The cost of living is rising, and so is the cost of driving, but we at Haynes can at least help you minimise the cost of running your Volkswagen T5.
Here, we’ll help you keep down the costs by telling you what problems you might discover. And if your Volkswagen T5 is making a disconcerting noise or vibrating when it shouldn’t be, we can help you to find out what’s wrong and show you how to repair it. And avoiding garage labour charges has to be a good way to save money. On top of that, we can also show you how to service, maintain and repair your T5 yourself.
The VW T5 has weaknesses that include an ABS/ESP light that sometimes lights up, fuel leaks, faulty seats and a dodgy handbrake.
But don’t worry, because fixing these is both inexpensive and pretty easy. Just follow our lead and your T5 will be back in the game in no time.
Check out this T5 routine maintenance guide
What recalls has the Volkswagen T5 been subject to?
There’s no denying that the T5 2003 - 2015 has seen the inside of dealerships perhaps slightly more often than it should. For example, a faulty fuel pipe caused one recall, because it could cause a fire. Then 4524 models were recalled because of a fault in the backrest system for the second-row seats. After that, 8345 examples were recalled because the handbrake was faulty and could suddenly release. Another 4102 vehicles were recalled because the bolts for the tandem fuel pump cover could break, with a risk of fire. And 5916 T5s were recalled because the steering rack could come loose.
Faulty wiring for the cooling fan caused another recall, because it could cause the fan to run continuously.
What common problems does the T5 have?
Some examples of the T5 have been known to suffer from a timing fault that makes its engine difficult to start, and a faulty EGR valve can cause rough running. Some rear-drive models have suffered oil leakage between the engine and gearbox, while the fuel gauge has been known to be slow to respond after the vehicle has been refuelled. The exhaust system has also caused an issue – symptoms include a small of exhaust fumes and whistling noise from under the bonnet.
However, solving these issues needn’t be too tricky as long as you use the Haynes T5 manual or Autofix.
Does the T5 have timing problems?
The Transporter T5 sometimes suffers an issue that causes the engine to fail to start.
This problem generates fault codes P3007, 19463 or 4C07. If any of these codes is found, the problem is likely to be the camshaft position sensor.
First check the wiring for the sensor, and if it is undamaged, then replace the sensor itself.
You can easily fix this issue on the T5 with the Haynes T5 manual or Autofix.
Will my T5 have EGR valve problems?
It isn’t unknown for the Transporter T5 to suffer a blocked EGR valve. The symptoms include an engine that stalls, engine judders, and rev fluctuations. The vehicle will also generate fault codes P0403 or P0407.
The solution is to replace the EGR valve and EGR cooler.
Helpfully, this is covered in depth in your Haynes T5 manual or Autofix.
To check all the fluids in your T5, just watch our free video below.
Is the T5 known to have oil leaks?
It doesn’t matter whether your T5 is front or rear-wheel drive, or if it has a manual gearbox or a DSG, it can leak oil between the engine and gearbox.
The fault lies in poorly threaded holes for the six bolts that secure the flywheel.
Depending on vehicle you will need to remove the gearbox or remove the flywheel, clean up the bolts, and refit it with thread-locking compound on the bolts.
It sounds like an involved job, and yes it will take a few hours, but it’s fully covered by your Haynes Volkswagen Transporter T5 manual or Autofix.
Does the T5 have fuel gauge problems?
Sometimes, the fuel gauge on the T5 2003-2015 can be slow to respond after you’ve filled up the fuel tank.
The issue lies with either a blown fuse or a faulty instrument cluster. First, check the relevant fuse. If it’s blown, replace it. If the instrument cluster is at fault, you’ll need to disconnect the battery and replace the cluster.
Again, this is a comparatively simple procedure that is explained in the Haynes Transporter T5 2003-2015 manual or Autofix.
Does the T5 have exhaust problems?
There have been reports of the VW Transporter T5 suffering a problem that manifests itself through whistling noise from under the bonnet and a strong smell of exhaust fumes in the cabin.
A faulty exhaust manifold gasket is the source of the issue, but the repair is not a daunting one.
First, you’ll need to remove the engine undertray, then remove the turbocharger. At this point you’ll be able to replace the faulty gasket.
This fix is fully explained in the Haynes Transporter T5 2003-2015 manual or Autofix.
Why is your VW Transporter T5 showing a door open?
Owners of the Transporter T5 have noted that it’s fond of a warning bong. And that warning bong becomes more persistent the faster you go, and shows no sign of stopping to take breath.
The issue is that the T5 thinks that its sliding door is open. Annoying, but easy to fix, because all you need to do is adjust the position of the door lock position switch, a procedure that is covered in your Haynes Transporter manual. So, take a few minutes to adjust the switch and peace will reign once more.