Before servicing your car it is important to know if it is on LONG LIFE service intervals or NOT.
It doesn’t actually matter because you can change the regime to suit yourself but it is handy to know what the car started out on and is perhaps still on.
Look in Booklet 1.1 Service schedule. That’s the one the dealers stamp for service history.
OR look in the tyre well.
In either case you should find a rectangular sticker with your chassis number on the top.
E.g. wvwzzz3C z 6E123456 3C5 011
This is followed by a load of information mostly in the form of 3 digit codes.
For servicing you are looking for QG0, QG1, QG2, QG3 ETC
“QG1” means long-life service.
“QG0” means time or distance dependent service.
“QG2” means time or distance dependent service.
“QG3” means time or distance dependent service.
Long life service (QG1) does not mean service only at 30,000 km or 2 years which ever comes first. Depending on how your vehicle was set at the last service, the service warning will set “service due” based on an ecu estimate of the condition of the engine oil.
This confuses some people who expect the warning to be based on exactly 30,000 km, but get a warning that amounts to less.
WHAT OIL DO I USE.
This is set out in the table below. It is important to stick to the VW specification.
If that specification is not marked on the can, don’t use it.
WHAT TO CHANGE AND WHEN
This is set out in the table below. There is no reason why you should not change things earler than specified (apart from cost). Avoid leaving things longer than specified.
CAM BELT CHANGE INTERVALS
(Some people refer to the cam belt as a timing belt or toothed belt)
The table below shows the DISTANCE intervals for the B6 Passat. VW do not specify a TIME interval for the B6 Passat.
The VW specification is to change the tensioning roller every second belt change.
For peace of mind, change the tensioning roller with every belt.
You are also advised to renew the water pump at the same time.
THERE IS NO SERVICE RECOMMENDATION FOR THE MANUAL GEARBOX
The table below gives oil capacity and specification for anyone wishing to change the gearbox oil.
IMPORTANT: THE OIL LEVEL CANNOT BE CHECKED ON SOME GEARBOXES. . THEY MUST BE EMPTIED AND REFILLED WITH THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF OIL. (CHECK WORKSHOP MANUAL)
Brake service information.
Brake pad wear indicator is ONLY in front LEFT pads. (This means you will never get a dash warning for the rear brake pads).
Pad linings are 11 mm thick when new.
Pad lining replacement limit is 2 mm.
Front discs.
345 mm Diameter disc. Width new 30 mm. Wear limit 27 mm.
312 mm Diameter disc. Width new 25 mm. Wear limit 22 mm.
Rear discs
310 mm Diameter disc. Width new 22 mm. Wear limit 20 mm.
286 mm Diameter disc. Width new 12 mm. Wear limit 10 mm.
Coolant information.
All Passats are filled with a “For life” antifreeze/summer coolant. There is no requirement for replacement.
Coolant types are G12 plus (TL VW 774 F) and G12 plus-plus (TL VW 774 G) Both are Purple colour and look the same.
G12 plus (TL VW 774 F) was used up to 2007
G 12 plus-plus (TL VW 774 G) was used from 2008
Up to 2007 vehicles can be topped up or refilled with either G12 plus or G12 plus-plus. It doesn’t matter if you mix them.
After 2008 vehicles should be topped up or refilled with G12 plus-plus. (VW recommend you avoid putting the older G12 plus in a post 2008 vehicle.)
The specifications TL VW 774 G and TL VW 774 F ensure that the antifreeze will prevent freezing, corrosion and scaling as well as raise the boiling point of the coolant. The antifreeze therefore protects the cooling system all year round, not just when it is cold. It can be a big help in hot countries.
The cooling system holds approximately 8 litres of coolant.
The following table shows the VW recommended figures for coolant and water.
Temperature Antifreeze Waterl
-25 °C 40% 60%
-35 °C 50% 50% l
Since -35 °C requires a 50/50 antifreeze/water mix, it is simpler to fill the system with this mixture when changing the coolant and to use this mix for top-ups.
Protection can be increased to -40 °C by increasing antifreeze to 60%. The percentage of antifreeze must not be increased above 60 % as frost protection will get worse, not better.
The only certain way to measure the current level of protection is with a refractometer.
Old style antifreeze testers cannot be used for G12 coolants unless they specifically say they can.