The Volkswagen Transporter T6 had quite the legacy to live up to. After all, it had a lineage that could be traced back to the 1950s. That’s like someone today with the surname ‘Presley’ embarking on a career as a rock singer. Great grandad would cast quite the shadow.
But the reason that there’s been a Transporter around for so long is that it has always done what it’s meant to do – and done it well. The T6 was no exception, because it was large, roomy, and full of touches designed to make its day-to-day use a commercial vehicle easier.
However, it wasn’t perfect, which is why it pays to know what common problems the Transporter T6 suffers from before you take the plunge and hand over your credit card.
But the help from Haynes doesn’t stop with us identifying issues to look out for. The Haynes AutoFix for the Transporter T6 contains all the vital information you’ll need to know when repairing your van, plus wiring diagrams and video tutorials. So invest in Haynes once and we’ll be there every time you need us.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 recalls
- The passenger airbag was the source of an early recall of 17 vehicles, because it did not conform to specification.
- Then 235 examples were recalled because the passenger side airbag could deploy incorrectly during an accident.
- Faulty child locks forced a recall of a small number of Transporter T6 models.
- 370 vans were recalled because they had incorrectly specified tyres, which could lead to ‘spontaneous deflation’.
- Later models were recalled because in freezing temperatures the Bowden cables for their door locks could become iced up and seized.
- Faulty fuel hoses forced a recall of a significant number of Transporter T6 models, so make sure this work has been carried out.
What common problems does the Volkswagen Transporter T6 Mk1 have?
The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is known to suffer an issue with its wheel bearings that causes numerous fault codes to appear on the dashboard.
Also, a shrill shrieking noise from under the bonnet isn’t an animal going through its last throes, it’s the auxiliary drivebelt warning that it’s on the way out.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 2.0 TDI engine problems are not unknown, and can often be traced to faulty fuel pressure sensors.
Squeaking brakes are also not unknown on the Transporter, as is a faulty high-mounted rear brake light. Still, the Haynes Transporter T6 AutoFix can help you out.
Does the Volkswagen Transporter T6 have wheel bearing problems?
If you get into a VW Transporter T6 and turn on the ignition, only to see the ESP/ABS warning lights glowing ominously back at you, then there’s a fair chance that your vehicle has a wheel-bearing issue.
That’s because dirty wheel bearings can cause the wheel-speed sensors to throw up a range of fault codes.
- C051A - Wheel Speed Sensor Rear Left (G46)
- C051B - Wheel Speed Sensor Rear Left (G46)
- C0519 - Wheel Speed Sensor Right Front (G45)
- C0518 - Wheel Speed Sensor Front-Left (G47)
- C101A - Front left wheel speed sensor signal
- C101B - Front right wheel speed sensor signal
- C101C - Rear left wheel speed sensor signal
- C101D - Rear right wheel speed sensor signal
These codes allow you to isolate which corner is throwing up the problem and take remedial action. You’ll need to remove the driveshaft, then clean up the bearing, before reassembling it all. The good news is that the Haynes Transporter T6 AutoFix can guide you through the process, and gives you technical drawings, plus all the tightening torque figures you’ll need.
Does the Volkswagen Transporter T6 have squeaking problems?
Annoyingly, the under-bonnet area on the VW Transporter T6 can generate a shrill squeaking noise.
The problem can also cause the power steering to fail, the engine warning light to illuminate, and the air-conditioning system to falter.
The source of the issue is a failing auxiliary drivebelt, and if the belt fails completely it can damage other components, such as the power steering pump and alternator pulley, so check carefully.
However, this is where the Haynes Transporter T6 AutoFix is your helping hand, because it can show you exactly how to replace the auxiliary drive belt.
Do fuelling issues affect the Volkswagen Transporter T6?
If you start your Transporter T6 and the malfunction indicator light (MIL) illuminates, it’s time to plug in a fault code reader. Your dashboard will also likely throw up a glow plug error. If the OBD reader displays fault code P0191, then the problem lies in your fuel system, and more accurately with a faulty fuel pressure sensor.
The only solution is to replace the sensor, so study the technical drawings in your Haynes Transporter T6 AutoFix, unplug the sensor and remove it, before replacing it with a new one.
Once you’ve done that, you can use your OBD reader to clear the fault code.
Are brake problems a Volkswagen Transporter T6 thing?
Numerous owners of the VW Transporter T6 have talked about squeaking or grinding noises from all four brakes, especially after the vehicle has been left standing for a period.
The problem is corrosion on the brake discs and pads, and the initial solution is to drive the vehicle and perform a few stops from higher speeds. Hopefully, this will remove the corrosion.
However, if it doesn’t, then you might need to replace the brake discs and pads, which is where Haynes Transporter AutoFix can help you out. Every type of brake caliper is covered, so just follow the guide and you’ll soon have squeak-free stoppers.
Does the Volkswagen Transporter T6 have brake light problems?
Unfortunately, the high-mounted rear brake light on the Volkswagen Transporter T6 can fail, and you’re going to have to sort this because it will cause the vehicle to fail its next MoT test.
The component itself has been superseded with an improved part, so replacement is the only option.
Good news though – the Haynes Transporter T6 AutoFix has step-by-step instructions on how to replace the unit, so just fire it up on your mobile device and follow the procedure.