Coolant...

[leeds2592]

Hi all,

So, after around a year and a half of owning my A3 (details in sig), my coolant light has just come up flashing on the DIS.

Never had to top it up on previous cars but after some research, it seems that I can't be topping it up with a different coolant and mixing them. What coolant do I actually need to top it up? I've read it needs to be pink and G12 or G12++? Is there a Halfrauds alternative instead of going to the stealers?

Also, I've just checked and the coolant that is currently in there is a dark colour rather than pink. Should I be concerned about this?

Thanks

 

[LEE69]

Is the level ok? If so just scrape the prongs inside with an old toothbrush, mine did the same the other day now it's fixed.

G12 G12+ and G13 can be mixed.If it isn't a red colour i'd be looking to get it flushed and changed.It could be dark red you could get the antifreeze level checked.

 

[leeds2592]

Cheers for the quick reply dude.

Checked level earlier and it has just dipped below the first low line so needs topping up. I did read about the sensors playing up though which is what must have happened on yours.

When I finish work, I'll take the top off and see what colour it is. Just looked at the side of the bottle and it seemed quick dark rather than red/pink colour.

What's the crack with flushing and changing it? Something that can be done by myself, or does it require a garage with specialist equipment?

 

[LEE69]

Remove the rad hoses flush out with a hose and re-fill.

 

[NHN]

As above, I would flush the system & use a 50/50 mix of audi's G12/G13 offerings & H20, I don't use Halfords at all, I carry a mixed bottle at all times, its not expensive tbh.

 

[autolatry]

I got 2 bottles of g13 from Audi at the weekend. Was only £22.

 

[leeds2592]

Had a look at colour of coolant this morning and its a dull greeny colour, might as well get it changed as that could be anything.

To flush, is it just a case of doing what you've said Lee? I've read a lot of different methods stating that you need to drain, put hot water in bottle, let the engine run with the heating on etc. Is all that unnecessary?

Also, how much of G12/13, if mixed 50:50, will I need?

Thanks again

 

[mjr901]

you'll need 1x G13 to top up with.

Part number: G013A8JM1, come in 1.5 litre bottles, with purple lid.

Only need a couple of bottles in there I'd say if doing a full flush, the rest water.

Otherwise I'd just topup your expansion bottle straight from G13 bottle.

 

[LEE69]

To flush, is it just a case of doing what you've said Lee? I've read a lot of different methods stating that you need to drain, put hot water in bottle, let the engine run with the heating on etc. Is all that unnecessary?

Also, how much of G12/13, if mixed 50:50, will I need?

Thanks again

Never used hot water just flushed it through with a hose, not sure of the capacity of the coolant sorry.Also need to get the ratio correct on the bottle

 

[autolatry]

2 bottles of g13 and rest de ironised water

 

[leeds2592]

Cheers for the replies lads, I'll get the proper stuff rather than the Halfords alternative for peace of mind.

Few more quick questions, where do I drain it from? And, how do I make sure there's no air bubbles?

Is it going to harm my engine running it with low coolant? It's not ridiculously, only just dipped below the low line but I won't be able to flush and get the new stuff in until the weekend and I use my car everyday to get to and from work (only around 10 miles).

 

[mjr901]

Cheers for the replies lads, I'll get the proper stuff rather than the Halfords alternative for peace of mind.

Few more quick questions, where do I drain it from? And, how do I make sure there's no air bubbles?

Is it going to harm my engine running it with low coolant? It's not ridiculously, only just dipped below the low line but I won't be able to flush and get the new stuff in until the weekend and I use my car everyday to get to and from work (only around 10 miles).

Top up with ordinary water, you'll have no troubles.

 

[autolatry]

Bottom left of the picture at the bottom of the radiator is a hose, pull that off and flush with a hose as above. (aint got a photo of the exact hose)

 

[LEE69]

Nothing wrong with halfords coolant, i use it.

 

[leeds2592]

Ok, so I topped it up with water to tick me over until I can flush it and get it replaced. Two days later its below the low line again and its flashing up on the DIS.

Not had chance to check for leaks yet, but I hope it isn't the head thats given up the ghost

 

[Newy]

Just picked up a bottle at Hudds Audi .... tenner