· When adding engine coolant, do not go beyond the
upper edge of the marked area ÿ fig. 235.
Otherwise, when the temperature rises, the
excess fluid will be expelled from the engine
cooling system and could cause damage.
WARNING
Steam and hot engine coolant can cause severe
burns.
· Never open the engine hood if you see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment.
Always wait until the escaping steam or coolant
is no longer seen or heard.
· If the system loses enough coolant, replace it only
after the engine has completely cooled down . If
the loss of coolant is significant, it is possible that
there are leaks in the engine cooling system.
Immediately go to a specialized workshop and
have the system checked. Otherwise, the motor
could be damaged!
· Before carefully opening the engine hood,
always wait for the engine to cool down
completely. If you touch parts that are hot, you
may get burned skin.
· When the engine has cooled down, before
opening the engine hood note the following:
· Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
completely empty! Air could have entered the
cooling system. Stop walking and request the help
of specialized personnel. Otherwise, the motor
could be damaged!
— Engage the electronic parking brake and
place the selector lever in position P or the
gear lever in neutral.
· When replenishing operating fluids, make sure you
pour the correct fluids into the correct fill ports.
Using the wrong operating fluids can cause serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
— Switch off the ignition and, if necessary,
remove the key from the ignition lock.
— Always keep children away from the
engine compartment and never leave them unattended.
· When the engine is hot, its cooling system is
under pressure. Never open the engine coolant
expansion tank cap when the engine is hot.
Doing so could cause coolant to splatter and
cause serious burns and other injuries.
Brake fluid
— Turn the cover slowly and very carefully anti-
clockwise while applying light pressure on it.
— Always protect your face, hands and
warm coolant or steam arms with a large,
thick rag.
· When replenishing operating fluids, avoid
getting them on engine components or the
exhaust system. These liquids could cause a
fire. Under certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in engine coolant can ignite.
Fig. 237 In the engine compartment: brake fluid
reservoir cover.
WARNING
Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time.
An excessive water content in the brake fluid causes
· Use only distilled water! All other types of water
damage to the brake system. The effect of water
contain chemicals that could cause extensive
significantly reduces the boiling point of brake fluid.
engine corrosion damage. This could also cause
If the water content in the brake fluid is excessive,
vapor bubbles can form in the brake system under
heavy stress or under hard braking. Bubbles reduce
braking capacity, increase considera
engine failure. If you have added non-distilled
water, immediately have all the fluid in the engine
cooling system changed by a specialized workshop.
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327
Brake fluid
braking distance and can even cause the failure of
the entire braking system. Your safety and that of
other road users depends on the proper functioning
of the braking system at all times ÿ .
brake fluid level
The control indicator lights up red.
The brake fluid level is too low.
- Do not continue the march!
— Check the brake fluid level.
If the brake fluid level is too low:
Brake fluid specifications Volkswagen
has developed a special brake fluid optimized for the
vehicle's brake system. To ensure optimal function of
the brake system, Volkswagen expressly recommends
the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501
14 standard.
— Inform a specialized workshop.
— Have the brake system checked.
Changing the brake fluid
Have the brake fluid changed by a specialist
workshop. Volkswagen recommends going to a
Volkswagen dealer for this. Always request fresh brake
fluid that meets the required specifications.
Before using a brake fluid, it must be checked whether
its specifications, which appear on the packaging,
meet the requirements of the vehicle.
Brake fluid that meets the VW standard 501 14 can
be purchased from Volkswagen dealers.
WARNING
If such a brake fluid is not available and a different,
high-quality one has to be used, a brake fluid that
meets the requirements of DIN ISO 4925 or the
American standard can be used.
If the brakes fail or their braking ability is reduced,
the brake fluid level may be too low or the fluid
itself is too old or not adequate.
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 CLASS 6.
· Have the brake system and brake fluid level
checked regularly!
Not all brake fluids that meet the requirements of
DIN ISO 4925 or the American standard FMVSS 116
DOT 4 CLASS 6 have the same chemical composition.
· Have the brake fluid changed regularly.
Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals
that, over time, can destroy or damage parts of the
vehicle's brake system.
· If the brake fluid is old and the brakes are heavily
stressed, vapor bubbles may form. Bubbles
reduce braking ability, considerably increase
stopping distance and can cause failure of the
entire braking system.
For this reason, and in order to ensure proper
function of the brake system in the long term,
Volkswagen recommends using brake fluid that
expressly complies with the VW standard 501 14.
· Be sure to use the correct brake fluid. Only use
brake fluid that expressly complies with the VW
501 14 standard.
Brake fluids in accordance with the VW 501
14 standard meet the requirements of DIN ISO
4925 or the American standard FMVSS 116
· The use of any other type of brake fluid or one
that is not of the highest quality can impair the
operation of the brakes and reduce their braking
capacity.
DOT 4 CLASS 6.
Brake fluid level The brake
fluid level must always be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the brake fluid reservoir and above
the MIN ÿ mark.
· If a brake fluid conforming to the VW 501 14
standard is not available, exceptionally a high-
quality brake fluid can be used that meets the
requirements of DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or the
American standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake
fluid exactly, because in some models a cover or
engine components prevent seeing the level in the
corresponding tank. If you cannot distinguish the level
of the brake fluid exactly, ask for the help of specialized
personnel.
The brake fluid used must be
new.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
The brake fluid level drops slightly while driving due
to wear of the brake pads and automatic brake
readjustment.
· To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use beverage
bottles or other containers
328
check and reset
to store brake fluid. These containers could cause
It is forbidden to light a fire, cause sparks,
use an open flame or smoke!
confusion and someone could drink their contents, even
if they had been marked accordingly.
When charging the 12-volt battery, a highly
explosive detonating gas mixture is produced!
· Always store brake fluid in the original container tightly closed
and out of the reach of children.
Always keep children away from the
electrolyte of the 12-volt battery and from it!
WARNING
Always take the instruction manual into
account!
Brake fluid damages vehicle paint, plastic parts and tires if it
comes in contact with them. If brake fluid is spilled or leaked
onto vehicle parts, wipe it up immediately.
WARNING
Working on the 12-volt battery and electrical system can
cause severe burns, fire, and electric shock. Before working
on the battery, always read and observe the following warnings
and safety precautions:
Brake fluid can contaminate the environment. If any
operating fluid leaks, collect it and dispose of it properly.
· Before carrying out work on the battery
12 volts, switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers,
and disconnect the negative cable from this battery.
12 volt battery
Introduction to the topic
· Always keep children away from the electrolyte of the 12-
volt battery and from it.
The 12-volt battery is part of the electrical system and is
responsible for powering the vehicle.
· Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
· The battery electrolyte is very aggressive. May cause skin
burns and blindness. When handling the 12 volt battery,
especially protect your hands, arms and face from possible
splashes of acid.
Only carry out work on the electrical system yourself if you
are familiar with the necessary operations and the generally
applicable safety measures, and if you have the appropriate
tools, media and operating fluids. Improper work can lead to
serious injuries ÿ . Have all work carried out by a specialized
· Do not smoke while carrying out the work and never carry
PY
it out near naked flames or sparks.
C
workshop. Volkswagen reco
O
mmends going to a Volkswagen
dealer for this.
· Avoid sparks from electrostatic discharges, as well as
when handling cables and electrical devices.
At the end of the chapter, in the troubleshooting section, you
will find information about warning and control lights that come
on ÿ p. 333.
· Never short-circuit the battery poles.
· Never use damaged 12 volt batteries. They could explode.
If the 12 volt battery is damaged, replace it immediately.
12 volt battery location
Depending on the equipment, the 12-volt battery can be located
in the engine compartment or in the trunk or behind a cover.
· Never use a frozen 12 volt battery. When the battery is
discharged, it can freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C
(+32 °F). If the 12 volt battery is frozen, replace it
immediately.
Explanation of 12 volt battery warning symbols
Always wear eye protection!
Battery electrolyte is highly corrosive.
Always wear protective gloves and eye
protection!
· If the vehicle has a 12-volt battery in the boot, make sure
that the degassing hose is correctly attached to the battery.
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12 volt battery
329
2024 VW Passat Owner's Manual
VW Passat B7 Service & Repair Manual
VW Passat B6 Service & Repair Manual
