Get Engine compartment -> Coolant Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

You should carry out work on the cooling system only if you know exactly how to perform the required tasks, are

aware of the general safety procedures and have access to the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools.

Failing to carry out work correctly can cause serious injuries → . Have all work carried out by a correspondingly

qualified workshop if necessary.

WARNING

Coolant is toxic.

● Keep coolant only in the sealed original container and in a safe place.

● Never store coolant in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these

containers may then drink the coolant.

● Keep the coolant out of the reach of children.

● The amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the lowest ambient temperature that you

expect the vehicle to be exposed to.

● Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. Vehicle occupants

with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will also no longer function.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect any service fluids that escape or are

spilled and dispose of them correctly and with respect for the environment.

Coolant specification

The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40% coolant additive

G12evo (TL 774-L).

The proportion of coolant additive mustalways be at least 40% to protect the cooling system. If greater frost

protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can be increased. However, the

percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 55 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and the cooling

effect.

The coolant additive is dyed purple. The mixture of water and coolant additive provides anti-freeze protection down

to -25°C (-13°F), protects the alloy parts in the engine 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% G12evo coolant additive must be used in

order to obtain the optimum corrosion protection →

WARNING

Insufficient anti-freeze in the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and cause serious injuries.

● The amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the lowest ambient temperature that you

expect the vehicle to be exposed to.

● Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. Vehicle occupants

with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will also no longer function.

NOTICE

If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is not purple, the correct coolant has been mixed with another, unsuitable

coolant additive. Failure to observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions or damage to the engine and

cooling system.

● In this case, have the coolant changed immediately.

● Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect any service fluids that escape or are

spilled and dispose of them correctly and with respect for the environment.

528

Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant

Preparations

Fig. 1 In the engine compartment: coolant expansion tank

cap

1. Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.

2. Allow the engine to cool down→

3. Open the bonnet (→ In the engine compartment).

You can identify the coolant expansion tank by the symbol on the cap→ Fig. 1.

WARNING

Hot steam and hot coolant can cause serious burns.

Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant coming out of the engine compartment. Always wait

until no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or heard. Hot components can burn the skin.

● The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of the coolant expansion tank

when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and other injuries.

● Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting some downward pressure on the cap.

● Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a large, thick cloth on the cap

of the coolant expansion tank.

Warning lamp

The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.

Do not drive on! Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

2. Seek expert assistance immediately.

3. If the coolant level is too low and it is not possible to obtain expert assistance, check the coolant level and add

coolant →

Checking the coolant level

529

Fig. 2 In the engine compartment: mark on the coolant

expansion tank (illustration).

The engine coolant may be above the marked area when a new vehicle is delivered. This is normal. The coolant does

not have to be sucked off.

1. When the engine is cold, check the coolant level at the side markings of the coolant expansion tank→ Fig. 2.

The coolant level must be between the markings.

2. Refill coolant if the liquid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum marking (“min”).

When the engine is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper mark.

3. Do not add coolant if there is no longer any coolant visible in the coolant expansion tank→

Refilling coolant

1. Unscrew the lid carefully →

2. Only refill with new coolant that is compliant with the specifications (→ Coolant).

3. Add coolant up to the upper level marking.

4. The coolant level must be between the markings on the coolant expansion tank→ Fig. 2.

5. Close the cap tightly.

6. Check the coolant level after one day.

7. If the level drops below the minimum marking “min” again, visit a correspondingly qualified workshop and have

the cooling system checked.

8. If in an emergency you do not have access to coolant with the required specification, do not use any other

coolant additive →

NOTICE

● Do not fill coolant above the top edge of the marked area. Otherwise the excess coolant will be pressed out of

the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause damage.

● If in an emergency you do not have access to coolant in the required specification, add only distilled water

initially. Then have the correct mixture ratio with the coolant additive restored by a correspondingly qualified

workshop as soon as possible.

● Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank! Air could have entered the

cooling system. Do not drive on. Seek qualified professional assistance. Failure to do so can result in engine

damage.

● When refilling service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service fluids into the correct openings. The use of

530

incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.

Emergency top-up of the cooling system

The vehicle must not be moved if large quantities of coolant have been lost. Failure to observe this can lead to engine

damage.

Work on the cooling system shouldalways be carried out by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

The cooling system can betopped upif it is not possible to visit a correspondingly qualified workshop.

This description of manual filling applies only to the engine codesDMZA, DNAA, DNAB and DNAC.

You can find information abut the engine code here (→ Type plate).

Requirements when filling the cooling system

✓ The vehicle must be stopped on a firm and level surface.

✓ The engine must have cooled down (→ Coolant).

✓ The cooling system is not damaged(water loss).

✓ A tool that is not included in the vehicle toolkit.

✓ A sufficient quantity of coolant is available, in an emergency water filtered through a clean cloth.

Emergency filling of the cooling system

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:

1. Open the bonnet (→ In the engine compartment)

2. Open the coolant expansion tank.

3. Fill the cooling system up to the upper seam on the coolant expansion tank until the coolant level remains

constant (→ Coolant).

4. Wait around 5 minutes and add more coolant if necessary.

5. Switch on the ignition.

6. The automatic coolant bleeding process begins. This process takes around 5 minutes.

7. When automatic coolant bleeding is complete, refill the coolant up to the seam on the coolant expansion tank

(→ Coolant).

8. Start the engine and switch off the air conditioning system (→ Heating, ventilation and cooling).

9. Drive the vehicle at an engine speed above 2,000 rpm for around 30 minutes to get the engine to operating

temperature

10. Switch off the vehicle and allow it to cool down. Once it has done so, adjust the coolant level to around 3 cm

above the upper marking. Set the air conditioning system to your preferred temperature.

Have the engine cooling system checked, repaired and filled with engine coolant of the correct specification by a

correspondingly qualified workshop immediately.

531

Engine compartment -> Coolant for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Related Topics

Engine compartment

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals