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

Fault in the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

The indicator lamp flashes for around 1 minute and then remains lit up yellow continuously.

One or more wheels with a tyre pressure sensor have been fitted but have not yet been detected by the system.

1. Drive for a few minutes until the indicator lamp goes out.

One or more wheels without a tyre pressure sensor have been fitted or a tyre pressure sensor is defective.

1. Fit wheels with functional tyre pressure sensors.

There is a transmission fault between the sensor and the system. The function of the system may be temporarily

impaired if there is interference from signals in the same frequency range as these transmitters.

1. Switch off or avoid any disruptive sources, e.g. wireless devices, remote controls or children’s toys.

Metal valve caps were screwed onto the tyre valves and are blocking the radio signal of the tyre pressure sensors.

1. Replace the metal valve caps with valve caps made of plastic.

There is a system fault.

1. Switch the ignition off and then back on again. If the fault persists, go to a correspondingly qualified workshop.

Introduction

You should carry out a wheel change yourself only when the vehicle is parked safely, you are familiar with the safety

procedures and have access to the correct equipment. Some models are delivered from the factory without a jack or

box spanner. If this is the case, have the wheel change carried out by a suitably qualified workshop.

The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle wheel is damaged

and has to be replaced. If both wheels on one side of the vehicle, both wheels on one axle, or all wheels are damaged,

go to a suitably qualified workshop.

The following steps must be carried out to change a wheel.

1. Prepare the vehicle for the wheel change (→ Changing a wheel).

2. Take out the spare wheel (→ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel).

3. Remove the wheel trim or wheel bolt caps (→ Wheel cover) (→ Centre wheel trim) (→ Wheel bolt caps).

4. Loosen the wheel bolts (→ Wheel bolts).

5. Jack up the vehicle .

6. Remove the damaged wheel and fit the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel (→ Wheels and tyres).

WARNING

Performing a wheel change at the side of the road can be dangerous.

If the vehicle and the working area are not secured appropriately, this can result in serious accidents and fatal

injuries.

● Change the wheel yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary actions. If this is not the case, seek

assistance from a suitably qualified workshop.

● Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.

● Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.

● To reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement, always switch off the engine and move the selector lever

to P position.

● To reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement, always switch off the engine and engage a gear on

vehicles with a manual gearbox.

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● Apply the handbrake firmly.

● Move all passengers and children in particular to a safe distance from the working area and away from moving

traffic.

● Switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle to warn other road users.

● Jack up the vehicle only on a flat and stable surface. Soft ground or surfaces at an incline under the vehicle jack

may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack. If necessary, use a large, strong board or similar support for the jack.

● Use an anti-slip underlay, e.g. a rubber mat, to prevent the jack from slipping on a slippery surface, e.g. a tiled

floor.

● Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.

● The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a correctly functioning torque wrench immediately after

changing a wheel.

● If your vehicle is equipped with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, you must immediately adapt the system again after

a wheel change (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator).

If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the car - for example in the case of winter

tyres or a temporary spare wheel - only use the spare tyre in the event of a breakdown for a short period of

time and drive with extra care. Replace the temporary spare wheel with a normal wheel as soon as possible.

Preparing the vehicle

Checklist

The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for changing the whee→l

:

1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic. Observe all the important information on parking

(→ Parking). The ground must be firm and level. Soft ground or surfaces at an incline under the vehicle jack may

cause the vehicle to slip off the jack. If necessary use a large, strong board or similar support for the vehicle jack.

2. Switch on the hazard warning lights (→ Centre console).

3. Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go to a safe place away from moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety

barrier. Observe the country-specific regulations on high-visibility waistcoats.

4. Set up the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.

5. Adjust the steering wheel so that the wheels point straight forwards.

6. Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being worked on with a stone, collapsible chocks or a similar

object.

7. When towing a trailer: unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park it .

8. When the luggage compartment is loaded: remove load.

9. Remove the spare wheel from the spare wheel bracket and vehicle tools from the vehicle.

WARNING

Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and severe injuries.

● Always follow the actions in the checklist.

● Observe the generally valid safety precautions.

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Removing the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel

Fig. 1 Underneath the vehicle: retaining bolt 1 and

securing bolt 2 on the spare wheel bracket

Fig. 2 Underneath the vehicle: spare wheel bracket with

box spanner inserted

Remove the spare wheel

These steps should be followed in the given order only→

.

1

1. Use the box spanner from the vehicle toolkit to loosen the retaining bolt→ Fig. 1

2

until it is free.

2. Unscrew the securing bolt → Fig. 1

completely.

The spare wheel bracket is now supported by the retaining bolt.

3. Fit the box spanner in the bracket→ Fig. 2.

Make sure that the box spanner hook is located in the hole in the bracket→ Fig. 2 (close-up). If the box spanner

is hooked in correctly, you should not be able to pull it out towards the back of the vehicle.

4. Hold the box spanner with both hands.

5. Lift the box spanner upwards together with the spare wheel bracket and guide the box spanner to the right. The

head of the retaining bolt and the recess on the spare wheel bracket should be flush.

6. Guide the box spanner downwards with the spare wheel bracket.

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7. Remove the spare wheel.

Storing the removed wheel

1. Place the replaced wheel in the spare wheel bracket.

2. Fit the box spanner in the bracket→ Fig. 2.

Make sure that the box spanner hook is located in the hole in the bracket→ Fig. 2 (close-up). If the box spanner

is hooked in correctly, you should not be able to pull it out towards the back of the vehicle.

3. Hold the box spanner with both hands.

4. Lift the box spanner upwards together with the spare wheel bracket and guide the box spanner to the left. The

spare wheel bracket must be positioned on the retaining bolt.

5. Pull the box spanner out of the retainer.

2

6. Screw in the securing bolt→ Fig. 1

7. Screw in the retaining bolt→ Fig. 1

fully with the box spanner.

1

8. Tighten the securing bolt and the retaining bolt with the box spanner. The tightening torque is 60 Nm.

Check the tightening torque with a working torque spanner immediately after stowing the spare wheel.

When the spare wheel is not the same as the other tyres mounted on the vehicle

If the spare wheel does not have the same type of tyre as are mounted on the car – for example, in the case of winter

tyres or a temporary spare wheel – only use the spare tyre for a short period of time in the event of a breakdown, and

drive with extra care →

.

You must replace the spare wheel with a normal, functional road wheel as soon as possible.

Observe these driving guidelines:

—Do not drive faster than 80 km/h(around 50 mph).

—Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.

—Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel (→ Snow chains).

—The tyre pressure must be checked as soon as possible after fitting the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel

(→ Tyre pressure).

Check the tyre pressure of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel when you check the normal tyres, at least once

a month. The spare tyre should be inflated to the maximum permissible pressure for the vehicle (→ Tyre pressure).

WARNING

Incorrect use of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle, serious

accidents and fatal injuries.

● Do not use the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel under any circumstances if it is damaged or worn down to

the tread wear indicators.

● If the spare wheel is not the same as the other tyres mounted on the vehicle or if you use a temporary spare

wheel: never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).

● Some vehicles may be equipped with a temporary spare wheel instead of a spare wheel. The temporary spare

wheel can be recognised by a sticker and the text “80 km/h” or “50 mph”. This is the maximum speed at which

you are permitted to drive with this tyre. Do not cover the sticker during use of the wheel.

● Never drive further than 200 km(125 miles) with a temporary spare wheel if it is fitted to the drive axle.

● Do not accelerate quickly, brake suddenly or drive at high speed through bends.

● Replace the temporary spare wheel with a normal wheel as soon as possible. The temporary spare wheel is

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designed for a short period of use only.

● Always secure the temporary spare wheel with the wheel bolts supplied from the factory.

● Never use more than one temporary spare wheel at a time.

● Never drive using more than one spare wheel that differs from the normal tyres.

● After fitting the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel, check the tyre pressure as soon as possible (→ Tyre

pressure).

● Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel.

● Do not fit a temporary spare wheel to the rear axle when towing a trailer .

WARNING

Failure to carry out the actions for removing the spare wheel in the specified order could result in serious injuries.

● Follow the actions in the specified order.

If possible, fit the spare wheel, temporary spare wheel or removed wheel securely in the spare wheel bracket

underneath the vehicle.

With some equipment levels, some vehicles may be factory-fitted with a spare wheel bracket in the luggage

compartment.

Removing the centre wheel trim

Fig. 1 Pulling off the centre wheel trims.

The centre wheel trim protects the wheel bolts and must be replaced after changing the tyre.

1. Take the hook from the vehicle toolkit (→ Vehicle toolkit) and insert it into a hole(alloy wheel) → Fig. 1 or fit it

on the edge (steel wheel) of the trim.

2. Pull off the trim in the direction of the arrow→ Fig. 1.

Fitting the centre wheel trim

1. Place the centre wheel trim centrally on the wheel rim and press against the wheel rim until you feel the trim

engage in position.

WARNING

Using unsuitable hubcaps, or fitting them incorrectly, can cause accidents and serious injuries.

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Incorrectly fitted hubcaps can become loose while the vehicle is in motion and endanger other road users.

● Do not use damaged hubcaps.

● Check to make sure that the wheel trim has engaged securely around the entire circumference.

WARNING

Incorrectly fitted hubcaps can interrupt or reduce the flow of air for cooling the brakes. This also applies if hubcaps

are retrofitted. If the airflow is not sufficient, the braking distance could increase significantly.

This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Check to make sure that the wheel trim has engaged securely around the entire circumference.

Removing and fitting wheel covers

Removing wheel covers

Fig. 1 Removing the wheel cover.

The wheel cover protects the wheel bolts and must be replaced after changing the tyre.

1. Take the hook from the vehicle toolkit (→ Vehicle toolkit).

2. Insert the hook into one of the holes in the wheel cover.

3. Use the puller to pull off the wheel cover in the direction of the arrow. If necessary, use a box spanner to

remove the wheel cover → Fig. 1.

Fitting the wheel covers

1. Check the correct position of the anti-theft wheel bolt (→ Wheels and tyres).

2. Press the wheel cover onto the wheel rim so that the valve hole is located over the tyre valve. Please ensure the

cover engages securely all the way round.

WARNING

Using unsuitable hubcaps, or fitting them incorrectly, can cause accidents and serious injuries.

Incorrectly fitted hubcaps can become loose while the vehicle is in motion and endanger other road users.

● Do not use damaged hubcaps.

● Check to make sure that the wheel trim has securely engaged around the entire circumference.

WARNING

Incorrectly fitted hubcaps can stop or reduce the air supply for cooling the brakes. This also applies if hubcaps are

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retrofitted. If the airflow is not sufficient, the braking distance could increase significantly.

This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Check that the opening for the tyre valve in the wheel cover is in the correct position.

● Check to make sure that the wheel trim has securely engaged around the entire circumference.

NOTICE

The wheel cover may be bolted on and may be damaged if it is pulled off.

● Do not remove bolted-on wheel covers with force.

Removing and fitting wheel bolt caps

Removing caps

Fig. 1 Removing the wheel bolt caps.

The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be placed fully back in position after changing the tyre.

1. Take the hook from the vehicle toolkit (→ Vehicle toolkit).

2. Insert the hook through the opening in the cap.

3. Pull off the cap with the hook in the direction of the arrow→ Fig. 1.

Fitting caps

1. Press the caps onto the bolts until they click into place.

The anti-theft wheel bolt has a separate cap. It only fits onto the anti-theft wheel bolts and not onto conventional

wheel bolts.

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Loosening the wheel bolts

Fig. 1 loosening the wheel bolts.

Use a suitable wheel wrench to loosen the wheel bolts.

Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with the vehicle jack.

1. Fit the box spanner over the wheel bolt as far as it will go.

2. Hold the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn anticlockwise→ Loosening the wheel bolts.

If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing down the end of the spanner carefully

with your foot. Hold on to the vehicle for support and take care not to slip.

Loosening the anti-theft wheel bolt

1. Take the adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolt out of the vehicle toolkit.

2. Push the adapter onto the anti-theft wheel bolt as far as it will go.

3. Insert the box spanner into the adapter as far as it will go.

4. Hold the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn anticlockwise→ Loosening the wheel bolts.

If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing down the end of the spanner carefully

with your foot. Hold on to the vehicle for support and take care not to slip.

WARNING

If the wheel bolts are removed or loosened by more than one turn before raising the vehicle, the wheel could fall off

and the vehicle could tip over.

This can cause serious injuries.

● Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with the jack.

● Never place any part of your body(e.g. an arm) underneath the vehicle while you are loosening the wheel bolts.

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Lifting the vehicle with the jack

Jacking points

Fig. 1 On the side sill: markings for the jacking points for

the jack.

The jack may be positioned only at the reinforcements on the underbody, which are located behind the markings on

the body → Fig. 1. Always use the jacking point closest to the wheel that is to be changed→ Fig. 1.

Positioning the jack

Fig. 2 Correct alignment of the jack.

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Fig. 3 Correct alignment of the jack.

—Front jacking point: web under the vehicle, at a distance of approx. 9 cm(dimension x) from the outer edge of the

vehicle → Fig. 2.

—Rear jacking point: rib under the vehicle, at a distance of approx. 15 cm(dimension y) from the outer edge of the

vehicle → Fig. 3.

Checklist

For your own safety, carry out the following points in the specified order→

:

1. Insert the crank into the opening on the jack(depends on the vehicle equipment).

2. Find the jacking point under the vehicle→ Fig. 1 which is closest to the wheel that is being changed.

3. Raise the jack until it just fits under the jacking point of the vehicle.

4. Make sure that the entire surface of the foot of the jack is resting securely on the ground and that it is

positioned vertically directly beneath the jacking point → Fig. 2 and → Fig. 3.

5. Position the jack and simultaneously continue to crank the claw up until it is in position around the jacking

point underneath the vehicle → Fig. 2 or → Fig. 3.

6. Crank the jack further until the wheel is just clear of the ground.

WARNING

Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and severe injuries.

● Always follow the activities in the checklist.

● Observe the generally valid safety precautions.

WARNING

Incorrect use of the vehicle jack can cause the vehicle to slip off the jack, which can lead to serious or fatal injuries.

● Never jack up the vehicle if more than one wheel is damaged.

● Never jack up the vehicle when the engine is running.

● Never start the engine when the vehicle is jacked up. Engine vibrations can cause the vehicle to fall off the vehicle

jack.

● Only fit the jack at the jacking points described. The jack claw must grip the vertical rib under the side member

securely → Fig. 2 or → Fig. 3.

● Use only vehicle jacks that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle. Other vehicle jacks could slip out

of position – this includes vehicle jacks supplied with other Volkswagen models.

● Jack up the vehicle only on a firm and level surface. Soft ground or surfaces at an incline under the vehicle jack

may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack. If necessary, use a large, strong board or similar support for the jack.

● Use a non-slip underlay, such as a rubber mat, to prevent the jack from slipping on smooth surfaces such as tiled

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floors.

● Never place any part of your body, such as an arm, underneath a vehicle that is supported only by the jack. If you

have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra support for the vehicle.

Changing a wheel

Removing the wheel

Fig. 1 Unscrew the wheel bolts with the wheel wrench.

1. Observe the checklist (→ Changing a wheel).

2. Loosen the wheel bolts (→ Wheel bolts).

3. Jack up the vehicle (→ Jack).

4. Using the wheel wrench → Fig. 1, completely unscrew loosened wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface.

5. Remove the wheel.

Two-piece wheel bolts

Two-piece wheel bolts must be used for the vehicle. With two-piece wheel bolts, the ball seat is loosely connected to

the head.

Single-piece wheel bolts may not be used. If you are not sure which wheel bolts can be used for your vehicle, consult

a suitably qualified workshop.

Fitting the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel

Fig. 2 tyre valve 1 and locations of the anti-theft wheel

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bolt 2 or 3 .

1. Note the tyre direction of rotation (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).

2. Put the wheel in place.

3. Screw in the anti-theft wheel bolt with the adapter clockwise at the correct position and tighten slightly.

2

3

On wheels with a wheel cover, the anti-theft wheel bolt must be screwed in at position→ Fig. 2

1

or

according to the position of the tyre valve

. Otherwise, it will not be possible to fit the wheel cover.

4. Screw in all the wheel bolts clockwise and use the box spanner to tighten them slightly.

5. Lower the vehicle with the jack.

6. Use the box spanner to tighten all the wheel bolts securely in a clockwise direction→ . Do not tighten the

bolts in clockwise or anticlockwise sequence. Tighten them in diagonal sequence.

7. Fit caps or hubcaps (→ Wheel cover) (→ Centre wheel trim) (→ Wheel bolt caps).

After changing a wheel

1. Clean the removed wheel and stow it securely in the spare wheel holder (→ Spare wheel or temporary spare

wheel).

2. If necessary, clean the vehicle tools and stow them safely in the vehicle .

3. Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts or wheel nuts checked immediately (→ Wheel bolts).

4. The damaged wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.

Tightening torque for wheel bolts

Specified tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel or alloy wheels:

—180 Nm (133 ft-lb).

The tightening torque should be checked with a perfectly functioning torque spanner immediately after changing a

wheel.

If the wheel bolts are corroded and stiff, they must be renewed and the wheel hub threads cleaned before the

tightening torque is checked.

Never grease or lubricate the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hub. This could cause them to loosen while the

vehicle is in motion, even if the required tightening torque setting is used.

WARNING

If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is insufficient, the wheel bolts and thus the wheel can loosen while the

vehicle is in motion. The wheel bolts and the threads could be damaged if the tightening torque is too high.

Incorrectly tightened or missing wheel bolts can lead to loss of control over the vehicle, serious accidents and fatal

injuries.

● Always tighten the wheel bolts with the correct tightening torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten

the wheel bolts with the wheel bolt wrench and have the tightening torque checked immediately by the nearest

suitably qualified workshop.

● Never drive if wheel bolts are missing or loose.

● Always use wheel bolts that match the wheel rims and the vehicle type.

● Never grease or oil the wheel bolt and the threads in the wheel hubs. This could cause them to loosen while the

vehicle is in motion, even if the required tightening torque setting is used.

● Make sure that the wheel bolts and threads of the wheel hubs are clean, smooth-running and free of oil and

grease.

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

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