Coolant replacement

If during the repair of the engine cooling system the coolant was drained, then it must be replaced. Coolant replacement is not included in the scope of maintenance. If during the repair the cylinder head, cylinder head gasket, radiator, heat exchanger or the engine itself were replaced, then in each case the coolant must be replaced. This is necessary because during the circulation process, anti-corrosion additives are deposited on new light metal parts and thus form a durable anti-corrosion layer. As a rule, the anti-corrosion additive in the used coolant is no longer sufficient to form a sufficient protective layer on new parts.

Caution: The coolant is quite poisonous. Administrations of districts and cities inform about how the coolant should be disposed of.

Coolant drain

Remove lower engine cover.

Safety note

With a hot engine, before removing the cap of the expansion tank, put a thick rag on it so as not to scald with hot liquid or steam. Remove the cover only at temperatures below +90°C.

Open the cover of the expansion tank.

Place a clean container under the radiator to drain the coolant.



Unscrew the drain plug and completely drain the coolant into a container. After that, tighten the drain plug again.




1.4 liter diesel engine: Drain the coolant from the cylinder block. To do this, disconnect the coolant hoses -arrows- at the oil cooler and collect the remaining coolant in a drain pan. Then immediately reconnect coolant hoses and secure with spring clips.

1.9 l diesel engine: Disconnect only lower coolant hose -left arrow- at oil cooler and drain off coolant. Then reconnect the coolant hose immediately and secure with a spring clip.

Pouring coolant

Prepare coolant in the proportion of 50% potable water and 50% VW/SEAT antifreeze.

Remove lower engine cover.

Lower the car.



Pour coolant through the hole in the expansion tank up to the MAX mark.

Removal of air from the cooling system

Close expansion tank cap.


Set the interior heating regulator to the kalt position (Cold).

Start the engine and keep the engine speed at 2000 rpm for approximately three minutes.

Warm up the engine further at idle speed until the cooling fan turns on.

Safety note

With a hot engine, before removing the cap of the expansion tank, put a thick rag on it so as not to scald with hot liquid or steam. Remove the cover only at temperatures below +90°C.

Check and, if necessary, top up the coolant level to the MAX mark.

For an engine warmed up to operating temperature, the coolant level should reach the MAX mark, and for a cold engine, it should be between the MAX and MIN·marks.

Stop the engine.