Volkswagen ID.3: Operating fluids and operating equipment

All operating fluids and operating equipment, such as engine coolant, and vehicle batteries, are continuously being developed. Have fluids and operating equipment replaced by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Carrying out work on the 12 V vehicle electrical system may cause fires and serious or fatal injuries.

• Always disconnect the 12 V vehicle battery.

• Always have a fully-functioning, checked fire extinguisher nearby.

• Make sure that the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle is unlocked when the 12 V vehicle battery is disconnected. Otherwise, the anti-theft alarm system will be activated.

WARNING

Fluids may be poisonous. Improper use and storage may cause serious or fatal injuries.

• Only store fluids in their sealed original containers.

• Never use empty food cans, bottles, or other containers to store fluids, because someone could drink the fluids by mistake.

• Keep children away from all fluids and operating equipment.

• Always read and heed the information and warnings on the packaging for the fluids.

• When using products that emit harmful vapors, always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

WARNING

Fluids and some materials in the hood space are highly flammable and may ignite on contact with hot surfaces, sparks, or naked flames. This can lead to a fire and cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

• Never smoke near the hood space.

• Never work near open flames or sparks.

• Never perform work near sources of heat, boilers, or other open flames.

• Never pour or spill fluids on the electric drivetrain.

• Always have a fully-functioning, checked fire extinguisher nearby.

NOTICE

The use of incorrect fluids can cause serious malfunctions and damage to the electric drivetrain.

• When filling or changing fluids, make sure the correct fluids are added to the corresponding reservoirs.

Fluids leaking from the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle can cause environmental damage. Always check the ground under the vehicle for leaking fluids. If you see spots of fluid on the ground under the vehicle, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Dispose of leaking fluids correctly. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

• Washer fluid
• Engine coolant specifications
• Checking and filling engine coolant
• Checking and filling engine coolant- Troubleshooting
• Brake fluid specifications
• Checking the Brake Fluid
• Checking the 12 V vehicle battery acid level

Washer fluid

General information

Fig. 1 In the hood space: Cap on the washer fluid reservoir (general example).

The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the hood space. The windshield washer fluid reservoir can be identified by the symbol on the cap → fig. 1 .

Check the washer fluid level regularly and fill if necessary.

Preparations

1. Prepare the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle for work in the hood space .

2. Open the hood (→ In the engine compartment) .

Checking and refilling

1. Check if there is enough washer fluid in the reservoir.

2. To top it up, mix clean water with a suitable alcohol-based windshield cleaner. Follow the mixing instructions on the packaging of the windshield cleaner → , → . There is a screen in the filler tube in the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The screen keeps large particles of contaminants from entering the washer nozzles when you refill the washer fluid →.

3. When the outside temperatures are cold, an anti-freeze agent should be added to the water so that it does not freeze. Follow the mixing instructions on the packaging of the anti-freeze agent.

Do not use distilled water to fill the windshield washer fluid tank.

WARNING

Unsuitable additives in the windshield washer fluid can create an oily film on the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle windshield. This may reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

• Never add coolant additive or similar unsuitable additives to the windshield washer fluid.

NOTICE

Using a cleaning agent that contains acid may result in damage and cause the spray nozzles to malfunction.

• Never top up the windshield washer fluid tank using a cleaning agent that contains acid, e.g. vinegar-based cleaners.

NOTICE

Mixing different windshield cleaners can cause the components to flocculate and the spray nozzles to clog.

• Only use suitable alcohol-based windshield cleaners.

• Never mix different windshield cleaners together.

NOTICE

When you top up the windshield washer fluid, if you use a damaged screen or do not use a screen at all, dirt particles may get into the windshield washer fluid tank. The spray nozzles may become clogged.

• Take the screen out only to clean it.

• Replace a damaged or missing screen.

Introduction

Only perform work on the engine cooling system if you are familiar with the necessary activities and the general safety precautions, and if the correct operating equipment, fluids and suitable tools are available. Work performed incorrectly can result in serious injuries → . Have all work performed by suitably qualified professionals if necessary. 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 (→ Engine coolant) .

WARNING

Engine coolant is poisonous. Contact with coolant, especially swallowing coolant, may result in serious or fatal injuries.

• If you swallow coolant, seek urgent medical help.

• If you have health problems after working with coolant, seek medical help.

• Always store engine coolant out of the reach of children and only within the sealed original container.

• Never use empty food cans, bottles, or other containers to store engine coolant, because someone could drink the engine coolant by mistake.

• Avoid regular contact with coolant to prevent damage to your skin.

• Protect your skin, face, and particularly your eyes when working with coolant.

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke when working with coolant.

• Wash your skin with soap and water after working with coolant.

WARNING

In extremely low temperatures, the coolant can freeze and the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle could break down. This can cause the heating to stop working in the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle. Vehicle occupants could die of exposure if they do not have sufficient warm clothing.

• Make sure the coolant additive is always adjusted according to the ambient temperature.

• Only use coolant additive approved by the manufacturer.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Catch any leaking operating fluids and dispose of them correctly according to environmental regulations.

Engine coolant specifications

The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40% coolant additive G12evo (TL 744-L).

To protect the engine cooling system, there must always be at least a 40% proportion of coolant additive. If greater freeze protection is needed due to the climate, the proportion of coolant additive can be increased. However, the proportion of coolant additive must not exceed 55 %, because otherwise the freeze protection will be reduced and the cooling effect will be decreased.

The engine coolant additive can be recognized by its violet color. The mixture of water and coolant additive provides freeze protection down to -25 ºC (-13 ºF), protects the aluminum alloy parts of the cooling system from corrosion, prevents limescale deposits, and increases the boiling point of the coolant.

If the engine coolant is being topped up, a blend of distilled water and at least 40% of the G12evo engine coolant additive must be used to ensure optimum corrosion protection → .

WARNING

In extremely low temperatures, the coolant can freeze and the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle could break down. This can cause the heating to stop working in the vehicle. Vehicle occupants could die of exposure if they do not have sufficient warm clothing.

• Make sure the coolant additive is always adjusted according to the ambient temperature.

• Only use coolant additive approved by the manufacturer.

NOTICE

The coloring of the engine coolant results from the mixture of the purple coolant additive and distilled water. If the fluid in the coolant expansion tank is not purple, but for example brown, the engine coolant has been mixed with another non-suitable coolant. Serious malfunctions or damage to the electric drivetrain and cooling system could occur.

• Only use coolant additive approved by the manufacturer.

• If the coolant turns brown, have it changed immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

• Never mix original Volkswagen coolant additives with coolant additives that are not approved by Volkswagen when topping up.

Engine coolant and coolant additives can harm the environment. Catch any leaking operating fluids and dispose of them correctly according to environmental regulations.

Checking and filling engine coolant

Preparations

1. Parking the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle on a level, secure surface.

2. Let the electric drive system cool down → .

3. Open the hood.

The coolant expansion tank can be recognized by the red symbol on the cover → fig. 1 .

Fig. 1 In the hood space: Cap on the coolant expansion tank (general example).

WARNING

Escaping hot steam or hot coolant and hot components may cause serious burns.

• Never open the hood if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the hood space.

• Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or engine coolant escaping from the hood space.

WARNING

The motor cooling system is under pressure when the electric motor is hot. If the cover is opened carelessly, coolant may spray out and cause serious burns or fatal injuries.

• Never open the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the electric drivetrain is hot.

• Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth if you have to open the cover of the coolant tank.

• Slowly and very carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank counterclockwise while pressing down lightly on the cap.

Checking the coolant level

Fig. 2 In the hood space: markings on the engine coolant expansion tank (general example).

When new vehicles are delivered or after repairs to the cooling system, the coolant level may be above the marked area. This is normal. The coolant does not need to be extracted.

The coolant level cannot be checked exactly for every model, because the view of the fluid level in the coolant expansion tank may be obstructed. If you cannot read off the engine coolant level accurately, contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

1. When the electric motor is cold, check the coolant level using the markings on the side of the coolant expansion tank → fig. 2 . The coolant level must be between the markings.

2. If the fluid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum mark ("min"), have coolant added. When the electric drivetrain is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper marking.

3. If no coolant is visible in the coolant expansion tank, do not add coolant→ .

Filling the coolant

1. Carefully unscrew the cap → .

2. Only add new coolant that conforms to the Volkswagen specification (→ Engine coolant) .

   If there is no engine coolant available that conforms to the required specification, initially only top up with distilled water. Then have the correct mixture ratio using the specified coolant additive restored as soon as possible by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility → .

3. Top up the engine coolant to the upper fill level marker. After topping up the engine coolant, the coolant level must be between the markings on the coolant expansion tank → fig. 2 .

4. Install the cap securely.

5. Check the coolant level after one day. If the fill level of the engine coolant tank drops below the "min" minimum marking again, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the cooling system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

6. If there is no engine coolant available that conforms to the specification, do not use any other engine coolant additive in an emergency → .

NOTICE

Coolant expands when it heats up. If coolant is topped up above the marked level, excess coolant may leak out and cause damage to the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle.

• Do not refill the system with engine coolant above the upper edge of the marked area of the engine coolant tank.

NOTICE

If there is no more engine coolant in the coolant expansion tank, air can get into the cooling system. This could result in damage to the electric drivetrain.

• Do not continue driving.

• Do not top up the coolant.

• See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

NOTICE

The chemical components contained in water that is not distilled can cause considerable corrosion damage in the engine. This can cause electric drivetrain malfunctions.

• Only use distilled water for refilling the system!

• If you have added water that is not distilled, have the fluid in the cooling system changed completely by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

The use of incorrect fluids can cause serious malfunctions and damage to the electric drivetrain.

• When filling or changing fluids, make sure the correct fluids are added to the corresponding reservoirs.

Checking and filling engine coolant- Troubleshooting

Engine coolant

The red warning light blinks. The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low.

Do not continue driving! This could result in damage to the electric drivetrain.

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

2. End drive-ready mode.

3. Let the electric drive system cool down.

Engine cooling system

1. Check the engine coolant level (→ Engine coolant) .

2. If the warning light does not go out even though the coolant is at the correct level, do not drive any further; deactivate the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle's drive system immediately.

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

together with High-voltage coolant system malfunction

The warning lights blink red.

Do not continue driving!

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

2. End drive-ready mode.

3. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility immediately for assistance

Introduction

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over the course of time. Too much water in the brake fluid causes damage to the brake system. Water lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, vapor lock may form in the brake system during heavy braking and full braking. Vapor lock reduces the braking efficiency, increases the braking distance considerably, and can lead to a total failure of the brake system. Your own safety and the safety of others on the road depends on your brake system functioning correctly at all times.

WARNING

Brake fluid is poisonous. Contact with brake fluid, especially swallowing brake fluid, may result in serious or fatal injuries.

• If you swallow brake fluid, seek urgent medical help.

• If you have health problems after working with brake fluid, seek medical help.

• Always store brake fluid out of the reach of children and only within the sealed original container.

• Never use empty food cans, bottles, or other containers to store brake fluid, because someone could drink the brake fluid by mistake.

• Avoid regular contact with brake fluid to prevent damage to your skin.

• Protect your skin, face, and particularly your eyes when working with brake fluid.

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke when working with brake fluid.

• Wash your skin with soap and water after working with brake fluid.

NOTICE

Spilled or leaking brake fluid will damage the vehicle's surfaces. The vehicle's paint, plastic parts, and tires may be damaged.

• Immediately wipe up any spilled or leaking brake fluid that comes into contact with vehicle components.

• Then rinse all vehicle parts with plenty of water.

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Collect spilled brake fluid and dispose of it correctly.

Brake fluid specifications

Volkswagen has developed a special brake fluid that is optimized for the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle's brake system. For optimum performance of the brake system, Volkswagen recommends only using brake fluid that complies with the VW standard 501 14.

Before using brake fluid, check that the brake fluid specification on the bottle matches the vehicle requirements.

Brake fluid that complies with the VW standard 501 14 can be obtained from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If brake fluid that meets this specification is not available and another high-quality brake fluid must therefore be used, brake fluid that complies with the specification DIN ISO 4925 or the US Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 CLASS 6 can be used.

Not all brake fluids that comply with the requirements of DIN ISO 4925 or US Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 CLASS 6 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids can contain chemicals that can destroy or damage components of the vehicle brake system over time.

To help ensure that the brake system functions correctly over the long term, Volkswagen recommends using a brake fluid that expressly conforms to the VW standard 501 14.

Brake fluid that complies with the VW standard 501 14 meets the requirements of DIN ISO 4925 or the US Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 CLASS 6.

Checking the Brake Fluid

Preparations

1. Parking the Volkswagen ID.3 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 Volkswagen ID.3 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 Volkswagen ID.3 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, and smoking 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 Volkswagen ID.3 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.

Checking the 12 V vehicle battery acid level

Check the acid level of the 12 V vehicle battery regularly if mileage is high, in countries with warm climates, or if the 12 V vehicle battery is old. Otherwise, the 12 V vehicle battery is maintenance-free.

12 V vehicle battery location

The 12 V vehicle battery is located in the hood space.

Checking the battery acid level

In order to check the battery acid level of a 12 V vehicle battery, you must remove the main fuse box on the 12 V vehicle battery. An additional tool that is not contained in the Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle tool kit is required to do this.

Always have the acid level of the 12 V vehicle battery checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.