Get Maintenance Procedures Guide for Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

1

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

CAUTION! (Continued)

The pages that follow contain the required maintenance

services determined by the engineers who designed your

vehicle.

•

Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids

that protect the performance and durability of

your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance

intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these

components as the chemicals can damage your

engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-

tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New

Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed

because of component malfunction, use only the

specified fluid for the flushing procedure.

Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed

maintenance schedule, there are other components which

may require servicing or replacement in the future.

CAUTION!

•

Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-

form repairs and service when necessary could

result in more costly repairs, damage to other

components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-

mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions

examined by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

qualified repair center.

Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level

To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must

be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at

regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.

(Continued)

2

The best time to check the engine oil level is about five Change Engine Oil

minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is

starting the engine after it has sat overnight.

time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

Refer to the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” for

information on this system.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will

improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain

the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change

dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,

the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these whichever occurs first.

engines.

Engine Oil Selection

For best performance and maximum protection under all

types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only

CAUTION!

recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet

the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.

Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or

loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.

3

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil

Identification Symbol

starting and vehicle fuel economy. The engine oil filler

cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for

This symbol means that the oil has your vehicle.

been certified by the American

Petroleum Institute (API). The

manufacturer only recommends

API Certified engine oils.

For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to

“Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”

for further information.

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-

fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-

ber should not be used.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) – 4.0L Engine

SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred for all operating

temperatures. The engine oil filler cap also shows the

recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the

chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is

not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to

“Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”

for further information.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) – 3.8L Engine

SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating

temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature

4

Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi- environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service

fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num- station, or governmental agency for advice on how and

ber should not be used.

where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in

your area.

Synthetic Engine Oils

You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom- Engine Oil Filter

mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom- The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter

mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes at every engine oil change.

are followed.

Engine Oil Filter Selection

The manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil

Materials Added to Engine Oil

The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad- filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality

dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high

the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its quality filters should be used to assure most efficient

performance may be impaired by supplemental service. Volkswagen Genuine Parts, like the oil filter, are

additives.

recommended due to their high quality.

Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters

Engine Air Filter

Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and Refer to the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” for the

oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters, proper maintenance intervals.

indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the

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Exhaust System

WARNING!

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into

the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust

system.

The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can

provide a measure of protection in the case of engine

backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air

cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary

for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is

near the engine compartment before starting the

vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,

hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in

serious personal injury.

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;

or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;

or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;

have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-

haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-

aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams

or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep

into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the

exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-

cation or oil change. Replace as required.

Engine Air Filter Selection

The quality of replacement engine air filters varies con-

siderably. Only high quality filters should be used to

assure most efficient service. Volkswagen Genuine Parts,

like the air filter, are recommended due to their high

quality.

6

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-

verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-

portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure

proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst

damage.

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon

monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.

Breathing it can make you unconscious and can

eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer

to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things To Know

Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further informa-

tion.

CAUTION!

Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your

vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In

the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-

ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-

mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-

ued operation of your vehicle with a severe

malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,

resulting in possible damage to the converter and

vehicle.

CAUTION!

The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded

fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-

ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device

and may seriously reduce engine performance and

cause serious damage to the engine.

7

NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed age:

against you.

•

Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,

when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in

motion.

WARNING!

A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over

materials that can burn. Such materials might be

grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust

system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas

where your exhaust system can contact anything that

can burn.

•

Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the

vehicle.

Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires

disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic

testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough

idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning

engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe

and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop

the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.

Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-

tions, should be obtained immediately.

Maintenance-Free Battery

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.

You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-

tenance required.

8

WARNING!

CAUTION!

•

Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can

burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid

to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean

over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid

splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-

diately with large amounts of water.

•

It is essential when replacing the cables on the

battery that the positive cable is attached to the

positive post and the negative cable is attached to

the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-

tive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the

battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the

terminal posts and free of corrosion.

•

Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep

flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use

a booster battery or any other booster source with

an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable

clamps to touch each other.

If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in

the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables

before connecting the charger to the battery. Do

not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories

contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands

after handling.

9

Air Conditioner Maintenance

WARNING!

For best possible performance, your air conditioner

should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer

at the start of each warm season. This service should

include cleaning of the condenser fins and a system

performance check. Drive belt tension should also be

checked at this time.

•

Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants

approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-

tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are

flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other

unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause

the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to

the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” for fur-

ther warranty information.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning

system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-

tioning components. Such damage is not covered by

the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

•

The air conditioning system contains refrigerant

under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal

injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant

or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected

should be done by an experienced repairman.

10

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling

WARNING!

R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-

carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental

Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-

ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning

service be performed by an authorized dealer or other an

authorized service facility using recovery and recycling

equipment.

Do not remove the A/C air filter while the blower is

operating or personal injury may result.

The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind

the lower glove box. Perform the following procedure to

replace the filter:

NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C System

Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-

sor Oil, or Refrigerants.

1. Open the glove compartment and remove all contents.

2. Push in on the sides of the glove compartment and

lower the door.

A/C Air Filter – If Equipped

Refer to the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” for the

proper maintenance intervals.

3. Pivot the glove compartment downward.

4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the filter

cover to the HVAC housing, and remove the cover.

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CAUTION!

The A/C air filter is labeled with an arrow to indicate

airflow direction through the filter. Failure to prop-

erly install the filter will result in the need to replace

it more often.

7. Rotate the glove compartment door back into position.

Body Lubrication

Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as

seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,

tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-

cated periodically with a lithium based grease to assure

quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and

wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts

concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and

grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be

removed. Particular attention should also be given to

hood latching components to ensure proper function.

A/C Air Filter Replacement

5. Remove the A/C air filter by pulling it straight out of

the housing.

6. Install the A/C air filter with the arrow on the filter

pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter

cover, make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the

cover.

12

When performing other underhood services, the hood Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from

latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with

cleaned and lubricated.

petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.

The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a NOTE: Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-

year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor

amount of a high quality lubricant directly into the lock performance of blades may be present with chattering,

cylinder.

marks, water lines or wet spots. If any condition is

present please proceed to clean wiper blades with humid

cloth removing any debris that may be affecting its

function.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the

windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a

mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula- Adding Washer Fluid

tions of salt or road film.

The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the

rear window washer is shared. It is located in the engine

compartment and should be checked for fluid level at

regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield

washer solvent (not engine coolant/antifreeze) and op-

erate the system for a few seconds to flush out the

residual water.

Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods

may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use

washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt

from a dry windshield.

13

The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid Cooling System

when the “Low Washer Fluid Light” illuminates.

WARNING!

•

When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-

connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition

switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature

controlled and can start at anytime the ignition

switch is in the ON position.

Commercially available windshield washer solvents

are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care

must be exercised when filling or working around

the washer solution.

You or others can be badly burned by hot engine

coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If

you see or hear steam coming from under the

hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has

had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling

system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.

After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a

few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or

freezing the fluid on the cold windshield.

Coolant Checks

Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every

12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where

applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or

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rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, Cooling System – Drain, Flush and Refill

flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a

the A/C condenser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a

etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a garden reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough

hose vertically down the face of the condenser.

rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly

dispose of the old engine coolant (antifreeze).

Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-

ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection Refer to the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” for the

at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for proper maintenance intervals.

leaks.

Selection Of Coolant

With the engine at normal operating temperature (but Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-

not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-

proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further

engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock. information.

If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-

freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery

bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE

CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.

15

CAUTION!

CAUTION! (Continued)

•

This vehicle has not been designed for use with

Propylene Glycol based engine coolant (anti-

freeze). Use of Propylene Glycol based engine

coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.

•

Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than

specified Hybrid Organic Additive Technology

(HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in

engine damage and may decrease corrosion pro-

tection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze)

is introduced into the cooling system in an emer-

gency, it should be replaced with the specified

engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as possible.

Do not use water alone or alcohol based engine

coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-

tional rust inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they

may not be compatible with the engine coolant

(antifreeze) and may plug the radiator.

Adding Coolant

Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine

coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance

intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up

to five years or 102,000 miles (170 000 km) before

replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-

nance period, it is important that you use the same

engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your

vehicle. Please review these recommendations for using

Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine

coolant (antifreeze).

•

(Continued)

16

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze), a minimum NOTE: Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will

solution of 50% recommended Volkswagen Genuine decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and

Parts Antifreeze/ Coolant Five Year/100,000 Mile For- will require more frequent engine coolant (antifreeze)

mula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology), or changes.

equivalent, in water should be used. Use higher concen-

trations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below Ϫ34°F

The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine

(Ϫ37°C ) are anticipated.

Cooling System Pressure Cap

coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant

Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant

water when mixing the water/engine coolant (antifreeze) recovery bottle.

solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any

amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling

accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.

system.

Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-

tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-

cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where

the vehicle is operated.

17

rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-

mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based

engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it

to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child

or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up

any ground spills immediately.

WARNING!

•

The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on

the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-

caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)

when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or

remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat

causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.

To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the

pressure cap while the system is hot or under

pressure.

Coolant Level

The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for

determining if the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is

adequate. With the engine cold, the level of the engine

coolant (antifreeze) in the coolant recovery bottle should

be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.

•

Do not use a pressure cap other than the one

specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-

gine damage may result.

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is

no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for

engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-

gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant

Disposal of Used Coolant

Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is

a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check

with your local authorities to determine the disposal

18

of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is

satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once

a month.

•

Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.

Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the

radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine

coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of

coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against

freezing.

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to

maintain the proper level, it should be added to the

coolant bottle. Do not overfill.

Points To Remember

•

If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are

required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle

does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling

system should be pressure tested for leaks.

NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/

kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming

from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-

mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high

humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-

ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine

coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.

Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at

50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)

and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of

your engine which contains aluminum components.

If an examination of your engine compartment shows no

evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be

safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.

Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery

bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.

19

•

Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is

equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the

condenser clean.

WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and

possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting

or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally

high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and

possible brake damage. You would not have your full

braking capacity in an emergency.

Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter

operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install

ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may

result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas

mileage, and increased emissions.

Brakes

Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check

In order to assure brake system performance, all brake

system components should be inspected periodically.

Refer to the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” for the

proper maintenance intervals.

The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked

when performing underhood services, or immediately if

the brake system warning light indicates system failure.

Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing

the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the

“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.

Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may

cause leaking in the system.

20

Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-

ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc

brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake

pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a

leak and a checkup may be needed.

WARNING!

•

Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake

fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine

Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further

information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid

can severely damage your brake system and/or

impair its performance. The proper type of brake

fluid for your vehicle is also labeled on the origi-

nal factory installed hydraulic master cylinder

reservoir.

Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-

fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-

taining Your Vehicle” for further information.

(Continued)

21

WARNING! (Continued)

•

To avoid contamination from foreign matter or

moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that

has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the

master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.

Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture

from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.

This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard

or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake

failure. This could result in a accident.

•

Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-

nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could

be damaged, causing partial or complete brake

failure. This could result in an accident.

Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission and differential assembly are

contained within a single housing.

The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be

checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with

an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the

transmission and the fluid.

•

Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in

spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing

the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also

damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be

taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.

All six–speed transmissions are equipped with a capped

dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered

with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to

ensure that the fluid level is set properly.

(Continued)

22

Selection of Lubricant

CAUTION!

It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the

transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-

mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-

sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine

Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-

tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-

tained at the prescribed level using the recommended

fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-

mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.

Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-

turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration

in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter

shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the

manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in

more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to

“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-

taining Your Vehicle” for further information.

Fluid Level Check (3.8L and 4.0L Engines with

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission) – If Equipped

The six-speed automatic transmission is a sealed unit and

has no dipstick. See your authorized dealer to have the

transmission fluid checked or serviced.

Fluid and Filter Changes

Refer to the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” for the

proper maintenance intervals.

23

If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion

fluid and filter should be changed.

Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion

Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-

Special Additives

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads

product and its performance may be impaired by supple- passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on

mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi- trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly

tives to the transmission. The only exception to this corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,

policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,

leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme

they may adversely affect seals.

hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will

have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-

body protection.

CAUTION!

The following maintenance recommendations will enable

you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion

resistance built into your vehicle.

Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as

the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-

nents. Such damage is not covered by the New

Vehicle Limited Warranty.

What Causes Corrosion?

Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of

paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.

24

The most common causes are:

CAUTION!

•

Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation

Stone and gravel impact

Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such

as steel wool or scouring powder, which will scratch

metal and painted surfaces.

Insects, tree sap and tar

Salt in the air near seacoast localities

Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants

Special Care

•

If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive

near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once

a month.

Washing

•

Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-

hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and

rinse the panels completely with clear water.

It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges

of the doors and rocker panels and be kept clear and

open.

•

Use wax to remove road film, stains and to protect

your paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.

If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,

touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is

considered the responsibility of the owner.

Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing

that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint

finish.

25

•

If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use a nonabra-

similar cause which destroys the paint and protective sive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel

coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos- wool, a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use oven

sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon- cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic

sibility of the owner.

solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’

protective finish.

If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,

de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well Interior Care

packaged and sealed.

Instrument Panel Surfaces

•

If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface,

mud or stone shields behind each wheel.

which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not

use protectants or other products, which may cause

undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to

restore the low glare surface.

Use touch up paint on scratches as soon as possible.

Your authorized dealer has touch up paint to match

the color of your vehicle.

Cleaning Interior Trim

Interior trim should be cleaned starting with a damp

cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners or Armor All௡.

Wheel and Wheel Trim Care

All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and

chrome-plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a

mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove

26

Cleaning Leather Upholstery

Cleaning Headlights

Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lightweight

cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass head-

can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery lights.

and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore

Care should be taken to avoid soaking your leather

different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.

upholstery with any liquid. Please do not use polishes,

oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia- To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and

based cleaners to clean your leather upholstery. Applica- reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To

tion of a leather conditioner is not required to maintain remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-

the original condition.

lowed by rinsing.

Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel

wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.

WARNING!

Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.

Many are potentially flammable, and if used in

closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.

Glass Surfaces

All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis

with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.

Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when

cleaning the inside rear window equipped with electric

27

defrosters or the right rear quarter window equipped Seat Belt Maintenance

with the radio antenna. Do not use scrapers or other Do not bleach, dye or clean the seatbelts with chemical

sharp instruments which may scratch the elements.

solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.

Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.

When cleaning the inside rearview mirror, spray cleaner

on the towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray If the seat belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or

cleaner directly on the mirror.

lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to

wash them.

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses

The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are Replace the seat belts if they appear frayed or worn or if

molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care the buckles do not work properly.

must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.

Cleaning the Instrument Panel Cup Holders

1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be

Removal

used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive

Pull the flexible liner from the cup holder drawer;

cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp

starting at one edge to ease removal.

rag.

Cleaning

The liner is top shelf dishwasher safe, or you may follow

2. Dry with a soft tissue.

the cleaning procedure below.

28

Soak the liner in a mixture of medium hot tap water and

one teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap. Let soak for

approximately 30 minutes. After 30 minutes pull the liner

from the water and dip it back into the water about six

times. This will loosen any remaining debris. Rinse the

liner thoroughly under warm running water. Shake the

excess water from the liner and dry the outer surfaces

with a clean soft cloth.

Installation

Place the liner into the cupholder drawer and press the

liner into place so that the retention tabs seat into the

corresponding openings in the drawer.

Maintenance Procedures for Your Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

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