Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction — part 20

Depending on the way the vehicle is driven and the operating conditions, oil consumption can be

up to 1 quart per 1200 miles (0.5 liter per 1000 km). Consumption may be higher for new vehicles
during the first 3000 miles (5000 km).

Changing engine oil

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The engine oil must be changed according to the intervals specified in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance.
Changing oil at regular intervals is very important because the lubricating properties of oil decrease
gradually during normal vehicle use. If you are not sure when to have the oil changed, ask your au-
thorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Sometimes, engine oil should be changed more often than specified for normal use. Change oil more
frequently if you often drive short distances, in dusty areas or in stop-and-go traffic, or if you use your
vehicle where temperatures stay below freezing for long periods.

Volkswagen recommends that you have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

⇒

. They have the required expertise and

special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

Detergent additives in the oil will make fresh oil look dark after the engine has been running a short
time. This is normal and no reason to change engine oil more often.

WARNING

If you must change the engine oil yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:

Always wear eye protection.
To reduce the risk of burns from hot engine oil, let the engine cool down completely be-

fore beginning.

When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, stay as far away as possible. Always

keep your forearm parallel to the ground to help prevent hot oil from running down your arm.

Drain the oil into a container designed for this purpose, one large enough to hold at least

the total amount of oil in your engine.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage contain-

ers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.
Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin

by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

Before changing the oil, first make sure you know where you can properly dispose of the old oil.

Dispose of the old oil an environmentally-responsible manner. Never dump the old oil on garden

soil, in wooded areas, in the street, into streams, rivers, or bodies of water, or down sewage drains.

Recycle used oil by taking it to a collection facility for used engine oil in your area, or contact an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Volkswagen recommends that you always have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They have the required expertise
and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

Engine coolant

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge

Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge

Engine coolant specifications

Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Never do any work on the coolant system unless you

know exactly how to carry out the job,
have the correct technical information and the proper tools, supplies, and operating fluids, and

are familiar with the necessary safety precautions

⇒

!

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.

More information:

Trailer towing
Preparations for working in the engine compartment
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Engine coolant is poisonous!

Always keep the coolant in its original container stored in a safe place.
To reduce the risk of poisoning, never store engine coolant in empty food or beverage

containers or in any other containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper anti-

freeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected where the vehicle will be
used.

At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break

down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could be without protection at
subfreezing temperatures.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids and

dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge

Fig. 184 Engine coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster: A Engine cold; B Normal temperature
range; C Warning zone.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

If the indicator in the engine coolant temperature gauge is located in the cold range

(A)

, the engine

has not reached operating temperature. High engine speeds and heavy engine loads should be
avoided.

Under normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle of the gauge. The temperature
may go higher when the engine is working hard, especially in hot weather.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

The following table explains what to do if the engine coolant warning light does not go out a few
seconds after the engine is started or lights up or starts flashing while driving.

Lights

up

Temperature

gauge needle

⇒

fig. 184

Possible cause

Proper response

(C)

Warning zone

Engine coolant tempera-
ture too high.

Stop!

Pull off the road and stop as soon as you
can do so safely. Stop the engine and let it
cool down until the temperature needle is in
the normal range again. Check the engine
coolant level and add coolant if needed.
If the engine coolant level is correct or the
problem continues after adding coolant and
driving a short distance, do not drive any
farther. Contact the nearest authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheat-
ing may be caused by a radiator fan fault.
Check the fuses and replace as necessary

Lights

up

Temperature

gauge needle

⇒

fig. 184

Possible cause

Proper response

(B)

Normal range

Engine coolant level too
low.

Check the engine coolant level after the
engine has cooled down and add engine
coolant if low.
If the engine coolant level is correct or the
problem continues after adding coolant, do
not drive any farther. Contact an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
These instructions apply only when the
coolant temperature stays in the normal
range. Stop immediately if the needle goes
into the red warning zone

(C)

.

–

Engine coolant system
malfunction.

Stop!

Get assistance from an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility, or another
qualified workshop.

–

(A)

Cold range

–

Do not drive at high engine speeds or with
heavy engine loads until the engine warms
up.

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine coolant system malfunction.

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Engine coolant specifications

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially conditioned water and at
least 40 percent of Volkswagen engine coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J). This engine coolant
additive is pink.

This mixture provides antifreeze protection down to -13 °F (-25 °C). It also helps to protect the light
alloy parts in the engine cooling system against corrosion. In addition, the mixture helps prevent
calcium deposits and increases the boiling point of the engine coolant.

To protect the engine, the mixture must always contain at least 40% coolant additive even in warm
weather or climates where antifreeze protection is not needed.

If more antifreeze protection is needed for climate conditions, the percentage of coolant additive can
be increased. However, the coolant additive percentage must never be more than 60%; otherwise,
antifreeze protection is reduced and the ability of the mixture to cool the engine is also reduced.

When adding engine coolant, use a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13

or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) for optimum corrosion protection

⇒

.

Do not mix G 13 with G 12 plus or G 11. Mixing these coolant additives together significantly reduces

corrosion protection

⇒

. and can lead to engine damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen

Limited Warranty

WARNING

Too little antifreeze protection in the engine cooling system can cause engine failure and
severe injuries.

Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper anti-

freeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected where the vehicle will be
used.

At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break

down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could be without protection at
subfreezing temperatures.

NOTICE

Never mix original Volkswagen engine coolant additives with other additives not approved by
Volkswagen. Mixing Volkswagen coolant additives with coolant additives made by other manu-
facturers can seriously damage the engine and the engine cooling system.

If the fluid in the engine coolant reservoir is any color but pink, then G 13 was mixed with a

different engine coolant. If this is the case, the engine coolant must be replaced immediately.
Otherwise serious malfunctions or engine damage can occur!

Engine coolant and engine coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operat-

ing fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regula-
tions.

Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Fig. 186 Coolant expansion tank in the engine compartment.

Fig. 187 Coolant expansion tank cap in the engine compartment.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

If the coolant level drops too low, the engine coolant level/temperature warning light lights up.

Preparations

Park the vehicle on level ground.

Always let the engine cool down

⇒

.

Open the engine hood

⇒

There is a symbol on the cap of the engine coolant expansion tank

⇒

fig. 187

.

Checking engine coolant level

When the engine is cold, check the engine coolant level relative to the marking on the side of the

expansion tank

⇒

fig. 186

.

If the coolant level in the tank is below the minimum mark (“min”), add coolant. When the engine is

warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper edge of the marked range.

Adding engine coolant

Always protect face, hands and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with

a large, thick rag.

Carefully unscrew the cap

⇒

.

Add only new engine coolant according to Volkswagen specifications (

⇒ Engine coolant specifica-

tions )

⇒

.

The engine coolant level must be inside the marks on the side of the reservoir

⇒

fig. 186

. Do not

fill above the top edge of the filling range!

⇒

Screw the lid tightly.
Even in an emergency, do not use any other kind of coolant additive if engine coolant meeting

Volkswagen specifications (

⇒ Engine coolant specifications) is unavailable! Instead, add distilled

water only

⇒

. As soon as possible, have the correct coolant ratio restored using engine coolant

that meets Volkswagen specifications

⇒ Engine coolant specifications.

WARNING

Hot steam and hot engine coolant can cause serious burns.

Never open the hood if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment.

Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine.

Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood. Hot com-

ponents will burn skin on contact.

When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:

– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or
Neutral (manual only).

– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.

– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out
of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter

button

⇒ Starter button.

– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.

The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the

coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause
severe burns and other serious injuries.

– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying
light downward pressure on the top of the cap.

– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by
covering the cap with a large, thick rag.

Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot

parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire. Under some conditions, the ethylene
glycol in engine coolant can catch fire.

NOTICE

Use distilled water only when adding coolant! All other types of water contain chemical

compounds that can cause extensive corrosion damage to the engine. This can even lead to
engine failure. If you have added non-distilled water, take the vehicle immediately to an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the coolant
system drained, flushed, and refilled completely with the proper coolant.

Refill engine coolant only up to the top edge of the marked fill range

⇒

fig. 186

. Excess

engine coolant may be forced out of the engine cooling system when it gets hot and cause
damage.

In the case of significant engine coolant loss, refill engine coolant only when the engine is

completely cooled down. Significant engine coolant loss is a sign of leaks in the cooling sys-
tem. Have the engine cooling system checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen deal-
er or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the engine may be damaged!

When changing or topping off operating fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the

correct reservoirs. Serious malfunctions and engine damage can result if you pour operating
fluids into the wrong reservoir.

Vehicle battery

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning light

Checking the vehicle battery electrolyte level

Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery

The standard 12 Volt vehicle battery is part of the vehicle electrical system.

Never do any work on the vehicle electrical system unless you

know exactly how to carry out the job,
have the correct technical information and the proper tools, and

are familiar with the necessary safety precautions

⇒

!

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.

Location of the vehicle battery

Depending upon the engine type, the battery is located in the engine compartment or behind a cover
in the luggage compartment. On vehicles with a 3.6 liter engine, the battery is behind a trim panel in
the left rear corner of the luggage compartment.

Vehicles with the battery located in the luggage compartment are equipped with a battery isolator
feature. In a collision, the airbag control module triggers a small pyrotechnic charge that physically
disconnects the battery from the engine starter motor and the positive jump-start terminal in the engine
compartment.

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery

Symbol

Meaning

Always wear eye protection!

Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always wear protective

gloves and eye protection!

Fire, sparks, open light and smoking are prohibited!

When a battery is charged, it produces hydrogen gas

which is highly explosive!

Always keep children away from battery acid and vehi-

cle batteries!

More information:

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance

Preparations for working in the engine compartment
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid
burns, fires, explosions, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS
and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system.

Before working on the electrical system, always switch off the ignition and all electrical

consumers and disconnect the negative (-) cable from the standard 12 Volt battery.

When you change a light bulb, always switch off the light first.
Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
Always wear eye protection. Never let battery acid or lead particles come into contact with

your eyes, skin, or clothing.

Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness.

Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the
batteries, as this could spill acid through the vents and burn you.

If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for

several minutes and then get immediate medical attention. If you swallow any battery acid,
get medical attention immediately.

When disconnecting the batteries from the vehicle electrical system, always disconnect

the negative cable (-) first and then the positive cable (+).

Always switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting 12 Volt batteries. Recon-

nect the plus cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-). Never reverse the polarity of the
connections. This could cause a fire.

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
Do not smoke and avoid fires, sparks, and open flames when working. Never create

sparks or electrostatic charges when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never short
circuit the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause serious personal injury.

Never use or attempt to charge a damaged or frozen battery, or a battery that was frozen

but has thawed. Charging a frozen or thawed battery could cause explosions and chemical
burns! Replace damaged or frozen vehicle batteries immediately. A dead battery can freeze at
temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).

If the battery has a vent line or tube, make sure that it is properly connected to the battery.
Always make sure that the vent line is securely attached to a vehicle battery that is located

in the luggage compartment.

WARNING

California Proposition 65 Warning

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead components,

chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash
your hands after handling.

NOTICE

Do not expose the vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as ultra-

violet rays may damage the battery housing.

If the vehicle is left standing in the cold for a long time, protect the vehicle battery from

freezing. A battery will be permanently damaged by freezing.

Undeployed battery isolator modules are classified as Perchlorate Material. Special handling

may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all applicable legal re-
quirements regarding handling and disposal of the vehicle or parts of its restraint system, including
airbag modules and safety belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the requirements, and we recommend that you have
them perform this service for you.

Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle

battery has been replaced may change or delete settings (including time, date, personal convenience
settings and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the vehicle battery has
built up a sufficient charge.

Warning light

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Alternator malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have

the electrical system checked.

Switch off unnecessary electrical loads. The

vehicle battery will not be charged by the

alternator as you drive.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Checking the vehicle battery electrolyte level

Fig. 188 In the engine compartment: Open the sleeve covering of the vehicle battery.

Fig. 189 In the side of the luggage compartment: On vehicles with 3.6 liter engines, the vehicle battery is on
the left side of the luggage compartment.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Check the electrolyte level of the battery regularly if the vehicle has high mileage (km), in places with a
warm climate, and if the vehicle has an old battery. Otherwise the vehicle battery does not require
maintenance.

Preparations

Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment

⇒ Working in the engine compartment

(Not for vehicles with 3.6 liter engines).

Open the engine hood

⇒

(Not for vehicles with 3.6 liter engines).

On vehicles with 3.6 liter engines: Open the luggage compartment lid

⇒ Luggage compartment lid.

Opening the battery cover

Open the sleeve cover to the side

⇒

fig. 188

(Not for vehicles with 3.6 liter engines).

On vehicles with 3.6 liter engines: Remove the trim panel to access the vehicle battery

⇒

fig. 189

Checking the vehicle battery acid level

If the lighting conditions are poor, use a flashlight so that you can clearly see the battery acid level

indicator and tell what color it is. Never use an open flame or an unprotected light source.

The round battery window (“acid level indicator”) on the top of the battery changes color, depend-

ing on the battery's electrolyte level.

Color indication

Action

Light yellow or

colorless

Battery electrolyte level is too low. The vehicle battery

may need to be replaced. Have it checked by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Black

Battery electrolyte level is satisfactory.

WARNING

Working on the batteries can cause serious acid burns, explosion, or electrical shock.

Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness.

Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.

Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could spill out of the battery vents and burn you.
Never open a vehicle battery.
If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for

several minutes and then get immediate medical attention.

If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.

Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Charging the vehicle battery

Vehicle batteries should be charged by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility because the factory-installed battery requires a charger with overload

protection

⇒

.

Replacing the vehicle battery

The battery in your vehicle is specially developed for its location, with special dimensions and safety
features. Before buying a new battery, ask an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility what batteries are suitable with regard to electro-magnetic compatibility,
dimensions, required maintenance, performance, and safety specifications. Have the battery replaced
by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Only use maintenance-free vehicle batteries meeting standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. These
standards must date from August 2008 or later.

Disconnecting the vehicle battery

If the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system, note the following:

Switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.

Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery; otherwise the alarm system will go off.

First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable (+)

⇒

.

Connecting the vehicle battery

Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.

Connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-)

⇒

.

After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different indicator lights may come on.
They should go out after you drive a short distance at 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator lights
do not go out , contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
and have the vehicle checked.

If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled service may not be correctly calcu-

lated and displayed

⇒ Instrument cluster The maximum permissible service and maintenance inter-

vals are shown in the

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance.

Vehicles with Keyless Access

If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock the vehicle from the outside and

unlock it again

⇒ Unlocking and locking vehicles with Keyless Access. Then try to start the ignition

again. If the ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.

Automatic electrical load deactivation

If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical system management automatically
takes steps to help prevent battery drain.

The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more power.
The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or switched off completely.

When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets and the cigarette lighter

⇒

Cigarette lighter is temporarily interrupted.

The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the battery from being drained. For
example, the battery will drain if the engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking
lights are left on for a long time when parked.

Battery disconnection in an accident with airbag deployment

In vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the battery is dis-
connected automatically in a collision with airbag deployment. This helps to prevent a short-circuit.

What drains the vehicle battery?

Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is on.
Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched off.
Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.
The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than P when the ignition is

switched off

⇒ Automatic transmission: Selector lever.

WARNING

Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and connections may cause short
circuits, fires, and serious personal injuries.

Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof batteries with the same speci-

fications and dimensions as the original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the
battery housing.

WARNING

When the vehicle battery is charged, it produces highly explosive hydrogen gas.

Charge vehicle batteries only in well-ventilated areas.
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures

around +32 °F (0 °C).

You must replace the vehicle battery if it was frozen.
Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short-circuit. First connect the positive cable (+)

and then the negative cable (-).

NOTICE

Never disconnect a vehicle battery or connect 2 vehicle batteries to each other when the

ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Using the wrong battery can damage the elec-
trical system or electronic components and cause electrical malfunctions.

Never use a vehicle battery that does not meet specifications for the vehicle battery for your

vehicle . Using the wrong battery can damage the electrical system or electronic components
and cause electrical malfunctions.

Never connect power generating equipment, such as a solar panel or battery charger, to the

12 Volt socket or the cigarette lighter

⇒ Cigarette lighter in order to charge the vehicle battery.

This can damage the vehicle's electrical system.

Dispose of the vehicle battery according to regulations. Vehicle batteries contain poisonous

substances such as sulfuric acid and lead.

Battery acid can pollute the environment. Catch leaking operating fluids and dispose of them

properly.