Volkswagen ID.4: Checking the Brake Fluid

Preparations

1. Parking the vehicle on a level, secure surface.

2. Open the hood.

Checking the Brake Fluid Level

Fig. 1 In the hood space: Cap on the brake fluid reservoir.

The brake fluid reservoir can be recognized by its cap→ fig. 1.

The brake fluid level cannot be checked precisely on all models because the hood or engine components may obstruct the view of the fluid level in the reservoir. If you cannot read the brake fluid level clearly, see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX markings on the brake fluid reservoir → .

The brake fluid level decreases slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the brakes automatically adjust themselves.

WARNING

A low brake fluid level or unsuitable brake fluid may cause the brakes to fail or may reduce braking efficiency.

Accidents and serious or fatal injuries could result.

• Have the brake system and brake fluid level checked regularly.
• Be sure to use the correct brake fluid.
• Only use brake fluid that expressly complies with the VW standard 501 14.
• If brake fluid that complies with the VW standard 501 14 is not available, in exceptions only use a high-quality brake fluid that complies with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.

Changing brake fluid

Have the brake fluid changed regularly. An authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility can provide information about the interval for changing the vehicle brake fluid. Only have brake fluid added that meets the required specifications. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Vapor lock may occur in old brake fluid due to absorbed moisture during hard braking, reducing braking efficiency and potentially causing total brake failure. Accidents and serious or fatal injuries could result.

• Have the brake fluid changed regularly.
• Only have new brake fluid added.

Troubleshooting

Brake fluid level

The red warning light turns on. The brake fluid level is too low.

Do not continue driving! This could result in the brake failing.

1. Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so (→ Parking).

2. Check the brake fluid level.

3. If the brake fluid level is too low, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Introduction

The 12 V vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system and supplies vehicle safety systems with energy if there is high-voltage system malfunction. During maintenance procedures, the 12 V vehicle battery is checked and replaced if necessary.

You may only perform procedures on the electrical system yourself if you are familiar with the necessary activities and the general safety precautions, and if the correct operating equipment and fluids and suitable tools are available.

Work performed incorrectly can result in serious injuries → . Have all work performed by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Information about warning and indicator lights can be found in the troubleshooting section at the end of the chapter (→ 12-V vehicle battery).

Battery switch-off in an accident with triggering of the airbag

In vehicles with a 12 V vehicle battery in their vehicle interior or luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the 12 V vehicle battery is pyrotechnically disconnected in an accident with airbag deployment. This prevents a short circuit. For more information on the installation location of the vehicle battery, refer to section (→ 12-V vehicle battery).

Detailed warnings for the 12 V vehicle battery

Always wear eye protection.

  Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.

Fire, sparks, open flame are forbidden.

  A highly explosive mixture of gases forms when charging the 12 V vehicle battery.

Always keep children away from battery acid and the 12 V vehicle battery.

Always heed the Owner's Manual.

WARNING

Performing work on the 12 V vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious injuries, fires, or electric shocks. This could result in serious injuries.

• Always read and follow the warning information on the 12 V vehicle battery.
• Before performing any work on the 12 V vehicle battery, switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment and disconnect the 12 V battery negative cable.
• Always keep children away from battery electrolyte and the 12 V vehicle battery.
• When handling 12 V vehicle batteries, always protect your hands, arms, and face from spraying battery acid.
• Always wear eye protection and safety gloves.
• Never short circuit the battery terminals.

WARNING

When work is carried out on the 12 V vehicle battery, a highly explosive, flammable gas mixture builds up. Sparks could form and ignite the flammable gas that is released by the 12 V vehicle battery. This can result in serious injury or death.

• Always keep fires, sparks, open flames far away from the 12 V vehicle battery.
• Avoid creating sparks when working with wires and electrical equipment or when discharging static electricity.

WARNING

A drained 12 V vehicle battery can freeze at temperatures around 0 ºC( +32 ºF). Acid may leak out of 12 V vehicle batteries that have frozen and thawed again and cause damage to the vehicle in the long run.

• Never charge a frozen or thawed 12 V vehicle battery.
• Always replace the 12 V vehicle battery if it freezes.

NOTICE

UV rays can damage the battery housing.

• Do not expose the 12 V vehicle battery to direct sunlight for a long period of time.

NOTICE

The 12 V vehicle battery could freeze and be destroyed.

• Protect the 12 V vehicle battery against freezing temperatures if the vehicle is parked for long periods of time.

After establishing the drive-ready mode when the 12 V vehicle battery is severely drained or replaced or after jump-starting it, the system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings, and programming) and user profiles may be changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings after the 12 V vehicle battery is sufficiently recharged.