Understanding Volkswagen's Oil Monitoring System and Indicators
Most Volkswagen vehicles are equipped with an electronic computer system that is connected to the dashboard and tells drivers when the oil needs to be changed. If a driver neglects a service light such as "CHANGE OIL NOW", he or she risks damaging the engine, or worse, ending up on the side of the road or causing an accident.
For these reasons, performing all the scheduled and recommended maintenance on your vehicle is essential to keep it running properly so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly costly repairs that result from negligence. Luckily, the days of racking your brains and running diagnostics to find the service light trigger are over. The Volkswagen Oil Monitoring System is a simplified on-board computer system that alerts owners when an oil change is due so they can fix the problem quickly and without hassle. At its most basic level, it monitors engine oil levels and quality so you don't have to. As soon as the oil level monitoring system kicks in, the driver knows to schedule an appointment to drop the car off for service.
How the Volkswagen Oil Monitoring System Works and What to Expect
The Volkswagen oil monitoring system evaluates engine oil in two ways: by oil level and by temperature. When the engine is running, sensors continuously monitor the engine oil temperature and calculate the oil level. Both calculations are transmitted to the instrument cluster and, if necessary, turn on the service light.
The computer system also keeps track of the engine's mileage since it was reset, and the service light comes on after a certain number of miles have been accumulated. The owner has the ability to set mileage intervals to reflect the best possible maintenance schedule depending on how the owner uses the vehicle and what conditions he or she drives.
Since the oil monitoring system is not algorithm driven like other more advanced maintenance reminder systems, it does not take into account differences between light and extreme driving conditions, load weight, towing or weather conditions, important variables that affect oil life. Your best bet is to talk to a mechanic to help you determine the best maintenance plan for you. Feel free to contact our experienced professionals for advice.
Volkswagen recommends two different maintenance schedules depending on the type of oil used and certain driving habits and conditions, shown in the chart below:
When the CHANGE OIL NOW light comes on and you make an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Volkswagen recommends a series of checks to help keep your vehicle in good working order and can help prevent untimely and costly engine damage. depending on your driving habits and conditions.
Below is a table of recommended checks by Volkswagen for various mileage intervals during the first few years of ownership. This is a general picture of what a Volkswagen maintenance schedule might look like. Depending on variables such as the year and model of the vehicle, as well as your specific driving habits and conditions, this information may change depending on the frequency of maintenance as well as maintenance performed:
After your Volkswagen has been serviced, the "CHANGE OIL NOW" indicator needs to be reset. Some service people neglect this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary operation of the service indicator. In just a few simple steps, you can learn how to do it yourself for newer (2006-2015) Volkswagen models using one of the following methods:
Step 1: Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the car to the "ON" position.. Do not start the engine.
Step 2: Select the "SETTINGS" menu. Select the menu on the lever that controls the wiper or on the steering wheel.
Step 3: Select "SERVICE" from the submenu.. Then select "RESET" and press the "OK" button to reset the display.
Step 4: Press the "OK" button again to confirm the reset.
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Step 1: With the ignition off, press and hold the "0.0/SET" button.. This button should be located on the right side of the instrument cluster.
Step 2: While holding the "0.0/SET" button, turn the ignition to the "ON" position.. Don't start the car.
Step 3: Release the "0.0/SET" button and press the "CLOCK" button once.. The CLOCK button should be located on the left side of the instrument cluster.
Step 4 Wait for the display to return to normal.. After about one or two seconds, the display panel will return to the normal display setting, indicating that the service interval has been reset.
While the Volkswagen Oil Monitoring System can be used as a reminder to the driver to perform vehicle maintenance, it should only be used as a guide to how the vehicle is being driven and under what driving conditions. Other recommended maintenance information is based on the standard time tables found in the user manual. This does not mean that Volkswagen drivers should ignore such warnings. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring reliability, driving safety, a manufacturer's warranty, and greater resale value.
Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts about what the Volkswagen maintenance system means or what services your car may require, do not hesitate to seek advice from our experienced specialists.
If your Volkswagen oil monitoring system shows that your vehicle is ready for service, have it checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki. Click here, select your vehicle and service or package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.
