Cooling System: Service and Repair
Coolant, Draining and Filling
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
• Adapter (V.A.G 1274/8)
• Drip Tray For VAS 6100 (VAS 6208)
• Hose Clip Pliers (VAS 6362)
• Cooling System Charge Unit (VAS 6096)
• Refractometer (T10007)
Draining
• Drained coolant must be stored in a clean container for disposal or reuse.
• Follow disposal regulations.
Hot steam may escape when opening the expansion tank cap. Wear protective goggles and protective clothing to prevent damage to eyes and scalding. Cover the cap with a cloth and open very carefully.
- Open the cap on the coolant expansion tank.
- Remove the noise insulation.
- Place the drip try for VAS 6100 (VAS 6208) below.
- Open the spring clamp - 1 - and remove the coolant hose - 2 -.
• If the quick acting coupling on the lower radiator connection is pulled off, a large amount of coolant flows onto the bumper.
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, we recommend using distilled water for older models when adding coolant or filling coolant for the first time. On newer models (from MY 10), distilled water is required.
Only use distilled water for mixing with G12 plus-plus. Using distilled water provides optimum corrosion protection.
• On vehicles from MY 2008, only coolant additive G 12 plus-plus conforming to TL VW 774 G may be used.
• On vehicles through MY 2007, coolant additive G 12 plus conforming to TL VW 774 F and G 12 plus-plus conforming to TL VW 774 G may be used.
• G 12 plus-plus may be mixed with the previous coolant additive G12 plus. Both are colored purple.
• Coolant additives bearing the statement "Conforms to TL VW 774 G" or "Conforms to TL VW 774 F" prevent damage from freezing and corrosion and lime deposits. They also increase the boiling point. 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 down to approximately -25 °C (-13 °F) must be guaranteed. Freeze protection down to approximately -35 °C (-31 °F) must be guaranteed in countries with cold climates.
• 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%.
• The amount of G12 plus-plus can be increased if more freeze protection is needed. However, it may only be increased up to 60%, which provides freeze protection down to approximately -40 °C (-40 °F). Otherwise the freeze protection and cooling effect are reduced.
• Refractometer (T10007) is recommended for determining freeze protection density.
• If the radiator, heater core, cylinder head or cylinder head gasket is replaced, do not reuse the old coolant.
Recommended Mixture Ratios
• 1 The quantity of coolant can vary depending upon the vehicle equipment.
- Connect the coolant hose - 2 - to the radiator and secure it with the spring clamp - 1 -.
- 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 operating instructions for the cooling system charge unit.
Filling Without using the Cooling System Charge Unit (VAS 6096)
- Slowly fill the expansion tank up to the top mark in the shaded area - arrow -.
- Install the coolant expansion tank cap.
- Turn off the heater and Air Conditioning (A/C).
- Start the engine and maintain an engine speed of about 2000 RPM for approximately 3 minutes.
- Let the engine run until the fan starts up.
Hot steam may escape when opening the expansion tank cap. Wear protective goggles and protective clothing to prevent damage to eyes and scalding. Cover the cap with a cloth and open very carefully.
- Check the coolant level and fill as necessary.
• With the engine at operating temperature, the coolant level must align with the top mark of the hatched area.
• When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be in the middle of the shaded area.
