What's the actual deal with the maintenance schedule?

[Skipp]

I’m one year into owning a 2018 VW T6, and this "supposed" two-year service cycle is new to me and fairly confusing. When I bought the van, the dealer (non VW) did a full service. Now, a year later, an “inspection” alert appears every time I start the engine even though I added only about 5000km.

I’ve called the dealer twice and received two different answers. From what I was able to gather, the van determines when an oil change is needed, but the annual inspection is a fixed service and osts €120. When I asked what the inspection includes, they basically said it’s just that - an inspection. No adjustments or replacements, just a mechanic looking things over. That sounds like a lot to pay for a visual check and I could probably get an actual basic service done by a non-vw mechanic.

But, given that the van is used very lightly, even an oil change feels unnecessary at this point. I’m thinking about just resetting the inspection alert, but the method described on this forum and youtube don't seem to work. I’ve tried the method: ignition off > hazard lights on > hold the 0.0/SET button > ignition on (while holding the button), but all it does is reset the trip meter. No change to the inspection warning.

Am I doing it wrong? ...or perhaps, a better question to start with: should I even be doing it? As I said, the van had a full service done 5tkm ago and I expect to do just about the same every year. What's the sensible service schedule? And if inspection appears unreasonable now, how to reset the inspection alert (I have the basic dash with no controls on the steering wheel and basic display with minimal info)?..

 

[Sasquatch]

I’ve called the dealer twice and received two different answers. From what I was able to gather, the van determines when an oil change is needed, but the annual inspection is a fixed service and osts €120. When I asked what the inspection includes, they basically said it’s just that - an inspection. No adjustments or replacements, just a mechanic looking things over. That sounds like a lot to pay for a visual check and I could probably get an actual basic service done by a non-vw mechanic.

The visual checks are probably rather less extensive than the inspections conducted during an MOT. For not much more you could get an MOT and an oil/filter change elsewhere.

 

[Skipp]

The visual checks are probably rather less extensive than the inspections conducted during an MOT. For not much more you could get an MOT and an oil/filter change elsewhere.

Yeah, we have a mandatory annual inspection, which I guess mostly deals with safety and emissions. No issues there. I guess, my question boils down to a) should I be bothered with any actual servicing at this point? and b) if not, how do I reset the inspection alert?..

 

[Anakin]

You can reset the inspection alert using the instructions in the user manual or with Carista. I used Carista yesterday after my MOT.

 

[Skipp]

I did not think to check the instructions for this, as I assumed the resets are typically performed by service centers and aren't a part of typical vehicle operation. But I'll check.. Anyhow, what's the general approach - with light driving a service every 2 years a feasible option or should something be done annually?

 

[Linoleum Bonypart]

I change oil yearly which is usually 10-12
I’ve had three free vw services but won’t be going back

 

[Bigsidavies]

I thought the inspection was just an oil and filter change service and the other one, whatever its called, was a full service with all the filters being changed.
That's what's happened to mine anyway. Little one, big one; alternating.
You'll probably find that when they serviced it when you bought it they didn't reset the service marker and now it's asking for the service that they did 5k ago. I'd get someone to do an oil and filter change and reset the warning then you'll be back on track.