Volkswagen Taos: Fuel and emissions control system

• Safety precautions for handling fuel
• Fuel types and refueling
• Exhaust system

Safety precautions for handling fuel

WARNING

Handling fuel incorrectly can cause explosions, fires, severe burns, and other injuries.

• Before refueling, switch off the engine, the ignition and your cell phone, as well as other radio equipment.
• To reduce the risk of discharging static electricity, do not enter the vehicle while refueling.
• Make sure that the fuel tank cap is sealed correctly and no fuel is leaking out.
• Note the applicable safety precautions and local regulations for handling fuel.

WARNING

Refueling incorrectly can cause fires, serious or fatal injuries, and vehicle damage.

• Only use fuel that is approved for your vehicle.
• Do not use any fuels containing metal and only use service additives approved by Volkswagen in the respective proportion.
• Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled on vehicle components.

CAUTION

Fuel may leak out of reserve canisters and ignite. This can cause fires and injuries.

• Do transport any reserve canisters in the vehicle.

Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any leaking operating fluids and dispose of them according to legal regulations.

The fuel filler flap does not have an emergency release. If necessary, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Fuel types and refueling

Introduction

The fuel filler flap is located on the right rear side of the vehicle.

Designation of fuels and fuel standards

Fig. 142 On the inside of the fuel filler flap: fuel label (general example)

Fuel label

The type of fuel to use depends on the vehicle engine. When your vehicle leaves the factory there is a fuel information sticker inside the tank flap with notes about the minimum required fuel type for your vehicle fig. 142.

The name specifies which fuels are suitable for the vehicle. This is a minimum requirement. The vehicle must not be refueled with fuels of lower quality or other fuel types ⇒ .

Fuel standards

The fuel used must meet one of the following standards. The vehicle must not be refueled with other fuels ⇒ .

If fuel with the specified standards is not available, contact suitably qualified professionals for information about which fuels are suitable for the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Gasoline

Gasoline and methanol mixture

• AKI 87 or higher.
• Maximum 3% methanol.

Gasoline and ethanol mixture

• AKI 87 or higher.
• Maximum 15% ethanol.

Gasoline and MTBE mixture

• AKI 87 or higher.
• Maximum 15% MTBE.

NOTICE

Refueling with non-standard and non-approved fuels can cause reduced performance and considerable damage to the engine and the fuel system.

• Before refueling, check if the fuel to be used corresponds the label on the fuel pump.
• Only use fuel that conforms to the specified standard and label.

Gasoline

Gasoline types

The gasoline types differ in terms of their Anti-Knock Index (AKI) specification, which is given from the formula (RON+MON) / 2, or the Research Octane Number (RON) specification. The vehicle may also be fueled with gasoline that has a higher AKI or RON than what is required by the engine. However, this will not improve fuel consumption or engine power.

The fuel label may include multiple types of gasoline, e.g. AKI 93 (AKI min. 91). The highlighted gasoline type, AKI 93 in this example, is the preferred gasoline type for which the vehicle is designed and optimized. The listed alternative gasoline type, AKI 91 in this example, should only be used if the preferred type, AKI 93 in this example, is not available.

If your vehicle has a gasoline engine, fuel it only with gasoline that does not contain any metal (no lead, manganese or iron) ⇒ .

The most frequently purchased gasoline types in the USA and Canada have the following octane values, which are normally listed on the fuel pump:

• Regular (normal gasoline): AKI 87 to 90 or RON 91.
• Premium (super gasoline): AKI 91 to 93 or RON 95.

Volkswagen recommends using "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline", which is available in some regions, for example North America, Central America and South America. For more information on "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline", visit the official website at:

https://www.toptiergas.com

NOTICE

The use of gasoline that does not meet the minimum requirements for the octane number can impair engine performance.

The use of poor-quality gasoline or gasoline with an AKI of under 87 or a RON of under 91 can cause engine damage.

• Only fuel with gasoline that meets or exceeds the specified octane number, Research Octane Number (RON) or Anti-Knock Index (AKI).

Refueling

Fig. 143 Behind the fuel filler flap: fuel tank cap (general example)

Venting the fuel tank

When you press the release button in the driver door, the fuel tank is automatically vented.

A warning chime sounds and an automatic venting message is displayed in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.

If you cannot open the fuel filler flap, pay attention to the messages in the instrument cluster display.

Refueling procedure

1. Unlock the fuel filler flap with the button in the driver door.

2. Open the fuel filler flap.

3. Remove the fuel tank cap and insert it into the opening at the fuel filler flap provided for this fig. 143.

4. Insert the nozzle into the fuel filler neck and start the refueling process.

Hold the fuel pump nozzle handle down to ensure optimum refueling.

The fuel tank is full once the fuel pump nozzle turns off for the first time ⇒ .

5. Screw the fuel tank cap onto the fuel filler neck.

6. Close the fuel filler flap.

Do not continue filling after disconnection. The expansion area in the fuel tank may fill with fuel, e.g. due to heating. This may mean that the fuel overflows or the automatic ventilation process cannot work ⇒ Troubleshooting.

WARNING

Fuel may spray out and overflow if the fuel tank is overfilled. This can cause explosions, fires, and serious or fatal injuries.

• Do not continue filling after the pump nozzle switches off for the first time.

NOTICE

If the tank content is not consumed up to the reserve quantity at regular intervals, it may not be possible to maintain the fuel quality and system function required for driving, under certain circumstances.

• At least every six months, only refuel when the warning light turns on.

Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any leaking operating fluids and dispose of them according to legal regulations.

Exhaust system

Introduction

The exhaust-relevant components reduce exhaust emissions:

• Catalytic converter ⇒ Catalytic converter.
• Particulate filter (depending on the vehicle equipment) ⇒ Particulate filter.

WARNING

If the engine runs in enclosed spaces, poisonous gases may enter the vehicle interior. This can cause serious injuries and death due to asphyxiation.

• Never start the engine in confined spaces.
• Do not allow the engine to run in confined spaces.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

WARNING

The parts of the exhaust system become very hot and can ignite flammable materials, for example shrubs, leaves, dry grass or spilled fuel. This can lead to a fire and cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

• Never park the vehicle in such a way so that the exhaust system components come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle.
• Never use additional undercoating or corrosion protection for exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, heat shields, or particulate filters.

Catalytic converter

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ and Safety precautions for handling fuel.

To ensure that the exhaust system and the engine catalytic converter can work correctly for a long time, observe the following:

• Only refuel with fuel permitted for the vehicle.
• Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty ⇒ Refueling.
• Never add too much engine oil ⇒ Checking the engine oil level and adding oil.
• Do not tow-start the vehicle; use jump-start assistance instead ⇒ Preparing and Performing a Jump-start.

If there are engine misfires, loss of power, or poor engine operation while driving, reduce the speed immediately and have the vehicle checked by suitably qualified professionals ⇒ Troubleshooting. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise, uncombusted fuel could be present in the exhaust system and then enter the atmosphere. The catalytic converter may also be damaged from overheating.

The exhaust may smell like sulfur when the emissions control system is running correctly.

Particulate filter

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒   and Safety precautions for handling fuel.

Function

The particulate filter (depends on how your vehicle is equipped) filters out soot from the exhaust gas.

Regeneration

With normal vehicle usage, the filter cleans itself. If the filter is unable to clean itself, e.g. if you only make short trips for an extended period of time, the filter can become blocked with soot. The particulate filter needs to be cleaned (regenerated).

Noises, light odors, and increased engine speeds may occur during the regeneration. The radiator fan may continue to run while driving and after turning off the engine.

To assist in particulate filter regeneration, Volkswagen recommends avoiding driving short distances too frequently.

The soot in the particulate filter is burned periodically at high temperatures. The yellow indicator light does not turn on during a periodic regeneration.

Troubleshooting

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒   and Safety precautions for handling fuel.

If the engine does not run smoothly and malfunctions

If the engine does not run smoothly or malfunctions while driving, it can indicate poor fuel quality.

1. Reduce your speed immediately.

2. Drive with a moderate RPM and low engine load to the nearest suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

3. If these symptoms occur directly after refueling, stop the engine immediately to prevent subsequent damage.

4. Do not continue driving! Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Particulate filter clogged with soot

The yellow indicator light turns on.

The particulate filter is clogged with soot and a regeneration is necessary.

Prerequisite for the regeneration drive: The engine is at operating temperature.

For gasoline engines

1. Drive at a speed of between approx. 50 km/h and 120 km/h (30 mph and 75 mph).

The resulting temperature increase burns off the soot in the filter.

2. Only end the regeneration drive once the indicator light turns off.

3. If the indicator light is still illuminated after driving for approximately 40 minutes, drive immediately to suitably qualified professionals for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If, during the regeneration drive, the prompt to refuel appears in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, the particulate filter regeneration process can be interrupted.

• Refuel if necessary and then continue the regeneration drive.

Automatic fuel tank ventilation malfunction

If the fuel tank is opened without prior ventilation, fuel vapors will escape from the filler neck. This may lead to temporary odors.

Opening the fuel tank without ventilation:

1. Press the release button .

The fuel filler flap will release without ventilation.

2. Open the fuel filler flap.

Refueling with an automatic fuel tank ventilation malfunction: 1. Hold the fuel pump nozzle handle down to ensure optimum refueling.

2. Only continue carefully in this case until the fuel tank is full.

3. If the automatic ventilation process is still not working, contact a suitably qualified professional and have the ventilation system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The fuel pump nozzle may turn off prematurely when refueling due to the lack of ventilation.

Exhaust-related malfunction

The yellow indicator light turns on.

An exhaust-related component is malfunctioning, which could damage the vehicle.

1. Contact a suitably qualified professional and have the engine and the exhaust system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Misfire

The yellow indicator light flashes.

There is misfire which could damage the vehicle.

1. Contact a suitably qualified professional and have the engine and the exhaust system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Sudden braking or driving maneuvers, e.g. if an indicator light turns on or if the engine does not run smoothly, can cause accidents. This can result in serious injury or death.

• Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
• Follow the road traffic laws and regulations that apply in the country you are driving in.

If the indicator lights are on or flashing, it is likely that there is an engine malfunction and that fuel consumption will increase.