Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction

Refueling

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Refueling

Misfueling guard for diesel vehicles

Fuel capacities

Refueling checklist

The fuel filler flap is located on the rear right side of the vehicle.

More information:

  Exterior views
  Fuel
  Selective catalytic reduction (AdBlue)
  Preparations for working in the engine compartment

WARNING

Improper refueling or handling of fuel is dangerous and can cause fire, explosion, and severe
burns.

Always make sure that the fuel filler cap is screwed on all the way. This helps keep fuel

from spilling out or evaporating.

Fuel is highly flammable and explosive; it can cause severe burns and other severe inju-

ries.

Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle all the way

into the fuel filler neck can cause fuel to overflow and to spray out. Fuel spray and overflow-
ing fuel are dangerous because they can cause fire and serious personal injury.

During refueling, the engine and the ignition must be switched off for safety reasons.
Never use a cellular telephone, CB radio, or other radio equipment while refueling. The

electromagnetic radiation can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors and cause a fire.

Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must

get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. This helps avoid the
build-up of static electricity, which can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released
during refueling.

Never smoke or have an open flame (or sparks, cigarettes, or other smoldering objects)

anywhere in or near your vehicle when refueling or filling a portable fuel container.

Follow all safety instructions and procedures that apply at the service station where you

refuel.

Never spill fuel in the vehicle or the luggage compartment.

WARNING

Even if empty, portable fuel containers can leak and cause a fire and serious personal inju-
ries, especially in a crash.

For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not travel with a portable fuel con-

tainer in your vehicle.

If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please

observe the following:

– Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for exam-
ple, in the luggage compartment or on top of the luggage compartment lid). Static electric-
ity can build up while filling and can ignite fuel vapors, causing a fire.

– Always place a portable fuel container on the ground before filling. Never spill fuel
inside the vehicle or luggage compartment. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.

– Always keep the filler nozzle completely inside the portable container before and dur-
ing filling.

– If filling a portable container made of metal, the filler nozzle must always be in contact
with the container. This will help prevent static electricity from discharging and causing a
fire.

– Always observe local and state or provincial laws about the use, storage, and transpor-
tation of portable fuel containers.

– Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as ANSI /
ASTM F852-86.

NOTICE

Remove fuel spills from the vehicle immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires,

and wheel housings.

Refueling with gasoline when your vehicle has a diesel engine or refueling with diesel fuel

when your vehicle has a gasoline engine can cause very serious and expensive engine and
fuel system damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

If you put any amount of incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. These fuels contain substances that can severely
damage the fuel system and the engine if the engine is started.

Vehicles with diesel engines must never be refueled or driven with gasoline, kerosene,

heating oil, or other non-specified fuels that have not been expressly approved for use with the
diesel engine. Other kinds of fuel can cause serious damage to the fuel system and the engine
that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Fuels can pollute the environment. Spilled fuel must be collected and disposed of properly,

following all applicable environmental regulations.

There is no emergency release for the fuel filler flap. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Fig. 175 In the instrument cluster: Fuel gauge.

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

Lights

Gauge position

⇒

fig. 175

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Red range (arrow)

Fuel tank almost empty.

Running on reserve

Time to refuel

⇒

–

Fuel filler cap not properly

closed.

Stop and close fuel filler cap

properly.

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.

Fuel filler cap not properly closed

If the indicator light

lights up or you see a text message in the instrument cluster display indicating

that the fuel filler cap is not properly closed, stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine
and the ignition.

Open the fuel filler flap and take the fuel filler cap off the filler neck. Then put the fuel filler cap back on
the filler neck and screw it on clockwise until you clearly hear a clicking sound. Close the fuel filler flap.

After switching on the ignition, the indicator light

may stay on or the text message may still appear

in the instrument cluster display, even if the fuel filler cap is now properly closed. This is normal and no
reason to take your vehicle in for service.

If, however, the malfunction indicator light

also lights up, drive to your nearest authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the fuel system and the en-
gine checked.

WARNING

Driving with a fuel tank that is almost empty can lead to stalling in traffic, a collision, and
serious personal injuries.

When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted, especial-

ly when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills.

Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the

engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel.

Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel and stalling

in traffic.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the

engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter or the diesel particulate filter.

The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge

⇒

fig. 175

shows the side of the

vehicle with the fuel filler flap.

Refueling

Fig. 176 Right rear side of vehicle: Opening the fuel filler flap.

Fig. 177 Fuel cap placed on the open fuel filler flap.

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

Before refueling, always switch off the engine, the ignition, and all mobile phones, and leave them
switched off until refueling is complete.

Opening the fuel filler cap

Unlock the vehicle from the outside with the vehicle key or press the central locking button in driver

door to unlock the vehicle from the inside

⇒ Power locking system.

The fuel filler flap is located at the right rear of the vehicle.

Press on the back part of the fuel filler flap

⇒

fig. 176

(arrow)

and fold open.

Unscrew fuel cap counterclockwise and remove. Use the slot on the filler flap hinge to hold the cap

while refueling

⇒

fig. 177

Refueling

The correct fuel grade for your vehicle

⇒ Fuel is listed on a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler flap

(arrow)

The fuel tank is full when the automatic filler nozzle pump switches off the first time.

⇒

Do not try to add fuel after the pump stops! Topping off the tank in this way may fill the expansion

space that the tank needs and cause fuel to overflow, for example, if it gets warmer outside.

Closing the fuel filler cap

Screw the fuel cap clockwise onto the fuel filler neck until you hear it click into place.
Close the fuel filler flap until you hear it latch shut. The fuel filler flap must be flush with the vehicle

body.

WARNING

Spilled fuel can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.

Always stop refueling once the pump nozzle switches off so that the tank does not over-

flow.

NOTICE

Remove fuel spills from all vehicle surfaces immediately to help prevent damage to the paint,
tires, and wheel housings.

Fuel spills may pollute the environment.

Misfueling guard for diesel vehicles

Fig. 178 With open fuel cap: Misfueling guard in the fuel filler neck.

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

The fuel filler neck of diesel vehicles is equipped with a misfueling guard

⇒

fig. 178

. The misfueling

guard helps prevent filling the fuel tank of a diesel vehicle with gasoline, because the guard makes it
difficult to insert any type of filler nozzle other than the type commonly used for diesel fuel.

Damaged, worn out, or incorrect nozzles, as well as other means of refueling (portable fuel containers,
for example) will generally not open the misfueling guard and fuel from these sources cannot easily
flow into the tank. Using these incorrect or non-standard nozzles to refuel your diesel vehicle can
cause fuel spills, which can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.

The misfueling guard can generally only be properly opened with a correct nozzle from a standard
diesel fuel pump. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to turn the nozzle back and forth
slightly with light pressure to open the misfueling guard. If the misfueling guard cannot be opened this
way, see the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and
have the fuel system checked.

WARNING

Spilled fuel can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.

Do not refuel from devices other than correct, undamaged standard diesel fuel pump noz-

zles.

Always stop refueling once the pump nozzle switches off so that the tank does not over-

flow.

NOTICE

It is your responsibility to put the right fuel in your vehicle and any damage that results

from using the wrong fuel is not covered under the Emissions warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

If you put any amount of the wrong fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same

applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic
part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help pre-
vent leaks and serious damage.

NOTICE

Never force a fuel nozzle in the misfueling guard. If you have problems inserting a fuel

nozzle, first check to make sure you are using the correct diesel fuel. If you are, go to a pump
with the standard diesel nozzle. Forcing a fuel nozzle in the misfueling guard can damage it so
that it can no longer help prevent misfueling.

If you have problems inserting a diesel fuel nozzle, please check to make sure you are

using the right kind of diesel fuel.

If you must refuel with a non-standard diesel fuel nozzle, an adapter is available from

Volkswagen to allow refueling. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. Only use an adapter approved by Volkswagen for
your vehicle.

Remember that the nozzle on a portable fuel container will generally not open the

misfueling guard. If you must refuel with a portable fuel container in an emergency, you can
pour diesel fuel very slowly from a portable container into the fuel filler neck of your vehicle.
The fuel will flow slowly past the misfueling guard and into the tank.

Fuel capacities

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

Engine

Fuel tank capacity

Gasoline and diesel engines

about 18.5 gallons (70.0 liters)

including about 2.1 gallons (8.0 liters) reserve.

Refueling checklist

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

The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area. Never do any work on the engine
or in the engine compartment unless you

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

are familiar with the necessary safety precautions

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

Checklist

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.
Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every time you
refuel:

Windshield washer fluid level

⇒ Windshield wiper and washer

Engine oil level

⇒ Engine oil

Engine coolant level

⇒ Engine coolant

Brake fluid level

⇒ Braking and parking

Tire pressure

⇒ Tires and wheels

Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:

–  Turn signals
–  Parking lights, low beams and high beams
–  Taillights
–  Brake lights
–  License plate lights

Information regarding changing light bulbs

⇒ Replacing light bulbs.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.

Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

Fuel

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Fuel types

Gasoline

Gasoline additives

Diesel fuel

Fuel consumption information

The correct fuel grade for your engine is shown on a sticker located on the inside of the fuel filler flap
⇒

fig. 177

Bad or poor quality fuel reduces operating performance, efficiency and service life of the engine. If you
notice any symptoms like rough engine idle or performance or “bucking”, immediately reduce the
vehicle speed, accelerate slowly and keep the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range. Avoid
high rpm and rapid acceleration. If these symptoms should appear right after refueling, switch off the
engine. In both cases contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility to have the engine checked.

More information:

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance

Refueling
Engine control and exhaust system

WARNING

Improper refueling or handling of fuel can cause fire, explosion, and severe burns.

  Fuel is highly explosive and flammable and can cause severe burns and other injuries.
  Heed applicable safety warnings and obey local fuel handling regulations.
  Always make sure the fuel cap is screwed on all the way. This keeps fuel from spilling out

and from evaporating.

Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle fully into the

vehicle's filler neck could cause fuel overflow and fuel spray. Fuel spray and overflowing fuel
are dangerous because they can cause fire or serious injury.

For safety reasons, the engine must be turned off when refueling.
Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must

get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. Static electricity can
cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released during refueling.

Gasoline

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

Octane rating

Octane rating indicates a gasoline's ability to resist engine-damaging “knock” caused by pre-ignition.
Using the correct grade of gasoline is very important to help prevent engine damage and loss of
engine performance.

The recommended gasoline octane rating for your engine is listed on a label inside of the fuel filler
flap. This rating may be specified according to AKI (CLC) or RON (ROZ) standards.

If unleaded Premium grade gasoline is specified for your vehicle, then Volkswagen recommends using
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON). For more infor-
mation on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site http://www.toptiergas.com.

The gasoline grades most commonly sold in the United States and Canada have the following octane
ratings, which can usually be found on the filler pump:

Premium grade: 91 to 96 AKI
Regular grade: 87 to 90 AKI

Unleaded gasoline

Unleaded gasoline is available throughout the USA and Canada. Volkswagen recommends that you
do not take your vehicle to places where unleaded gasoline may not be available.

Gasoline containing alcohol or MTBE

You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly
referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:

Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):

  Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
  Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
  Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.

Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 15% ethanol.

Blends of gasoline and MTBE:

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.

Seasonally adjusted gasoline

Many fuels are blended especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change,
Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely
to be made earlier.

WARNING

Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

Never use fuel with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI / 91 RON. Using lower octane fuel

may cause expensive engine damage.

Never use leaded gasoline! Leaded gasoline will severely damage your vehicle's catalytic

converter.

Methanol-blended fuels that do not meet the criteria listed above may cause corrosion and

may damage plastic and rubber parts in the fuel system.

Never use fuels that contain lead or other metals (check listing on the fuel pump). Even lead

replacement gasoline (LRP fuels) contain metallic additives in high concentrations. They can
damage the engine.

Do not use fuels that fail to meet the criteria above, or with contents that cannot be identi-

fied.

If you cannot tell whether a particular fuel blend meets the criteria above, ask your service

station or its fuel supplier. If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance
problems using one of these fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel.

Using fuels that are different from those specified above can damage your vehicle's engine

and fuel system and cause performance problems.

Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels

that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the
responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Even a single tank full of leaded fuel can do major damage to the catalytic converter and de-

grade its effectiveness in reducing polluting emissions.

If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance problems using one of these

fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel. Never use fuel line antifreeze offered
for gasoline engines.

Gasoline additives

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

Additives are used to improve the quality of the gasoline.

Fuel quality impacts the operating performance, efficiency and service life of the engine. Therefore,
use quality gasoline that is already blended by the fuel supplier with suitable gasoline additives that do
not contain metal. The additives provide corrosion protection, clean the fuel system, and prevent
deposits on the engine.

Volkswagen recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. For more information on TOP TIER Deter-
gent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site http://www.toptiergas.com.

If quality gasoline with additives that do not contain metal is not available or engine malfunctions

occur, you should add the required additives while refueling

⇒

Not all gasoline additives are effective. Using the wrong additives can cause significant and expensive
damage to the engine and the catalytic converter. Never use additives that contain metal. Please note
that metal can be included in some aftermarket gasoline additives that are available to be added to
gasoline during or after refueling to help improve knock resistance or increase the octane rating.

Volkswagen recommends using only additives approved by Volkswagen. Appropriate additives as well
as instructions on how to use them are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-
ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Do not add any other gasoline additives.

NOTICE

You can damage the engine by using incorrect additives.

Using incorrect gasoline additives can cause extensive engine damage as well as damage

to the catalytic converter.

If you must fuel your vehicle with gasoline whose octane rating is too low, only drive with

the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range and with low engine load. Avoid high rpm and
heavy engine load. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. Refuel your vehicle with gasoline
with the required octane rating as soon as possible.

Do not use fuel that is labeled at the pump as containing metal. Lead replacement fuel

contains high concentrations of metallic additives. Engine damage could result.

Fueling your vehicle just one time with leaded fuel or fuel that contains other metallic addi-

tives can affect the performance of the catalytic converter and cause extensive damage to it.

Diesel fuel

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

Always use only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel No. 2

⇒

The ULSD must always meet ASTM D-975 specification

⇒

“ULSD” should be clearly marked on the pump. Before filling your vehicle, please always make sure
you are using ULSD. According to Federal regulations ULSD is the only diesel fuel type allowed for
use in your vehicle.

Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 5% (B5), such as B11, B20,
or B100 when B5 biodiesel is available, is contrary to the terms of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
and is strictly prohibited.

ULSD diesel fuel may not be available outside the USA and Canada. Be sure to check availability
before traveling to other countries.

Winter diesel

At temperatures below 20 °F (-7 °C), wax separation in ULSD occurs. Wax may clog the fuel filter or
tank filter and keep the engine from running.

To help prevent the filter from being clogged with wax, the fuel filter in your vehicle is heated with
warm fuel when the engine is running (filter preheating system). Heating the fuel filter makes it possi-
ble to use your vehicle with ULSD down to about -10 °F (-24 °C).

If you expect temperatures below +5 °F (-15 °C) ask your fuel dealer if their ULSD is sufficiently win-
terized.

If non-winterized or insufficiently winterized diesel fuel has already thickened to the point that the
engine will not start, move the vehicle to a heated garage or workshop until it has warmed up.

Cold diesel engines normally produce louder noises during winter conditions than during warmer
periods. In addition, the exhaust gases may be light blue in color until the engine has warmed up. The
exhaust gas volume varies depending on the outside temperature.

Do not let your diesel engine idle unnecessarily after a cold start. Driving off slowly will shorten the
warm-up period.

Illinois registered vehicles

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, clean-burning and renewable partial substitute for conventional
(petroleum) diesel fuel.

Your vehicle was originally designed to run on “ULSD” – Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975
standard Grade No. 2-D (S15)] that complies with ASTM D-975 specifications and permits up to a
maximum blend of 5 % biodiesel (B5).

Due to Illinois state tax incentives or regulations for biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be
available in Illinois. However, we want to assure you that Volkswagen will continue to honor the terms
and conditions of the Volkswagen Limited Warranties that came with your vehicle. Use only Biodiesel
from high quality sources, certified by the BQ-9000 label at the fuel station and complying to ASTM D
7467 S15, B6 to B20.

Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 20 % (B20), such as B100
is still contrary to the terms of your Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty
and remains strictly prohibited.

Biodiesel blends (up to B20) may be used in your Illinois registered TDI

Clean Diesel vehicle; howev-

er, please be aware that biodiesel has characteristics that are different from other kinds of fuel, espe-
cially petroleum-based fuels.

Biodiesel can attract water and also deteriorate with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the
engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in
the engine to rise and can affect the quality of the oil.

Routinely check the engine oil level. A good time to do this is when you refuel, especially if you

regularly do a lot of short distance or stop-and-go driving. This will help you see if the engine oil level
is getting higher. (A rising oil level beyond the maximum indicator means an oil change is needed due

to the dilution of the oil in the system; a potential characteristic of biodiesel use)

⇒ page 297, Engine

oil.

If you ever notice that the engine oil level has risen or is above the maximum indicator, contact

your authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or Volkswagen Customer
CARE to schedule an oil change – regardless of the time or mileage that has elapsed since you last
had an oil change performed.

Continue to follow the oil change intervals found in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet that

came with your vehicle, and use only engine oil that expressly complies with Volkswagen quality
standard VW 507 00.

Refuel only at trusted, commercial fueling stations that are located near main highways. These

stations are more likely to have “fresh” biodiesel fuels that have not aged significantly.

If your vehicle will be in storage (or not driven) for several weeks or months, please completely fill

the fuel tank. If possible, fill the tank with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975 standard Grade
No. 2-D (S15)].

If you have additional questions about your Illinois registered TDI

Clean Diesel vehicle, please call or

write to us at:

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer CARE
3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel.: 1-800-444-8982

WARNING

Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason,

never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use
with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel sys-
tem and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same

Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels

The vehicle is warranted to run on diesel fuel containing methyl ester biodiesel in concen-

trations of 5 % or less. Never use methyl ester biodiesel in blend levels higher than 5 % (5 %
methyl ester blends are sometimes designated or labeled as B5) unless your vehicle is regis-
tered in Illinois. The properties of methyl ester biodiesel blends in levels greater than 5% will
void coverage for related engine damage under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty, unless your vehicle is registered in Illinois.

Biodiesel especially in concentrations higher than B5, can attract water and also deteriorate

with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it
does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in the engine to rise and can affect
the quality of the oil and if not detected and remedied promptly, will ultimately result in engine
damage.

Selective catalytic reduction (AdBlue

)

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

AdBlue information

Refilling AdBlue

AdBlue

is the brand name of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) that is a chemical reactant to reduce

nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust emission from your Clean Diesel engine. Volkswagen recommends
AdBlue, but you can use any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms to International Organiza-
tion for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that does not meet the requirements
of ISO 22241-1 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine.

The fill level of AdBlue should be checked every time the vehicle is serviced

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance.

More information:

  Luggage compartment
  Fuel
  Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition was
switched off. It is also not possible to jump-start or emergency start the vehicle!

Refill AdBlue when the AdBlue fuel range falls to about 600 miles (1000 km).

Never let the AdBlue tank run dry.

WARNING

AdBlue is an irritating and corrosive fluid that can harm skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and
respiratory organs.

If AdBlue gets into the eyes, flush them thoroughly with large amounts of clean water for

at least 15 minutes; medical attention is recommended.

If AdBlue is swallowed, immediately rinse the mouth for at least 15 minutes with plenty of

water. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. Get med-
ical attention immediately.

NOTICE

AdBlue corrodes surfaces such as painted vehicle components, plastics, clothing and

carpets. Remove spilled AdBlue immediately with a wet cloth and plenty of cold water.

Remove crystallized AdBlue with warm water and a sponge.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

No engine restart possible!

AdBlue fill level too low.

Stop the vehicle at a safe and appropriate

place with level pavement and refuel

AdBlue

No engine restart possible!

AdBlue system malfunction.

Have the system checked by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

together

with

AdBlue level is low.

Refill the AdBlue tank within the indicated

number of miles or kilometers. Volkswagen

recommends taking the vehicle to an au-

thorized Volkswagen dealer or an author-

ized Volkswagen Service Facility.

AdBlue system malfunctioning or not

filled with standard AdBlue.

Have the system checked by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

together

with

AdBlue level is low.

Refill the AdBlue tank within the indicated

number of miles or kilometers. Volkswagen

recommends taking the vehicle to an au-

thorized Volkswagen dealer or an author-

ized Volkswagen Service Facility.

AdBlue system malfunctioning or not

filled with standard AdBlue.

Have the system checked by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

together

with

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.

Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction - part 18