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

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.

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Introduction

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

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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

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—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.

For vehicles with a diesel engine, fill only with pure 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.

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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. Open left-hand front door.

2. Open the tank flap.

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

4. 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→

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

6. Close the tank flap.

.

7. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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

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