Information on repair and maintenance of Volkswagen California cars electronically
The Volkswagen California is a recreational vehicle or motorhome from the German manufacturer Volkswagen, introduced in 1989 based on the VW Transporter T3 brand SUV. Since 2004, Volkswagen Group Services, a 100% subsidiary of VW, has been producing the VW California itself in Hannover based on the VW Transporter T5.
At the Essen caravan exhibition in 1988, Volkswagen presented a caravan that was no longer sold under the Westfalia brand. It was based on the Joker model from Westphalia, which in the USA was called Vanagon Camper. The connection to the Vanagon Camper has also been documented in the use of the Vanagon logo on the rear of VW California models. Volkswagen's idea was to save money by placing a large order with Westfalia.
Produced in Germany since the late 1980s, it replaced the famous Convertible Combi, an expensive hippie of the 1960s and 1970s, and is distributed almost everywhere in Europe (in Eastern Europe only after 1989). It has a canvas-lined lifting roof (electrically operated on more modern models) and provides two beds and ample living space for two people. This is complemented by a refrigerator and kitchen unit (sink + 2 gas burners), as well as plenty of storage space.
The Volkswagen California motorhome based on the VW T4 was produced from 1991 to 2003. In general, the shapes of the roofs were different. The most common were the high nose roof and the convertible roof. These two versions had only four berths: two in the roof area and two in the living area, which required the rear seat to be folded down. There was also a so-called compact roof. This provided storage space and headroom in the vehicle, but did not provide additional sleeping space. A motorhome with a compact roof has a height of about 2.4 m, a motorhome with a lifting roof is about 2 m.
In addition to the usual dimensions of the car, there was also a version with a long wheelbase. The most common one today is Exclusive. It had a long wheelbase and a fixed high roof. Like the top model, the Exclusive had a bathroom with a folding sink and toilet at the rear. The Exclusive replaced the California Club, which also had a long wheelbase and a fixed high roof. The Club was only available with a short (older) front end (bonnet) and therefore not with TDI engines. There was also a long-wheelbase California Tour, but for a shorter duration, although it was built the same as the regular VW California.
The VW California, based on the VW T5, was introduced in two model series, Beach and Comfortline, both versions with a shorter wheelbase. Beach is more simply equipped and is available at a lower base price.
The Comfortline features an RV interior with multiple cabinets and storage, a walk-in cooler, a cooking area with a two-burner stove, a sink and a seating area. The sliding door stores a camp table for use outside the vehicle, and two camp chairs are stored in the rear door. Unlike its predecessor, the furniture is no longer made of MDF, but of aluminum sandwich material, which is finished with wood veneer. A pop-up roof with bed is standard on the Comfortline.
The VW California, based on the VW T6, introduced in 2016, is available in three variants: “Beach”, “Coast” and “Ocean”. The main distinguishing features are the kitchen, roof lift mechanism and glazing. Due to tightening consumption and weight standards, more and more restrictions are being introduced on special equipment.
Repairing and servicing your vehicle yourself can save you money and give you the satisfaction of being involved in caring for your vehicle yourself. Technical literature such as repair manuals, videos and information from reliable sources will help you acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out various repairs. It can also make the process more clear and confident.
On our website you have the opportunity to read, buy and download VW California repair manuals in PDF format for free. These repair guides will answer a variety of questions, including:
- how to replace cabin, air and fuel filters on your own;
- how to independently replace brake system parts;
- how to repair the transmission yourself;
- how to identify a malfunction of the car cooling system and fix it;
- what are the main malfunctions of the electrical equipment of a car and how to fix them yourself, and so on.
The Volkswagen California car repair book will always be at hand and will prove useful in any unclear situation. Repair information is presented in the simplest and most understandable language, with detailed illustrations and descriptions of repair work.
If necessary, you can also separately purchase Volkswagen California wiring diagrams in electronic format, which will definitely come in handy when repairing the electrical equipment of your car.