Fuel System Care (only for diesel engines)

Fuel filter replacement

The fuel filter must be replaced by a Volkswagen dealer or a qualified mechanic.

Fuel filter water separator

The presence of water in the fuel system of a diesel engine leads to a malfunction of the engine. For this reason, a water separator is installed in the fuel system of the Volkswagen engine. The water separator drain valve is installed under the vehicle in front of the right rear wheel.

Accumulated water must be drained regularly in accordance with the maintenance schedule. If the glow plug indicator light starts flashing, this indicates that a sufficiently large amount of water has accumulated in the water separator. In this case, immediately contact your Volkswagen dealer or the nearest workshop to drain the water.

After draining the water, you need to drive a few kilometers. If the glow plug indicator light is still flashing, water has accumulated in the fuel tank, which can be removed through the water separator drain valve.

In an emergency, you can drain the accumulated water yourself. For this:

• Drive the car to a safe place away from the road. placing it on a flat surface.
• Remove the plastic waste bag from the trunk, open the hose valve (indicated by an arrow) and connect the hose to the drain fitting on the water separator.
• Make sure the hose is not kinked and the waste bag is flat on the ground.
• Turn the water separator drain valve counterclockwise (at maximum turnover) until water starts to flow into the bag. If the water does not flow, carefully open the sides of the plastic bag.
• As soon as diesel fuel begins to flow into the hose, close the drain valve.
• Close the hose valve and disconnect the hose from the drain fitting.

When draining a large amount of water from the fuel tank, it is most likely that water has also entered the rest of the fuel system. In this case, contact your nearest Volkswagen dealer for assistance.

Never dump diesel fuel on the ground, in open water or sewage.