Checking For Coolant Leaks/Checking Fill Quality (Particularly On Systems With Thermal Management)

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Information

If the coolant level drops significantly during the test and there is a danger that the reservoir will be emptied, the cooling system is not filled correctly (air bubbles in the system or vacuum filling not carried out sufficiently, for example) .
If the coolant level drops only slightly during the test, the system is filled correctly .

Information

Possible symptoms of an incorrectly filled cooling system include (air bubbles in siphons) =>

Little or no heat output .
Noises from the dashboard/switch panel close to the heat exchanger ("gurgling, glugging") .
Sporadic low coolant level indicator .
Implausible engine temperatures (jumps, fast fluctuations in the instrument cluster) .

Check the cooling system for leaks. To do this, apply a test pressure of approx. 1.5 bar using the cooling system test device and check hose connections for leakage. The pressure must not drop.

Fig 1: Identifying Cooling System Test Device
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Check the engine coolant level. If necessary, fill the coolant reservoir with coolant to the maximum marking. If there is considerable coolant loss, the cause must be investigated.

Fig 2: Identifying Coolant Reservoir
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Screw on the cap of the coolant reservoir again until it locks with an audible click.

Fig 3: Turning Coolant Reservoir Cap
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Close the maintenance flap.
Check radiator for external dirt. The radiators should not be excessively dirty. If necessary, they can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.