To protect the engine cooling system, the percentage
of additive must always be at least 40%. If greater
antifreeze protection is required for climatic reasons,
the proportion of additive can be increased. However,
only up to a maximum of 60%, because otherwise the
antifreeze protection would be reduced and, in turn,
the cooling effect would be worsened.
Engine coolant
Introduction to the topic
Only carry out work on the engine cooling system
yourself if you are familiar with the necessary
operations and the generally applicable safety
measures, and if you have the appropriate tools,
media and operating fluids. Improper work can lead to
serious injuries ÿ . If necessary, have all work carried
out by a specialist workshop.
This additive is recognized by its purple coloration.
This mixture of water and additive not only offers
antifreeze protection down to -25 °C (-13 °F), but
also protects the light-alloy parts of the cooling system
against corrosion, prevents lime deposits and increases
the boiling point of the coolant considerably.
Volkswagen recommends going to a Volkswagen
dealer for this.
When topping up engine coolant, a mixture of distilled
water and at least 40% G 12evo coolant additive
should be used for optimal corrosion protection ÿ .
WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
· Store coolant only in the tightly closed original
container and in a safe place.
ro.
The mixture of G 12evo with the engine coolants G
13 (TL-VW 774 J), G 12 plus-plus (TL VW 774 G), G
12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G 12 (coloured red) or G 11
(blue-green in color) considerably worsens corrosion
protection and should therefore be avoided ÿ .
· Never store engine coolant in food cans, bottles,
or other empty containers, as it could be
swallowed by someone.
Keep the engine coolant was
out of the reach of children.
· Make sure the percentage of coolant additive is
correct taking into account the lowest ambient
temperature expected in the place where the
vehicle will be used.
WARNING
If the engine cooling system does not have
sufficient antifreeze protection, the engine could
fail, resulting in serious injury.
· When the outside temperature is extremely low,
the coolant may freeze and the vehicle may
· Make sure the percentage of coolant additive is
correct taking into account the lowest ambient
temperature expected in the place where the
vehicle will be used.
stall. Since the heating would not work either in
this case, the occupants who were insufficiently
bundled up could freeze to death.
· When the outside temperature is extremely low,
the coolant may freeze and the vehicle may
stall. Since the heating would not work either in
this case, the occupants who were insufficiently
bundled up could freeze to death.
Coolant and its additives can pollute the
environment. If you go out to
any operating fluid, collect it and dispose of it
properly and in an environmentally friendly manner.
WARNING
Engine Coolant Specifications
Never mix original coolant additives with engine
coolants that have not been approved by Volkswagen.
Note and , on page 315, and , at the beginning
of this chapter, on page 325.
· If the fluid in the expansion tank does not have a
pink coloration (resulting from mixing the purple
additive with distilled water), but, e.g. For example,
brown, the G 12evo additive has been mixed with
an unsuitable coolant. In this case, the coolant must
be changed immediately.
The engine cooling system is factory-filled with a
mixture of specially treated water and at least 40% of
the G 12evo (TL-VW 774 L) coolant additive.
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H
Otherwise serious faults could occur!
325
Engine coolant
malfunction or damage to the engine and cooling
system!
— Open the engine hood ÿ p. 317.
— You can recognize the engine coolant expansion tank by
the symbol on the cover ÿ fig. 236.
Engine coolant and its additives can pollute the
environment. Whether
any operating fluid leaks out, collect it and
dispose of it properly and in an environmentally
friendly manner.
Check engine coolant level
When the vehicle is delivered (new vehicles), the coolant
may be above the marked zone. This is normal. Do not suck
the coolant.
Check engine coolant level
and top up engine coolant
— With the engine cold, check the coolant level on the side
marks of the expansion tank ÿ fig. 235. The coolant level
must be between the marks.
Note and , on page 315, and , at the beginning of
this chapter, on page 325.
— If the level is below the minimum mark (“min”) on the
reservoir, add coolant. When the engine is warm, the
coolant level may be slightly above the upper mark.
Top up engine coolant
— Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot
coolant or steam by placing a suitable cloth over the cap
of the coolant expansion tank of the vehicle.
engine.
— Carefully unscrew the cap ÿ .
Fig. 235 In the engine compartment: marks on the
engine coolant expansion tank (schematic
representation).
— Add only new engine coolant according to Volkswagen
specifications ÿ p. 326
, ÿ .
— Add coolant only if there is still a little coolant left in
the expansion tank; otherwise, the engine could be
damaged!
If you do not see that there is coolant in the
expansion tank, do not continue driving and
ask for the help of specialized personnel.
— If there is still some coolant left in the expansion tank, add
coolant until the level stabilizes.
— The coolant level must be between the marks on the
expansion tank ÿ fig. 235. Never go beyond the upper
edge of the area marked ÿ .
Fig. 236 In the engine compartment: cover of the
engine coolant expansion tank (schematic
— Screw the cap on tightly.
representation).
— If engine coolant with the prescribed specifications is
not available in an emergency, do not use any other
coolant additives ÿ p. 325! In this case, add only distilled
water ÿ .
When the engine coolant level is too low, the coolant warning
light comes on.
Then charge as soon
Previous steps
as possible to add the prescribed additive in the correct
proportion ÿ p. 325.
— Park the vehicle on a level and firm surface.
— Wait for the engine to cool down ÿ .
326
check and reset
· When adding engine coolant, do not go beyond the
upper edge of the marked area ÿ fig. 235.
Otherwise, when the temperature rises, the
excess fluid will be expelled from the engine
cooling system and could cause damage.
WARNING
Steam and hot engine coolant can cause severe
burns.
· Never open the engine hood if you see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment.
Always wait until the escaping steam or coolant
is no longer seen or heard.
· If the system loses enough coolant, replace it only
after the engine has completely cooled down . If
the loss of coolant is significant, it is possible that
there are leaks in the engine cooling system.
Immediately go to a specialized workshop and
have the system checked. Otherwise, the motor
could be damaged!
· Before carefully opening the engine hood,
always wait for the engine to cool down
completely. If you touch parts that are hot, you
may get burned skin.
· When the engine has cooled down, before
opening the engine hood note the following:
· Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
completely empty! Air could have entered the
cooling system. Stop walking and request the help
of specialized personnel. Otherwise, the motor
could be damaged!
— Engage the electronic parking brake and
place the selector lever in position P or the
gear lever in neutral.
· When replenishing operating fluids, make sure you
pour the correct fluids into the correct fill ports.
Using the wrong operating fluids can cause serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
— Switch off the ignition and, if necessary,
remove the key from the ignition lock.
— Always keep children away from the
engine compartment and never leave them unattended.
· When the engine is hot, its cooling system is
under pressure. Never open the engine coolant
expansion tank cap when the engine is hot.
Doing so could cause coolant to splatter and
cause serious burns and other injuries.
Brake fluid
— Turn the cover slowly and very carefully anti-
clockwise while applying light pressure on it.
— Always protect your face, hands and
warm coolant or steam arms with a large,
thick rag.
· When replenishing operating fluids, avoid
getting them on engine components or the
exhaust system. These liquids could cause a
fire. Under certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in engine coolant can ignite.
Fig. 237 In the engine compartment: brake fluid
reservoir cover.
WARNING
Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time.
An excessive water content in the brake fluid causes
· Use only distilled water! All other types of water
damage to the brake system. The effect of water
contain chemicals that could cause extensive
significantly reduces the boiling point of brake fluid.
engine corrosion damage. This could also cause
If the water content in the brake fluid is excessive,
vapor bubbles can form in the brake system under
heavy stress or under hard braking. Bubbles reduce
braking capacity, increase considera
engine failure. If you have added non-distilled
water, immediately have all the fluid in the engine
cooling system changed by a specialized workshop.
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327
Brake fluid
2024 VW Passat Owner's Manual
VW Passat B7 Service & Repair Manual
VW Passat B6 Service & Repair Manual
