Service schedule?

[Morganic]

Where can I find the service schedules for my California? There used to be a time when you could look in your service book an see when a cam belt change, pollen filter, brake fluid change etc etc was required.
In my service book there is nothing to suggest when such actions need to be carried out and speaking to two separate dealers neither convinced me when for example a cam belt should be changed. One said at 4yrs and another 5 yrs!
I’d just like to know when things need to be done so I can put them in my calendar.

 

[Andy]

The cambelt is now 4 years. VW changed it from 5. Whilst doing cambelt it is recommended to also change water pump.
Sorry can't help more than that.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

[Calibrator]

Many on forum say it should be done after 4 yrs but CVS Canterbury say recommended interval is 5 yrs.
Found this on FAQ's on VW customer help website:
How often should I change my cambelt?
We recommend a cambelt change interval at 4 years for cars registered before September 2009, 5 years thereafter. Customers who reach the recommended mileage limited on their vehicles cambeltsbefore 4 or 5 years maybe advised to change their cambelt sooner.

 

[Calibrator]

PS My Cali is 2014 SE 140 with 27k miles...

 

[Calibrator]

Just found this on VW commercial website:

When should the cambelt be replaced on my Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle?

• The recommended service intervals for your vehicle can be located inside your service schedule. Wear to cam belts will vary and are subject to driving style, types of use. Your Volkswagen Van Centre will advise when a replacement is required. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK recommend that you have your cambelt replaced every four years irrespective of driven mileage. Should you have any queries, please contact your nearest Van Centre.

Hmmmmm ... looks like am being given duff info

 

[WelshGas]

Don't have that problem. 4 yrs old in December, 80,000 miles by then so already booked in.


Don't forget there are other items that are time limited as well as milage.
AirCon, every 2 years. DSG oil and filter as well as Haldex oil if a 4Motion. Also Brake/Clutch fluid and Coolant are time limited as well.

 

[Morganic]

Many thanks to all respondents.
Coincidentally yesterday I was enquiring of a Midlands VW Commercial dealer about servicing as I was going that way and could drop it off.
I was informed that cam belts are now changed at 3 years!!
Given all the mixed messages I sometimes wonder if some dealers aren’t trying to feather their nests!
It would be interesting to know why VW changed their time limited period for belts. Was it because belts were failing under 5 yrs or was it to drum up more service business for their dealers?

 

[Bellcrew]

Many thanks to all respondents.
Coincidentally yesterday I was enquiring of a Midlands VW Commercial dealer about servicing as I was going that way and could drop it off.
I was informed that cam belts are now changed at 3 years!!
Given all the mixed messages I sometimes wonder if some dealers aren’t trying to feather their nests!
It would be interesting to know why VW changed their time limited period for belts. Was it because belts were failing under 5 yrs or was it to drum up more service business for their dealers?

All absurd, my Volvo V50 required a belt change at 10 years or 100,000 miles, why do VW fit cam belts with such a short life span? As you surmise it is probably predictable income for the dealer that drives this policy.

 

[leeb]

Picked up on this thread...I took am of an age such that I recall all cars having a service schedule booklet that lets the owner know what needs doing and when. Either in mileage or time terms.
I am having a very tough time trying to get VW to tell me what needs doing in these terms.
For the record my 2020 grand california (175 hp front wheel drive crafter) is coming up 5 years and 20000 miles.....any one knows what needs to be done at the service due in a month or so (1 year since last oil /filter change)???

 

[Blue Yonder]

Engine oil and filter every 10k miles but ideally every 5k* miles

Brake Flush 3rd year from new then every 2 years thereafter

Air filter every 2 years

Cabin filter every 2 years

Haldex coupling fluid plus pump gauze clean* every 30k miles

DSG fluid and filter*every 40k miles

Power steering fluid flush every 60k miles*

Bevel Box axle oil every 60k miles*

Rear Differential axle oil every 90k miles*

Note * items are not part of VW Routine Service but should be done if you want to extended the trouble free life of your California

 

[Blue Yonder]

Engine oil and filter every 10k miles but ideally every 5k* miles

Brake Flush 3rd year from new then every 2 years thereafter

Air filter every 2 years

Cabin filter every 2 years

Haldex coupling fluid plus pump gauze clean* every 30k miles

DSG fluid and filter*every 40k miles

Power steering fluid flush every 60k miles*

Bevel Box axle oil every 60k miles*

Rear Differential axle oil every 90k miles*

Note * items are not part of VW Routine Service but should be done if you want to extended the trouble free life of your California

Oops forgot

CAM belt, water pump, belt tensioners, aux belt and coolant (G12 evo) every 50k miles or every 5 years. Consider routine replacement of front crankshaft seal on the second CAM belt service if it has not failed before then

 

[WelshGas]

Oops forgot

CAM belt, water pump, belt tensioners, aux belt and coolant (G12 evo) every 50k miles or every 5 years. Consider routine replacement of front crankshaft seal on the second CAM belt service if it has not failed before then

Cambelt now 140,000 miles, no time limit.
Now the same as European Service interval.

 

[leeb]

Yup....all rather confused and a little conflicting. Almost as if VW wants all their vehicles to be within their own service provision network....surely not?!

 

[leeb]

By coincidence I received this from VW customer service yesterday...in relation to my 2020 CRAFTER van

" Ican confirm that there is no recommendation from Volkswagen for your cambelt to be changed. However, it is recommended that your cambelt be checked or assessed every 33,000 miles. This has been confirmed by our technical team.

There is no Volkswagen recommendation for the water pump to be changed. Some of our retailers recommend changing the water pump at the same time as the timing belt. This is because the water pump is driven by the timing belt and is located in the same area of the engine bay. Therefore, any future issues with the water pump would necessitate the same amount of labor as changing the timing belt. Changing the two components simultaneously is intended to reduce the possibility of incurring further expense."
Assessed and checked by whom I wonder??

 

[Blue Yonder]

Cambelt now 140,000 miles, no time limit.
Now the same as European Service interval.

You are correct but I would not want to chance waiting that long before replacing. The probability of the belt failing may be low but the consequence is a catastrophic engine failure that would write off my California.

VW claim many of the vans filters and fluids are “fit for life” or do not require servicing eg DSG filter, Haldex gauze filter, Bevel Box and Rear Diff axle oil. Now it seems it the Cam belt too (almost). I think in the guise of a Transporter Builders Van it may make economic sense but for a high value California with hopefully a longer lifespan not so. Just my opinion.

 

[Perfectos]

There is a Haynes Manual available for the T5. This will state the service requirements / schedule etc.