Cooling System, Checking For Coolant Leaks

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Volkswagen GTI and 2008 Volkswagen GTI. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Cooling System Tester -V.A.G 1274 B-
Adapter -V.A.G 1274/8-
Adapter -V.A.G 1274/9-

Test Conditions

The engine is at operating temperature

Test Sequence

WARNING:

The coolant system is under pressure when the engine is warm.

Risk of scalding due to hot steam and hot coolant.

Reduce pressure by covering the coolant expansion tank cap with a cloth and open carefully.

-- Open the cap on the coolant expansion tank.

-- Install the adapter -V.A.G 1274/8- on the coolant expansion tank.

-- Clamp the connecting piece -V.A.G 1274 B/1- in the adapter -V.A.G 1274/8-.

-- Connect the connector piece -V.A.G 1274 B/1- to the cooling system tester -V.A.G 1274 B- using the connecting hose.

Fig 1: Identifying Cooling System Tester V.A.G 1274 Connected To Coolant Reservoir

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

-- Generate a positive pressure of approximately 1.0 bar using the tester hand pump.

CAUTION:

Risk of scalding. Reduce the pressure before disconnecting the cooling system tester -V.A.G 1274 B- from the connecting hose or connector piece -V.A.G 1274 B/1-. To do this, press the pressure release valve on the cooling system tester -V.A.G 1274 B- until the pressure gauge displays >>0<<.

If the pressure drops:

-- Look for leaks and correct.

Checking the pressure relief valve in the cap

-- Install the cap to the adapter -V.A.G 1274/9-.

-- Clamp the connecting piece -V.A.G 1274 B/1- in the adapter -V.A.G 1274/9-.

-- Connect the connector piece -V.A.G 1274 B/1- to the cooling system tester -V.A.G 1274 B- using the connecting hose.

Fig 2: Identifying Connector Piece -V.A.G 1274 B/1-, Connecting Hose And Cooling System Tester -V.A.G 1274 B-

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

-- Actuate the hand pump.

The pressure release valve must open at 1.4 to 1.6 bar.