Looking for VW Multivan service intervals? Here are the T5 service intervals, with information on which oil to use in the engine, the gearbox, the right type of coolant, torque specs and more.
Once you've carried out the work, you'll want to reset the VW T5 service indicator – you'll find information on how to do that at the bottom of the page.
Check out these Transporter common problems (1990 - 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 400km
- 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 16,000km 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 32,000km 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 65,000km 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 96,000km or 4 years, whichever comes first
- Renew the timing belt and tensioner roller.
Note: VW specifies a timing belt renewal interval of approximately 96,000km for 1.9-litre models with engine codes AXB and AXC, and 120,000km for 1.9-litre models with engine codes BRR and BRS. A renewal interval of approximately 210,000km is specified for 2.0-litre models. Timing belt tensioner roller renewal is specified at approximately 180,000km for 1.9-litre models with engine codes AXB and AXC, and 240,000km for 1.9-litre models with engine codes BRR and BRS. A tensioner roller renewal interval of 210,000km 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 150,000km, then every 30,000km
- 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.
How to reset VW T5 Service Light
The VW T5 Transporter service reset sequence takes a matter of seconds and you don't need any special tools to do it. Here's how to get the service message to switch off:
With the ignition key inserted but the ignition turned off, press and hold the knob to the lower left of the speedo dial. Now turn the ignition on. 'Service' will be displayed in the LED display within the speedo. Let go of the knob.
Now locate the other knob, just to the right of the rev counter. Twist it clockwise and hold in that position for a second or two until the 'Service' message disappears, to be replaced by the km display.