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Maintenance -> Introduction (12-volt battery) for Your Volkswagen Transporter Van Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please seek assistance from a correspondingly qualified workshop.  
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the brakes are  
automatically adjusted.  
Brake fluid level  
The indicator lamp lights up red.  
Brake fluid level is too low.  
1.  
Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.  
2. Seek expert assistance if the brake fluid level is too low.  
Brake fluid change  
1. The brake fluid should be changed by a correspondingly qualified workshop.  
Only new brake fluid that conforms with the required specification should be used.  
WARNING  
Brake failure or reduced braking efficiency can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by brake fluid that  
is too old or unsuitable.  
Have the brake system and brake fluid level checked regularly or have the brake fluid changed!  
The refilled brake fluid must be new.  
Make sure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that is explicitly compliant with VW standard  
501 14. Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and reduce their  
effectiveness.  
If you do not have any brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14, use a high-quality brake fluid  
compliant with DIN ISO 4925 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 CLASS 6, but only in exceptional  
circumstances.  
WARNING  
Brake fluid is toxic.  
In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store brake fluid. These  
containers could encourage other people to drink out of them, even if they are labelled otherwise.  
Always store brake fluid in its original sealed container and out of the reach of children.  
NOTICE  
Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt can damage the vehicle paintwork, plastic parts and tyres.  
Wipe off brake fluid that has leaked or been spilled immediately from all parts of the vehicle.  
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed of  
properly.  
Introduction  
The 12-volt vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.  
Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary procedures and the  
general safety requirements and only unsuitable tools are available . Otherwise, have all work carried out by a  
correspondingly qualified workshop if necessary. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.  
Information on warning and indicator lamps that light up can be found in the troubleshooting sections at the end of  
510  
the chapter (→ 12-volt vehicle battery).  
Location of 12-volt vehicle battery  
The 12-volt vehicle battery is located in a battery recess in the front footwell on the left.  
Explanation of the warnings on the 12-volt vehicle battery  
Always wear eye protection!  
Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!  
No fires, sparks, naked lights or smoking!  
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is charging!  
Always keep children away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.  
Always observe the owner's manual!  
WARNING  
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns, fire or electric  
shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety information before carrying out any kind of work:  
Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery  
and also disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt vehicle battery.  
Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the 12-volt vehicle battery.  
Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.  
Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the 12-volt  
vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protected from acid spillage.  
Never smoke and work near naked flames or sparks.  
When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and electrostatic discharge.  
Never short circuit battery terminals.  
Never use a damaged 12-volt vehicle battery. The 12-volt vehicle battery can explode. Replace a damaged 12-  
volt vehicle battery immediately.  
Never use a frozen 12-volt vehicle battery. Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures  
of approx. 0°C (+32°F). Replace the 12-volt vehicle battery immediately.  
NOTICE  
The housing of the 12-volt vehicle battery can be damaged by ultraviolet radiation.  
Do not expose the 12-volt vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended time.  
NOTICE  
The 12-volt vehicle battery can “freeze” and be destroyed if the outside temperature is very low and the vehicle is  
stationary for a long time.  
Protect the 12-volt vehicle battery against frost if the vehicle is left standing for extended periods.  
After starting the engine with a 12-volt vehicle battery that has been fully discharged or replaced, system  
settings, e.g. time, date, personal convenience settings and programming, may have been changed or  
deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the 12-volt vehicle battery has been sufficiently  
charged.  
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Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery  
The 12-volt vehicle battery is located in a battery recess in the front footwell on the left.  
The acid level of the 12-volt vehicle battery cannot be checked for technical reasons.  
1. Always have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked by a suitably qualified workshop.  
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