Get Maintenance -> Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant Guide for Volkswagen Transporter Van Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant

Preparations

1. Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.

2. Allow the engine to cool down→

3. Open the bonnet (→ In the engine compartment).

You can identify the coolant expansion tank by the symbol on the cap→ Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 In the engine compartment: Coolant expansion tank

cap.

WARNING

Hot steam and hot coolant can cause serious burns.

Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant coming out of the engine compartment. Always wait

until no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or heard. Hot components can burn the skin.

● The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of the coolant expansion tank

when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and other injuries.

● Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting some downwards pressure on the cap.

● Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a large and thick cloth on the

cap of the coolant expansion tank.

Warning lamp

The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.

Do not drive on! Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

2. Immediately seek the assistance of a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

recommends a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this.

3. Check the coolant level and add coolant if the level is too low and there is no suitably qualified workshop in the

vicinity.

Checking the coolant level

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Fig. 2 In the engine compartment: Mark on the coolant

expansion tank (illustration).

The coolant may be above the marked area upon delivery(new vehicles). This is normal. The coolant does not have to

be sucked off.

1. When the engine is cold, check the coolant level at the side markings of the coolant expansion tank→ Fig. 2.

The coolant level must be between the markings.

2. Refill coolant if the liquid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum marking (“min”).

When the engine is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper mark.

3. Do not add coolant if there is no longer any coolant visible in the coolant expansion tank→

Refilling coolant

1. Unscrew the lid carefully →

2. Refill only with new coolant that complies with the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles specification (→ Coolant).

3. Add coolant up to the upper level marking.

4. The coolant level must be between the markings on the coolant expansion tank→ Fig. 2.

5. Close the cap tightly.

6. Check the coolant level after one day.

7. If the level drops below the minimum marking(“min”) again, consult a suitably qualified workshop and have the

cooling system checked. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

dealership for this.

8. If in an emergency you do not have access to coolant with the required specification, do not use any other

coolant additive →

NOTICE

● Do not fill coolantover the top edge of the marked area. Otherwise the excess coolant will be pressed out of the

cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause damage.

● If, in an emergency, you do not have access to coolant with the required specifications, initially add onlydistilled

water. Then have the correct mixture ratio with the coolant additive restored as soon as possible by a suitably

qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

dealership for this.

● Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the engine coolant expansion tank. Air could have

entered the cooling system. Do not drive on. Seek the assistance of a suitably qualified workshop. Failure to do so

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can result in engine damage. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

dealership for this.

● When refilling service fluids, make sure that you pour the correct service fluids into the correct openings. The use

of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.

Brake fluid

Fig. 1 In the engine compartment: brake fluid reservoir

cap.

Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged if there is too

much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content.

Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks

reduce levels of braking power, considerably increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail

completely. Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly

at all times →

Brake fluid specification

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the

vehicle. To ensure the best possible operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles expressly

recommends the use of brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.

Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container correspond to the vehicle

requirements.

Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

dealerships.

If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead, brake fluid that is

compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can be used.

Not all brake fluids that are compliant withDIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same

chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can damage or destroy brake system

components over time.

Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements ofDIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or

US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.

Brake fluid level

The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX markings on the brake fluid reservoir or above the

MIN marking →

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Maintenance -> Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant for Your Volkswagen Transporter Van Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

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