Procedures
Coolant, Draining and Filling
• Make sure when replacing the expansion tank and for maintenance work that there is always a silicate cartridge in the expansion tank, refer to the Parts Catalog. The silicate cartridge must not be removed.
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
• Adapter (V.A.G 1274/8)
• Drip Tray for VAS 6100 (VAS 6208)
• Hose Clip Pliers (V.A.G 1921)
• Cooling System Charge Unit (VAS 6096)
• Refractometer (T10007)
Draining
• Drained coolant must be stored in a clean container for disposal or reuse.
• Follow disposal regulations.
Hot steam may escape when opening expansion tank cap. Wear protective goggles and protective clothing to prevent damage to eyes and scalding. Cover the cap with a cloth and carefully open the cap.
- Remove the coolant expansion tank cap.
- Remove the noise insulation.
- Release the quick-release coupling - arrow - and remove the coolant hose from the radiator.
- Remove the lower coolant hose for the coolant recirculation pump (V50) - arrow - and allow the coolant to drain.
Filling
Only use tap water for mixing. Well water does not have the quality needed to ensure the coolant will function correctly.
• Make sure when replacing the expansion tank and for maintenance work that there is always a silicate cartridge in the expansion tank, refer to the Parts Catalog. The silicate cartridge must not be removed.
• On vehicles from MY 2008, only coolant additive G 12 plus-plus conforming to TL VW 774 G may be used.
• On vehicles through MY 2007, coolant additive G 12 plus conforming to TL VW 774 F and G 12 plus-plus conforming to TL VW 774 G may be used.
• G 12 plus-plus may be mixed with the previous coolant additive G12 plus. Both are colored purple.
• Coolant additives marked with "Conforms to TL VW 774 G" or "Conforms to TL VW 774 F" prevent freezing and corrosion damage and scaling and they increase the boiling point. The cooling system must be filled with coolant additive year-round.
• 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 down to approximately -25 °C (-13 °F) (in arctic climatic countries down to approximately -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 for climatic reasons a greater frost protection is required, the amount of coolant additive of can be increased, but only up to 60% (frost protection to about -40 °C (-40 °F)), as otherwise frost protection is reduced again and cooling effectiveness is also reduced.
• The refractometer (T10007) is recommended for determining freeze protection density.
• If the radiator, heater core, cylinder head or cylinder head gasket is replaced, do not reuse old coolant.
Recommended Mixture Ratios
• 1 The quantity of coolant can vary depending upon the vehicle equipment.
• 2 Only use clean drinking water.
- Install the noise insulation.
Filling using the Cooling System Charge Unit (VAS 6096)
- Install the adapter (V.A.G 1274/8) onto the expansion tank.
- Fill the coolant circuit using the cooling system charge unit (VAS 6096). Refer to the operating instructions for the VAS 6096.
Filling without the Cooling System Charge Unit (VAS 6096)
- Slowly add coolant until it reaches the upper mark on the expansion tank.
- Install the expansion tank cap.
- Start the engine and maintain an engine speed of approximately 2000 RPM for approximately 3 minutes.
- Allow the engine to run until the coolant fans turns on.
Hot steam may escape when opening the expansion tank cap. Wear protective goggles and protective clothing to prevent damage to eyes and scalding. Cover the cap with a cloth and carefully open the cap.
- Check the coolant level and fill as necessary. With the engine at operating temperature, the coolant level must be at the top mark, with the engine cold, it must be in the center of the hatched area.