Cooling System, Draining and Filling

Cooling system, draining and filling
Special tools and equipment





^ VAG 1306 Drip tray





^ VAG 1921 Spring clip pliers
^ Anti-freeze tester (not shown)

Engine coolant, draining
- Remove engine cover.
- Remove cap from coolant expansion tank.
- Remove damping covers center and left:





- Unscrew drain plug to drain coolant from radiator (arrow)





To drain coolant from engine also remove coolant hose from oil cooler (arrow).

Note: Observe proper coolant disposal regulations!

Engine coolant, filling

Note:
^ Only use coolant additive G12. Identification: red color.
^ Never mix G12 with other coolant additives.
^ If the fluid in expansion tank is brown, G12 has been mixed with other coolant. The coolant must be changed.
^ G12 prevents frost and corrosion damage, scaling and also raises the boiling point of the coolant. For this reason the system must be filled with this frost and corrosion protection additive, regardless of the season.
^ Particularly in countries with tropical climates the coolant with a higher boiling point improves engine reliability when it is driven under load.
^ Frost protection must be effective to about -25°C (-13°F). In countries with arctic climate the figure is approx. -35°C (-31°F).
^ The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water even in warmer seasons and in warmer countries. The antifreeze ratio must be at least 40%.
^ If for climatic reasons a greater frost protection is required, the amount of G12 can be increased, but only up to 60% (frost protection of about -40°C), or the frost protection is reduced again and cooling effectiveness is also reduced.
^ If the radiator, heater core, cylinder head or cylinder head gasket is replaced, do not reuse old coolant.





Recommended mixture ratios:
1) The amount of coolant can vary depending on vehicle equipment.





- Close drain plug for coolant.
- Fill with coolant up to MAX. mark on expansion tank.
- Install coolant expansion tank cap.
- Run engine until radiator fan comes on.
- Check coolant level and top-up if necessary.
^ When engine is at normal operating temperature, coolant level must be on MAX. mark. When engine is cold, coolant level must be between MIN. and MAX. marks.