Get Emission control Guide for Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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

The components relevant to emission control reduce harmful emissions:

—AdBlue^®(→ AdBlue).

—Catalytic converter (→ Catalytic converter).

—Particulate filter (depending on equipment)(→ Particulate filter).

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.

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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

491

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

1,000 km when the white or yellow indicator lamps light up .

. Theremaining range is

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

it is no longer possible to restart the engine .

. There is aremaining range of 0 km and

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.

492

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.

493

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.

494

®

● 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.

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.

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 within the stated range, such as a garage, where there is an ambient

temperature higher than -11°C (+13°F).

®

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.

495

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

Catalytic converter

Observe the following information to help ensure the long-term functionality of the exhaust system and the engine’s

catalytic converter:

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

—Do not run the fuel tank empty.

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

—Do not tow-start the vehicle. Use jump leads.

If you notice misfiring, loss of power or uneven running when driving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle

checked by a correspondingly qualified workshop. Otherwise uncombusted fuel could enter the exhaust system and

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

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

properly.

496

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

has begun.

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

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

button if the particulate filter is saturated with soot and the

497

indicator lamp in the button lights up.

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

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

clogged, a service regeneration must be carried out by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

498

Particulate filter clogged

The yellow indicator lamps

light up together.

Self-regeneration of the particulate filter is no longer possible.

1. Contact a suitably qualified workshop immediately to have a service regeneration carried out.

The particulate filter will become damaged and will have to be replaced by a suitably qualified workshop if the

indicator lamps

are ignored.

Emissions-relevant fault

The yellow indicator lamp lights up.

Fault in an emissions-relevant component that can damage the vehicle.

1. Drive to the nearest suitably qualified workshop.

2. Have the engine and exhaust system checked.

Misfiring

The yellow indicator lamp flashes.

Misfiring that can damage the vehicle.

1. Drive to the nearest suitably qualified workshop.

2. Have the engine and exhaust system checked.

WARNING

Any sudden driving manoeuvres that cannot be anticipated by other road users may lead to accidents.

● Ensure that your speed and driving style are always appropriate for the current visibility, weather and road/traffic

conditions.

● Always observe the applicable country-specific traffic regulations.

There may be engine faults and fuel consumption may be higher if the indicator lamps are lit up or

flashing.

Introduction

Observe any country-specific legislation when securing your vehicle in the event of a breakdown.

WARNING

In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident, a loose vehicle tools container, breakdown set

and spare wheel could be flung though the vehicle and cause severe injuries.

● Always ensure that the vehicle toolkit, breakdown set and spare wheel are always properly secured in the vehicle.

WARNING

Unsuitable or damaged tools in the vehicle toolkit can lead to accidents and injuries.

● Never work with unsuitable or damaged tools from the vehicle toolkit.

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Emission control for Your Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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