Coolant, Draining And Filling: Notes
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Cooling System Tester - Adapter:VAG1274/8
- Cooling System Charge Kit:VAS6096
- Coolant Collecting System:VAS5014 or Shop Crane - Drip Tray:VAS6208
- Hose Clip Pliers:VAS6362
- Refractometer:T10007A
- Protective Eyewear
- Safety Gloves
Coolant, Draining
The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is warm. Risk of scalding due to hot steam and hot coolant.
Scalding the skin and other parts of the body is possible.
- Wear safety gloves.
- Wear protective eyewear.
- Reduce the pressure by covering the coolant expansion tank cap with a cloth and carefully opening it.
-- Open the coolant expansion tank cap -1- by releasing the catch in direction of -arrow-.
-- Remove the front and center noise insulation. Refer to NOISE INSULATION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
-- Place the container of the :VAS5014 or :VAS6208 underneath.
There is a risk of injury if the radiator fan turns on by itself.
- The radiator fans can come on by itself even when the ignition is turned off, such as when heat builds up in the engine compartment.
-- Loosen the hose clamp -2-.
-- Remove the coolant hose from the coolant pipe on the lock carrier and let the coolant drain.
-- Open the hose clamp -arrow-.
-- Remove the coolant hose from the ATF cooler hold downward and let the coolant drain.
-- Reconnect the coolant hoses.
Coolant, Mixing
Only mix distilled water with coolant additives. Using distilled water provides optimum corrosion protection.
The mixture of the water used greatly influences the effectiveness of the coolant. The water quality to be used is based on the contents, which can be specific to a country or even a region. Distilled water fulfills all requirements. For this reason, distilled water must be used when adding coolant or filling coolant for the first time.
Use only coolant additives listed. Refer to the appropriate Parts Information. 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. Additionally, the boiling temperature will be raised. For this reason the cooling system must be filled with coolant additive year-round.
Because of its high boiling point, the coolant contributes to engine reliability under heavy engine loads, particularly in countries with tropical climates.
To determine the current freeze protection value, use the :T10007A or :T10007B .
The scale -1- on the refractometer refers to the coolant additives G12++ and G12evo.
The scale -2- on the refractometer refers to the coolant additive G13.
If the type of coolant additive cannot be determined, always use the G13 scale to determine freeze protection.
Freeze protection must be set at minimum -25 °C (-13 °F) (in arctic climate countries: at approximately -36 °C (-32.8 °F)). The freeze protection may only be increased when stronger freeze protection is required for the climate. But only down to -48 °C (-54 °F), otherwise the effectiveness of the coolant decreases.
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water even in warmer seasons and in warmer countries. The frost protection must be at least -25 °C (-13 °F).
The temperature on the Refractometer corresponds to the >>freezing point<<. At this temperature, ice crystals may begin to form in the coolant.
Used coolant cannot be used again.
Only use water/coolant additive to lubricate the coolant hoses.