T6.1 with no problems

[66tim99]

@itguy... I have the Discover Pro which of course has the map in the centre. Like you, I am under the impression that the MY21 has this capability in the standard unit but can't confirm I'm afraid.
Cheers.

The standard media allows the screen between the dials to display sat nav. The Pro allows the whole digital dash to display the nav, with mph etc relegated to numbers at the edges - looks cool. Not necessary but o couldn’t resist.

 

[subthree]

We collected our 6.1 in early July. After 500 miles it dumped the engine oil due to a jubilee clip not being tight.

However, since then we have had no issues. Me, my wife and the 2 kids love it. Literally just returned from 4 nights in Cornwall. (The drive away awning would have become a fly away awning, so that was a waste of space/money).

Just come back up the M4 in the dark and I love the way you can turn the central screen off after displaying for 10 seconds. That big screen is otherwise too distracting.

We have now clocked up 4,000 miles and we all love Billy Ocean. Could not be happier.

 

[toeknee]

We collected our 6.1 in early July. After 500 miles it dumped the engine oil due to a jubilee clip not being tight.

However, since then we have had no issues. Me, my wife and the 2 kids love it. Literally just returned from 4 nights in Cornwall. (The drive away awning would have become a fly away awning, so that was a waste of space/money).

Just come back up the M4 in the dark and I love the way you can turn the central screen off after displaying for 10 seconds. That big screen is otherwise too distracting.

We have now clocked up 4,000 miles and we all love Billy Ocean. Could not be happier.

4000. miles. good effort.

 

[mrat]

Just come back up the M4 in the dark and I love the way you can turn the central screen off after displaying for 10 seconds. That big screen is otherwise too distracting.

Sounds like you're getting good use from Billy!

How did you set the screen up to turn off after 10 secs? Although not exciting this is a feature I would really appreciate!

 

[subthree]

Sounds like you're getting good use from Billy!

How did you set the screen up to turn off after 10 secs? Although not exciting this is a feature I would really appreciate!

Settings - Screen - Switch off screen after 10 seconds.

However I just went out to the van and it was unticked. So it looks like you have to enable this feature each time you want to use it. But driving back for 2 hours last night in the dark I really like it off. There are also some lights in the footwells but I cannot find how to turn those off.

The LED headlights are truly amazing!

 

[subthree]

4000. miles. good effort.

Starting to wonder whether the 5 year 80,000 miles warranty well be adequate! It is not our daily driver either!

 

[Borris]

Evening all T6.1 Ocean and Beach owners. There’s lots of posts regarding various problems encountered on new vans which is obviously a concern to people waiting to take delivery and for people deliberating on whether to buy one. We rarely hear from members who have T6.1’s who are happy with their vans and who have had no problems. So, are you out there? Would be great to know how long you’ve enjoyed trouble free Cali 6.1 life.

As others have said all vehicles have problems from time to time.

The majority of new T6-1 owners will probably be enjoying trouble free motoring. Not all of those are members of this forum. Of those that are it's probably only a very small number who have experienced any issues. Of those issues reported, I suspect that some will come under the heading of "pilot error". Many of the habitation parts on the Cali are quite fragile and if someone is new to Cali life these fittings can often be used incorrectly causing damage.

Then there is the new T6-1 technology. From memory, there have been a few posts relating to faults with the digital dash, infotainment systems and the overhead control panel with all it's functions, all new to the T6-1. Since it's these areas that represent to real changes on the T6-1 it's disappointing that there have been so many issues reported especially as much of this stuff isn't new to the rest of the VW group. Still, putting things into perspective only those with issues will usually post so the majority of owners are probably happy with their new vans.

Personally, I've always gone for one of the last of a production run as the vast majority of faults and issues will have been ironed out. Hence my ordering one of the very last T6 Beaches. On the one occasion that I purchased one of the very first, a VW Golf, it presented several serious issues that were so common in that model that it became the subject of consumer complaint on the TV program, Thats Life. Those faults took months to resolve and in the mean time they had ruined my relationship with the car. I sold it shortly afterwards! Accordingly, I've long held the view that manufacturers will test and develop a new model but only up to a point. After that said new model has to be put into production. The rest of the testing and development is left to the customers!!!

I'm sure the glitches on the T6-1 will be sorted out in time but in the mean time it's very frustrating for those involved.

 

[Borris]

As others have said all vehicles have problems from time to time.

The majority of new T6-1 owners will probably be enjoying trouble free motoring. Not all of those are members of this forum. Of those that are it's probably only a very small number who have experienced any issues. Of those issues reported, I suspect that some will come under the heading of "pilot error". Many of the habitation parts on the Cali are quite fragile and if someone is new to Cali life these fittings can often be used incorrectly causing damage.

Then there is the new T6-1 technology. From memory, there have been a few posts relating to faults with the digital dash, infotainment systems and the overhead control panel with all it's functions, all new to the T6-1. Since it's these areas that represent to real changes on the T6-1 it's disappointing that there have been so many issues reported especially as much of this stuff isn't new to the rest of the VW group. Still, putting things into perspective only those with issues will usually post so the majority of owners are probably happy with their new vans.

Personally, I've always gone for one of the last of a production run as the vast majority of faults and issues will have been ironed out. Hence my ordering one of the very last T6 Beaches. On the one occasion that I purchased one of the very first, a VW Golf, it presented several serious issues that were so common in that model that it became the subject of consumer complaint on the TV program, Thats Life. Those faults took months to resolve and in the mean time they had ruined my relationship with the car. I sold it shortly afterwards! Accordingly, I've long held the view that manufacturers will test and develop a new model but only up to a point. After that said new model has to be put into production. The rest of the testing and development is left to the customers!!!

I'm sure the glitches on the T6-1 will be sorted out in time but in the mean time it's very frustrating for those involved.

P.s What is more concerning is that I've read of two cases where these new models have shown signs of actually having caught fire! If true, I don't remember ever reading about any accidental electrical fires in the previous models.

 

[andyinluton]

If you have a trailer connected or a lighting bar for a bike rack and the electrics are connected properly, the circuit is normally protected by the vehicle alarm system and the alarm will sound if the plug is pulled
However.... If the lights on the trailer or light board are LED lights (as in a lot of modern systems) then the alarm will not protect! also the trailer assist will not recognise a trailer is connected either!
This may be fixed by adding LED bulbs that have built in resistors or resistor circuits. I will try this at a later date.

Are you sure its the LED lights affecting this? was your towbar a factory fit?

For the alarm Pin 12 of the standard 13 pin socket is specifically wired as a sensor to set off an alarm, it should work irrespective what bulbs are fitted.

There is also a mechanical pin fitted that disconnects the vans rear fog light when there is anything plugged into the 13 pin socket.

I have a factory fit 13 pin socket on a T5.1 & that works perfectly with a LED lighting board.

 

[TripleBee]

Let's say my T5.1 was error free for the first 3,5 years.
It's a bit early to say that there are error free California's.
They can be up to som point in time, but eventually there will be problems.
The real problem rises when the first problems occur in the early months/miles of ownership, and that is not fun at all for the new owners.

Don't want to rain on your parade, but that is the reality.

 

[Sunshine&Snow]

Evening all T6.1 Ocean and Beach owners. There’s lots of posts regarding various problems encountered on new vans which is obviously a concern to people waiting to take delivery and for people deliberating on whether to buy one. We rarely hear from members who have T6.1’s who are happy with their vans and who have had no problems. So, are you out there? Would be great to know how long you’ve enjoyed trouble free Cali 6.1 life.

We got ours in May (T6.1 beach 4 seater) and have had no problems. We absolutely love it.

 

[Steve Wilko]

I bought a Ocean 6.1 4motion this year , absolutely no problems at all . Really pleased with it .

 

[MackM]

Picked our van up early March and after 6000 miles I am pleased to report no issues

 

[kaf2546]

I saw some reports saying couldn't get night heater to stay on and/or heat the van enough. Is that still an issue with anyone?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[Jennifer Browne]

Evening all T6.1 Ocean and Beach owners. There’s lots of posts regarding various problems encountered on new vans which is obviously a concern to people waiting to take delivery and for people deliberating on whether to buy one. We rarely hear from members who have T6.1’s who are happy with their vans and who have had no problems. So, are you out there? Would be great to know how long you’ve enjoyed trouble free Cali 6.1 life.

Got our Coast 8 weeks ago, absolutely no issues whatsoever. Definitely

 

[MackM]

I saw some reports saying couldn't get night heater to stay on and/or heat the van enough. Is that still an issue with anyone?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

We had this problem and realised we hadn't read the instructions properly. Immediate heating will only heat for a set amount of time that can be set in the settings (30 mins to 3 or 4 hours I think). Continuous will heat the van until the diesel get down to about a quarter. Once its going we have not had any issues in keeping warm but to be honest we have not tried it in the depth of winter as yet.

 

[Duetveil]

1 month 2000 miles 2 camping trips daily driver Ocean. Everything absolutely perfect no problems whatsoever! Love it and so does the wife more importantly!! The driver assistance package, ACC and lane sensing makes driving a breeze on the motorways, although take a few miles to get used to it! Haven't had time to use the auto parking(or found it necessary tbh) yet, this weekends reading and practice! Infotaiment pro system sound is stunning. Fridge brilliant set at 4 is about 4 degrees in the basket. Heater set to Continuous and 6 is about 20 degrees and spot on for us (with an internal Iso Top VI recommended) in fact, the wife was so hot when I left it on to try over night, windy and 5 degrees outside. "I'm too hot" was the cry "I know, come here sweetheart!" was the my reply...... The rrmote heater start up is brilliant for those early mornings! Led lighting is superb inside fully customisable and headlights amazing...discovered a feature only the other evening where the inner fog light comes on when very slow turning to pick up the inside kerb!! Don't know what option or setting that is but its there and really useful!! Electric operated side door is also super useful when returning from walks and shops. MY21 has opening windows both sides in living area. The only thing I've had to do is spray a little silicon on runners and same on the cupboards to make for easier opening. We ordered the shower attachment and is rarely useful, we have it for washing the dog after walks and use it all the time. Bed setup is very easy, we use 2x 60cm Duvalay freshtec topper sleeping bags which can be used side by side as a double uptop or separate, if I've been naughty... These just roll up and stow behind the rear seat for full living area space. We have an unused as yet PP335 which fits with bed out at night but this would be for absolute emergencies!! So to sum up its perfect for us, drives like car with 200bhp 4x4 more than enough very smooth umph! Brilliant on motorways at speed 29mpg and very happy on fields, daily getting 31.5mpg. But we've just gone tier 3 so I guess we're limited a little now...and just heard it is likely full UK lockdown next week!!

Was it worth the wait? Hell yeah!! Worth every penny of the kids inheritance!

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

1 month 2000 miles 2 camping trips daily driver Ocean. Everything absolutely perfect no problems whatsoever! Love it and so does the wife more importantly!! The driver assistance package, ACC and lane sensing makes driving a breeze on the motorways, although take a few miles to get used to it! Haven't had time to use the auto parking(or found it necessary tbh) yet, this weekends reading and practice! Infotaiment pro system sound is stunning. Fridge brilliant set at 4 is about 4 degrees in the basket. Heater set to Continuous and 6 is about 20 degrees and spot on for us (with an internal Iso Top VI recommended) in fact, the wife was so hot when I left it on to try over night, windy and 5 degrees outside. "I'm too hot" was the cry "I know, come here sweetheart!" was the my reply...... The rrmote heater start up is brilliant for those early mornings! Led lighting is superb inside fully customisable and headlights amazing...discovered a feature only the other evening where the inner fog light comes on when very slow turning to pick up the inside kerb!! Don't know what option or setting that is but its there and really useful!! Electric operated side door is also super useful when returning from walks and shops. MY21 has opening windows both sides in living area. The only thing I've had to do is spray a little silicon on runners and same on the cupboards to make for easier opening. We ordered the shower attachment and is rarely useful, we have it for washing the dog after walks and use it all the time. Bed setup is very easy, we use 2x 60cm Duvalay freshtec sleeping bags which can be used side by side as a double uptop or separate, if I've been naughty... These just roll up and stow behind the rear seat for full living area space. We have an unused as yet PP335 which fits with bed out at night but this would be for absolute emergencies!! So to sum up its perfect for us, drives like car with 200bhp 4x4 more than enough very smooth umph! Brilliant on motorways at speed 29mpg and very happy on fields, daily getting 31.5mpg. But we've just gone tier 3 so I guess we're limited a little now...and just heard it is likely full UK lockdown next week!!

Was it worth the wait? Hell yeah!! Worth every penny of the kids inheritance!

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What silicon spray did you use?

 

[66tim99]

1 month 2000 miles 2 camping trips daily driver Ocean. Everything absolutely perfect no problems whatsoever! Love it and so does the wife more importantly!! The driver assistance package, ACC and lane sensing makes driving a breeze on the motorways, although take a few miles to get used to it! Haven't had time to use the auto parking(or found it necessary tbh) yet, this weekends reading and practice! Infotaiment pro system sound is stunning. Fridge brilliant set at 4 is about 4 degrees in the basket. Heater set to Continuous and 6 is about 20 degrees and spot on for us (with an internal Iso Top VI recommended) in fact, the wife was so hot when I left it on to try over night, windy and 5 degrees outside. "I'm too hot" was the cry "I know, come here sweetheart!" was the my reply...... The rrmote heater start up is brilliant for those early mornings! Led lighting is superb inside fully customisable and headlights amazing...discovered a feature only the other evening where the inner fog light comes on when very slow turning to pick up the inside kerb!! Don't know what option or setting that is but its there and really useful!! Electric operated side door is also super useful when returning from walks and shops. MY21 has opening windows both sides in living area. The only thing I've had to do is spray a little silicon on runners and same on the cupboards to make for easier opening. We ordered the shower attachment and is rarely useful, we have it for washing the dog after walks and use it all the time. Bed setup is very easy, we use 2x 60cm Duvalay freshtec sleeping bags which can be used side by side as a double uptop or separate, if I've been naughty... These just roll up and stow behind the rear seat for full living area space. We have an unused as yet PP335 which fits with bed out at night but this would be for absolute emergencies!! So to sum up its perfect for us, drives like car with 200bhp 4x4 more than enough very smooth umph! Brilliant on motorways at speed 29mpg and very happy on fields, daily getting 31.5mpg. But we've just gone tier 3 so I guess we're limited a little now...and just heard it is likely full UK lockdown next week!!

Was it worth the wait? Hell yeah!! Worth every penny of the kids inheritance!

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Great to hear. Well spec’d Ocean! Anything you didn’t go for?

 

[Duetveil]

What silicon spray did you use?

Just off Ebay

 

[Duetveil]

Great to hear. Well spec’d Ocean! Anything you didn’t go for?

the active suspension!

 

[Rstarky]

Took delivery of 6.1 Coast in September, 2 trips to Cornwall, 1 to Dorset, 1 to Brighton and now down in Devon, 4K miles so far, no issues at all, absolutely delighted with it. LED lights upgrade are brilliant, ACC makes motorways a breeze, no satnav fitted but music/satnav via iPhone works perfectly, use fridge on 3 which is plenty cold enough, Thetford 335 for emergencies and wet/windy nights, have ‘tested’ pop up roof and awning in some pretty serious winds and all good so far, absolutely love it, turns weekends into adventures!

 

[calibusje]

you are right, you only hear about the bad ones, when really there are more good one’s out there.

True
Of course there will be good ones, the great majority of them even. After a long time of doubting, I myself took the step and ordered a new one, a T6.1 because we are now at this number. Why hesitate for a long time? well: Then there was number 5.1 that we could buy new and it turned out not to be without problems, nor was the predecessor T5 we heard and read of both and so we stayed with the T4 westfalia. The majority, however, have a beautiful vehicle and our doubts were unnecessary. I just want to say: when a new one comes out, it is always the target of criticism. I can only hope that the T6.1 is a good product because we will use it every day. Keep it safe, greetings

 

[Mark Masters]

Evening all T6.1 Ocean and Beach owners. There’s lots of posts regarding various problems encountered on new vans which is obviously a concern to people waiting to take delivery and for people deliberating on whether to buy one. We rarely hear from members who have T6.1’s who are happy with their vans and who have had no problems. So, are you out there? Would be great to know how long you’ve enjoyed trouble free Cali 6.1 life.

We have a T6 Ocean 4 motion over 20000kms. only one problem with a roof strut failure but corrected easily under warranty. Otherwise no problems at all and very pleased. Also have an Amarok 4 motion over 30000kms with not a single niggle so overall very pleased with our two VW's and their servicing in Holland and NZ

 

[Paulmc]

Hi
As owner of a sucessful VW specialist garage and owner of many T5's and T6's since the T5 launch I have seen a gradual decline in reliability.Fueled mainly by more and more complex emission devices and now the addition of adblue. Adblue systems seem to go into failure at about 100,000 miles needing expensive replacements to recommision. To defer this to a higher mileage [but not indefinately] it is essential to use non supermarket fuels with higher detergent levels and to change the oil once a year or every 10,000 miles with normal use.Persistant short journeys ie school runs will considerably shorten the life of emission devices and oil life as regular dpf regens contaminate the engine oil with unburnt diesel .The DPF/SCR will suffer excessive heat degredation and shorten its life also Whenever you get back from your short run to the cooling fan running after switch off it will signify a forced regen [system using your diesel to heat up the soot on the DPF matrix to burn off excessive stored soot mass.] Most of the campers on here will by nature drive reasonable distances but some will be used for short local runs and this is the danger. This sinario is repeated with all modern diesels and not just VW so whenever we hear customers saying 'I've never had this problem with my last car' its because they haven't owned this generation of diesel before not because the make or model may be any better or worse than others. Sure some manufacturers are more sucessful than others but the overwhelming cause of problems is caused by the owners not aware how modern diesels need to be treated. The most reliable T5 was the old 1.9 TDI and we still see plenty plodding on with a future for viable repairs and running costs. In summary enjoy your camper change the oil at least once a year .Use premium diesel [much cheaper in the long run] .If you start the engine get it properly hot [at least 10 miles or 20 mins running] before you switch off. Its cheaper to buy an old runabout than to encounter the enevitable repairs caused by short runs . The other note is a vehicle in perpetual dpf regen [short journey ] mode will use up to 20% more fuel especially in winter so those of you with differing mpgs may need to adjust for this.