Draining and filling cooling system - engine cooling system — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A3 (8V, 2012–2020); platform code 85

• Opens: coolant
• Special tools named: VAS 6096, V.A.G 1274/8

Don't miss

• Disregard (item 3).
• Always use distilled water for mixing coolant additives as this ensures optimum corrosion protection. — Connect coolant hose with plug-in connector to radiator (bottom left) .
• The vented air draws along a small amount of coolant, which should be collected.
• If the needle does not reach the green zone, repeat the process.Check cooling system for leaks if the vacuum is not maintained.
• Top up coolant to upper mark.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📐 45 workshop diagrams for CJZA

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ Hot steam/hot coolant can escape - risk of scalding.The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot.To allow pressure to dissipate, cover filler cap on coolant expansion tank with cloth and open carefully. — Open filler cap (arrow) on coolant expansion tank.
2. Remove noise insulation (front) General body repairs, exterior66Noise insulation; Removing and installing noise insulation.
3. Unplug electrical connector (2) at radiator outlet coolant temperature sender G83.
4. Place drip tray for workshop hoistVAS 6208 underneath.
5. Lift retaining clip (1), disconnect coolant hose from radiator (bottom left) and drain off coolant. [Note: Disregard (item 3).]

6. Lift retaining clip (arrow), disconnect coolant hose (bottom right) from water radiator for charge air cooling circuit and drain off remaining coolant.
7. Lift retaining clips (1, 2), disconnect coolant hoses from water radiator for charge air cooling circuit and drain off coolant.
8. Unplug electrical connector (1) at radiator outlet coolant temperature sender G83.
9. Place drip tray for workshop hoistVAS 6208 underneath.
10. Lift retaining clip (2), disconnect coolant hose from radiator (bottom left) and drain off coolant. [Note: Disregard (item 3).]
11. Lift retaining clip (arrow), disconnect coolant hose (bottom right) from water radiator for charge air cooling circuit and drain off coolant. [Note: The effectiveness of the coolant is greatly influenced by the quality of the water with which it is mixed. Because water may contain different substances depending on the country or even the region, the water quality to be used for cooling systems has been specified. Distilled water meets all the requirements and is therefore recommended for use when topping up or filling up with coolant.Use only coolant additives listed in the Electronic parts catalogue. Other coolant additives could seriously impair in particular the anti-corrosion properties. The resulting damage could lead to loss of coolant and consequently to serious engine damage.Coolant with the recommended mixture ratio prevents frost and corrosion damage and stops scaling. At the same time it raises the boiling point of the fluid in the system. For this reason the cooling system must be filled all year round with the correct coolant additive.Because of its high boiling point, the coolant improves engine reliability under heavy loads, particularly in countries with tropical climates.The refractometer T10007A MUST be used to determine the current level of frost protection.The mixture must guarantee frost protection down to at least -25 ℃ (in countries with arctic climate: down to -36 ℃). The amount of antifreeze should only be increased if greater frost protection is required in very cold climates. This must only be down to -48 ℃, however, as otherwise the cooling efficiency of the coolant is impaired.The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water even in warmer seasons and in warmer countries. Frost protection must be provided to at least -25 ℃.Read off the level of frost protection on the scale for the relevant coolant additive.The temperature indicated on the refractometer T10007A corresponds to the temperature at which the first ice crystals can form in the coolant.Do not reuse coolant.Only use water/coolant additive as a lubricant for coolant hoses.]
12. ⚠ Always use distilled water for mixing coolant additives as this ensures optimum corrosion protection. — Connect coolant hose with plug-in connector to radiator (bottom left) .
13. Connect coolant hose to water radiator for charge air cooling circuit (bottom right) (arrow).
14. Connect coolant hoses (1, 2) to water radiator for charge air cooling circuit (bottom right) .
15. Connect coolant hose (2) to radiator (bottom left).
16. Connect coolant hose to water radiator for charge air cooling circuit (bottom right) (arrow).
17. Fill reservoir of VAS 6096 with at least 10 litres of premixed coolant (according to recommended ratio):
18. Fit adapter for cooling system testerV.A.G 1274/8 onto coolant expansion tank.
19. Attach cooling system charge unitVAS 6096 to adapter V.A.G 1274/8.
20. Run vent hose (1) into a small container (2). [Note: The vented air draws along a small amount of coolant, which should be collected.]
21. Close both valves (A) and (B) (turn lever at right angles to direction of flow).
22. Connect hose (3) to compressed air.
23. Open valve (B) by setting lever in direction of flow.
24. Also briefly open valve (A) (turn lever in direction of flow) so that hose on reservoir of VAS 6096 can fill with coolant.
25. Close valve (A) again.
26. Leave valve (B) open for another 2 minutes.
27. Close valve (B). [Note: If the needle does not reach the green zone, repeat the process.Check cooling system for leaks if the vacuum is not maintained.]
28. Detach compressed air hose.
29. Open valve (A).
30. Detach cooling system charge unitVAS 6096 from coolant expansion tank.
31. Top up coolant to upper mark.
32. Install noise insulation (front) General body repairs, exterior66Noise insulation; Exploded view - noise insulation.
33. On vehicles with auxiliary heater, switch heater on (for about 30 seconds) and then off again.
34. Set temperature to "“HI”".
35. Switch off air conditioner compressor (press AC button).
36. Start engine and run alternately at approx. 1500 rpm and max. 2800 rpm until radiator fan cuts in.
37. Top up coolant to overflow hole on expansion tank with engine running.
38. Close filler cap on coolant expansion tank (make sure it engages).
39. Switch off ignition and allow engine to cool down.
40. Check coolant level.
41. Top up with coolant again if necessary.

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