Coolant, draining and refilling: Filling

• If the fluid in expansion tank is brown, G 012 A8 D has been mixed with other coolant. In this case, flush the cooling system and change the coolant. To flush, fill the cooling system with clear water and let the engine run for approx. 2 minutes. Flushing the system should remove most of the old coolant.
• G 012 A8 D and coolant additives marked with "according to TL VW 774 D" prevent frost and corrosion damage as well as lime deposits. They also raise the boiling point. Therefore, the cooling system must be filled year round with frost and corrosion protection additives.
• A higher boiling point improves engine reliability under heavy load particularly in countries with tropical climates.
• Frost protection must be ensured to about -25°C (about -35°C in countries with arctic 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%.
• If for climatic reasons greater frost protection is required, the amount of G 012 A8 D can be increased, but only up to 60% (frost protection to about -40°C), otherwise frost protection and cooling effectiveness will be reduced again.
• Use only clean drinking water for mixing with the coolant.
• If the radiator, heater core, cylinder head or cylinder head gasket is replaced, completely replace the engine coolant.

• For coolant G 012 A8 D, use T10007 refractometer to test frost protection in cooling system.

Recommended mixture ratios:

1) Coolant quantity: 8.0 liters; can vary depending upon vehicle options.

Vehicles with drain plug 

Fig 1: Identifying Drain Plug

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Unscrew drain plug -2- at radiator clockwise.

Vehicles without drain plug 

• Insert Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor (on radiator) -G83- with new O-ring into outlet and secure it with retaining clamps.

All 

Fig 2: Disconnecting Coolant Hose At Oil Cooler

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Connect coolant hose to oil cooler (arrow).

Fig 3: Screw Adapter VAG1274/8 Onto Coolant Expansion Tank & Fit Special Tool VAG1274/10 Onto Adapter

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Screw VAG1274/8 adapter onto expansion tank.
• Attach VAG1274/10 special tool to VAG1274/1 adapter.

Fig 4: Identifying Plenum Chamber Cover & Removing Rubber Seal

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Pull off rubber seal of plenum chamber cover in direction of (arrow).
• Remove cover -1- toward front.

Fig 5: Removing Front Engine Cover

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• Remove front engine cover (arrows).

Fig 6: Removing Bleeder Screw

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• Remove bleeder screw (arrow).
• Fill with coolant until it escapes from coolant hose bleeder hole.
• Tighten bleeder screw to 15 Nm.

Fig 7: Loosening Coolant Hose To Heater Core

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Loosen coolant hose to heater core and pull back hose sufficiently so that bleeder hole (arrow) is no longer sealed by connection.
• Fill with coolant until it escapes from coolant hose bleeder hole.
• Slide coolant hose onto connection sleeve and secure using spring-type clamp.
• Install coolant expansion tank cap.

• Start engine and maintain an engine speed of about 2000 RPM for approx. 3 minutes.
• Allow engine to idle until lower coolant hose at radiator is hot.

• Check coolant level and top up if necessary. With engine at operating temperature, coolant level must be at max. marking, with engine cold, it must be between min. and max. marking.
• Turn engine off.