Fuel and emission control -> Refuelling for Your Volkswagen Multivan SUV Sixth Generation (2015-2024)

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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