tyre filler hose and the hot air compressor on any flammable materials.

● Allow the device to cool down completely before stowing it.

WARNING

If the defective tyre cannot be sealed adequately with the breakdown set, the tyre will lose air when driving. This

can lead to tyre failure, loss of control of the vehicle, accidents, serious injuries and death.

● If the tyre will not inflate to at least 2.0 bar(29 psi/200 kPa), the tyre is too damaged. The sealant is unable to

seal the tyre. Do not drive on.

● Do not carry on driving if the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar(19 psi/130 kPa) or lower after driving for 10 minutes.

● Consult a suitably qualified workshop.

NOTICE

Switch the air compressor off after a maximum of 6 minutes to avoid overheating. Let the air compressor cool down

for a few minutes before switching it back on.

Service work and digital service schedule

The vehicle data sticker attached to the inside cover of this owner’s manual ensures that the correct Volkswagen

Genuine Parts are always installed in your vehicle. This data also determines which type of service applies to the

vehicle.

The vehicle data sticker confirms when the vehicle was first registered or delivered, when the delivery inspection was

carried out, and thus the date from which the vehicle is covered by our warranty.

The digital service schedule is not available in some markets. In this case, the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

dealership provides information about the service work and documentation of this work.

Storing the service operations performed (“digital service schedule”)

The service records are stored in a central system by a suitably qualified workshop or your Volkswagen Commercial

Vehicles dealership. This transparent documentation of the service history allows the service operations performed to

be reproduced at any time. Each time you have your vehicle serviced, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends

asking for a printed service record, which contains all service work stored in the system.

With every service, the printout of the previous service record is replaced by a current printout.

The digital service schedule is not available in some markets. In this case, your Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

dealership will inform you about the service work and documentation of this work.

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Service work

The following information is documented in the digital service schedule by a suitably qualified workshop or your

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership:

—Which service was carried out and when.

—Whether any repairs are recommended, such as replacement of the brake pads in the near future.

—Whether you had any special requests before or during the maintenance work. Your service advisor will note these

on the order.

—Which components and service fluids were changed.

—When your next service is scheduled for.

The LongLife mobility guarantee is valid until the next inspection is due. Documentation takes place at every

scheduled inspection.

The type and scope of service work may differ from vehicle to vehicle. Information on specific work for your vehicle

can be requested from a suitably qualified workshop.

WARNING

Inadequate servicing, no servicing at all, or failure to adhere to service intervals can result in breakdowns, accidents

and serious injury.

● All service work should be carried out by a suitably qualified workshop.

NOTICE

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by inadequate servicing work or

delays in the supply of parts.

Regular servicing of your vehicle not only maintains its value, it also ensures that your vehicle remains

roadworthy and in working order. You should therefore have your vehicle serviced according to the

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles guidelines.

Fixed service or flexible service

There are two types of service event:oil change service and inspection. The service interval display in the display of

the instrument cluster serves as a reminder of when the next service event is due.

Your vehicle will receive eitherfixed service or flexible service during the oil change service, depending on the level of

equipment, the engine type and the operating conditions.

The engine codes are displayed on the type plate. They can also be queried in the service menu (→ Service interval

display).

How do I know which type of service my vehicle needs?

Information on the service type that applies to the vehicle can be obtained from a correspondingly qualified

workshop.

Features of the flexible service

With the flexible service, you only need to have an oil change service carried out if your vehicle requires one.

Individual operating conditions and personal driving style are taken into account in order to determine this point in

time. An important feature of the flexible service is the use of LongLife engine oil instead of conventional oil.

Observe and follow the information on the motor oil specification according to the VW standard (→ Engine oil).

If you do not wish to have the flexible service, you can opt for the fixed service instead. However, a fixed service can

affect your service costs. Your service advisor will be pleased to advise you.

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Service interval display

Service dates are shown in the service interval display in the instrument cluster (→ Service interval display). This

service interval display provides information on services that include an oil change or inspection. When an individual

service is due, additional work that is due can also be carried out, e.g. changing brake fluid and spark plugs.

Information on operating conditions

The specified service intervals and scope of service apply to vehicles used undernormal operating conditions.

If the vehicle is operated undersevere conditions, some work will have to be performed before the next service is due

or at shorter intervals than those specified.

Difficult operating conditions:

—Fuels containing sulphur.

—Regular short trips.

—Long periods of engine idling, e.g. taxis.

—Use of the vehicle on rough terrain.

—Use in areas with high levels of dust

—Frequent trailer towing (with some equipment levels).

—Primarily stop-and-go mode, e.g. in the city.

—Driving mainly in winter conditions

This applies particularly to the following components(depending on the vehicle equipment):

—Active combi filter.

—Air Care active combi filter.

—Air filter.

—Toothed belt.

—Particulate filter.

—Engine oil.

—Additional equipment.

The service advisor at a suitably qualified workshop will be pleased to advise you on whether your vehicle requires

more frequent work due to the conditions under which it is used.

WARNING

Inadequate servicing, no servicing at all, or failure to adhere to service intervals may result in breakdowns, accidents

or serious injury.

● All work should be carried out by a suitably qualified workshop.

NOTICE

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by inadequate servicing work or

delays in the supply of parts.

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Scope of service

The scope of service includes allinspection work and maintenance work that is necessary in order to keep your vehicle

roadworthy (depending on the operating conditions and vehicle equipment, e.g. engine, gearbox or service fluids).

You can find out the details of the work required for your vehicle from any correspondingly qualified workshop. Or

you can enquire in the electronic repair and workshop information system erWin (→ Repairs and technical

modifications).

Inspection work

The systems listed below may be checked, for example.

Electrics

—12-volt vehicle battery: replace if necessary.

—Lighting.

—Horn.

—Headlight setting.

—Reset service interval display.

Engine and gearbox

—Exhaust system.

—Gearbox and final drive.

—Natural gas system.

—Poly V-belt.

—Cooling system.

—Engine and components in the engine compartment.

—Engine oil level: check.

Running gear

—Swivel joints and track rods.

—Tyres.

—Brake system.

—Brake pads and brake discs.

—Brake fluid level.

—Drive shaft boots.

—Coupling rod and stabiliser mountings.

—Breakdown set.

—Tyre pressure on all wheels.

—Power steering.

—Shock absorbers and coil springs.

Body

—Windscreen.

—Corrosion on the body.

—Wiper blades and window washer system.

—Lubricate door arresters.

—Underbody.

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1. Carry out road test.

Servicing work

In addition to the inspection work, further servicing work may need to be performed on your vehicled, epending on

the operating conditions and vehicle equipment, e.g. engine, gearbox or service fluids,. This work is dependent either

on time and mileage or only time or mileage.

The service fluids or components listed below may be changed, for example.

—Final drive and differential: change oil.

—Additives: change or top up.

—Air Care enhanced air filter with activated carbon.

—Enhanced air filter with activated carbon.

—Brake fluid.

—Diesel fuel filter: change or drain.

—Natural gas fuel tank and natural gas pipes.

—Natural gas system filter.

—Gearbox: change oil and filter as required.

—Gearbox mounting.

—Battery of the seatbelt status indicator for the rear seats.

—Air filter.

—Engine: change oil and filter as required.

—Particulate filter: check.

—Toothed belt and tensioning roller: check or change.

—Spark plugs.

It is also possible to have servicing work carried out in between the scheduled service events.

The scope of service is subject to change for technical reasons, e.g. continuous further development of components.

Your correspondingly qualified workshop always has the latest information about any changes.

Notes on vehicle care

Regular and expert care helps to preserve your vehicle→

.

The longer that soiling is left on the surface of vehicle components and upholstery fabrics, the more difficult it can

become to clean and treat them. Extended exposure may mean that it is no longer possible to remove soiling.

WARNING

Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle and cause serious injury.

● Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

● Always use approved or recommended cleaning products.

● Do not use cleaning agents that contain solvents. Solvents can cause irreparable damage to the airbag modules.

● Protect your hands and arms against parts with sharp edges, e.g. when cleaning the insides of the wheel

housings.

WARNING

Dirty, misted and iced-up windows reduce visibility. This can also impair the vehicles’ safety equipment. This leads

to a risk of accidents and serious injuries.

● You should only drive the vehicle if you have a clear view through all windows.

● Do not treat the windscreen with water-repellent window coating agents. In unfavourable conditions, they can

cause increased dazzle.

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Care products

Consult a correspondingly qualified workshop if you have any questions about care products or if components are not

listed. Appropriate accessories are available from a correspondingly qualified workshop. Follow the instructions for

use on the packaging.

WARNING

Unsuitable care products and incorrect use of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or

poisoning. Care products may be toxic and hazardous.

● Store care products only in the closed original container.

● Read the packaging leaflet.

● Keep all care products out of reach of children.

● Use care products only outside or in well-ventilated rooms so that you do not breathe in any toxic vapours.

● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids for vehicle care. These

substances are toxic and highly flammable.

NOTICE

Soiling with aggressive and solvent-based ingredients can cause irreparable damage to the vehicle equipment, even

if left for only a short time, e.g. on seat padding or trim parts.

● Do not let contamination or dirt dry.

● Have stubborn stains removed by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

Washing the vehicle

Washing the vehicle regularly prevents effects of soiling that can damage the paint work.

Please observe the following information to wash your vehicle correctly and properly.

WARNING

The braking efficiency may be delayed and the braking distance may be longer after the vehicle has been washed.

The brake discs and brake pads may be damp, or iced up in winter. There is a risk of accidents.

● “Dry and de-ice the brakes” by performing careful braking manoeuvres.

NOTICE

Serious vehicle damage can be caused if the vehicle is not washed correctly.

● Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

● Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.

● Never aim a water jet directly at locks, doors or the boot lid in cold weather. The locks and seals may freeze up.

Automatic car washes

—Do not select a washing programme with hot wax for vehicles with decorative and protective films.

—Car washes without brushes are to be preferred.

—Regularly have the bottom of the vehicle thoroughly cleaned to remove residue.

—Please observe any information provided by the car wash operator, especially where add-on parts are concerned.

✓ All windows must be closed and the exterior mirrors must be folded away.

✓ Vehicles with steering column lock: If the vehicle is mechanically pulled through the car wash(wash tunnel), the

steering column must not unlock (→ Steering).

✓ The wipers and the rain and light sensor (→ Rain and light sensor) are switched off.

NOTICE

587

Car washes that scan the contours mechanically may damage the vehicle.

High-pressure cleaner

—Never use rotary nozzles. Observe the manufacturer’s instructions.

—Use water only up to a maximum temperature of +60°C(+140°F).

—Move the jet of water uniformly so that the nozzle is at least 50 cm(20 inches) away from the vehicle components.

—Do not point the water jet at the same location for too long.

—Aim the water jet indirectly at sensitive vehicle components if possible, e.g. rubber seals, side windows, gloss

strips, tyres, sensors, camera lenses, decorative and protective film.

—Never clean windows that are iced up or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.

Washing by hand

Isolated soiling on the paint can be removed with cleaning clay.

1. Clean the vehicle with plenty of water to remove dust and coarse soiling.

2. Clean with a soft sponge, a wash mitt or a brush applying only light pressure. Start with the roof and work from

the top to the bottom. Use a cleaning shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.

3. Clean wheels and side members with a clean sponge.

4. Rinse off with plenty of water.

5. Allow the vehicle to dry in the air. Remove water residue with a chamois leather.

Wash the vehicle only in specially designated washing bays. This prevents waste water that is possibly

contaminated with oil from entering the sewerage system.

NOTICE

The drains in the plenum chamber could become blocked with leaves or dirt. Water that does not drain off could get

into the vehicle interior. Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-

pressure cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.

● Remove leaves and other loose objects with a vacuum cleaner or by hand.

● Have the area under the perforated cover cleaned by a qualified workshop.

NOTICE

Unpainted plastic parts, headlamp lenses and tail light clusters can be damaged if the vehicle is not washed

correctly.

● Do not use hard or abrasive brushes.

Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior

The following overview contains recommendations for cleaning and care of individual vehicle components.

NOTICE

Incorrect cleaning and care can damage the vehicle.

● Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

● Do not use excessively hard, abrasive cleaning tools.

Windows, glass surfaces

—Remove wax residue, e.g. from care products, using a suitable glass cleaner or with a suitable cleaning cloth.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends a Volkswagen Genuine cleaning cloth for this purpose.

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—Remove snow with a brush.

— Remove ice with a plastic scraper. Move the scraper in one direction only.

—Remove any ice with a suitable de-icing agent.

—Clean the wiper blades or change if necessary (→ Wiper blades).

Sensors and camera lenses

Observe the installation locations of the components on the vehicle .

Clean the area in front of the sensors or camera with a soft cloth and solvent-free cleaning agent.

Clean sensitive surfaces on the rain and light sensor and the camera window on the windscreen with a suitable glass

cleaner.

—Remove snow with a brush.

—Never use warm or hot water.

—Remove any ice with a suitable de-icing agent.

Cleaning the reversing camera

—Switch on the electronic parking brake.

—Switch on the ignition.

—Select reverse gear.

The camera image of the reversing camera is displayed.

—Tap the Camera settings function button in the Infotainment system.

—Tap the Cleaning function button.

Reversing camera cleaning is switched on.

Paint

Always treat surfaces carefully in order to prevent damage to the paint coat.

—Use a clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution(made with a maximum of two tablespoons of neutral soap to one

litre of water) or cleaning clay to remove any light dirt immediately, e.g. deposits, insect residue, or cosmetics.

—Clean up spilled service fluids immediately.

—Moisten flash rust deposits with a soap solution. Then remove any deposits with cleaning clay.

—Have corrosion removed by a suitably qualified workshop.

—In the event of paint damage, go to a suitably qualified workshop and have the paint damage repaired.

Waxing protects the paintwork. At the latest when water no longer clearly forms small drops and runs off the

paintwork when the vehicle is clean, the vehicle should be protected again using a preservative wax.

—Even if a preservative wax is applied regularly in the car wash, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends

protecting the paint with a coat of suitable hard wax at least twice a year.

—Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by applying wax.

Decorative films, protective films

—Remove soiling as forpaint. Use a suitable plastic cleaner for decorative films.

—Treat the vehicle with liquid hard wax every three months after washing and removing dust. Only use clean, soft

microfibre cloths to apply it. Do not use hot wax, even in car washes.

—Remove stubborn impurities carefully using white spirits, and then rinse using warm water.

589

The durability and colour of decorative and protective films are affected by environmental factors such as

sunshine, moisture, air pollution, stone chips, etc. Decorative films can show signs of wear and ageing after

approximately one to three years and protective films after approximately two to three years. In very hot

climates, decorative films may start to fade within one year and protective films within two years.

Components made of chrome, aluminium or stainless steel

—Clean the surface with a suitable chrome and aluminium care product.

—Chrome trim can be protected with a suitable hard wax.

Headlights, tail light clusters

—Remove soiling using a soft sponge soaked with a mild soap solution consisting of a maximum of two tablespoons

of neutral soap diluted in one litre of water. Do not use any cleaning agents that contain alcohol or solvents.

—Remove stubborn dirt with a suitable chrome and aluminium care product.

Wheels

—Remove dirt and gritting salt deposits with plenty of water.

—Treat dirty alloy wheels with a suitable wheel rim cleaner. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends treating

the wheel rims with a suitable hard wax every three months.

—Repair any damage to the protective paint coating immediately with a touch-up pen. If necessary, go to a suitably

qualified workshop.

—Remove brake dust with a suitable wheel rim cleaner.

Door lock cylinders

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends thawing door lock cylinders with a suitable door lock de-icer. Do not

use door lock de-icers containing grease solvents.

Area under the bonnet, plenum chamber

—Remove leaves and other loose objects with a vacuum cleaner or by hand→

.

— Always have cleaning of the area under the bonnet performed by a correspondingly qualified workshop→

.

WARNING

The area under the bonnet of the vehicle is a hazardous area. All work carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents

and fire.

● Before carrying out any work in the area of the bonnet, always observe the required procedures and safety

precautions (→ In the engine compartment).

● Have the work carried out by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

NOTICE

The drains in the plenum chamber could become blocked with leaves or dirt. Water that has not drained away can

enter the vehicle interior and cause significant damage.

● Do not clean the plenum chamber with a high-pressure cleaner.

● Have the area under the perforated cover of the plenum chamber cleaned regularly by a suitably qualified

workshop.

Cleaning and caring for the interior

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The following overview contains recommendations for cleaning and care of individual vehicle components.

NOTICE

Incorrect cleaning and care can damage the vehicle.

● Do not use a steam cleaner, brushes or hard sponges etc. for cleaning under any circumstances.

● Have stubborn stains removed by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

Windows

1. Clean windows with a glass cleaner.

2. Wipe the windows dry with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth.

Textiles, microfibre cloth and leatherette

—Remove dirt particles which adhere to the surface regularly with a vacuum cleaner so that the material is not

permanently damaged by abrasion.

—Remove dirt with a suitable interior cleaner or with Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaner.

—For fat-based soiling such as oil, use a suitable interior cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaner. Dab off

dissolved grease and colour particles with an absorbent cloth. Then treat with water if necessary.

—In the case of soiling caused by ballpoint pens or nail vanish, for example, use a suitable interior cleaner or

Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaner. If necessary, treat subsequently with a mild soap solution consisting of a

maximum of two tablespoons of neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.

—Never use leather care agents, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or similar.

—Never use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners and coolant spray.

Natural leather

—Remove fresh dirt with a cotton cloth moistened with a mild soap solution made from a maximum of two

tablespoons of neutral soap to one litre of water. Do not allow fluids to seep into the seams.

—In the case of soiling caused by ballpoint pens or nail vanish, for example, use a suitable leather cleaner or

Volkswagen Genuine leather cleaner.

—Treat dried-in stains with a suitable leather cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine leather cleaner.

—For fat-based soiling, e.g. oil, remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.

—Apply a leather treatment agent to seats regularly, and after each clean. If the vehicle is parked outdoors for long

periods, you should cover the leather to protect it from direct sunlight.

—Never treat leather with solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or similar.

Plastic parts

—Clean with a soft, moist cloth.

—If stubborn soiling cannot be removed with mild soap solution consisting of a maximum of two tablespoons of

neutral soap diluted in one litre of water, use a solvent-free plastic cleaning agent or Volkswagen Genuine plastic

cleaner if necessary.

Trim parts, trim strips made of chrome, aluminium or stainless steel

—Clean with a clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution made with a maximum of two tablespoons of neutral soap

to one litre of water in a dust-free environment.

591

—Treat anodised surfaces with a suitable chrome and aluminium care product or with the Volkswagen Genuine

chrome and aluminium care product.

Controls

1. Remove coarse dirt and other dirt that is difficult to reach using a soft brush.

2. Use a clean, soft cloth with some mild soap solution consisting of a maximum of two tablespoons of neutral

soap diluted in one litre of water. Do not allow liquids to enter the controls →

.

NOTICE

The vehicle controls can be damaged by contact with liquids.

Displays and screens

Do not clean the displays and the screen of the Infotainment system with a dry cloth.

1. Switch off the Infotainment system temporarily before cleaning.

2. Use a suitable cleaning cloth or Volkswagen Genuine cleaning cloth with a little water, a suitable glass cleaner

or LCD cleaner.

Seat rails

—Use a narrow nozzle on a vacuum cleaner to remove sand, dirt etc. from the seat rails.

—Clean the surface regularly →

.

NOTICE

If seats are moved when the seat rails are soiled, the seat rails and the seat feet could be damaged.

Rubber seals

—Clean with a soft and lint-free cloth as well as plenty of water.

— Regularly treat with a suitable rubber care product or the Volkswagen Genuine rubber care product.

Seat belts

1. Carefully pull the seat belt right out and leave it out.

2. Remove coarse dirt with a soft brush.

3. If necessary, clean the seat belt with a mild soap solution consisting of a maximum of two tablespoons of

neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.

4. Leave the belt fabric to dry completely and then allow it to roll up.

WARNING

Failure to clean the parts properly can cause damage to the seat belts, the fastenings and the belt retractor.

● Never try to modify or remove the seat belts for cleaning.

● Never clean the seat belts and their components with chemical agents.

● Do not use any caustic liquids, solvents or sharp objects.

● Protect the belt buckles against the ingress of liquids and foreign bodies.

● Let the cleaned seat belt to dry completely before allowing it to retract.

592

Opaque shades

—For the best cleaning results, use dry cleaning.

— Please refer to the information on the labels sewn into the opaque shades before cleaning in a washing machine.

Wooden trims

clean with a soft cloth moistened with a mild soap solution made from a maximum of two tablespoons of neutral

soap to one litre of water.

Cleaning seat covers

If clothing that is not sufficiently colour-fast, e.g. denim, leaves stains on the seat cushions, this does not mean that

the upholstery is defective. The seat padding may contain components for the airbag system and electrical

connections. Seat padding that is damaged, incorrectly cleaned or treated, or that becomes wet, may cause damage

to the vehicle electrical system or trigger a fault in the airbag system.

Depending on the equipment, seat cushions with seat heating feature electrical components and connectors that

may be damaged in the event of incorrect cleaning or treatment. This can also result in damage to other parts of the

vehicle electrics.

—Clean the surfaces of the seats with a slightly moistened cloth→

.

—Ask a correspondingly qualified workshop about special cleaning agents for treating coarse dirt.

—Never use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners and coolant spray.

—Never soak seat covers.

—Never switch on the seat heating to dry the seats.

—Do not use washing paste or fine detergent solutions.

—If in doubt, go to a correspondingly qualified workshop.

WARNING

Incorrect cleaning and treatment or saturation of the vehicle interior can damage the vehicle electrical system or

trigger a fault in the airbag system which could result in severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.

● Avoid excessive use of water, e.g. water hose, high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner.

● Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cool box

—Clean the cool box with a household detergent before using it for the first time and whenever it needs cleaning.

—When not in use for a long time, place a folded, dry towel between the lid and the refrigerator box to prevent

mould and mildew stains.

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Maintenance for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

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