Checking the oil level in the Volkswagen Polo power steering reservoir

The oil level can be checked when cold or at operating temperature (above approx. +50 °C). The following describes how to check the oil level when cold. Instructions for checking the oil level at operating temperature are given at the end of the chapter.

The power steering reservoir is located in front, in the left wheel arch, behind the bumper cover. Access to the tank cover is possible after removing the battery and the bracket on which it is mounted.

• The car engine does not need to be started and warmed up. The front wheels of the vehicle must be in the straight ahead position.

•  Diesel engine : remove the battery and its mounting bracket.

• Unscrew and remove the cover-1 of the tank-2.

• Wipe the oil level indicator on the cap with a clean, lint-free cloth.

• Insert the cap with the oil level gauge into the reservoir, screw it on by hand and unscrew it again.

The oil level on the gauge must be between the lower -arrow A- and upper -arrow B-marks. Note: To check the level, the cap must be screwed in as far as it will go; just placing it on the opening of the tank is not enough.

Attention: Under normal conditions, the oil level should not drop. If the oil level has dropped, you must contact the service station to search for leaks. If the oil level is above the specified zone, then the excess oil must be sucked off.

• Be sure to fill in only new oil, as even slight contamination can cause malfunctions in the hydraulic system.

• Insert the cap with the oil level indicator and tighten by hand until it stops.

•  Diesel engine:  install battery bracket and battery.

Guidelines for Checking the Oil Level at Operating Temperature

• Start the engine and let it run at idle speed for about 2 minutes. The steering wheel and front wheels must be in the straight ahead position. As a result, the oil in the hydraulic system warms up to a temperature of approximately +50 °C.

• Shut off the engine and switch off the ignition.

• Unscrew the cap of the power steering reservoir.

• Wipe the oil level indicator on the cap with a clean, lint-free cloth.

• Insert the cap with the oil level gauge into the reservoir, screw it on by hand and unscrew it again.

The oil level on the gauge should be between the lower - arrow A - and upper - arrow B - marks. At the operating temperature of the oil, the oil level is allowed to be at the upper mark - arrow B -, see Figure A48-0361.

Attention: If the oil level is above the upper mark on the indicator, then it is not necessary to suck the oil out of the tank.

Source: http://automn.ru/vw-polo-01/volkswagen-49728-10.m_id-7384.m_id2-7393.html