Get Engine oil Guide for Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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.

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. Always keep engine oil out of the reach of children.

● Store engine oil only in the closed original container. This also applies to used oil until it is disposed of.

● Regular contact with engine oil can damage the skin. Always wash skin that has been in contact with engine oil

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. Collect any service fluids that escape or are spilled

and dispose of them correctly and with respect for the environment.

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Engine oil standards

Vehicles with an engine oil sticker

If you need to add engine oil, use an oil with the prescribed engine oil standard and engine oil viscosity→ Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 Sticker for engine oil standard and engine oil

viscosity (illustration).

1

2

Information on the engine oil standard.

Information on the engine oil viscosity.

The sticker with the prescribed standard is located at the front of the engine compartment on the side next to the

1

bonnet release mechanism → Fig. 2

.

Fig. 2 In the engine compartment: Sticker for engine oil

standard and engine oil viscosity (illustration).

1

Sticker.

If the prescribed engine oil → Fig. 1 is used, the engine oil level can be corrected as often as necessary (→ Engine oil).

Vehicles without an engine oil sticker

Information on the prescribed engine oil standard and engine oil viscosity can be obtained from a suitably qualified

workshop. If the engine oil needs to be topped up, use an engine oil with the prescribed engine oil standard and

engine oil viscosity. If the prescribed engine oil is used, the engine oil level can be corrected as often as necessary, as

follows (→ Engine oil).

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If no engine oil is available according to the prescribed standard, in an emergency you may add a maximum of 0.5 l

(0.5 qt) once of an oil that corresponds to the following deviating standards until the next regular oil change:

—Diesel engines: Standards VW 507 00 and ACEA C3, ACEA C4 or API CK-4. All viscosity classes of these standards

are permitted.

We recommend having the work carried out by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

NOTICE

Using engine oils that are not approved under the respective standard can cause engine damage.

● When refilling, use only engine oils that satisfy the quality requirements of the relevant applicable standard.

● In an emergency, you may top up with a maximum of 0.5 l(0.5 qt) of engine oil that does not comply with the

standard.

Changing engine oil

The engine oil must be changed regularly and in accordance with the specified service interval.

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

Engine oil can cause damage to the environment, serious burns or fire if engine oil changes are not performed with

due care. This can result in serious or fatal injuries.

● Always allow the engine to cool down completely before changing the engine oil.

● Always wear eye protection when changing engine oil.

● Keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drain plug with your fingers to prevent the emerging 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 filling

quantity of engine oil.

WARNING

Engine oil is toxic. Serious or fatal injuries can be caused by contact with engine oil, particularly if engine oil is

swallowed.

● Seek immediate medical attention after swallowing engine oil.

● Seek medical attention if you experience health problems after working with engine oil.

● Always keep engine oil out of the reach of children and only in the closed original container. This also applies to

used oil until it is disposed of.

● Never store engine oil in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding

these containers may then drink the engine oil.

● Avoid regular contact with engine oil to prevent damage to the skin.

● Protect your skin, face and especially your eyes when working with engine oil.

● Do not eat, drink or smoke when working with engine oil.

● Wash your skin with soap and water after working with engine oil.

NOTICE

Oil and filter changes require special tools, expert knowledge and correct disposal of old oil. Vehicle damage can

result if this work is not performed correctly.

● You should always have the engine oil and filter changes performed by a suitably qualified workshop.

Dispose of engine oil in an environmentally responsible way and only at a collection point for old oil, e.g.

recycling centre or specialist retailer.

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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 l of engine oil per 2,000 km, depending on how you drive and the conditions in

which the vehicle 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 trips.

When the engine is working hard, the engine oil level must be in the upper permissible area (→ Engine oil), for

instance during extended motorway trips in summer or when climbing mountain passes

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Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil

Fig. 1 Oil dipstick with level marking.

A

B

C

Engine oil level too high – observe the messages on the instrument cluster display or seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level within normal range.

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).

Carry out the steps in the specified order→

, →

:

1. With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure that the engine oil

reading is correct.

2. Switch off the engine and wait at least 5 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 oil filler neck can be recognised by the → Fig. 2 symbol

on the cap and the oil dipstick by its coloured handle. If you cannot find the cap and oil dipstick, please contact

a suitably qualified workshop.

5. Pull the dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.

6. Re-insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube 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.

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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. Observe the messages on the instrument cluster display or seek expert assistance

as necessary →

.

B

Engine oil level within normal range. Engine oil can be filled to the upper limit of this range, e.g. when the

engine is subjected to high loads . 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 engine 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(0.5 qt) in total, or follow the recommendation in

the instrument cluster. The use of approved engine oils in accordance with the relevant VW standard is

recommended.

11. In order to avoid overfilling, wait for at least 1 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 too much engine oil has been added unintentionally and the engine oil level is in area→ Fig. 1

start the engine. Seek expert assistance.

, do not

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.

● 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.

● If engine oil is spilt on cold engine parts it can heat up and ignite when the engine is running.

NOTICE

● If the engine oil level is in area→ Fig. 1

A

, do not start the engine. Seek expert assistance.

● When refilling 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.

Troubleshooting

Engine oil pressure too 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.

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1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).

4. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp is flashing even when the engine oil level is

correct. The engine could otherwise be damaged. 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.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).

4. If required, top up the engine oil gradually in small quantities, using no more than 0.5 (l0.5 qt) in total.

5. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp is lit even though the engine oil level is correct.

The engine could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level too low

The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).

4. If required, top up the engine oil gradually in small quantities, using no more than 0.5 (l0.5 qt) in total.

5. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the indicator lamp is lit even though the engine oil level is correct.

The engine could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level too high

The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).

4. If the engine oil level is too high, do not drive on or allow the engine to run. The engine could otherwise be

damaged. Seek expert assistance.

or

Fault in the engine oil system

The indicator lamp flashes yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Seek expert assistance.

Introduction

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Engine oil for Your Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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