Oil and filter change on T5 R5 AXE diesel

**sga** · 31-07-2013, 05:49 PM

I would like to try changing the oil and filter on my 2006 Transporter 2.5l diesel but can't find a thread to help me with any "tricks" in the procedure. Can I work just from the top or must I work from underneath the van? It looks as though I would have to temporarily move some things out of the way to be able to remove the old filter - is this true?
Hope someone can describe the procedure for me. Thanks
Steve

**Sunny43.5** · 31-07-2013, 06:08 PM

If its the same as our 2004 T5 2.5 diesel the filter is a bit of a bitch to get at it takes a while to even find it but once you do its not too bad to change just a large socket to fit on the top cover , the filter is accessible from the top LH side of the engine [when you are standing in front ] you may need a torch to look down and recognise what you are looking for . Obviously you will ned to remove the under engine tray for draining the oil.

**Umai Naa!!** · 31-07-2013, 07:16 PM

Belly pan comes off, which requires the removal of 6 13mm bolts.

The filter cap can be accessed from up top, and will either be a 32mm or occasionally 36mm socket. You'll need a couple of long extensions, and possibly a uni-joint to get the right angle of attack. There's a intercooler hose that runs near where you feed the socket and extensions down the front of the motor. Un-couple this to improve access to it. Lube the o-ring up on the intercooler hose before re-installing.

Also, replace the sump plug. If you re-use it, it'll leak, and you'll strip the thread in the sump over-tightening it so that it doesn't.

**sga** · 31-07-2013, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by Sunny43.5

If its the same as our 2004 T5 2.5 diesel the filter is a bit of a bitch to get at it takes a while to even find it but once you do its not too bad to change just a large socket to fit on the top cover , the filter is accessible from the top LH side of the engine [when you are standing in front ] you may need a torch to look down and recognise what you are looking for . Obviously you will ned to remove the under engine tray for draining the oil.

Thanks Sunny I've found the oil filter with a hex nut on top. I'm thinking it would be smart to drain the oil first before trying to remove the filter. Will I be able to remove the filter, from above, past all the plumbing and stuff that seems to be in the way, without making too much mess (don't know how empty the filter will be after draining the oil pan)

**sga** · 31-07-2013, 07:26 PM

Just discovered your reply to my post Umai Naa, after I replied to Sunny43.5. Thanks for your helpful tips. Will go shopping for suitable extensions and uni-joint. Both should come in handy for other stuff as well.

**Sunny43.5** · 31-07-2013, 11:39 PM

Yes I did forget to make my explanation more precise so thank you to Umai for the upgraded method .

**Ianm** · 25-08-2013, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by sga

I would like to try changing the oil and filter on my 2006 Transporter 2.5l diesel but can't find a thread to help me with any "tricks" in the procedure. Can I work just from the top or must I work from underneath the van? It looks as though I would have to temporarily move some things out of the way to be able to remove the old filter - is this true?
Hope someone can describe the procedure for me. Thanks
Steve

Firstly, don't bother removing turbo hose and power steering reservoir and using the extenstion etc. You can more easily remove the oil filter canister with a 32mm (and occassionally a larger size) and a short handled ratchet. You will only be able to see the outside edge of the canister which is on the drivers side of the radiator and approx below the power steering reservoir. When you put your hand down there you will be able to feel the big 32mm (or larger) hex on top of the plastic canistor holding the filter insert. You have to place your hand down there anyway to remove the filter which is loosly clipped to the bottom of the canistor lid (with the 32mm hex nut on top) even if you do it by the other more difficult method.

Just checked and my 2008 T5 TDi with 2.5L BPC engine has a 32mm hex on the oil filter cannister. I only have one arm (lost the right one in an accident) and I've changed the filter and oil 6 or 8 times myself and find it the easiest car to change ever. I do well over 100,000km a year escorting the oversize loads, so sometimes do the change every month or even less.

**Transporter** · 25-08-2013, 09:37 AM

The AXD and AXE have 36mm hex and the newer ones have 32mmhex. I made myself 36mm hex hole in 200mmx50mmx5mm flat steel, bacause it's just easier to reach the oil filter cap with it than with anything else.

Sent from my GT-N8000

**Transporter** · 25-08-2013, 04:46 PM

...and here it is, along with the 3/8 dr. 32 and 36mm sockets.

Sent from my GT-I9505

**Tassie Phil** · 30-07-2014, 09:59 PM

Transporter, can you tell me whether an '09 2.5l diesel in a transporter is the 32mm? I am flying up to Mackay tomorrow to pick up my dual cab and it has done over 20000km since the last service, so I want to change the oil and filter before driving it home to Hobart. The vw dealer there quoted $450 for the basic 75000 service. I have access to a 3/4 drive socket set, but will I be able to use it? The other thing I'm wondering is if it will have a particulate filter and so need special oil? I've never worked on one of these, the nearest is daughter's '97 petrol golf! So, any and all help appreciated.