The 2004-2015 VW Caddy is the third version of VW's compact van and is based on the larger Touran instead of the Polo, which was used by the VW Caddy's forebears. Its rivals include the Peugeot Partner, Ford Transit Connect and Citroen Berlingo. The dashboard features plenty of hard plastics but everything's well placed and you get a reasonable amount of equipment as standard.
The Caddy uses 1.6, 1.9 and 2.0 litre diesel engines, and employs front struts and rear leaf springs in its suspension, the latter enabling it to carry heavy loads. The two rear doors are split 60:40, which doesn't help rear visibility, but there's also a sliding side door on the driver's side that makes loading easier.
Check out these Caddy Mk3 common problems
Wondering when to change the oil or what type to use in a VW Caddy? Perhaps you're trying to find out how often to change the fluids, or perhaps you want to know what the service intervals are or check the brakes and perform other common jobs? Haynes has all the routine maintenance answers.
Modern cars such as the VW Caddy need much less maintenance than the vehicles of 25 years ago, but they still have needs. You no longer have to do a service every 6 months or change the oil every 3 months, but regular fluid changes are still essential to your Volkswagen Caddy’s longevity.
What follows is our quick reference guide to many of the recommended routine maintenance tasks for the 2004-2015 VW Caddy, most of which you can do yourself at home. If you need more guidance or step-by-step instructions, check out the video tutorials in our online manual, or get our traditional printed manual.
VW Caddy oil change
| Engine Oil Type | Multigrade (high-lubricity) engine oil, viscosity SAE 5W/40 to 20W/50. VW spec 505 01, 507 00 or better (standard (distance/time) service interval, without particulate filter) |
| Multigrade (high-lubricity) engine oil, viscosity SAE 5W/40 to 20W/50. VW spec 507 00 or better (standard (distance/time) service interval, with particulate filter) | |
| Multigrade (high-lubricity) engine oil, viscosity SAE 5W/40 to 20W/50. VW LongLife engine oil, VW spec 506 01, 507 00 or better (LongLife (variable) service interval, without particulate filter) | |
| Multigrade (high-lubricity) engine oil, viscosity SAE 5W/40 to 20W/50. VW LongLife engine oil, VW spec 507 00 or better (LongLife (variable) service interval, with particulate filter) | |
| Engine Oil Capacity (including oil filter) | 4.3 litres (1.6 litre engine) |
| 4.6 litres (1.9 litre PD engine code BJB) | |
| 4.3 litres (1.9 litre PD engine codes BLS and BSU) | |
| 4.0 litres (2.0 litre PD engine code BDJ) | |
| 4.3 litres (2.0 litre PD engine codes BMM and BST) | |
| 4.3 litres (2.0 litre CR engines) | |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 30 Nm |
| Oil Filter Cap Torque | 25 Nm |
VW Caddy gearbox oil change
| Manual Transmission Fluid Type | Synthetic gear oil, viscosity SAE 75W/80, VW G052 527 A20 (6-speed transmissions) |
| Synthetic gear oil, viscosity SAE 75W/80, VW G052 512 A2/A6 (5-speed transmissions) | |
| DSG Semi-automatic Transmission Fluid Type | ATF (VW G052 182 A2/A6) |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 1.7 litres (0A4 5-speed transmission) |
| 2.1 litres (0AH 5-speed transmission) | |
| 2.3 litres (02Q 6-speed transmission) | |
| DSG Semi-automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 5.2 litres (02E transmission) |
| 1.7 litres (0AM transmission) | |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Filler/Level Plug Torque | 30 Nm (multi-point socket head) |
| 45 Nm (hexagon socket head) | |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Drain Plug Torque | 30 Nm (multi-point socket head) |
| 45 Nm (hexagon socket head) | |
| DSG Semi-automatic Fluid Drain/Filler Plug Torque | 45 Nm (02E transmission) |
| 30 Nm (0AM transmission) |
VW Caddy coolant replacement
| Coolant Type | 50/50 mix of water and VW additive G12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) or G12 plus (TL-VW 774 F) |
| Coolant System Capacity | 8.0 litres (all engines) |
Other VW Caddy fluids
| Brake And Clutch Fluid Type | DOT 4 brake fluid |
| Power Steering Fluid Type | VW G 004 000 |
VW Caddy torque specs
| Roadwheel Bolts | 120 Nm |
| Front Caliper Guide Pins | 30 Nm |
| Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bracket Bolts | 190 Nm (FN3 calipers) |
| Rear Brake Caliper Guide Pin Bolts | 35 Nm* |
| Rear Brake Caliper Mounting Bracket Bolts | 90 Nm + 90° (multi-point socket head)* |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Bolts | 8 Nm |
*Do not re-use
VW Caddy Maintenance Schedule
The VW Caddy service intervals below are provided with the assumption that you, not the dealer, will be carrying out the work. These are the minimum intervals recommended by us for vehicles driven daily. If you wish to keep your vehicle in peak condition at all times, you may wish to perform some of these procedures more often. We encourage frequent maintenance, since it enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your vehicle.
If the vehicle is driven in dusty areas, used to tow a trailer, or driven frequently at slow speeds (idling in traffic) or on short journeys, more frequent maintenance intervals are recommended.
All VW Caddy models are equipped with a service interval display indicator in the instrument panel. Every time the engine is started the panel will illuminate for approximately 20 seconds with service information. With the standard non-variable display, the service intervals are in accordance with specific distances and time periods.
With the LongLife display, the service interval is variable according to the number of starts, length of journeys, vehicle speeds, brake pad wear, bonnet opening frequency, fuel consumption, oil level and oil temperature, however the vehicle must be serviced at least every two years. The service reminder is displayed 20 days before the service is due. Once the service interval has been reached, the display will flash ‘Spanner’ or ‘Service Now’. Note that if the variable (LongLife) service interval is being used, the engine must only be filled with the recommended long-life engine oil.
After completing a service, VW technicians use a special instrument to reset the service display to the next service interval, and a print-out is put in the vehicle service record. The display can be reset by the owner, but note that for models using the ‘LongLife’ interval, the procedure will automatically reset the display to the 10 000 miles ‘distance’ interval. To have the display reset to the ‘variable’ (LongLife) interval, it is necessary to take the vehicle to a VW dealer (or suitably equipped garage) who will use a special instrument to encode the on-board computer.
VW Caddy service intervals
Every 250 miles
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the coolant level
- Check the screenwash fluid level
- Check the brake and clutch fluid level
- Check the power steering fluid level
- Check the tyres and tyre pressures
- Check the condition of the battery
- Check the condition of the wiper blades
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months – whichever comes first
- Renew the engine oil and filter*
- Check the front and rear brake pad thickness
- Reset the service interval display
*Frequent oil and filter changes are good for the engine. We recommend changing the oil at least once a year.
Every 20,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first
In addition to the items listed above, carry out the following:
- Check the condition of the exhaust system and its mountings
- Check all underbonnet components and hoses for fluid and oil leaks
- Renew the fuel filter*
- Check the condition of the auxiliary drivebelt
- Check the coolant antifreeze concentration
- Check the brake hydraulic circuit for leaks and damage
- Check the headlight beam adjustment
- Renew the pollen filter element
- Check the underbody protection for damage
- Check the condition of the driveshaft gaiters
- Check the steering and suspension components for condition and security
- Check the battery condition, security and electrolyte level
- Lubricate all hinges and locks
- Check the condition of the airbag unit(s)
- Check the operation of the windscreen/tailgate/headlight washer system(s) (as applicable)
- Check the engine management self-diagnosis memory for faults
- Carry out a road test and check exhaust emissions
*Only when using diesel fuel not conforming to DIN EN 590 or when using RME fuel (diester)
Every 40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first
Many dealers perform these tasks at every second service.
- Renew DSG transmission oil renewal
- Renew the air filter element
- Renew the fuel filter*
- Check the condition of the auxiliary drivebelt
*Only when using diesel fuel conforming to DIN EN 590
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years
- Renew the timing belt and tensioner roller*
*VW specify a timing belt renewal interval of 130,000 miles for all common rail engines and 75,000 miles for PD engines up to 2006. After 2006 the interval for PD engines is increased to 93 000 miles. They specify a tensioner roller renewal with the belt change. However, if the vehicle is used mainly for short journeys, we recommend that a shorter renewal interval be adhered to. The belt and tensioner renewal interval is very much up to the individual owner but, bearing in mind that severe engine damage will result if the belt breaks in use, we recommend a shorter interval.
Always check with the vehicle manufacturer for the latest belt change intervals - they are often subject to change without notice.
It is increasingly considered best practise to always replace the idlers, tensioner and coolant pump whenever the timing belt is replaced. Note also that most manufacturers will not guarantee a belt unless the tensioners and rollers have been replaced at the same time.
Every 95,000 miles, then every 19 000 miles
- Check the particulate filter ash deposit mass
Every 2 years
- Renew the brake (and clutch) fluid
- Renew the coolant*
* This work is not included in the VW schedule and should not be required if the recommended VW G12 LongLife coolant antifreeze/inhibitor is used.