Cooling system, draining and filling
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
- Drip tray V.A.G 1306
- Hose clip pliers V.A.G 1921
- Anti-freeze protection tester
Not illustrated:
- Cooling system charge unit VAS 6096
Draining
- Remove engine cover.
- Open cap on coolant expansion tank.
- Remove center noise insulation pan: Refer to 50 BODY, FRONT
- Remove drain screw - arrow - to drain coolant from radiator.
- To drain coolant from engine, disconnect coolant hose at oil cooler - arrow -.
NOTE:
- Observe disposal regulations!
Filling
NOTE:
- Only coolant additive G12 can be used, in compliance with coolant additive VW 774 F . Distinguishing feature: colored violet
- G12 violet (conforming to TL coolant additive VW 774 F ) can be mixed with the previous coolant additive G12 red!
- G12 and coolant additives marked "In accordance with TL coolant additive VW 774 F F" prevent frost and corrosion damage, scaling and also raise the boiling point of the coolant. For this reason the system must be filled all year round with frost and corrosion protection additives.
- 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 to about -25 ° C (in arctic climatic countries to about -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%.
- Use only clean water for mixing!
- If for climatic reasons a greater frost protection is required, the amount of G12 can be increased, but only up to 60% (frost protection to about -40 ° C), as otherwise frost protection is reduced again and cooling effectiveness is also reduced.
- 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 portion | G 12 * See note | Clean Water * See note |
| -25 ° C | 40% | 2.4 l | 3.6 l |
| -35 ° C | 50% | 3.0 l | 3.0 l |
* The amount of coolant can vary depending upon the vehicle equipment.
- Close coolant drain screw.
With cooling system charge unit VAS 6096 :
- Fill coolant circuit using cooling system charge unit VAS 6096. Operating instructions for cooling system charge unit VAS 6096
Without cooling system charge unit VAS 6096 :
- Fill coolant to Max marking on expansion tank.
- Close expansion tank.
- Allow engine to run until fan turns on.
- Check coolant level and top off 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.