Cooling system, draining and filling: Filling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Audi A4, 2005 Audi A4, 2004 Audi A4, and 2003 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Only use coolant additive G 12 meeting specification TL VW 774 D. Identifiable by color: red

CAUTION: The two coolant additives G 011 A8 C and G 012 A8 D should never be mixed as this will result in serious engine damage.

Never mix G 12 with other coolant additives.
If fluid in expansion tank is brown, G 012 A8 D has been mixed with a different type of coolant. In this case, flush out cooling system and replace coolant. To flush out, fill cooling system with clean water and allow engine to run for approx. 2 minutes. This should remove virtually all the old coolant.
G 011 A8 C or G 012 A8 D and coolant additives marked "meeting TL VW 774 C" or "meeting TL VW 774 D" prevent frost and corrosion damage and stop scale forming. They also raise the boiling point. The cooling system must therefore be filled all year round with the correct anti-freeze and anti-corrosion additive.
On account of the higher boiling point, the coolant helps to enhance engine reliability under heavy loads particularly in countries with tropical climates.

Frost protection must be guaranteed to around -25 °C (in countries with arctic climate to around -35 °C).
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water even in warmer seasons and in warmer countries. The anti-freeze ratio must be at least 40%.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the amount of G 012 A8 D can be increased, however only up to 60 % (giving frost protection to around -40 °C) as otherwise frost protection decreases again and cooling efficiency is also impaired.
Only use clean drinking water for mixing coolant.

If radiator, heat exchanger, cylinder head or cylinder head gasket is replaced, do not reuse old coolant.

Recommended mixture ratios:

Frost protection to	Anti-freeze percentage	G 012A8 D * See note	Water * See note
-25 ° C -35 ° C	40% 50%	3.0 l 3.5 l	4.0 l 3.5 l

*Coolant capacity 7.0 liters; may vary depending upon vehicle equipment.

*Use only clean water

Fig 1: Pulling Retaining Clip For Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor G2 Off Lower Coolant Hose And Drain Coolant From Radiator

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Insert Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor G2 - 2 - back into lower coolant hose and attach clip - 1 -.
Attach coolant hose to oil cooler.

Fig 2: Screw Adapter VAG1274/8 Onto Coolant Expansion Tank & Fit Special Tool VAG1274/10 Onto Adapter

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Screw adapter VAG1274/8 onto coolant expansion tank.
Fit special tool VAG1274/10 onto adapter.
Fill cooling system with coolant.
Seal expansion tank.

Start engine and maintain engine speed of approx. 2000 RPM for approx. 3 minutes.
Allow engine to run at idling speed until lower hose on radiator becomes hot.

CAUTION: Hot steam can escape when cap on expansion tank is opened. Cover cap with cloth and open carefully.

Check coolant level and top off if necessary.

When engine is at normal operating temperature, coolant level must be at max. mark.

When engine is cold, coolant level must be between min. and max. marks.

Switch off engine.