Switch the ignition on, don't start the engine, wait 30+ seconds, switch off ignition and then restart normally.

 

Fill it COMPLETELY. I know the manual indicates to fill with at least 2.5 gallons for a reset.

And never let it go empty in the future. Fill it every 6 months or 6000 miles, before it indicates low. It's what I have been doing since 2014.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've driven it at least 40 miles since I've refilled it. Still have the message.

I also did the 30 second thing. No difference.

I'm a little worried that I maybe did it wrong and caused the problem. At the 1000 mile message I filled it with a single 2 gallon jug. I didn't know about the special neck on the Audi/VW fluid. So I got the small bottle, used it and then cut a hole in the bottom and used a other 2 gallons. Then I filled it with as much as I could from a third jug.

I can't see how not using the correct bottle first would have messed it up, but I suppose it is possible. It would be very coincidental for the sensor to go bad at the service interval.

 

Fill it right up ASAP.

Then do the 30 second reset.

If that doesn't work, get to the dealer ASAP - your mileage allowance to NO START is running down.

 

The message went away. I've got a theory.

The message that I had before I filled it was 800 miles left. Today, the last message that I received was 700 miles. I think that it must have not tested it until it hit the next mile mark. The 700 message came on once, then all messages were gone.

Thanks for all the input. This forum is a great resource.

 

Next time just fill it until it is full.

 

^^Listen the the Yeti.

Also, Just put this task on a schedule and fill it twice a year. Once around the holidays and once around June or July should keep your sorted.

The bottle / funnel with the correct end just makes it easier to fill. Your problem was not the bottle. The problem is how fussy the software is.

 

Bottle is fine, but I don't use it anymore. I just get the Blue DEF boxes you see everywhere and use that now. VW stuff cost more and is the same stuff. Box has a spout to allow you to fill it without a funnel. Only thing that sucks with the Touareg is filling it inside the spare tire well. Kills the legs after while leaning over the car.

 

I had this happen to me once when I was traveling from Illinois back home to Colorado. Fortunately I was near Kansas City when the light came on. I looked at reviews online in the service area and decided to just stay over night in KC, and called Topeka VW for an appointment, they said just drive in when you come through town. I tried all the methods above and could not get the light to disappear. With more than 500 miles from home, I needed this reset. I the morning I took it by Topeka VW and the Service Manager jumped in like he knew how to reset it but alas! He could not get it to reset. He had to call one of his techs in to connect up to the car and reset. I had put quite a bit of Ad-Blu in, the service manager topped it off with about a gallon before he tried to reset. This was about 6 months before the diesel gate update was installed. I've had the light come on since, but it's always reset without a connection to the car since that instance in Topeka. BTW, a service manager told me that if the light ever comes on between my oil changes with them to just stop at ANY VW dealer and show them the last service paper work & they will fill Ad-Blu for free, per the Diesel Gate settlement.

 

I bought a tube that fits the 2.5 gallon jugs on one end and the Ad Blue filler on the other. It has a inner tune that lets air flow from the tank to the jug so that it works without glugging and leaking.
I bought it on Amazon

Amazon.com: Filling Hose for DEF (Adblue) European Cars: Automotive

Buy Filling Hose for DEF (Adblue) European Cars: Garage & Shop - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

I have never had an issue with the reset. I always wait for the light to come on. Then I add the entire 2.5 gallon jug. And I'm done. I use generic adblue and reuse the old VW screw-on bottle as a funnel as others have described. Its a quick and easy job and the reset has always been instant on our rig.

 

When the adblue light comes on how much is required to completely fill the system? Is it pretty consistent? 4 gallons? 5 gallons?

 

It's about 15 litres on a T4 with a 19.5 litre tank