Modern cars and vans such as the VW T5 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 vehicle’s longevity.
Check out these T5 common problems (2003 - 2015)
What follows is our quick reference guide to many of the recommended routine maintenance tasks for the VW T5 (2003 - 2015), most of which you can do yourself at home.
If you need more guidance, or step-by-step instructions, check out the OnDemand video tutorials in our online manual, or purchase our traditional printed manual.
VW T5 oil change
| Engine Oil Type | 5W/40 (1.9 and 2.5 litre) |
| 5W/30 (2.0 litre) | |
|
Engines without particulate filter – 505 01, 507 00 or better |
|
| Engine with particulate filter – 507 00 or better | |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.8 litres (1.9 litre engine codes AXB and AXC) |
| 6.3 litres (1.9 litre engine codes BRR and BRS) | |
| 7.0 litres (2.0 litre engine) | |
| 7.4 litres (2.5 litre engine) | |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 30 Nm |
| Oil Filter Cap Torque | 25 Nm |
VW T5 gearbox oil change
| Manual Transmission Fluid Type | SAE 75W/90 gear oil (VW G50) |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Type | ATF |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 1.9 litres (drain and refill) |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 7.0 litres |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Filler/Level Plug Torque | 45 Nm (Bi-hex plug) |
| 30 Nm (Hex plug) | |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Drain Plug Torque | 45 Nm (Bi-hex plug) |
| 30 Nm (Hex plug) | |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Filler/Level Plug Torque | 15 Nm |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain Plug Torque | 40 Nm |
VW T5 coolant replacement
| Coolant Type | 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water (G12++ or higher) |
| Coolant System Capacity | 7.1 litres |
VW T5 fluid types
| Power Steering Fluid | VW G 002 000 |
| Brake Fluid Type | DOT 4 brake fluid |
VW T5 torque specs
| Roadwheel Bolts | 180 Nm |
| Front Brake Caliper Guide Pin/Bolts | 30 Nm (FN3 caliper) |
| 60 Nm (2FNR 44 caliper) | |
|
Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bracket Bolts: |
|
| Stage 1 | 180 Nm |
| Stage 2 | Angle-tighten a further 45° |
| Rear Brake Caliper Guide Pins/Bolts | 35 Nm (Standard caliper) |
| 30 Nm (FN 44 caliper) | |
| Rear Caliper Mounting Bracket Bolts | 165 Nm (Standard caliper) |
| 180 Nm (FN 44 caliper) | |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Bolts | 8 Nm |
Volkswagen Transporter T5 Service Intervals
The Volkswagen Transporter T5 maintenance intervals below are from our best-selling print and online manual and are provided with the assumption that you, not the dealer, will be carrying out the work. These are the minimum service intervals recommended by us for a T5 driven daily.
If you wish to keep your T5 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.
All T5 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 ‘Service Now’ and a spanner symbol will be displayed. Note that if the variable (LongLife) service interval is being used, the engine must only be filled with the recommended long-life engine oil.
Every 250 miles
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the coolant level
- Check the screenwash fluid level
- Check the brake/clutch fluid level
- Check the tyres and tyre pressures
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
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 manual transmission oil level
- 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/rear window/headlight washer system(s)
- Check the engine management self-diagnosis memory for faults
- Check the operation of the sunroof and lubricate the guide rails
- 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
Note: Many dealers perform these tasks at every second service.
- Renew the air filter element
- Renew the fuel filter*
- Renew the auxiliary drivebelt
*Only when using diesel fuel conforming to DIN EN 590
Every 60 000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first
- Renew the timing belt and tensioner roller.
Note: VW specifies a timing belt renewal interval of approximately 60 000 miles for 1.9-litre models with engine codes AXB and AXC, and 75 000 miles for 1.9-litre models with engine codes BRR and BRS. A renewal interval of approximately 130 000 miles is specified for 2.0-litre models. Timing belt tensioner roller renewal is specified at approximately 112 000 miles for 1.9-litre models with engine codes AXB and AXC, and 150 000 miles for 1.9-litre models with engine codes BRR and BRS. A tensioner roller renewal interval of 130 000 miles is specified for 2.0-litre models. 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.
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*
*Note: This work is not included in the official schedule and should not be required if the recommended G12++ LongLife coolant antifreeze/inhibitor is used.