Volkswagen Station Vagon 1973 User manual

Type 2
Volkswagen Owner’s Manual:
Operation and Maintenance

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Volkswagen Owner’s Manual:
Operation and Maintenance
V O L K S W A G E N W E R K A K T I E N G E S E L L S C H A F T
1973 Models
Volkswagen
Station Wagon
and Kombi
Volkswagen
Campmobile
Volkswagen
Delivery Van

©1972 Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft
May not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part without the written consent of Volkswagenwerk.
Specifications subject to alteration without notice. All rights reserved.
2.02.563.007.23 Printed in Germany 8. 72
Retyped/Printed in USA 12. 10
Revisions:
A - 21-12-2010
Corrected various misspellings and adjusted content layout to be more consistent
Corrected Bulb list on Page 54

The first maintenance service at 600 miles is free of
charge (you only pay for engine and transmission oil).
You are further entitled to free diagnosis services at
6,000, 12,000, 18,000 and 24,000 miles.
The VOLKSWAGEN OWNER’S MANUAL consists of two major parts: operation
description and Diagnosis & Maintenance record.
The first acquaints you with your Volkswagen Warranty and the operation of your
car. It also gives you information on fuel, oil, lubrication, plus technical data.
The second part deals with the maintenance of your Volkswagen. It explains what
the VOLKSWAGEN DIAGNOSIS and MAINTENANCE is all about, and how to keep
your Volkswagen in top driving condition. Check the mileage chart at the end of
this manual. It will tell you when to bring your car to your Authorized Volkswagen
Dealer for periodic oil changes, diagnosis and maintenance services.
Always have your Volkswagen’s Owner’s Manual with you when you take your car to
an Authorized Volkswagen Dealer for services . . . it provides your Service Adviser
with the information he needs and enables him to make the necessary entries for you.
Please read this manual before you drive your new Volkswagen. Acquaint yourself
with its features, and know how to operate it more safely . . . because the more you
know about it, the more you will enjoy driving your Volkswagen.
3

Pictures and text in this manual are based
on the 1973 Volkswagen Station Wagon
with manual transmission. Where the con-
trols, equipment and technical data of the
commercial models and the Automatic
Transmission differ considerably, we will
point this out in the text.
Various items shown or described in the
manual may be options on certain models.
Check with your authorized VW dealer on
available options or accessories.
It has always been Volkswagen’s policy to
continuously make technical improve-
ments; therefore, the right is reserved to
make changes at any time during the mo-
del year without notice.
4

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Safety belts
Seats
Sliding door
Sliding roof
Spare wheel
Spark plugs: cleaning and
...replacing
Speedometer
Starting hints
Sun visors
Technical data
Tires
Towing and trailer hauling
Transmission oil grades
Troubleshooting
Turn signal/headlight
...dimmer switch lever
Vehicle Identification
Ventilation
Warning lights
Warranty
Windows
Windshield washer fluid
...container
Windshield wiper/washer lever
Winter operation
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Contents
Address change cards
Air cleaner
Air conditioner
Alternator warning light
Ashtrays
Assist handles and coat hooks
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Auxiliary heater
Battery
Brake fluid reservoir
Brake warning light
Bulb chart
Bulb replacing
Changing a wheel
Chassis number
Checking and changing engine oil
Cleaning your VW
Dear VW Owner
Defogging and defrosting
Diagnosis and Maintenance
Distributor addresses
Doors
Emergency flasher
Engine compartment
Engine oil grades
Fuel gauge
Fuel supply
Fuses
Headlight switch
Heater
Ignition/steering lock
Instrument illumination
Instrument panel
Interior light: front
rear
Jack
Key
Lane changer
Lubrication
Maintenance record
Manual transmission
Manual transmission oil
Oil pressure warning light
Rear view mirrors
Rear window defogger

Volkswagen offers a quality product.
Maintain this quality by having your
Volkswagen serviced regularly. A service
schedule that we recommend is explained
in the section Volkswagen Diagnosis and
Maintenance.
Should you have occasion to make use of
your Volkswagen Warranty, it is always
helpful to have the related service receipts
handy.
6

Type:
for the new VW automobile
Chassis No.
Engine No.
In accordance with the terms of warranty printed overleaf.
WARRANTY VOUCHER
Date
At Mileage
Make, Model
(Stamp of Installing
VW Dealer)
Date
At Mileage
Make, Model
(Stamp of Installing
VW Dealer)
Date
At Mileage
Make, Model
(Stamp of Replacing
VW Dealer)
Air Conditioner Installation Speedometer Replacement
(Stamp of Selling
VW Dealer)
The warranty commences at the date the VW automobile
is delivered to the original purchaser,
viz. on
(To be filled in by selling VW Dealer)
and covers a period of 24 months or the period before the
vehicle has been driven 24,000 miles, whichever event
shall first occur. Should any warranty claim arise, you are
requested to present this voucher to your VW Dealer.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.
Auxiliary Heater Installation

No other express warranties, as to Volkswagen vehicles sold in the United States are made either by Volkswagen of America,
Inc. (“VWoA”), or by the manufacturer, the distributor or the selling dealer, except the following warranty by Volkswagen of
America, Inc.
This warranty is issued by Volkswagen of America, Inc. (“VWoA”), the authorized United States importer of Volkswagen vehicles.
2. In order to keep this warranty in effect,
the owner must have the vehicle maintain-
ed and serviced as prescribed in the Volks-
wagen Maintenance Schedule.
1. VWoA warrants that every Volkswagen
vehicle imported by VWoA and sold as a
new vehicle to a retail customer by an
authorized United States Volkswagen
dealer will be free from defects in materi-
als and workmanship under normal use
and service for 24 months after the date of
deli-very of the vehicle to the original retail
customer or until the vehicle has been
driven 24,000 miles, whichever comes
first. This warranty is limited, however, to
the following: If any part of the vehicle be-
comes defective under normal use and
service and the vehicle is brought during
this period to the workshop of any autho-
rized Volkswagen dealer in the continen-
tal United States, Hawaii or Canada, the
dealer will, without charge, either repair
the defective part or replace it with a new
or factory reconditioned part.
Maintenance
required to
keep warranty
in effect.
Free repair or
replacement in
the United States
and Canada of
defective parts
for 24 months
or 24,000 miles.
Warranty for New Volkswagen Vehicles
8

9
Warranty
outside the
United States
and Canada
No other
warranties made
Items not
covered by
warranty
4. If the vehicle is brought to an authorized
Volkswagen workshop outside the conti-
nental United States, Hawaii or Canada,
VWoA’s warranty will not be applicable
and defective parts will be repaired or re-
placed free of charge with new or factory
reconditioned parts only within the terms
and limitations of the warranty for new
Volkswagen vehicles in effect in the coun-
try where such authorized Volkswagen
workshop is located.
5. This warranty is in lieu of all other ex-
press warranties of VWoA, the manufac-
turer, the distributor and the selling dealer.
Neither VWoA nor the manufacturer
assumes, or authorizes any person to
assume, on its behalf, any other obligation
or liability.
3. VWoA’s warranty does not cover:
(i) Defects, damage or deterioration due
to normal use, wear and tear or exposure;
(ii) normal maintenance services, such as
fuel system cleaning and wheel, brake or
clutch adjustments; (iii) the replacement
of service items, as for instance, spark
plugs, ignition points, wiper blades or
brake linings; (iv) deterioration of uphol-
stery, soft trim and appearance items;
(v) damage or defects due to misuse,
alteration, negligence or accident; (vi)
damage or defects due to the repair of the
vehicle by someone other than an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or the installation
of parts other than genuine Volkswagen
parts; (vii) damage or defects due to the
use of the vehicle in competitive events,
including rallies and races; and (viii) loss of
time, inconvenience, loss of use of the
vehicle or other consequential damage.

Let us explain the warranty . . .
Volkswagen of America Inc. is proud of the quality of the auto-
mobiles it imports. It warrants new vehicles for a period of 2
years or 24,000 miles from the date of purchase, whichever
comes first. In general, the complete vehicle including battery
and tires is covered under the provisions of the Volkswagen
New Vehicle Warranty. It will be honored by any Authorized
Volkswagen dealer in the continental United States, Hawaii
and Canada.
This warranty is transferable if the ownership of the vehicle
changes within the above period.
In order to keep the warranty in force, you, as the owner of the
vehicle, have certain responsibilities. It is important that the
vehicle be maintained properly. To facilitate record keeping,
this booklet provides space for listing diagnosis, maintenance,
and oil change services as they are performed.
Diagnosis and maintenance services should be performed by
Authorized Volkswagen dealers. They have Volkswagen train-
ed mechanics and special tools to provide fast, efficient service
in accordance with Volkswagen quality standards.
The terms of your warranty require you to keep a maintenance
record of your vehicle. Provided that maintenance or oil change
services were performed in accordance with Volkswagen specifi-
cations, dated bills of other than Authorized Volkswagen dealers
will be accepted as proof that these services were performed
when required.
For example, you are required to pay for the following:
Lubrication services.
Diagnosis and Maintenance services — except those free of
charge as specified in the Owner’s Manual.
Wheel alignment and wheel balancing. The frequency of
these services depends on driving conditions such as rapid
starts and stops, tire skidding, hitting pot holes and curbs, etc.
Mechanical adjustments — including brakes, clutch, door locks
— are required as a matter of normal operation of a motor
vehicle. This protects you against early or expensive replace-
ments.
Brakes and clutch linings are directly affected by driving habits
and use. The replacement of brake linings, brake pads, clutch
linings and shock absorbers, and the reconditioning of brake
drums and brake discs should be performed whenever neces-
sary.
Not all repairs, adjustments and replacements, however, are
the result of defects in material or workmanship. There are
other circumstances beyond the control of the manufacturer
that might make a workshop visit necessary. These depend
mainly on where you drive and how you drive. They would
include weather and atmospheric conditions, varying road
surfaces, individual driving habits and vehicle usage.
10

Spark plugs and ignition points are subject to wear. Periodic
replacements ensure you of maximum engine performance and
gasoline economy.
Wiper blades will have a varied life expectancy, depending on
climatic conditions and extent of use. You are the best judge of
when they should be replaced.
Light bulbs and fuses are service items.
Paint, chrome, trim and other appearance items are affected by
normal wear and exposure. Proper care of these items can add
to their appearance and durability. (Imperfections are normally
apparent during New Vehicle Delivery Inspection. For your
protection, please report any imperfection to you dealer imme-
diately.)
Tires and battery are subject to wear. If there is a manufacturer’s
defect, you pay only for the amount of use you obtained. An
adjustment for tires is based on the remaining tread depth. Battery
adjustment is according to time used, based on 24 months
of service. This is known as the pro-rata method of adjustment.
11

Volkswagen parts, accessories and exchange units are identified by these trademarks.
All meet the same exacting quality control standards as the original equipment on the
car, and comply with all applicable Government safety regulations.
They are guaranteed to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period
of 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.
All Volkswagen parts and accessories are available at your Authorized Volkswagen
Dealer.
Also, ask him about rebuilt parts under the Volkswagen Exchange Service . . . they
cost less than new parts but carry the same warranty.
12

Dear VW Owner:
A lot has gone into the manufacture of
your Volkswagen. Including advanced en-
gineering techniques, rigid quality control
and demanding inspections. The enginee-
ring and safety features that have gone
into your VW will be enhanced by . . . you,
the safe driver who knows his vehicle
and all the controls,
who maintains his
vehicle properly,
who uses his driving
skills wisely.
Because safe driving is important to you,
we urge you to read this manual carefully,
to maintain your VW properly and to follow
the check list shown on this page when-
ever you use your VW.
And when you are on the highway:Before getting behind the wheel:
In the driver’s seat:
1 - Make sure that the tires are inflated
correctly.
2 - Watch the tread depth indicator on the
tires. Look for bruises and wear.
3 - See that all windows are clean and
unobstructed.
4 - Check that headlight and tail light
lenses are clean.
5 - Check that all lights are functioning
properly.
6 - Check turn signal lamps and indicator
light (ignition on).
1 - Position seat properly for easy reach
of controls.
2 - Adjust inside and outside mirrors for
unobstructed rear view.
3 - Fasten safety belts.
4 - Check brake warning light when start-
ing the engine.
5 - Check brake operation.
6 - Make sure that all doors are closed
securely and locked.
1 - Always drive defensively. Expect the
unexpected.
2 - Use signals to indicate turns and lane
changes.
3 - Turn on headlights at dusk.
4 - Follow at a safe distance. A good rule
of thumb is to allow a minimum of one
car length for each 10 mph of speed.
5 - Reduce speed during night hours and
inclement weather.
6 - Observe speed limits and obey high-
way signs.
7 - When tired, get off the highway, stop
and take a rest.
8 - When stopped or parked, always set
the parking brake.
9 - When stalled or stopped for repairs,
move the car well off the road. Set
the emergency flasher and use road
flares or other warning devices to
warn other motorists.
13

This sticker is your assurance that your
1973 Volkswagen complies with all U.S.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
which were in effect at the time the
vehicle was manufactured. You can find
this sticker on the left doorjamb.
This sticker also shows the month and
year of production and the chassis number
of your car (perforation) as well as the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating.
This sample shows the weight ratings of
the Campmobile and the Station Wagon.
This additional line
applies only to the
Campmobile
14

Vehicle Identification:
The Chassis Number The Engine Number
The Identification Plate
is stamped on the crankcase below the
breather (not visible).
And also near the ignition coil.
is also located on the instrument panel on
the driver’s side so that it is visible from
the outside through the windshield. This
is for your protection . . . to aid in the
apprehension of car thieves and the
recovery of stolen vehicles.
is the “birth certificate” of your Volks-
wagen. It is located behind the front
passenger seat. The chassis number is also stamped on
the left-hand engine cover plate.
The plate shows such information as
manufacturer’s name, place of origin,
model, weights, and “Fahrgest.-Nr.”,
which is the chassis number of your car.
The sticker behind the driver’s seat shows
the color code.
15

Key Doors
The same key is used for the ignition/
steering lock, the doors and the rear
luggage compartment.
It is a good idea to keep a record of your
key number in your wallet together with
your license. If you should lose a key,
your Authorized VW Dealer will thus be
able to quickly secure a replacement key
for you.
Since your Volkswagen is almost air tight,
it will be easier to close the door if you
open a window slightly.
But you can also lock it without a key.
First depress the locking lever in the in-
side door handle. Then depress the plun-
ger in the outside door handle as you
close the door.
If the door, with the locking lever de-
pressed, closes by itself, the locking de-
vice will disengage automatically. We
provided this additional safety feature so
you won’t be locked out if the door should
slam shut while the key is still inside the
car.
A buzzer will remind you when you open
the driver’s door and the key is still in
the ignition lock.
by leaving your car unattended with the
key in the ignition lock. Take the key with
you and lock the doors.
depress or pull out the locking lever in
the inside door handle.
DO NOT INVITE CAR THEFT
You can lock and unlock your car with a
key, of course.
Always drive with locked doors to prevent
inadvertent opening of the door from the
inside, especially with small children in
the car.
To lock and unlock front doors from the
outside
To lock and unlock front doors from the
inside
16

The sliding door
Always drive with a securely locked
sliding door.
To open the sliding door from the outside,
press the handle down and slide the door
to the rear. The door is held in the fully
open position by a catch.
To close the door from the outside, press
the handle down first to release the catch.
Slide the door forward until it latches.
Then pull the handle up firmly until the
sliding door is flush with the rear panel.
You can lock the sliding door from the out-
side with the key. A sliding door that has
been locked from the outside can only be
opened with the key from the outside.
To open the sliding door from the inside,
move the door handle forward, to position
— A —, and slide the door open.
To close the door from the inside, move
the handle forward first to release the
catch. Slide the door forward until it lat-
ches. Then pull the handle up, to position
— B — to make sure the door is secure-
ly closed.
On the VW Delivery Van, with a full parti-
tion between the driver’s cab and the car-
go compartment, open the sliding door
from the inside by pulling the inside
handle to position — D —.
In the VW Kombi and VW Delivery Van,
embossed lines — E — on the cargo com-
partment floor mark the limit up to which
cargo can be loaded without obstructing
the operation of the sliding door.
To lock the sliding door from the inside,
depress the small lever to position — C —.
A sliding door that has been locked from
the inside can only be unlocked from the
inside.
On the Delivery Van, the cargo compart-
ment can be locked from inside with a
small sliding knob instead of the locking
lever — C —. To lock, move the sliding
knob to the right.
17

The rear lid Windows
To open the vent windows, turn knob in
driving direction, move locking lever for-
ward and push out window.
To make closing the vent window easier,
we suggest you first push on the forward
part of the vent window so that it fits
snugly against the weatherstripping. Then
grasp the knob, and move the lever back
to lock it in place.
You can lower and raise the windows in
the front doors by using the window win-
ders. We cushioned the knobs for your
safety.
We have made the windshield and win-
dows large for clear, unobstructed visi-
bility.
To close the lid, swing it down firmly. Al-
ways make sure it is properly closed and
locked.
The rear luggage compartment is easily
accessible through the lid at the rear of
the vehicle. You lock and unlock it with
the key.
Vent windows
(VW Station Wagon only)
Do not drive with the rear luggage com-
partment lid open. This precludes the
possibility of exhaust fumes entering the
car.
We recommend you do not put decals or
other signs on the windows of your car
that will interfere with the driver’s vision.
To open the lid, depress the lock and raise
the lid until it is held in the fully open posi-
tion by springs. Do not let the lid fly open
on its own.
18