Procedures
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 open carefully.
- Open the coolant expansion tank cap.
- Remove the noise insulation.
- Remove the coolant hose - 1 - from the charge air cooling pump - 2 -.
- Release the clamp - arrow -, and remove coolant hose from the quick release coupling on the radiator for the air charge coolant circuit.
- Release the coolant hose clamp - arrow -, and remove the coolant hose from the quick release couplings for the radiator.
- In addition, to draining the coolant from the engine, remove the coolant hose - arrow - from the engine oil cooler.
• Observe disposal regulations!
with a Engine Preheating Element
- Loosen the spring clamps - arrows -.
- Disconnect the coolant hoses - 2 - from the engine preheating element - 1 -.
- Allow any remaining coolant to drain.
• 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 and 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 2010), distilled water is required.
Do not mix distilled water with coolant additives. Using distilled water provides optimum corrosion protection.
• Only use the coolant additives approved by TL VW 774 G.
• Use distilled water only.
• Coolant additives with the note "conforming to TL VW 774 G" prevent frost, corrosion damage and scaling. 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.
• Protection against frost must be assured 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 additives.
• Increase the ratio 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 (T10007) 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 clamp - arrow -.
- Install the coolant hose to the radiator for the air charge coolant circuit and secure it with the clamp - arrow -.
- Connect the coolant hoses to the engine oil cooler and the charge air cooling pump.
- Install the noise insulation.
Filling using the cooling system charge unit (VAS 6096)
- Install the adapter (V.A.G 1274/8) onto the coolant expansion tank.
- Fill the coolant circuit using the cooling system charge unit (VAS 6096). Refer to the operating instructions.
Filling without using the cooling system charge unit (VAS 6096)
- Slowly add coolant until it reaches the upper mark on the expansion tank.
- Install the expansion tank cap.
- Start the engine and maintain an engine speed of approximately 2000 RPM for approximately 3 minutes.
- Let the engine run at idle until the coolant fan turns 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 hatched area.