2019 Volkswagen Beetle Owners Manual - Engine oil

Engine oil

 Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:

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 containers 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

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

Lights up	Possible cause	Proper response
	Engine oil level too low.	Stop! Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level  . If the engine oil level is too high, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance  .

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 system malfunction.	Have the engine oil sensor checked by 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.

Depending on equipment, the engine oil temperature may be displayed in the Volkswagen Information System MFI menu  .

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.

NOTE

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

NOTE

Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is in range  . Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the catalytic converter and engine can be damaged!

Engine oil specifications

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

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.

Always use an approved oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard that applies to your vehicle's engine.

Approved engine oil

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 engine oil that meets the applicable Volkswagen engine oil specification with viscosity grade SAE 0W-20 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 engine oil specification listed in the table above. If none is available that meets this engine oil specification, see the information in  .

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 capacities

NOTE

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 an engine oil that meets ACEA A3/B4 or API SN specifications and has a viscosity grade of SAE 0W-20.

• OR: if there is no oil available that has a viscosity grade of SAE 0W-20, you may add a total of no more than 1/2 quart (0.5 liter) of an engine oil that meets the oil quality standard VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 and has a viscosity grade of SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30, or SAE 5W-40.
  • Using oil with a viscosity grade other than SAE 0W-20 may cause vehicle emissions and fuel consumption to increase slightly. Only use other oils in case of emergency!

• Use only an 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.

Changing engine oil

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

The engine oil must be changed according to the intervals specified in your ⇒BookletWarranty 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 authorized 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 before beginning.

• Always use an oil that has been specifically approved for your vehicle  .

• 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 containers 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 in 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 oil consumption

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

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 engine. Engines tend to use more oil during the break-in period than they do afterward, when oil consumption 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 depending on several variables. A maximum of 1 quart per 1200 miles (1 liter per 2000 km) would be considered 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 in a safe place 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.

Depending on the way the vehicle is driven and the operating conditions, oil consumption can be up to 1 quart per 1200 miles (1 liter per 2000 km). Consumption may be higher for new vehicles during the first 3000 miles (5000 km).

Checking the engine oil level and adding oil

Fig. 157 Engine oil dipstick with oil level marks.

Fig. 158 In the engine compartment: Engine oil filler cap (cap design may vary depending on vehicle equipment).

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first 

Key to  :

1. Engine oil level too high. Do not start the engine . Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
2. Do not refill oil  .
3. You may add oil, as long as the oil level does not go above the Ⓑ range.
4. Engine oil level too low. You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). After adding oil, make sure that the oil level is about in the middle of the Ⓒ range.

Checklist

Perform the steps in the order listed  :

• 

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

• 

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

• 

  Open the engine hood  In the engine compartment.

• 

  Find the oil filler opening and the dipstick. You can identify these by the  symbol on the engine oil filler cap 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.

• 

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

• 

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

  • Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick as described below: Ⓐ: Do not start the engine . Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. Ⓑ: Do not add any oil . Continue with step 15. Ⓒ: Oil may be added, depending on the oil level. Continue with step 8 or step 15. Ⓓ: You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). Continue with step 8.
• 

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

• 

  Remove the cap on the engine oil filler opening .

• 

  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).

• 

  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.

• 

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

• 

  After adding oil, the level must at least be in the center of the Ⓒ range and can enter range Ⓑ, but should never enter range Ⓐ .

• 

  After adding oil, securely install the cap on the engine oil filler opening. Otherwise, oil could leak out while the engine is running.

• 

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

• 

  Close the hood .

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 running.

NOTE

• Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is in range  . Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the catalytic converter 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 in range  . Otherwise oil can be drawn in by the crankcase ventilation system and enter the atmosphere via the exhaust system.