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

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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.  
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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)  
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.