Coolant, Draining And Filling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Cooling System Tester - Adapter VAG1274/8
Instrument/Gauge Tester VAG1306 or Shop Crane - Drip Tray VAS6208
Hose Clip Pliers
Cooling System Charge Kit VAS6096
Refractometer T10007A

Draining

NOTE:

Drained coolant must be stored in a clean container for disposal or reuse.

Follow all disposal regulations.

WARNING:

Risk of scalding due to hot steam and hot coolant.

The coolant system is under pressure when the engine is warm.
Wear protective goggles and protective clothing to prevent damage to eyes and scalding.
Reduce pressure by covering coolant reservoir cap with a cloth and carefully opening.

-- Open the cap on the reservoir.

-- Remove the noise insulation, refer to Removal And Installation .

-- Place the Drip Tray under the radiator.

-- Open the spring clamp -1- and remove the coolant hose -2-.

Fig 1: Identifying Spring Clamp And Coolant Hose

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the coolant hose -arrow- on the engine oil cooler.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Bottom Coolant Hose At Oil Cooler To Drain Off Remaining Coolant

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Filling

NOTE:

The water portion of the coolant influences the effectiveness of the coolant.

Volkswagen has decided to define the water quality used in the cooling system based on the different mixtures and country and regional requirements.

Use distilled water.

For this reason, we recommend using distilled water for older models when adding coolant or filling coolant for the first time.

On newer models (from MY 2010), distilled water is required.

CAUTION:

Only use distilled water for mixing with G12 plus plus. Using distilled water provides optimum corrosion protection.

NOTE:

Only use coolant additive G 12 Plus Plus that conforms to TO VW 774 G.

Coolant additives with the note "conforming to TO VW 774 G" prevent frost, corrosion damage and scaling. They also increase the boiling point. 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 contributes to engine reliability under heavy loads, particularly in countries with tropical climates.

Freeze protection must be assured to about -25 °C (-13 °F) (in arctic climatic countries to about -35 °C (-31 °F)).

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 a lower freeze protection is necessary due to the climatic conditions, increase the amount of coolant additive. Increase the coolant additive only up to 60% (freeze protection down to approximately -40 °C (-40 °F)). Otherwise the freeze protection and cooling effect are reduced.

The Refractometer T10007A is recommended for determining the current freeze protection density.

Fig 3: Identifying Refractometer T10007

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Do not use the old coolant again if replacing the radiator, heater core, cylinder head or cylinder head gasket.

Recommended Mixture Ratios:

Frost Protection to

Freeze Protection Portion

G 12 Plus-Plus⁽¹⁾

Distilled Water⁽¹⁾

-25 °C (-13 °F) -35 °C (-31 °F)

40% 50%

2.0L 2.5L

3.0L 2.5L

⁽¹⁾	The quantity of coolant can vary depending upon the vehicle equipment.

-- Connect the coolant hose -2- to the radiator and secure it with a spring clamp -1-.

Fig 4: Identifying Spring Clamp And Coolant Hose

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Install the coolant hose -arrow- on the engine oil cooler and secure it with spring clamp.

Fig 5: Disconnecting Bottom Coolant Hose At Oil Cooler To Drain Off Remaining Coolant

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Filling with Cooling System Charge Kit VAS6096

-- Install the Cooling System Tester - Adapter VAG1274/8 on the expansion tank.

-- Fill the coolant circuit using the Cooling System Charge Kit VAS6096, refer to the Cooling System Filler Unit VAS 6096 Operating Instructions.

Filling without Cooling System Charge Kit VAS6096

-- Slowly add coolant until it reaches the upper marking -arrow- on the reservoir.

Fig 6: Identifying Expansion Tank Upper Hatched Field Mark

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Close the reservoir.

-- Turn off the heater and Air Conditioning (A/C).

-- Start engine and maintain an engine speed of approximately 2000 rpm for approximately 3 minutes.

-- Let engine run until fan starts up.

WARNING:

Risk of scalding due to hot steam and hot coolant.

The coolant system is under pressure when the engine is warm.
Wear protective goggles and protective clothing to prevent damage to eyes and scalding.
Reduce pressure by covering coolant reservoir cap with a cloth and carefully open.

-- Check the coolant level with the reservoir closed. If more coolant is needed, let the engine cool down and then add.

At engine operating temperature, the coolant level must be at the upper marking in the shaded area -arrow-.

Fig 7: Identifying Expansion Tank Upper Hatched Field Mark
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be in the middle of the shaded area.