Flashes
Temperature gauge needle
⇒ fig. 166
Possible cause Proper response
(B) Normal range 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. Stop immediately if the needle goes into the red warning zone (C).
– Engine coolant system malfunction.
To protect the engine, the mixture must always contain at least 40% coolant additive even in warm weather or climates where antifreeze protection is not needed.
If more antifreeze protection is needed for climate conditions, the percentage of coolant additive can be increased. However, the coolant additive percentage must never be more than 60%; otherwise, antifreeze protection is reduced and the ability of the mixture to cool the engine is also reduced.
When adding engine coolant, use a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13
or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) for optimum corrosion protection ⇒ .
Do not mix G 13 with G 12 plus or G 11. Mixing these coolant additives together significantly reduces
corrosion protection ⇒ and can lead to engine damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
WARNING
Too little antifreeze protection in the engine cooling system can cause engine failure and severe injuries.
x Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper antifreeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected where the vehicle will be used.
x At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could be without protection at subfreezing temperatures.
NOTICE
Never mix original Volkswagen engine coolant additives with other additives not approved by Volkswagen. Mixing Volkswagen coolant additives with coolant additives made by other manufacturers can seriously damage the engine and the engine cooling system.
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.
x Accessories and other things installed in front of the cooling air intakes impair the efficiency of the engine coolant. The engine can overheat under high outside temperatures or under high engine loads!
Leaking operating fluids can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids in suitable containers and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Repairs and technical modifications
