Checking engine coolant level
x
When the engine is cold, check the engine coolant level relative to the marking on the side of the
expansion tank
⇒
fig. 141
.
x
If the coolant level in the tank is below the minimum mark (“min”), add coolant. When the engine is
warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper edge of the marked range.
Adding engine coolant
x
Always protect face, hands and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by covering the cap with
a large, thick rag.
x
Carefully unscrew the cap
⇒
.
x
Add only
new
engine coolant according to Volkswagen specifications (
Engine coolant
specifications
)
⇒
.
x
The engine coolant level must be inside the marks on the side of the reservoir .
Do not fill above
the top edge of the filling range!
⇒
x
Screw the lid tightly.
x
Even in an emergency,
do not
use any other kind of coolant additive if engine coolant meeting
Volkswagen specifications (
Engine coolant specifications
) is unavailable! Instead, add
distilled water
only
⇒
. As soon as possible, have the correct coolant ratio restored using engine coolant that
meets Volkswagen specification,
Engine coolant specifications
.
WARNING
Hot steam and hot engine coolant can cause serious burns.
x
Never open the hood if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment.
Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine.
x
Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood. Hot
components will burn skin on contact.
x
When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or
Neutral (manual only).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out
of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button,
Starter button
.
– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
x
The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the
coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause
severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying
light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by
covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x
Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot
parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire. Under some conditions, the ethylene
glycol in engine coolant can catch fire.