
The coolant additive is dyed purple. The mixture of water and a coolant additive offers anti-freeze
protection down to -25°C (-13°F), protects the alloy parts in the cooling system against corrosion,
prevents limescale deposits and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
When refilling the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive - G 13 - or -
G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used in order to obtain the
optimum corrosion protection ⇒ .
Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-VW 774 F), - G 12 - (dyed red) or - G 11 -
(dyed blue-green) will significantly decrease the level of corrosion protection and should therefore
be avoided ⇒ .
WARNING
Insufficient anti-freeze in the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and cause serious
injuries.
ive used must be sufficient for the lowest
ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will
also no longer function.
NOTICE
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by
Volkswagen.
ts from mixing the purple
coolant additive with distilled water) but for example, brown instead of purple, - G 13 - has been
mixed with an unsuitable coolant additive. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case. Failure to observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions or damage to the engine
and cooling system.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected and
then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant

Fig. 188 In the engine compartment: markings on the coolant expansion tank.
Fig. 189 In the engine compartment: coolant expansion tank cap (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparations
⇒ .
nnet ⇒ In the engine compartment .
on the cap ⇒ Fig. 189 .
Checking the coolant level
tank ⇒ Fig. 188 . The coolant level must be between the marks.
When the engine is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the maximum (MAX) mark.
Refilling coolant
the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
⇒ .
⇒ Coolant specification ⇒
.

Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not
drive on. Seek professional assistance.
level remains stable.
⇒ Fig. 188 . Do not
fill up above the top edge of the marked area⇒ .
⇒ Coolant
specification , do not use any other coolant additive! Instead, initially refill with distilled water⇒
only. Then add the correct proportion of the specified coolant additive as soon as possible
⇒ Coolant specification .
WARNING
Hot steam and hot coolant can cause serious burns.
coolant coming out of the engine
compartment. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
components can burn the skin.
wing points must be observed before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
P or move the gear
lever to the neutral position.
hicle key from the ignition lock.
unattended.
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and other
injuries.
-clockwise while exerting gentle downward pressure on
the cap.
with a large, thick cloth.
spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene glycol in the coolant can
catch fire.
NOTICE

Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine due to
the chemical components contained in the water. This can also lead to engine failure. If any other
type of water apart from distilled water has been refilled, the fluid in the cooling system should be
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
⇒ Fig. 188 . Otherwise the excess coolant will
be forced out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause damage.
completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the cooling system. The cooling system
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage.
have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can result
in engine damage.
correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine
damage.
Brake fluid
Fig. 190 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid reservoir.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air over the course of time. The brake
system will be damaged if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake
fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes and full braking may
cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels
of braking power, considerably increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail
completely. Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that
functions properly at all times ⇒ .
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the vehicle.
To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen expressly recommends the use of
brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the brake fluid specifications printed on the
container correspond to the vehicle requirements.

Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead,
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can be
used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4
have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can
damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14
to ensure sustained proper operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid reservoir
or above the MIN marking ⇒ .
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may partially
conceal the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly,
please go to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly during vehicle operation as the brake pads wear and the brakes
are automatically adjusted.
Brake fluid level
The indicator lamp lights up red.
Brake fluid level is too low.
Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.
If the brake fluid level is too low, inform a qualified workshop. Have the brake system checked.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required
specification should be used.
WARNING
Brake failure or reduced braking efficiency can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by
brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.

Do not work on the electrical system unless you are familiar with the task, aware of the general
safety procedures and have the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Serious injuries
can be caused by carrying out work incorrectly ⇒ . All work should be carried out by a qualified
workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Information for warning and indicator lamps lit up can be found in the troubleshooting at the end of
the chapter ⇒ Troubleshooting .
Location of the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warnings on the 12-volt vehicle battery
Always wear eye protection!Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear
protective gloves and eye protection!Fire, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is charging!
Always keep children away from electrolyte and the 12-volt vehicle battery!Always
observe the owner's manual!
WARNING
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns,
fire or electric shocks. Always read and observe the following warnings and safety information
before carrying out any kind of work:
any work on the 12-volt
vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt vehicle battery.
-volt vehicle battery.
12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protected from acid
spillages.
r work near naked flames or sparks.
discharge.
-volt vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged 12-volt vehicle batteries
must be replaced as soon as possible.

-volt vehicle battery. Discharged 12-volt vehicle batteries can already freeze
at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F). Frozen 12-volt vehicle batteries must be renewed
immediately.
NOTICE
Do not expose the 12-volt vehicle battery to direct daylight for an extended time.
NOTICE
Protect the 12-volt vehicle battery against frost if the vehicle is left standing for extended periods.
-volt vehicle battery can freeze and be destroyed as a result.
When you start the engine after the 12-volt battery has been totally discharged or after jump
starting, you may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and
programming) have been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the
12-volt vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged.
Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Fig. 191 In the engine compartment: folding open the 12-volt vehicle battery cover.

Fig. 192 Battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older 12-volt vehicle batteries. The 12-volt vehicle battery is
otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with an auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation are fitted with special vehicle
batteries. The electrolyte level of these 12-volt vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical
reasons. Go to a qualified workshop to have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Preparations
eparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ In the engine compartment .
⇒ In the engine compartment .
Checking the electrolyte level (12-volt vehicle batteries with battery window)
e for you to clearly see the colour indicator in the round
battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 192 (arrow). Never use naked
flames or glowing objects as a light source.
s according to the electrolyte level in the
12-volt vehicle battery.
Light yellow or without colourThe electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low. The 12-
volt vehicle battery should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if necessary.BlackThe
electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is correct.
WARNING
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and electric
shocks.