Volkswagen PASSAT

Checking and filling

In the engine compartment

Safety precautions for working in the engine compartment

The engine compartment is a potentially dangerous area in the vehicle. Only perform work in the engine compartment if you are familiar with the necessary procedures and the general safety precautions, and if the correct equipment, fluids, and suitable tools are available. Work performed incorrectly can result in serious injuries. Have all work performed by suitably qualified professionals if necessary. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Always make sure the vehicle is parked on a solid and level surface before performing any work in the engine compartment.

WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movement while working on the vehicle can cause serious injuries.

  • Never work underneath the vehicle when it is not secured to prevent it from rolling. If working under the vehicle with the wheels touching the floor, the vehicle must be on a level surface and the wheels must be secured.
  • If you must work underneath the vehicle, additionally support the vehicle securely with suitable stands. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this because it could collapse, resulting in serious injuries.

WARNING
The engine compartment in any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area that can cause serious personal injury.

Always work as cautiously and carefully as possible and follow the general safety instructions when working on the vehicle.

Never perform work in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the required procedures. If you are not sure what to do, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility qualified in this respect. Serious injuries can result if work is not performed correctly. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Never open or close the hood if steam or engine coolant is escaping. Steam or hot engine coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or engine coolant escaping from the engine compartment.

Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the hood.

Hot engine or exhaust system components can cause burns if touched.

Before opening the hood, take note of the following:

  • Set the parking brake and place the selector lever in the P position or the gearshift lever in the neutral position.
  • Switch the ignition off and keep the vehicle key stored safely far enough from the vehicle (especially in vehicles with Keyless Access) so the ignition cannot be inadvertently switched on and the engine started.
  • Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave them unattended.

The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Engine coolant could spray out and cause serious burns or other injuries.

Slowly and very carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank counterclockwise while pressing down lightly on the cap.

Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot engine coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth.

Do not spill any fluids on engine components or the exhaust system when adding fluids. Spilled fluids could cause a fire.

WARNING
The high voltage in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries, and death.

  • Never short-circuit the electrical system. The 12 V vehicle battery could explode.
  • To reduce the risk of an electric shock and serious injuries, never touch the electrical wires for the ignition system while the engine is running or being started.
  • Never touch the electrical wires and connections of the gas discharge lamps.

WARNING
The engine compartment contains moving components that can cause serious injuries.

  • Never reach into the radiator fan or into the area near the radiator fan. Touching the fan blades could cause serious injuries. The ventilator is temperature-controlled and may switch on by itself even if the ignition is switched off.
  • If work must be performed while starting the vehicle or when the engine is running, moving components such as the ribbed belt, alternator, and radiator fan, or the high-voltage system could cause potentially fatal injuries. Always be extremely careful.

Always make sure that no parts of the body, jewelry, ties, loose clothing, and long hair can be caught in moving engine components. To reduce the risk of anything becoming caught in engine components, always remove any jewelry and/or ties, tie back long hair, and avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing when performing work.

Always press the accelerator pedal extremely carefully and never press it without paying close attention. The vehicle can also start to move if the parking brake is set.

Do not leave any items, such as cleaning cloths or tools, in the engine compartment. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and fires.

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