How To Change VW Golf 2.0 Liter TDI Engine Oil

Wondering how to change the oil and oil filter on your VW Golf 2.0? Unsure what type of oil to use in the 2.0 TDI VW Golf? What is the oil fill capacity on the VW Golf 2.0 TDI engine? Blauparts is here to help! Your VW Golf oil change questions are answered in the video and instructions below.

Disclaimer: Refer to the owner's manual and factory manual for VW oil change instructions. Blauparts recommend having an A.S.E. certified VW mechanic perform vehicle maintenance. Warning: Please be careful when handling hot engine oil. Always wear gloves and wear safety goggles when handling VW fluids.

Step-by-Step VW Golf 2.0L TDI Diesel Oil Change Instructions

Video Demonstrated using 2010 VW Jetta Wagon 2.0 TDI 4 Cylinder 16 Valve Engine
Although the video and pictures show a 2010 VW Jetta, the oil change steps and procedures also apply to the following models:

  • 2010 - 2014 VW Golf 2.0 TDI Diesel Oil Change Service - MK6 Platform Chassis

VW Golf 2.0L TDI Oil Change Parts Needed

BLAU® oil change kits are the perfect choice for today's discriminating vehicle owners who desire only the highest quality products. Our kits are great for individuals looking to improve the performance, efficiency, and add to the longevity of their engine. Each oil change kit conveniently includes everything necessary for an oil change. All kits include the correct amount of premium RAVENOL oil, proper oil specification, OEM oil filter, and hardware for your vehicle (see the product image showing what is exactly included in this kit).

  • 5 liters of motor oil with engine oil quality standard VW 507 00 required for 2.0 TDI diesel engines
    • Eurol Syntence 5W30, Ravenol SMP 5W30, and Ravenol VMP 5W30 all meet this required spec
  • 1 Mahle VW Golf Oil Filter
  • 1 Oil Pan Drain Plug with Washer

VW Golf TDI Oil Change Tools Needed:

  • T25 Torx bit for under-body plash pan
  • T30 Torx bit for cooling line
  • 19mm wrench for oil pan drain plug
  • 32mm socket for oil filter housing
  • Oil drain pan container
  • Pouring Funnel

How To Step 1

How to change VW Golf oil Step 1

Allow your engine oil to warm up. Drive your VW Golf for approximately 5-10 minutes, allowing the old motor oil to warm up for optimal oil flow and thorough drainage. Open your hood. Locate the oil fill cap and loosen it. Do not remove it. Loosening it will minimize crankcase pressure creating an easier flow for the old oil to drain from the engine, and minimize oil splashing.

How To Step 2

How to change VW Golf oil Step 2

The VW Golf splash pan is removed by unscrewing the Qty 3 - T30 Torx screws in the back and Qty 9 - T25 Torx screws holding it in place. There are also 2 locking taps on the front side of the pan. Simultaneously, push on the locking tabs to release the splash pan and pull the splash pan out toward the back of the vehicle.

How To Step 3

How to change VW Golf oil Step 3

Place a suitable oil drain pan container just below the engine oil pan drain plug. With a 19mm wrench loosen and remove the VW Golf oil pan drain plug. Allow the oil to drain from the engine into the oil drain pan container.

How To Step 4

How to change VW Golf oil Step 4

While the oil is draining from your VW Golf, inspect the oil pan drain plug and sealing washer. If the threads on the plug look worn, replace the oil drain plug. Reinstalling a worn oil drain plug may lead to damage to the internal oil pan's threads, causing replacement of the whole oil pan. A worn oil drain plug can also inhibit the factory torque causing a poor seal and possible oil leaks. If the washer looks crushed it should also be replaced. Failure to do so could allow for oil leaks. While the oil is draining, inspect the oil drain plug. Blauparts recommends a new drain plug and washer every 4-6 oil changes (depending on condition).

How To Step 5

How to change VW Golf oil Step 5

Clean any excessive old oil from the oil pan drain plug area. Install the VW Golf oil drain plug and washer. Torque drain plug to 22 ft. lb.

Helpful Tip

How to change VW Golf oil Step 5b

Tighten and secure the VW Golf oil fill cap. This will ensure that no loose dirt or debris enters the engine when you take off the decorative engine cover.

How To Step 6

How to change VW Golf oil Step 6

The VW Golf oil filter housing is located under the decorative engine cover. There are four grommets in each corner holding it in place. To remove the cover, gently pull up on each corner. One at a time. Be careful not to crack any of the plastic.

How To Step 7

How to change VW Golf oil Step 7

To access and remove the VW Golf oil filter and housing, you'll also need to loosen one of the cooling lines. Remove the T30 Torx, that holds the cooling line in place. This will allow a little bit of play with the cooling line so that you're able to access the oil filter housing.

How To Step 8

How to change VW Golf oil Step 8

With a small of play in the cooling line, you'll now be able to maneuver the 32mm socket onto the top of the oil filter housing. Using a 32mm socket, remove the oil filter housing.

How To Step 9

How to change VW Golf oil Step 9

Once it's loosened, lift the oil filter housing a little bit. Hold it there for approximately 15-30 seconds and let the filter drain. This minimizes any oil dripping onto the engine or down into areas that can't be accessed and cleaned off.

How To Step 10

How to change VW Golf oil Step 10

Gather some old rags or shop towels. Have the drain pan nearby. Carefully guide out the housing and VW Golf oil filter and place it in the drain pan.

How To Step 11

How to change VW Golf oil Step 11

Remove the old oil filter from the housing by pulling upwards.

How To Step 12

How to change VW Golf oil Step 12

Remove the old o-ring from the oil filter housing cover.

How To Step 13

How to change VW Golf oil Step 13

Install the new VW Golf oil filter o-ring (which comes with the new oil filter) back onto its groove on the housing cap. Lubricate it with some fresh clean oil. Be careful not to stretch the o-ring too. Also, lubricate the o-ring on the oil filter with a little bit of fresh oil.

How To Step 14

How to change VW Golf oil Step 14

Lubricate the new oil filter o-ring with some fresh clean oil.

How To Step 15

How to change VW Golf oil Step 15

Pop the new VW Golf oil filter back onto the oil filter housing cap. You'll hear a click.

How To Step 16

How to change VW Golf oil Step 16

Install the new oil filter. Confirm that you're threading it in the right direction before you begin, so as not to cross-thread it.

How To Step 17

How to change VW Golf oil Step 17

Using a 32mm socket, torque to 25 Newton meters or 18ft lbs.

How To Step 18

How to change VW Golf oil Step 18

Re-secure the cooling line using the T30 Torx

How To Step 19

How to change VW Golf oil Step 19

Remove the VW Golf oil fill cap. Fill the engine with 4.3 liters or 4.5 quarts of engine oil that carries the VW 507 00 oil specification. If you don't see this spec number listed on the bottle, don't use it. Reinstall the oil fill cap.

How To Step 20

How to change VW Golf oil Step 20

Start and run the engine for about 30 seconds. This will allow the VW Golf oil filter housing to completely fill with oil allowing you to check for oil leaks. Observe the oil filter housing area and oil drain plug sealing areas for leaks. Turn the engine off. With the vehicle back on a level surface, make a final oil level inspection. Add more VW-approved oil as needed.

NOTE: The oil level should never be above the maximum oil level indicated on the dipstick. When the engine oil is overfilled, excessive engine oil burn and damage to the catalytic converters can occur. If the oil level is over the max dipstick level, the excess oil needs to be removed from the engine. [The VW oil change capacity on a 2010 -2014 Golf 2.0 TDI diesel is 4.3 liters.]

How To Step 21

How to change VW Golf oil Step 21

Reinstall the decorative engine cover. Take note of the four posts on the engine and align them with the four grommets on the underside of the cover. Gently press down on each corner. You'll hear a pop.

How To Step 22

How to change VW Golf oil Step 22

Check the oil drain plug sealing areas for leaks. Reinstall the splash pan. First, line up the tabs on the front side and pop them back into place. Second, get the three T30 Torx screws started along the backside. Third, start the remaining T25 Torx screws getting them into place. Then go back around and tightened all the screws. We find that if you fully tighten them up one at a time, others may not line up.

How To Step 23

Recycle Symbol

Dispose of waste oil responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.

Note in your records the current mileage at the time of oil change, as well as, when you'll need to change your oil next. For help determining the correct VW oil change interval for your vehicle, see our "How driving style can affect your VW oil change intervals" section. You may also wish to reset the vehicle's oil change interval system for future oil change indications. Keeping detailed service records is a must for proper vehicle maintenance and future resale value.