2017-2020 Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Checking and refilling -> Engine oil User Manual
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Checking and refilling -> Engine oil for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

Use clear water (not distilled water) with a cleaning solution recommended by Volkswagen.  
If necessary, blend with a suitable windshield washer fluid antifreeze agent.  
NOTE  
Never mix cleaning solutions recommended by Volkswagen with other cleaning agents. If you do, this could cause sediments or other by-products that can  
clog the windshield washer nozzles.  
When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause  
serious malfunctions and engine damage.  
Engine oil  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Warning and indicator lightsꢀ  
⇒ Engine oil specificationsꢀ  
⇒ Changing engine oilꢀ  
⇒ Engine oil consumptionꢀ  
⇒ Checking the engine oil level and adding oil ꢀ  
WARNING  
Improper handling of engine oil can cause severe burns and other serious injuries.  
Always wear eye protection.  
Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.  
Store engine oil only in the closed original container. This also applies to used oil until disposal.  
To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.  
Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.  
Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running and can cause severe burns. Always let the engine cool down to the touch.  
Like all other operating fluids, engine oil can pollute the environment. Collect leaked or spilled operating fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with  
applicable environmental laws and regulations.  
Warning and indicator lights  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Lights upa)  
Possible cause and response  
Engine oil level too low.  
Stop!  
Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level ⇒ Checking the engine oil level and adding oil ꢀ.  
If the engine oil level is too high, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for  
assistance ⇒ ꢀ.  
Flashesa)  
Possible cause and response  
Engine oil pressure too low.  
288  
Flashes  
Possible cause and response  
Stop!  
Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level ⇒ Checking the engine oil level and adding oil ꢀ.  
If the warning light flashes although the oil level is normal, do not continue driving or let the engine idle. Otherwise, the engine  
could be damaged.  
Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Engine oil system malfunction.  
Have the engine oil sensor checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.  
Depending on equipment, the engine oil temperature may be displayed in the Volkswagen Information System Driving data menu ⇒ Volkswagen Information  
Systemꢀ.  
WARNING  
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal  
injury.  
Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.  
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.  
NOTE  
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.  
NOTE  
Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is in range ⇒ Fig. 211Ⓐꢀ. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility. Otherwise the catalytic converter and engine can be damaged!  
a) Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.  
Engine oil specifications  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
The engine oil used must conform to exact specifications.  
Using the proper engine oil is important for the functionality and service life of the engine. Your engine was factory-filled with a high-quality multi-grade oil which can  
usually be used throughout the entire year.  
Engine oils are constantly being improved. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new  
developments and changes. Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Engine oil quality is based not only on requirements for engines and exhaust treatment systems, but also on fuel quality. Engine oil comes into contact with fuel and  
fuel residue in all internal combustion engines, causing engine oil to age and its lubricating qualities to deteriorate.  
Your engine was factory-filled with a high-quality, synthetic all-season engine oil that meets strict Volkswagen oil quality standards and has a viscosity grade of  
SAE 5W-40. or SAE 5W-30. You can use this oil for normal driving in all temperatures.  
If you need to add oil between oil changes, use only a high quality oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's  
engine:  
Engines  
Engine oil specification  
289  
Engines  
Engine oil specification  
VW 502 00  
Gasoline engines  
VW 503 00  
VW 504 00  
At the time this Manual was printed, the engine oils available in the U.S. that meet these Volkswagen standards are synthetic oils. This does not mean, however, th  
any synthetic engine oil will meet Volkswagen standards. Always use an approved oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard that applies  
to your vehicle's engine.  
General recommendations  
If synthetic oil that meets the applicable Volkswagen oil quality standard with viscosity grade SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30 is not available in your area, be sure to use  
a viscosity grade suitable for the climate, season, and operating conditions that exist where the vehicle is used. Make sure the oil meets the quality standard listed i  
.
Engine oils are constantly being improved. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new  
developments and changes. Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Engine oil capacities  
Engines  
Engine oil capacity (with filter)  
About 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters)  
170 hp (125 kW), 1.8 L gasoline engines (Golf)  
220 hp (162 kW) 2.0 L gasoline engines (Golf GTI)  
292 hp (215 kW) 2.0 L gasoline engines (Golf R)  
About 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters)  
About 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters)  
NOTE  
If you need to add oil and there is none available that meets the Volkswagen oil quality standard your engine requires, you may add a total of no more  
than 1/2 quart (0.5 liter) of a high-quality synthetic oil that meets ACEA A3 specifications and has a viscosity grade of SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30.  
Use only a high quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil  
can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.  
Do not mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage! Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not  
covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.  
Changing engine oil  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
The engine oil must be changed according to the intervals specified in your ⇒BookletWarranty and Maintenance,.  
Changing oil at regular intervals is very important because the lubricating properties of oil decrease gradually during normal vehicle use. If you are not sure when to  
have the oil changed, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Sometimes, engine oil should be changed more often than specified for normal use. Change oil more frequently if you often drive short distances, in dusty areas or  
in stop-and-go traffic, or if you use your vehicle where temperatures stay below freezing for long periods.  
Volkswagen recommends that you have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility  
They have the required expertise and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Detergent additives in the oil will make fresh oil look dark after the engine has been running a short time. This is normal and no reason to change engine oil more  
often.  
WARNING  
If you must change the engine oil yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:  
290  
Always wear eye protection.  
To reduce the risk of burns from hot engine oil, let the engine cool down completely before beginning.  
When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, stay as far away as possible. Always keep your forearm parallel to the ground to help prevent hot oil  
from running down your arm.  
Drain the oil into a container designed for this purpose, one large enough to hold at least the total amount of oil in your engine.  
To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.  
Always use an oil that has been specifically approved for your vehicle ⇒ Engine oil specificationsꢀ.  
Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.  
Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.  
Before changing the oil, first make sure you know where you can properly dispose of the old oil.  
Dispose of the old oil in an environmentally-responsible manner. Never dump the old oil on garden soil, in wooded areas, in the street, into streams, rivers, or  
bodies of water, or down sewage drains.  
Recycle used oil by taking it to a collection facility for used engine oil in your area, or contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen  
Service Facility.  
Volkswagen recommends that you always have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility. They have the required expertise and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.  
Engine oil consumption  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
To provide effective lubrication and cooling for internal engine parts, all internal combustion engines use some oil. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and  
may change over the life of the engine. Engines tend to use more oil during the break-in period than they do afterward, when oil consumption has stabilized.  
Under normal conditions, the rate of oil consumption depends on oil quality as well as viscosity, engine speed (rpm), outside temperature, road conditions, the  
amount of oil dilution caused by condensed water or fuel residue, and oxidation of the oil. Oil consumption may increase with engine wear over time, until  
replacement of worn engine parts may become necessary.  
Volkswagen recommends that you to check the engine oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time you fill the fuel tank, and always before a long trip. Your  
vehicle may consume engine oil depending on several variables. A maximum of 1 quart per 1200 miles (1 liter per 2000 km) would be considered normal. New  
vehicles may consume more oil over the first 3000 miles (5000 km).  
The oil pressure warning light is not an indicator of low engine oil level. If the warning light stays on or flashes while driving (above 1500 rpm), a chime  
will sound. It indicates that the oil pressure is too low. Stop the engine in a safe place immediately, check the engine oil level and add oil if necessary. If  
the engine oil level is normal, but the light continues to flash, do not keep driving or let the engine idle, as damage may occur.  
If you believe your engine uses too much oil, we recommend that you consult your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility so that  
the cause of your concern can be properly diagnosed. Please keep in mind that accurate measurement of oil consumption requires great care and may take some  
time. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer and authorized Volkswagen Service Facility have instructions for how to measure oil consumption accurately.  
Depending on the way the vehicle is driven and the operating conditions, oil consumption can be up to 1 quart per 1200 miles (1 liter per 2000 km).  
Consumption may be higher for new vehicles during the first 3000 miles (5000 km).  
Checking the engine oil level and adding oil  
Fig. 211 Engine oil dipstick with oil level marks.  
291  
Fig. 212 In the engine compartment: Engine oil filler cap (cap design may vary depending on vehicle equipment).  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Key to ⇒ Fig. 211ꢀ:  
Engine oil level too high. Do not start the engine⇒ ꢀ. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for  
assistance.  
Do not refill oil ⇒ ꢀ.  
You may add oil, as long as the oil level does not go above the Ⓑ range.  
Engine oil level too low. You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). After adding oil, make sure that the oil level is about in the middle of the Ⓒ range.  
Checklist  
Perform the steps in the order listed ⇒ ꢀ:  
With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to help prevent an incorrect oil level reading.  
Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the oil pan.  
Open the engine hood In the engine compartment.  
Find the oil filler opening and the dipstick. You can identify these by the symbol on the engine oil filler cap and the colored handle on the dipstick. If you are  
not sure where the cap and the dipstick are located, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.  
Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe the dipstick off using a clean cloth.  
Reinsert the dipstick into the guide tube and push it all the way in. If there is an alignment tab on the top of the engine oil dipstick, make sure it lines up with  
the notch in the guide tube, and that the dipstick goes all the way in.  
Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick as described below: Ⓐ: Do not start the engine . Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. Ⓑ: Do not add any oil . Continue with step 15. Ⓒ: Oil may be added, depending on the oil level.  
Continue with step 8 or step 15. Ⓓ: You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). Continue with step 8.  
After reading the oil level, reinsert the dipstick back into the guide tube and push it all the way in.  
Remove the cap on the engine oil filler opening .  
Only add engine oil that Volkswagen has approved for that engine Engine oil specifications. Add the oil gradually in small quantities (no more than 1 pint /  
0.5 liter).  
To help prevent overfilling, you must wait about 1 minute each time you add oil so that the oil can flow into the oil pan up to the marking on the dipstick.  
Read the oil level on the dipstick again before adding another small amount, if necessary. Never add too much oil .  
After adding oil, the level must at least be in the center of the Ⓒ range and can enter range Ⓑ, but should never enter range Ⓐ .  
After adding oil, securely install the cap on the engine oil filler opening. Otherwise, oil could leak out while the engine is running.  
Insert the oil dipstick back in the guide tube and push it all the way in.  
Close the hood .  
WARNING  
Engine oil can ignite when it touches hot engine parts. This can cause fires, burns, and other severe injuries.  
Never spill oil on the engine. Oil spilled on a cold engine can also cause a fire when the engine warms up.  
Always make certain that you screw the cap of the engine oil filler opening back on tightly after adding oil and that the dipstick has been pushed all the way  
back into the in the guide tube. This helps prevent engine oil from leaking onto the hot engine when the engine is running.  
NOTE  
Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is in range ⇒ Fig. 211Ⓐꢀ. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility. Otherwise the catalytic converter and engine can be damaged!  
When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause  
serious malfunctions and engine damage.  
292  
The engine oil level should never be in range ⇒ Fig. 211Ⓐꢀ. Otherwise oil can be drawn in by the crankcase ventilation system and enter the atmosphere via  
the exhaust system.  
Engine coolant  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Warning light and engine coolant temperature gaugeꢀ  
⇒ Engine coolant specificationsꢀ  
⇒ Checking engine coolant level and topping offꢀ  
Never do any work on the coolant system unless you  
know exactly how to carry out the job,  
have the correct technical information and the proper tools, supplies, and operating fluids, and  
are familiar with the necessary safety precautions ⇒ ꢀ!  
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.  
WARNING  
Engine coolant is poisonous!  
Always keep the coolant in its original container stored in a safe place.  
To reduce the risk of poisoning, never store engine coolant in empty food or beverage containers or in any other containers that might mislead someone  
into drinking from them.  
Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.  
Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper antifreeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected  
where the vehicle will be used.  
At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could  
be without protection at subfreezing temperatures.  
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable  
environmental laws and regulations.  
Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
For more information, please see ⇒ Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge ꢀ.  
Engine coolant specifications  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially conditioned water and at least 40 percent of Volkswagen engine coolant additive G 13  
(TL-VW 774 J). This engine coolant additive is pink.  
This mixture provides antifreeze protection down to -13 °F (-25 °C). It also helps to protect the light alloy parts in the engine cooling system against corrosion. In  
addition, the mixture helps prevent calcium deposits and increases the boiling point of the engine coolant.  
To protect the engine, the mixture must always contain at least 40% coolant additive even in warm weather or climates where antifreeze protection is not needed.  
If more antifreeze protection is needed for climate conditions, the percentage of coolant additive can be increased. However, the coolant additive percentage must  
never be more than 60%; otherwise, antifreeze protection is reduced and the ability of the mixture to cool the engine is also reduced.  
When adding engine coolant, use a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive - G 13 - or - G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 G) for optimum corrosion  
protection ⇒ ꢀ.  
Do not mix - G 13 - with - G 12 plus - or - G 11 -. Mixing these coolant additives together significantly reduces corrosion protection ⇒ ꢀ and can lead to engine  
damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.  
293  

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