Reduce Oil Level Warning - VW Transporter and California T6.1 - EXPLAIN, PREVENT & FIX! 

I don’t know how this is deemed acceptable by the designers to be perfectly honest. Thanks for explaining 👍🏻

Again, a really informative and good video from you, guys. For sure, one of the best YT-channels about the California. So glad that you do this. As mine is supposed to arrive within the next few weeks (in Switzerland), I feel (kind of) prepared. Your videos shorten the waiting time. Thank you so much.

Thank you all for your comments. We do feel slightly guilty about sharing this 'warts and all' type video with you - as we do love our California. We did set out to make sure we didn't hide things from our channel though, as we wanted to give realistic ownership insight and genuinely help people. Don't let this put you off. All modern vehicles has their own quirks and oddities. Remember this is not just a California thing, and not just a VAG group thing either. Just google it or search on RU-vid and you'll find a lot of other manufacturers having these issues too. Don't let it put you off buying a California, or enjoying the one you have. Our next video will be more up-beat, we promise !

This was so helpful in understanding the particulate filter as, although no warning on a T6 transporter, if the cycle is interrupted the fan noise when you stop is awful! At least i have a plan to resolve this now so thank you.

This is very very useful for everyone who has one of these vehicles or similar version. Thanks for sharing

I have this issue just this past weekend. Thank you for your video and advice. I will give it a go.

Happened my t6.1 yesterday for the second time, and now my warranty is up, thanks for this info 👌🏻

My t6.1 as done it a few times thanks for your storey it as put my mind at ease 🙏🙏

Thank you so much ! I had begun to regret having bought my T6.1 second hand 2 months ago and have been back to the used car seller ( a KIA dealer) a ‘few’ times now. The added problem is the user manual was only supplied in German and the local VW garage has taken a month so far to try and locate a manual in French; France being where I live. I still don’t have my hands on a copy and hate trolling through on line explanations. I have subscribed and look forward to other info you may share. Thanks very much indeed.

Thank you so much. Had this light on for two weeks now. Just couldn’t face wasting my time at the dealers. Now going outside to fix it.

Thanks for all the work and the videos you have done on this subject. I have recently purchased a 70 plate T6.1 which I have had converted to a Campervan. 60 odd miles into my journey back from the converters the 'Reduce Oil Level' message appeared. Fortunately was able to watch your videos and get a full understanding of the problem, even the fact that opening the bonnet resets the message for another 60 miles. I checked the dip stick and it was showing above the cross hatched area and have subsequently got my local garage to reduce the oil level to the middle of the dip stick and the the problem has gone away. I am not even convinced that diesel is being deposited in the sump as part of a regen, I think the dealers are actually overfilling the engine in the first place! Thank you so much for your help and for the rest of your content.

Thanks a lot mate. It's a great explanation. My Q7 is doing the same and I'm going crazy. You help is much appreciated

Keep them coming 👍🏻

Very interesting, great work

Awesome explanation of exactly the problem I have, thanks 👍

Thank you for explaining. It all makes sense now.

Amazing video, I started getting this warning light around the 100 miles mark after my recent service (oil change & filter), checked the oil level today while cold and the oil was over the limit, oil pump ordered

Excellent Video, very informative and exactly what’s happening on my Mark 7 1.6diesel golf

Omg I love you for this video, I just couldn't wrap my head around this problem

Thanks for explaining, have the same message on my crafter 2019. Thx again

I have seen other videos on yt but this is the best by far simply explained for my understanding has giveing me more insight on the subject even comeing from a person whos not a expert i thank you sir.

Very informative. Thank you.

Thanks so much. Had this issue for the past couple of months and it’s been driving me mad. 👍🙂

Thanks for taking the time to explain that all so well Will. Really informative. Somewhat disheartened by it all tbh. New Cali here with only 850 miles on so far. So fully expecting to have the issue sometime soon. And just as one of the other comments here - What a faff! Didn't really expect to be getting my hands that dirty with a brand new van. I have read on the T6 forum that some owners have had the sw update, and others have been told that it isn't out yet and they are on a waiting list. Such a shame that the dealers are not all on the same page. Sterling work though, with a great explanation. Please keep us updated as things move forward. Thanks for your efforts.

Thank you so much for making this video. I am currently experiencing this very problem with my own T6. It’s less than 1 Year old & done 6000 miles.

Hi there, thank for your video on this issue, the same issue has happened to my T6.1 2.0 Highline 110 manual camper van. I’m very new to this and only collected the van less than a week ago. Your videos and some from others on RU-vid inspired me to buy a camper. Like yourself I purchased an oil syringe from Amazon, the tubes that came with it are too big, I found that Pets at home sell 2 meters of silicone hose designed for aquariums that fit in to the rubber coupling that comes with the syringe perfectly and costs £4 if this helps anyone else needing the correct size hose to feed down the dipstick tube. Many thanks for all of your really useful and entertaining content.

Great video and explanation shouldn't have this problem on a brand new van.

Makes perfect sense now 👌 was doing my head in 😢😢

Great info here.

Firstly let me say that I found this an informative and honest review. Secondly I have had a T4 2.5l petrol since new and have done 300 000 kms with it so, I am considering a T6.1 single cab chassis replacement (approx 59K AUD). They are only sold out here with the 146KW engine 450nm auto engine package. Most of my trips are only 10 to 30 kilometres or less one way as I am in building maintenance in the city of Sydney. Your video makes me feel that this vehicle may not suit and I may need to look elsewhere. Thank you for the heads up.

loving your video dealers hide things

I just ordered a T6.1 and it's good to hear this stuff. I've had a ford ranger for the last 5 years but there was never any info like this. I've had DPF issues on that but even the Haynes manual just says take it to the dealer. There's no info on how it all works and the ford dealership just seem to like to fleece their customers. The oil change light came one 2 weeks after a service where it had an oil change and rather than tell me it was on a timer / counter that could just be reset if it had an oil change already they tried to bill me £600 for another full service. Every vehicle has its quirks but if they're documented so you can understand it that makes it much easier to live with.

I have the opposite problem where my T6 is going through loads of oil! But the tips re dpf regeneration are great, so thanks for that!

Thanks for great video explaining the issue very well. I do not own VW myself, but am amazed that if a dealer drains some oil or even changes the oil, they cannot do a software reset to tell the management system that the oil level is correct, rather than the customer having to drive 100 miles with a reduced oil level.

I watch your nice video’s and it would be so nice to have a map to see where you are travelling. Thank you for charing your tips and ideas!

Great video and hopefully should help and reassure some of those scratching their heads. Its not just a VW problem. I had something similar with a brand new Mercedes. I didn't know anything about DPF regen and the first time it happened I thought the car was going on fire!!!! I felt then and still do that this type of issue is unacceptable in modern cars (regardless of cost) but the dealer just shrugged his shoulders.

cracking video really well explained thank you :)

Ecxellent!👍👍

Thanks for this. I now know why I used to love Land Rovers so much...no computers! If summat stopped working you whacked it with a lump hammer until it did. Hopefully the update will ease things, but I'll be watching out for regen cycles now.

Good video.

thanks for your help

I dunno what you do BUT you are a fantastic communicator. Keep it up.

Had this once on my T6 I took it to the dealer, said exactly same as you but they gave me a written statement from VW why this happens, let me know if you want a copy. They said they don’t like short journeys because the regen doesn’t finish. Just as you you said. To be fair now I know this, I haven’t had a problem since. Your vid is a great explanation.

Not sure why I watched to the end because after always driving and loving VWs, a Polo, Beetle then Tiguan, I eventually decided to buy a Ford Transit Custom Campervan! After hearing about your experience I have to admit that I couldn’t have coped with this level of hassle. I hope this is finally sorted with the software upgrade you mentioned. Thanks as always for sharing an interesting video. The use of two cameras when talking seemed to help with the presentation.

Had the same problem did what you said touch wood all OK

There was a software update for this fault too that makes the level sensor less sensitive . The correct oil level is ¼ way in to the hatch marking .

Excellent update guys

Thanks for the info - my light has come on but every time it seems to have been related to a lean on a roundabout or a dip in the road which I had assumed was changing the oil level that was picked up by the sensor. I’ll look out for the regen now & hope that VW come up with a fix soon!

Brilliant explanation bud, maybe vw should code a warning in?

We picked up our Ocean 4 motion DSG 6.1 at the end of August. We have done a similar mileage to you. Less than a 1000 miles in the SOS light came on with a message to visit the workshop. On calling the dealer they said it was a known problem on some vin numbers and there was a software fix. Like yourselves it’s 100 mile round trip to the dealer so time booked off work…. I waited while they did the software update - Nearly 4 hours. When completed the dealer said that on making further enquiries with VW this did not fix the SOS problem, but did address other minor fixes. I’m guessing one of which may be the oil issue. ( So far we have not experienced any oil issue🤞) The dealer advised that the interim fix for the SOS issue was to reset the infotainment system or to park up, lock the van and they return after a short period of time - 30 mins and it clears and resets. The latter seems to work. The former, resetting the infotainment system threw everything - Nav, music, phone etc into a reset loop whereby the system seemed to be swirling around in a reset cycle without coming out of it. Duff info from Dealer! The fix is upon the SOS light coming on- and overhead console light turning from green to red, Stop, park up, lock up and leave for about 30 mins. Normally doing this does not throw out the other infotainment functions and features. On contacting the Dealer and VW support yesterday, 6 weeks in, there is still not a fix. I cannot believe VW’s position and the apparent acceptance by the dealer that this is acceptable from VW and their normal modus operandi. We have been fortunate over the years to own Mercedes, Porsche, BMW and Audi (Currently A6 Allroad) - The service from all has been excellent with any issues fixed promptly with little or no disruption to the enjoyment of the vehicle. For us the VW experience and attitude has been appalling. £80k car and this is what you get. For years we wanted a VW Camper van and now we are looking forward and thinking it’s been a big mistake. We are considering taking advice to reject the van and get our money back. If we were told a fix will be available in a fortnight or a month or whatever, it would make things more palatable. BTW - Great videos!

Great information in this video,SO have you had any "reduce oil level "warning since doing this

You pay £80K for a van and this happens. I wouldn’t want excuses I’d want it fixed properly pronto and an extended warranty. Diesel diluting you oil must change its design properties and damage you engine to some extent. Sloppy design, no excuses

Great video even with the cheesy camera angle changes lol.

Hi Will. We’ve had our T6.1 for just over a year now…never an issue with the oil level…until the first service 12/04/23 where the oil was changed and we had rage 23ER engine control unit update. The update widened the temperature range for burning gases (or something along those lines). While travelling to Europe two days later, still in the UK, the oil to full alarm came on. I contacted the branch about it and was advised the a new software update came out the day after my service. One if the fixes is for this alarm. So I have to return to the dealer for approx half an hour for the update, which should fix the issue. At the end of the service, knowing the oil had been changed and remembering your Hebrides video, I brought the issue up. Manager advised me that it can’t happen now as the oil is measured by machine to the exact amount whereas before, technicians filled the engine, changed the filter, then topped it up! This wasn’t done on mine as the exact amount of oil was used, yet the alarm still came on! Very annoying VW!

I watched this video when the light came on in my van, the day after an oil change. I spent the evening thinking I had a genuine problem. Went back to the mechanic who drained the oil down to the midway level on the dipstick (as per the manual) and the problem was resolved. I appreciate your making this video as a way of sharing with the community. But the information here is incorrect - which you acknowledge in a later video. If anyone else comes across this video and thinks they may have diesel in their engine oil. PLEASE DON'T PANIC. Make sure the oil level is only HALFWAY up the dipstick. Campervan Time, I think you should take this video down and point people to the later video in which you describe the actual oil level issue.

software changes from one flash file to another can be read to see the changes

As far as I remember, when ordering new van there was an option to choose - DPF regen postpone button. So yes, there is kind of way to control it, maybe it can be retrofitted?

Actually when I ordered my T6.1, you could select / buy an optional button to initiate or prevent a regeneration cycle. As far as I can remember, it was an fairly expensive option, so I didn‘t order it 🙄 Have the message now for the second time after 3 years and about 40tkm. I change the oil at least once a year, regardless of how many kilometers the car made.

A very informative video. However I would comment that if you have diesel getting into the oil in quantities you suggest then it is best to have dealership change oil at their cost. Also keep notes about this as down the line you don’t want any issues with engine having poor lubrication

Thanks for the quick response will,going to reduce tomorrow as per your instructions. Just one more question when you say drive 100+ miles afterwards is that all in one trip or will a couple of trips amounting to the 100+ miles do...Thanks again and keep up the good work

Hi & thanks for the information. I need to take some excess oil out of my T5 & guess the tube supplied with the pump kit you show will also be too large for the dipstick tube on that - what dia. tube worked & could you advise where to get the reduction connector, thanks

Great video thanks for the info. The light came on yesterday a couple of weeks after service and after an hour or so of slow driving and stop/start in a ferry queue. My question is what happens if you keep driving? Other than the light coming on every 100 km am I damaging the engine??

Is it safe to drive it once this happens? As I was driving to ferry last night and it popped up. I'm due to return on Sat and its about 440 miles. And then get it sorted on return?

I have this problem and have had the software update, he hasn’t fixed the issue at all. The light still comes on every 60 miles. It’s been back to VW 6 times, it’s with them now. They have finally admitted that it’s a problem and not just a sensor issue. Mine will add about 500ml of diesel every 60 miles!! It can’t do the engine any good at all. My issue didn’t start until I’d had the van for 18 months. It’s solely used as a campervan, so rarely does short journeys, the way in which we use the Van has not changed since we bought it so I don’t know why the issue has only materialised in the last six months

Does anyone have any view on whether the start/stop function has any influence on the amount of regens or is it religiously every 2hrs? Incidentally I disabled stop/start and haven’t had this issue even though I do many short journeys.

Very well put across Will. Thankyou. I’m hoping by the time our Cali arrives the software will be updated…BUT I’m with you , it’s a worry getting diesel in the oil, I’ve no idea what kind of damage that would do long term. Do you happen to know if they mix? Or does the oil sit on top or below the diesel? And lastly ( sorry ) how long do you need to sit & wait for Sarah to shop for the regeneration to finish? I.E how long does the cycle take?

Hi, this is such a helpful video and we have been trying to apply the the stopping procedure since buying our Cali T6.1 Coast a couple of weeks ago. Is it crucial to keep your foot on the break because that can be difficult if the regeneration lasts for 10 minutes or more! I have noticed that if I put it into park and take my foot off the brake there is a delay before the stop start kicks in and it’s not immediate. I want to make sure I am getting this right to avoid any problems so would really appreciate your feedback. By the way we love your channel and have learned so much from you both. Thank you 🙏🏻

Hi interesting video I got my California Ocean at the end of April this year and have done about 6000 miles and not experienced this problem but in have noticed both the higher Rev level on tick over plus the smell (a bit like a hot new engine). My vehicle is a 4 motion 205 engine and I wondered if yours was the same or if you have the 150 engine and if the work differently. Thanks for the video though all very interesting. My current wing is the rubbish sat nav I don’t know if you feel the same ..John

I had the 2.0 tdi engine in my Audi it smells when in re gen you have to have half a tank of fuel. I’ve just bought a vw T5 seems to be doing the same . I change the oil regularly with a oil pump with various tube sizes down the dip stick . Couldn’t be. Othered with taken under trays off the pump get almost all the oil out . Filters on the easy to get to . The cleaner the oil the quicker and less frequent the re gen .

My T6.1 is on 45000 miles now and have had this for the last 20000 miles. Been to dealer for oil change they tell me its fixed and 80 miles later its back on. Dealer have said to open and close the bonnet to reset and will last for 80 miles. I am doing 170 miles a day so will have to do that twice a day lol. I have just lived with it now.

My diesel BMW has an 18,000 mile service interval, but I change the oil at 9,000. Being a diesel, I don’t like the oil being in there that long as the diesel dirty’s the oil quite quickly

Recently purchased a 69 plate T6.1 with 25k miles and not long after getting it this warning appeared. Took about 400-500ml out thinking this would work but it didn't. However, I didn't drive over 60 miles in one go which may have caused it not to work. It was in at VW last week and they checked the level which was ok and confirmed the sensor had the latest update. The light came on again about 60 miles later. VW official take on it is that there is not a fix and it happens due to 'driving style' which is pretty crap tbh. I'll maybe take out more oil as suggested but take it for a much longer run 🤞

Great video/tutorial as usual 🙂👍 It would be very interesting if you could make a video about the Auxiliary Heater. I haven't received my VW California Ocean yet but I already have a few questions that I haven't really found an answer to. Must the key always be in the ignition to operate the Auxiliary Heater? What is the best configuration (heat level, etc.)? And what use do you recommand? Thank you very much 😁

The level Is minimum & maximum- just have it in the middle! If diesel is mixing with oil this will alter its characteristics & could cause premature wear, i would be replacing that oil much more frequently than specified.

Hi all had this issue today reduce oil level visit workshop .i drive Volkswagen t roc 2 litre diesel .

I have same issue, and vw dealer was not able to fix it, anyhow I tried driving only on manual transmission for days now and the warning light not showing since, but when I start driving automatic transmission light show up again!

Good to know! Do you know how long does it take to do the regen?

Does anyone knows if this do even happen with vw gasoline engines that have gpf....gasoline particular filter?

25 Jan 2023- after querying this with VW Van Servicing in Sheffield and them saying it's Driver Style that causes the problem, there is now a Software Update available to fix the issue. The Update was available from Dec 2021! I thought the problem stemmed from the Regeration process being interrupted by Auto Stop Start but it seems there are stringent rules about what can happen during Regeneration and Auto Stop Start is not allowed to stop the engine when it's happening. Anyway, I've had the Software update today, so let's see what happens!!!

I thought the vehicle engine ran on whilst the regeneration was happening and that was why we could hear the engine running sometimes when we’d left the vehicle. Unless it is carrying out another process? We have the 2019 T6. I know they have had major issues when people run the vehicle on short journeys/ stops with less than half a tank which caused engine failures.

Didnt have any of these issues with petrol engines…..

On my T6 the Stop/Start does not work if the air con is on. If this is the same as the T6.1 your solution may not work?

Off subject but do you have a tracker fitted and which is best one. My insurance is asking for one fitted.

I thought it was an engine ecu software update to fix a faulty interpretation of the level sensor logic. 😉 This happens after only 500 mile on some vans so no way the DPF has caused this. If you pop to your dealer they will update the software to fix this issue.

Strange I never had it on a T6 but hear it a lot from .1 owners

So it puts diesel in the oil. Ridiculous design. Well worth making the video about this.

I've only had the high oil problem since my vans first service. Its a joke, VW need to get there act together. VW told me there waiting for a fix. Didn't have this with a T6.

Useful video but the camera angle switches were very distracting and might give some people vertigo.

Had the update, reduce oil light came back up after 60 miles

Thanks for the explanation. I’ve recently ordered an Ocean and know there’s a long wait, however this has slightly put me off. I wonder if the Transit Nugget has the same issue?

A really useful and insightful video, BUT oil dilution will shorten the life of the engine - especially the turbo - so it needs draining and replenishing with fresh oil (and then follow your sound advice re avoiding the switching off the engine whilst a regen is ongoing). From an engineering perspective, it is beyond belief that VW chose to deploy diesel in this manner, rather than injecting the diesel directly into the exhaust system, but, hey, they need to pay-off that emissions fine and they wouldn't want that to fall on the shoulders of their shareholders now, would they!

How long does it take to regenerate?

I have just ordered a brand new t6.1 high line dsg swamper and its cost me 70 k ,it will be ready in May next year .this has some what dampened my excitement of getting my new van .the whole idea of buy a brand new van was for reliability, I want to be out using my van every weekend. But if this shit isn't resolved by the time my van is ready this is going to proper piss me off .VW short your shit out .

then it will register you have not allowed a regen when you switch it off after so many attempts it goes to limp mode if you own a vehicle revs rise then you panic and switch it of start it up and phew its ok then they will charge you for a force re-gen that they an do with a lap top it maybe be different in the car world but in construction its life its called operator induced error

Why doesn't the regen system work like it does on the T6? Regen DOESN'T stop when you turn off the engine. This seems like a huge fail on the T6.1. Maybe the software update should allow regen to continue when the engine is turned off. (It's not that hard is it?!)

Volkswagen wanted to charge me £95 to lower the oil level on my 6.1 I didn’t believe I hadn’t topped up the oil.

My T6 works fine, must effect T6.1 only.

this sound like an extraordinary design fault, what does VW have to say about your explanation and reasoning? diesel spilling into the engine oil! a recipe for disaster not just high oil levels.

if they told you you would not buy one and the salesman dont tell you or you would go elsewhere ,when its does a regen it is not explained what to do and you panic and you switch off latent defect so come all vw owners get on to them they know about it there will be a service bulletin on it

Camera angle changes... don't, stay real to the channel, you don't have to try and do pro videography to be successful - it's too cheesy. My own opinion obviously. Love your vids :)