Procedures
Coolant, Draining and Filling
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
• Refractometer (T10007)
• Drip Tray for VAS 6100 (VAS 6208)
• Hose Clip Pliers (VAS 6340)
• Cooling System Charge Unit (VAS 6096)
• Adapter (V.A.G 1274/8)
Draining
Hot steam may escape when opening the expansion tank cap. Cover the cap with a cloth and carefully open the cap.
- Open the coolant expansion tank cap.
Remove noise insulation.
- Remove the coolant hoses - 1 - from the engine coolant circulation pump 2 (- 2 -).
- Remove the coolant hose clip - arrow - downward and remove the coolant hose from the radiator quick release coupling.
- In addition, to drain the coolant from the engine, disconnect the coolant hose at the oil cooler - arrow -.
• Observe disposal regulations!
Filling
• The water portion of the coolant influences the effectiveness of the coolant. Volkswagen has decided to define the water quality used in the cooling system based on the different mixtures, country and regional requirements. For this reason, it is recommended to mix distilled water with the coolant for older models when adding coolant or refilling. On newer models (from Model Year (MY) 10), distilled water is required.
Do not mix distilled water with coolant additives. Using distilled water provides optimum corrosion protection.
• Use only coolant additives listed in the Parts Catalog. Other coolant additives may above all reduce the corrosion protection effect significantly. The damage resulting from this may lead to loss of coolant and consequently to severe engine damage.
• Coolant with the correct mixture ratio prevents freezing and corrosion damage and calcium deposits. The boiling point will be raised. The cooling system must be filled with coolant additive year-round.
• Because of its high boiling point, the coolant improves engine reliability under heavy loads, particularly in countries with tropical climates.
• Freeze protection must be guaranteed down to approximately -25 °C (-13 °F) (in arctic climatic countries down to approximately -35 °C (-31 °F)).
• The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water even in warmer seasons and in warmer countries. The coolant additive portion must be at least 40%.
• If a lower freeze protection is necessary due to the climatic conditions, increase the amount of coolant additive. Only up to 60% (freeze protection down to approximately -40 °C (-40 °F)). Otherwise the freeze protection and cooling effect are reduced.
• Do not use the old coolant again if replacing the radiator, heater core, cylinder head or cylinder head gasket.
• The refractometer (T10007A) is recommended for determining freeze protection density.
Recommended Mixture Ratios (use only distilled water for mixing):
• 1 The amount of coolant may vary depending on vehicle equipment.
- Install the lower coolant hose and secure it with the retaining clip - arrow -.
- Connect the coolant hoses to the oil cooler and to the engine coolant circulation pump 2.
- Install the noise insulation.
Filling using the Cooling System Charge Unit (VAS 6096) :
- Install the adapter (V.A.G 1274/8) onto the expansion tank.
- Fill the coolant circuit using the cooling system charge unit (VAS 6096). Refer to the Operating instructions for cooling system filler.
Filling without the Cooling System Charge Unit (VAS 6096) :
- Slowly fill the coolant up to the upper mark in the hatched area on the expansion tank.
- Close the expansion tank cap.
- Start the engine and maintain an engine speed of about 2000 RPM for approximately 3 minutes.
- Let the engine run at idle until the coolant fan switches on.
- Check the coolant level and fill if necessary. With the engine at operating temperature, the coolant level must be at the top mark, with the engine cold, it must be in the center of the hatched area.