Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction

NOTICE

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

AdBlue information

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

In vehicles with selective catalytic reduction, a special urea solution (AdBlue) is injected into the ex-
haust system ahead of the catalytic converter in order to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

AdBlue is stored in a separate tank of the vehicle and should be refilled under normal driving condi-
tions during service according to the maintenance schedule. The AdBlue tank holds slightly more than
5 gallons (about 19.7 liters).

AdBlue consumption depends on individual driving style, system operating temperature, and outside
air temperature. Therefore in rare cases AdBlue may have to be refilled between service events.

Starting with a remaining range of about 1500 miles (2400 km), a reminder to refill AdBlue is displayed

in the instrument cluster

⇒Refilling AdBlue. If you ignore the last refill reminder, it is impossible to start

the engine again after it is switched off

⇒ , Warning and indicator lights.

Volkswagen recommends that you have the AdBlue tank refilled by an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. If no authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified workshop is available, you should refill at least
1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of AdBlue (3 AdBlue bottles). Refill only the type of AdBlue that Volkswagen has
explicitly approved for your vehicle.

If warning lights and

both come on together, there is a malfunction. Volkswagen recommends

that you take the vehicle to the closest qualified workshop.

AdBlue

is a registered trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in the

United States, Germany, the European Union and in other countries.

Refilling AdBlue

Fig. 179 At the right rear of the luggage compartment: AdBlue tank underneath a cover.

Fig. 180 AdBlue tank with filler neck cap 1 and refill bottle 2.

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

When refilling AdBlue, the vehicle must be parked on a level surface, not on an incline or with the
wheels on one side up on the curb. If the vehicle is not on level ground, the gauge that shows the fill
level may not register the added quantity.

Opening the tank filler neck

Open the luggage compartment lid.

Fold up cover

⇒

fig. 179

(1)

Unscrew the tank filler neck cap

⇒

fig. 180

(1)

counterclockwise and remove.

Refilling AdBlue

Only use Volkswagen-approved AdBlue that meets ISO 22241-1 requirements. Only use origi-
nal packaging.

Read and heed the information provided by the AdBlue refill manufacturer

⇒

  Note the expiration date.
  Unscrew the cap of the refill container.
  Vertically insert the neck of the refill container

(2)

into the tank filler neck and turn clockwise to

hand-tighten.

Press the refill container in the direction of the tank filler neck and keep pressed.
Add at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of AdBlue, which is 2 refill bottles. Adding a smaller amount is

not sufficient.

Wait until the contents of the refill container has flowed into the AdBlue tank. Do not squeeze or

damage the refill container!

Unscrew the refill container counterclockwise and lift it out carefully

⇒

AdBlue stops flowing from the refill bottle when the AdBlue tank is completely full.

Closing the fuel filler neck

Screw the fuel filler neck cap

(1)

clockwise onto the fuel filler neck until the cap locks into place.

Close the cover.

Things to do before driving again

After refilling, switch on only the ignition.

Leave the ignition switched on for at least 30 seconds so that system can detect the refill.
Do not start the engine for 30 seconds!

WARNING

Store AdBlue only in its closed original container and in a safe place.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never keep AdBlue in empty food or beverage containers

that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always store AdBlue outside the reach of children.

NOTICE

Use only AdBlue that has been explicitly approved by Volkswagen. Using other types of

AdBlue can damage your vehicle's engine.

Never mix water or any other substances or additives with AdBlue. Damage caused by such

additives will not be covered by any Volkswagen limited warranty.

Never put AdBlue into the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise the engine may be damaged!
Do not carry a refill container in the vehicle all the time or routinely. Due to temperature

fluctuations and damage, the container could start leaking and the AdBlue could damage the
vehicle interior.

Dispose of the refill container in an environmentally-responsible manner.

Appropriate AdBlue refill containers can be obtained from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Working in the engine compartment

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning light

Preparing to work in the engine compartment

Opening and closing the engine compartment

Always position the vehicle on a firm and level surface before doing any work in the engine compart-
ment.

The engine compartment of a 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

⇒

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:

  Exterior views
  Windshield wiper and washer
  Starting and stopping the engine
  Brake fluid
  Checks while refueling
  Engine oil
  Engine coolant
  Vehicle battery
  Exterior care and cleaning
  Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement during maintenance work can cause serious personal injuries.

Never work under the vehicle unless you have safely secured the vehicle from moving. If

you must work under the vehicle with the wheels on the ground, always make sure that the
vehicle is on level ground, that all 4 wheels are chocked to keep them from moving, and that
the key is not in the ignition.

If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle

is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to
support the weight of the vehicle. The jack supplied with the vehicle is not strong enough for
this purpose and can collapse causing serious personal injury.

WARNING

The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause
serious personal injury.

Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the engine compartment. Always

follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk personal
injury.

Never perform any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry

out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.

If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified work-
shop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.

We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)

headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician. Serious personal injury may re-
sult from improperly performed work.

Never open or close the engine hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant

can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine.

Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
Hot parts of the engine and the exhaust system 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.

WARNING

High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even elec-
trocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!

Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables.

The vehicle's battery could explode!

To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or

being started:

– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage elec-
tronic ignition system.

– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.

Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine compart-

ment

⇒ page 328

WARNING

Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.

Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can

cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-
controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while
and the key has been removed from the ignition.

If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks

from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.

– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotat-
ing engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie
back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in
moving engine parts.

– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a
check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.

Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools.

Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.

WARNING

Additional materials in the engine compartment such as blankets can interfere with the oper-
ation of the engine and can cause fires which can lead to serious injuries.

Never cover the engine with blankets or other materials.

WARNING

Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing
burns and other serious personal injuries!

  Do not smoke.
  Never work next to open flames or sparks.
  Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids

can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.

If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:

– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when
you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.

– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.

Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

NOTICE

When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reser-
voirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage.

Fluid leaks and spills are harmful to the environment. Regularly check the ground underneath

your vehicle for this reason. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle checked by your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Dispose of leaked operating
fluids properly.

Warning light

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine hood not properly closed.

Stop!

Close the engine hood.

OR icon
appears

in the

display

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.

If the engine hood is open or not closed properly, the

warning light lights up in the instrument

cluster.

Depending on your vehicle's equipment and options, the red warning light or icon may still be dis-
played even after the ignition is switched off as long as the key has not been taken out of the ignition.
The icon in the instrument cluster display goes out about 15 seconds after the vehicle has been
locked.

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.

Preparing to work in the engine compartment

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

Checklist

Before any work in the engine compartment, carry out the following steps in the order in which they

are listed

⇒

Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.

Hold the brake pedal down until the engine is switched off.

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Braking and parking.

Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only)

⇒ Shifting.

Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

Let the engine cool down sufficiently.

Keep children and others away from the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle cannot move unexpectedly.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may result in serious injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common

sense.

Opening and closing the engine compartment

Fig. 181 A: In the footwell on the driver side: Inside engine hood release lever. B: Above the radiator grille:
Outside engine hood release (under the hood).

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

Opening the engine hood

Before you open the hood, make sure that the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield

⇒

Open the driver door and pull the inside hood release lever in the direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 181

(A)

The engine hood is released from its latch by a spring

⇒

Push the outside hood release lever

(B)

(arrow) and lift the hood all the way up. A gas-filled strut

will hold the hood up.

Closing the engine hood

Pull the hood down to overcome the resistance of the gas-pressure strut

⇒

Let the engine hood drop into the hood latch – do not press it afterwards!

If the hood does not close completely, open it again and close it properly.

When the hood is properly closed, you can see that it fits flush with the other body parts. The indicator

light in the instrument cluster will go out

⇒ Booklet

Owner's Manual Passat Model Year 2013,

Chapter

Warning and indicator lights.

WARNING

If the hood is not closed properly, it could fly up and block your view while you are driving.
This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

After closing the engine hood, check that the hood release lever is properly latched into

the hood latch. The engine hood must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.

If you ever notice that the hood latch is not properly secured when the vehicle is moving,

stop at once and close it.

Never let anyone get in the way of the hood when closing it.

Engine oil

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Engine oil specifications

Engine oil capacities

Checking the engine oil level and adding oil

Engine oil consumption

Changing engine oil

More information:

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance

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

WARNING

Improper handling of engine oil can cause severe burns and other serious injuries.

  Always wear eye protection.
  Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.
  Store engine oil only in the closed original container. This also applies to used oil until

disposal.

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.

Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin

by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running and can cause severe

burns. Always let the engine cool down to the touch.

Like all other operating fluids, engine oil can pollute the environment. Collect leaked or spilled

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

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine oil level too low.

Stop the engine. Check the engine oil level

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine oil pressure too low.

Stop!

Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil

level.

– If the warning light flashes although the oil
level is normal, do not continue driving or let
the engine idle. Otherwise, the engine could

be damaged. Contact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Engine oil level sensor malfunction.

Have the engine oil sensor checked by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an author-

ized 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.

For vehicles with a Premium instrument cluster display and the 3.6 liter engine, the engine oil tempera-

ture can be displayed in the Volkswagen Information System MFI menu

⇒ MFI menu (Multi-Function

Indicator): Premium version,

⇒ MFI menu (Multi-Function Indicator): Premium version.

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 oil specifications

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

The engine oil used must conform to exact specifications.

Using the proper engine oil is important for the functionality and service life of the engine. Your engine
was factory-filled with a high-quality multi-grade oil which can usually be used throughout the entire
year.

Engine oils are constantly being improved. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new developments and changes.

Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Engine oil quality is based not only on requirements for engines and exhaust treatment systems, but
also on fuel quality. Engine oil comes into contact with fuel and fuel residue in all internal combustion
engines, causing engine oil to age and its lubricating qualities to deteriorate.

Your engine was factory-filled with a high-quality, “synthetic” all-season engine oil that meets strict
Volkswagen oil quality standards and has a viscosity grade of SAE 5W-40. or SAE 5W-30. You can
use this oil for normal driving in all temperatures.

If you need to add oil between oil changes, use only a high quality oil that expressly complies with the
Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine:

Engines

Engine oil specification

Gasoline engines

VW 504 00, VW 503 00, VW 502 00

Diesel engines

VW 507 00

At the time this Manual was printed, the engine oils available in the U.S. that meet these Volkswagen
standards are “synthetic” oils. This does not mean, however, that any “synthetic” engine oil will meet
Volkswagen standards. Always use an approved oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil
quality standard that applies to your vehicle's engine.

General recommendations:

If “synthetic” oil that meets the applicable Volkswagen oil quality standard with viscosity grade
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30 is not available in your area, be sure to use a viscosity grade suitable for
the climate, season, and operating conditions that exist where the vehicle is used. Make sure the oil

meets the quality standard listed in

⇒ table on page 300.

Engine oils are constantly being improved. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new developments and changes.
Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

If you need to add oil and there is none available that meets the Volkswagen oil quality

standard your engine requires, you may add a total of no more than 1/2 quart (0.5 liter) of a
high-quality “synthetic” oil that meets ACEA A3 specifications and has a viscosity grade of
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30.

Use only a high quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality

standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine
damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Do not mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine

damage! Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen
Limited Warranty.

Engine oil capacities

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

Engines

Engine oil capacity (with filter)

170 hp (125 kW), 1.8L

About 5.7 quarts (5.5 liters)

280 hp (206 kW), 3.6L

About 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters)

150 hp (110 kW), 2.0L diesel engines with DPF

About 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters)

Checking the engine oil level and adding oil

Fig. 182 Oil dipstick with engine oil level marks.

Fig. 183 In the engine compartment: Engine oil filler cap.

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

Checklist

Perform the steps in the order listed

⇒

1. With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to help prevent an

incorrect oil level reading.

2. Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the oil pan.

3. Open the engine hood

⇒

4. Find the oil filler opening and the dipstick. You can identify these by the

symbol on the engine

oil filler cap

⇒

fig. 183

and the colored handle on the dipstick. If you are not sure where the cap and

the dipstick are located, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility for assistance.

5. Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe the dipstick off using a clean cloth.

6. Reinsert the dipstick into the guide tube and push it all the way in. If there is an alignment tab on

the engine oil dipstick, make sure it lines up with the notch in the guide tube, and that the dipstick
goes all the way in.

7. Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick

⇒

fig. 182

as described below:

(A)

: Do not add any oil

⇒

. Continue with step 15.

(B)

: Oil may be added (about 1 pint / 0.5 liter). Continue with step 8 or step 15.

(C)

: You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). Continue with step 8.

8. After reading the oil level, reinsert the dipstick back into the guide tube and push it all the way in.

9. Remove the cap on the engine oil filler opening

⇒

fig. 183

10. Only add engine oil that Volkswagen has approved for that engine. Add the oil gradually in small

quantities (no more than 1 pint / 0.5 liter).

11. To help prevent overfilling, you must wait about 1 minute each time you add oil so that the oil can

flow into the oil pan up to the marking on the dipstick.

12. Read the oil level on the dipstick again before adding another small amount, if necessary. Never

add too much oil

⇒

13. After adding oil, the level must at least be in the center of the

⇒

fig. 182

(B)

area, but never above

(A)

⇒

14. After adding oil, securely install the cap on the engine oil filler opening. Otherwise, oil could leak

out while the engine is running.

15. Insert the oil dipstick back in the guide tube and push it all the way in.

16. Close the hood

⇒

Engine oil level ranges

fig. 182

Required action according to the respective engine oil level:

Range

(A)

Do not refill oil

⇒

Range

(B)

You may add oil (about 1 pint / 0.5 l). The oil level may go into the

(A)

range,

but not above the

(A)

range.

Range

(C)

You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 l). After adding oil, make sure that the oil

level is about in the middle of the

(B)

range.

WARNING

Engine oil can ignite when it touches hot engine parts. This can cause fires, burns, and other
severe injuries.

Never spill oil on the engine. Oil spilled on a cold engine can also cause a fire when the

engine warms up.

Always make certain that you screw the cap of the engine oil filler opening back on tightly

after adding oil and that the dipstick has been pushed all the way back into the in the guide
tube. This helps prevent engine oil from leaking onto the hot engine when the engine is run-
ning.

NOTICE

Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is above range

(A)

. Contact an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the catalytic con-
verter and engine can be damaged!

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

reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and
engine damage.

The engine oil level should never be above range

(A)

. Otherwise oil can be drawn in by the

crankcase ventilation system and enter the atmosphere via the exhaust system.

Engine oil consumption

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

To provide effective lubrication and cooling for internal engine parts, all internal combustion engines
use some oil. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and may change over the life of the en-
gine. Engines tend to use more oil during the break-in period than they do afterward, when oil con-
sumption has stabilized.

Under normal conditions, the rate of oil consumption depends on oil quality as well as viscosity, engine
speed (rpm), outside temperature, road conditions, the amount of oil dilution caused by condensed
water or fuel residue, and oxidation of the oil. Oil consumption may increase with engine wear over
time, until replacement of worn engine parts may become necessary.

Volkswagen recommends that you to check the engine oil level at regular intervals, preferably every
time you fill the fuel tank, and always before a long trip. Your vehicle may consume engine oil depend-
ing on several variables. A maximum of 1 quart per 1200 miles (1 liter per 2000 km) would be consid-
ered normal. New vehicles may consume more oil over the first 3000 miles (5000 km).

The oil pressure warning light is not an indicator of low engine oil level. If the warning light
stays on or flashes while driving (above 1500 rpm), a chime will sound. It indicates that the oil
pressure is too low. Stop the engine immediately, check the engine oil level and add oil if
necessary. If the engine oil level is normal, but the light continues to flash, do not keep driving
or let the engine idle, as damage may occur.

If you believe your engine uses too much oil, we recommend that you consult your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility so that the cause of your concern can
be properly diagnosed. Please keep in mind that accurate measurement of oil consumption requires
great care and may take some time. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer and authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility have instructions for how to measure oil consumption accurately.

Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction - part 19