Attention: Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with the skin and painted surfaces of the vehicle. If this does happen, rinse off the antifreeze immediately with plenty of water. Antifreeze is highly toxic, so do not leave it unattended in an open container or spilled on the floor: children or animals may be attracted to the sweet smell of antifreeze and may drink it.
Attention: Do not remove the filler cap of the expansion tank until the engine has cooled down!
Note: All engines (cast iron and aluminum) are filled with purple G12-Plus-Plus antifreeze coolant, which provides optimal protection against freezing, corrosion and sludge, and does not require replacement throughout the life of the engine.
14. The cars in question are equipped with an overpressure compensation type cooling system. The expansion tank is located on the left side of the engine compartment (1 in illustration Section 1). As the engine warms up during operation, the expanding coolant (coolant) fills the tank. When the engine cools down, the coolant automatically flows back into the cooling system, which ensures that a constant fluid level is maintained.
15. Checking the coolant level should be done regularly, at least every month, and also before every long trip.
16. At room temperature, the coolant level in the expansion tank is considered normal if the coolant reaches the area between the marks "MIN" And "MAX" on the wall of the tank. When the engine is warm, the coolant level may be slightly above the mark "MAX". If necessary, add coolant to the expansion tank through the filler neck, then securely close it with a cap. When topping up, do not allow the coolant level to rise above the upper limit. To warn of a low brake fluid level, there is a corresponding warning lamp in the instrument cluster (see Chapter 13 "Controls and methods of operation").
17. To fill the cooling system, be sure to use the Specifications mixture.
Note: If it becomes necessary to fill the cooling system on the road, clean water can be used in summer, but not other antifreeze (not listed in Specifications) type. Antifreeze of the required type can be topped up later, but as soon as possible.
18. If the coolant level drops rapidly, visually inspect the cooling system for leaks - they are usually detected by a white or rust-colored coating in the area surrounding the leak.
- Check the condition of the hoses and the reliability of their attachment to the nozzles, replace damaged hoses and clamps (see also Section 5). Cracks are easier to find if the hose is pinched.
- Check the expansion tank cap seal.
- Check the cooling system with pressure. To do this, warm up the engine to operating temperature, carefully remove the expansion tank cap and install the VAG1274 pressure builder with the VAG1274/8 adapter on its neck (see illustration 4.18). Create a pressure of about 1.0 bar - it should not decrease; in the event of a pressure drop, check the tightness of the cooling system.
4.18 Checking the pressure cooling system
4.19 Checking the expansion tank cap
Note: If the VAG1274B tool is used to pressurize, a VAG1274B/1 connecting hose must be installed between it and the adapter.
- You should also check the radiator of the EGR system of diesel models and the oil cooler (could be an internal leak).
19. If leaks are not found, check up tightness of a cover of a broad tank. To do this, first pull the cover flap and release it - it should return to its original position. Check that the valve seat is free of dirt and damage. Then lubricate the cover seal with coolant and connect the VAG1274 pressurizer with adapter VAG1274/9 to the cover (see resist. illustration). When pressurizing, keep an eye on the bypass valve in the cap - it should open at a pressure of 1.4-1.6 bar. Otherwise (if the valve opens at a lower pressure or does not open at the specified pressure) replace expansion tank cap. Note: If the VAG1274B tool is used to pressurize, a VAG1274B/1 connecting hose must be installed between it and the adapter.
20. You should also check the condition of the coolant - it should be relatively clean. If the liquid has a brown or rusty color, it should be drained, the cooling system flushed, filled with a new mixture and pumped (see chapter 3).
21. To check the frost resistance of the coolant, use a hydrometer.