Get Do it yourself -> Coolant Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Nineth Generation (2023-2025)

The engine could otherwise be damaged.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).

4. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp is flashing even when the engine oil level is correct. The engine

could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level very low

The warning lamp flashes red. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

The engine could otherwise be damaged.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).

4. If necessary, fill engine oil gradually in small quantities, not more than 0.5 l (0.5 qt) in total, or observe the filling

recommendation on the instrument cluster display.

5. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp is lit up even though the engine oil level is correct. The engine

could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level too low

The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).

4. If necessary, fill engine oil gradually in small quantities, not more than 0.5 l (0.5 qt) in total, or observe the filling

recommendation on the instrument cluster display.

5. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the indicator lamp is lit up, even though the engine oil level is correct. The engine

could otherwise be damaged. Seek expert assistance.

Engine oil level too high

The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Check the engine oil level (→ Engine oil).

4. If the engine oil level is too high, do not drive on or leave the engine running. The engine could otherwise be damaged. Seek

expert assistance.

Fault in engine oil system

The indicator lamp flashes yellow. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

1. Go to a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

You should only carry out work on the cooling system 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 suitably qualified workshop if necessary. Volkswagen recommends using an

authorised Volkswagen repairer.

WARNING

Coolant is toxic. Contact with coolant, and especially ingestion of coolant, can cause serious or fatal injuries.

● Seek medical attention immediately after swallowing coolant.

● Seek medical attention if you have health problems after working with coolant.

● Always keep coolant out of the reach of children and only in the original sealed container.

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

then drink the coolant.

● Avoid regular contact with coolant to avoid damaging the skin.

● Protect skin, face and especially eyes while working with coolant.

● Do not eat, drink or smoke when working with coolant.

● Wash your skin with soap and water after working with coolant.

WARNING

Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. This can lead to the heating no longer

working in the vehicle. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could freeze to death.

● Make sure that the quantity of coolant additive is adjusted to the lowest expected ambient temperature at which the vehicle will

be operated.

● Use only coolant additives that have been approved by the manufacturer.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment.

● Collect any service fluids that escape or are spilled and dispose of them in a proper and environmentally responsible

manner.

The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40% coolant additive G12evo (TL 744-

L).

The proportion of coolant additive must always 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 a violet colour. The mixture of water and a coolant additive offers anti-freeze protection down to around

-25°C (around -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% of the coolant additive G12evo must be used in order to obtain

the optimum corrosion protection →

NOTICE

The colour of the coolant results from mixing the violet coolant additive with distilled water. If the liquid in the coolant expansion

tank is not violet but brown, for example, the suitable coolant has been mixed with another unsuitable coolant. This can result in

serious malfunctions or damage to the drive and cooling system.

● Use only coolant additives that have been approved by the manufacturer.

● Have the coolant replaced immediately by a suitably qualified workshop if it has a brown colour. Volkswagen recommends using an

authorised Volkswagen repairer.

● When adding coolant additives, never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolant additives that have not been approved by

Volkswagen.

NOTICE

The coolant must always have the correct mixture ratio. If the mixing ratio is not correct, serious malfunctions or damage to the drive

and cooling system may result.

● Have the correct mixing ratio checked by a suitably qualified workshop and restored if necessary if there is any doubt about the

mixing ratio. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Preparations

1. Park the vehicle safely on a horizontal and firm surface (→ Parking).

2. Allow the engine to cool down →

3. Open the bonnet.

The coolant expansion tank can be recognised by the red symbol on the cap → Fig. 1.

In the bonnet space: coolant expansion tank cap

(illustration).

WARNING

Escaping hot steam or hot coolant and hot vehicle parts can cause severe burns.

● Never open the bonnet if steam or coolant is visibly or audibly emerging from the bonnet space.

● Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the bonnet space.

WARNING

The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. If the cap is opened carelessly, coolant can spray out and cause severe

burns or fatal injuries.

● Never open the cap of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot.

● If you have to open the cap of the coolant expansion tank, always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam

with a large, thick cloth.

● Turn the cap of the coolant expansion tank slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting slight downwards pressure on the

cap.

Checking coolant level

The coolant may be above the marked area upon delivery of new vehicles or after repairs to the cooling system. This is normal. The

coolant does not have to be sucked off.

The coolant level cannot be checked accurately in all models as visibility of the fluid level in the coolant expansion tank may be

obstructed. If the coolant level cannot be read exactly, contact a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an

authorised Volkswagen repairer.

1. Check the coolant level at the side markings of the coolant expansion tank when the coolant is cold . The coolant level must be

between the marks.

2. Have coolant added if the fluid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum marking “min”. If the coolant is warm,

the 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 →

Topping up coolant

1. Unscrew the lid carefully →

2. Add only new coolant in accordance with the Volkswagen specification up to the upper level marking. (→ Coolant). After adding

the coolant, the coolant level must be between the markings on the coolant expansion tank .

3. Close the cap tightly.

4. Check the coolant level after one day. If the level of the coolant expansion tank drops below the “min” marking again, visit a

suitably qualified workshop and have the cooling system checked. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen

repairer.

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 suitably qualified workshop as soon as possible. Volkswagen recommends

using an authorised Volkswagen repairer →

NOTICE

Coolant expands when it is heated. If coolant is added so that the level is above the marked area, excess coolant could escape and

damage the vehicle.

● Do not fill coolant above the top edge of the marked area on the coolant expansion tank.

NOTICE

Air may have entered the cooling system if there is no longer any coolant in the coolant expansion tank. This could cause damage to

the engine.

● Do not drive on.

● Do not add coolant.

● Seek expert assistance.

NOTICE

Use of water other than distilled water can cause considerable corrosion damage in the engine due to the chemical substances

contained in the water. This can lead to failure of the engine.

● Refill only with distilled water!

● If you have not used distilled water for refilling, the fluid in the cooling system should be completely replaced immediately by a

suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

NOTICE

Use of the wrong service fluids can cause serious malfunctions and damage the engine.

● When adding or replacing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service fluids into the corresponding openings.

Coolant

The warning lamp lights up red. A message is shown on the instrument cluster display.

Do not drive on! The engine could otherwise be damaged.

The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so (→ Parking).

2. Switch off the engine.

3. Allow the engine to cool down.

4. Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank (→ Coolant).

5. Do not drive on or leave the engine running if the warning lamp does not go out even though the coolant level is correct.

6. Seek expert assistance.

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 may cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce the braking efficiency,

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.

WARNING

Brake fluid is toxic. Contact with brake fluid – particularly if swallowed – can lead to serious or fatal injuries.

● Consult a doctor immediately if you have swallowed brake fluid.

● Consult a doctor if you experience health problems after working with brake fluid.

● Always keep brake fluid out of the reach of children and only in the closed original container.

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

could drink the brake fluid in them.

● Avoid regular contact with brake fluid in order to prevent damage to the skin.

● Protect your skin, face and particularly your eyes when working with brake fluid.

● Do not eat, drink or smoke when working with brake fluid.

● Wash your skin with soap and water after working with brake fluid.

NOTICE

Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilled will attack vehicle surfaces. The vehicle paintwork, plastic parts and tyres could be

damaged as a result.

● Wipe off brake fluid that has leaked or been spilled immediately from all parts of the vehicle.

● Then rinse all components with sufficient amounts of water.

Brake fluid can pollute the environment.

● Collect any service fluids that escape or are spilled and dispose of them in a proper and environmentally responsible

manner.

Do it yourself -> Coolant for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Nineth Generation (2023-2025)

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