2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE coolant level

The engine coolant temperature warning light is located on the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster, Instrument overview
The following table explains what to do if the engine coolant temperature warning light ¿ does not go out a few seconds after the engine is started or starts flashing while driving.

Flashes Possible cause Proper response
~
Engine coolant temperature too high.
² Stop! Pull off the road and stop as soon as you can do so safely. Stop the engine and let it cool down until the temperature is in the normal range again. Check the engine coolant level and add engine coolant if needed. If the engine coolant level is correct or the problem continues after adding coolant and driving a short distance, do not drive any farther. Contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a radiator fan fault. Check the fuses and replace as necessary.
Engine coolant level too low.
Check the engine coolant level after the engine has cooled down and add engine coolant if low. If the engine coolant level is correct or the problem continues after adding coolant, do not drive any farther. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. These instructions apply only when the coolant temperature stays in the normal range.
Engine coolant system malfunction.
² Stop! Get assistance from an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop.
– – Do not drive at high engine speeds or with heavy engine loads until the engine warms up.
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
The engine coolant temperature may also be shown in the Volkswagen Information System MFI display, MFI menu (Multi-Function Indicator). On some equipment versions, all symbols and information in the display are shown in red, Displays and warning lights (Basic version). The red color of the letters, numbers, and symbols used in the display does not indicate a malfunction.
The ideal operating temperature of the engine can vary and depends on the driving situation. If the engine coolant temperature should get any warmer than about 198 °F (95 °C) the MFI display will automatically switch to the digital coolant temperature display. If the engine coolant temperature is already being displayed, no change will occur. This, however, is only informational and does not indicate overheating.
If the engine coolant temperature is too high (warmer than 257 °F or 125 °C), the red engine coolant temperature warning light on the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster will flash. An acoustic signal may also sound.

x If the fluid in the engine coolant reservoir is any color but pink, then G 13 was mixed with a different engine coolant. If this is the case, the engine coolant must be replaced immediately. Otherwise serious malfunctions or engine damage can occur!
Engine coolant and engine coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Fig. 141 Coolant expansion tank in the engine compartment.

Fig. 142 Coolant expansion tank cap in the engine compartment.

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.