Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI (2010): Engine Oil and Oil Filter Change

Part numbers are from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Check them against your VIN before ordering.

• Lift or inspection pit (or a jack and two jack stands)
• Torx T45 socket for the drain plug (check against your plug)
• Torx T25 screwdriver or socket for the engine undershield
• 32 mm socket for the filter housing cap (on the 1.8 TSI a 36 mm socket often fits as well, so match it to your cap)
• torque wrench
• drain pan
• funnel
• shop rags

1. Warm up the engine for 3-5 minutes so the oil becomes thin, then shut it off. Park the car on level ground and set the parking brake.
2. Open the hood, unscrew the oil filler cap, and raise the dipstick slightly so the oil drains better.
3. Raise the front of the car on a lift or set it on jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
4. Remove the engine undershield (if fitted): unscrew the Torx fasteners and slide the shield back.
5. Place the drain pan under the oil pan. Unscrew the drain plug and let the oil drain for at least 10 minutes. The oil is hot, so protect your hands.
6. While the oil drains, put a rag under the filter cap and unscrew it counterclockwise. Pull out the cap together with the cartridge. Oil will drain out of the housing, which is normal.
7. Remove the old cartridge from the cap, then carefully pry off the old O-ring. Install the new cartridge, lubricate the new O-ring with fresh oil, and fit it onto the cap. Make sure the O-ring does not twist.
8. Screw in the filter cap by hand until it stops, then tighten it with a torque wrench to about 20-25 N·m (15-18 lb-ft). The plastic cap can crack if overtightened. Verify the exact value against the marking on the cap and the manufacturer's specification.
9. Wipe the drain plug and its seat, then install a new sealing washer. Tighten the drain plug to approximately 30 N·m (22 lb-ft) (verify the exact value in the manufacturer's specification; do not tighten it as far as it will go, since the aluminum oil pan is easily stripped).
10. Reinstall the engine undershield.
11. Pour in fresh oil through the funnel: the total capacity with the filter is approximately 4.5-5.5 L (4.8-5.8 qt) (verify the exact value in the manufacturer's specification). First add about 4 L (4.2 qt), wait a couple of minutes and check the dipstick, then top up in small amounts to the mark.
12. Start the engine for 30-60 seconds. The oil pressure light should go out immediately. Shut it off, wait 5-10 minutes, and check the level with the dipstick on level ground. The level should be between the MIN and MAX marks, closer to MAX but not above it.
13. Inspect the drain plug and filter cap for leaks. If either leaks, tighten within the specified torque or replace the O-ring or washer.
14. Reset the service interval: use the reset button on the instrument cluster with the ignition on. Take the old oil to a collection point.

• Do not use oil without VW 502 00 / 504 00 approval, and do not exceed the dipstick level
• Excess oil harms the turbocharger and the catalytic converter
• Tighten the drain plug and filter cap only with a torque wrench: plastic and aluminum do not tolerate overtightening
• If you have no experience working under a car on a lift or jack stands, have a repair shop do the job