2015 Jetta TDI coolant flush

tdi54

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Location
California
TDI
1981 Rabbit Diesel(sold), 2009 Jetta TDI MT(sold)2010 Jetta TDI MT, 2015 Jetta TDI SEL, DSG, 99 Ford F 350 PSD Dually, 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d, 2016 535d
Hello,
The coolant color in the reservoir of my 2015 Jetta TDI has greenish color. Took it to the dealer, who told me that it was not big deal that someone probably topped it off with a different coolant. I was not satisfied with their answer, so I wanted to do radiator flush by myself, however, I cannot find any help on the internet. Has anyone of you done radiator flush on 2015 TDI? I appreciated if you can share some info on how to properly drain/flush the radiator's coolant.
Thank you
 

GEFP

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2018
Location
Southern Alberta Canada
TDI
2- 2001 Jettas, 2 - 2002 Jettas (1 for parts) 2003 1.8t Jetta (parts) 2014 Jetta
Our 2014 has had coolant issues for over a year already. My plan right now is to wait for warmer weather and run just a low% antifreeze mix to prevent rusting and then just drain the whole system weekly for about a month. I might just buy a rad flush from the dealer and do that too.
 

tdi54

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Location
California
TDI
1981 Rabbit Diesel(sold), 2009 Jetta TDI MT(sold)2010 Jetta TDI MT, 2015 Jetta TDI SEL, DSG, 99 Ford F 350 PSD Dually, 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d, 2016 535d
Well this weekend, I will check to see how I can properly drain and flush the coolant. I have bought 3 gallons of G13 Antifreeze (1 Gal) - Genuine G013A8J1G and distilled water. I hope at the bottom of the radiator there is a drain valve to make the drain easier. My only concern is that EA288 uses the same coolant to cool the intake air so I am not sure if this could cause any complication with my attempt to drain/flush the coolant. Too bad, when I purchased the vehicle, I did not notice the greenish color of the coolant, now I have to deal with it!!
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
The newer cars generally have no drain. And they have a pretty complex cooling system.


If you are patient, you can usually flush it all out by just taking the vent hose off of the reservoir and letting the engine run while you keep topping it up.

I'd get it somewhat warm first. And I usually stick a little tube or something in that hose to send it over the edge of the fender so as not to make a mess under the hood.
 

tdi54

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Location
California
TDI
1981 Rabbit Diesel(sold), 2009 Jetta TDI MT(sold)2010 Jetta TDI MT, 2015 Jetta TDI SEL, DSG, 99 Ford F 350 PSD Dually, 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d, 2016 535d
Thank you Oilhammer for the help. I went ahead and took it to the local VW dealer to do the flush. Per their info, they flushed it and filled it with proper pink G13 coolant.
However, checking the reservoir after I brought the car to home, I could still see the green coolant mixed with the pink!!
I have 2 gallons of G13 coolant in my garage, so this weekend I will use your method to flush it again. With this method would I also be able to flush the coolant in the radiator used for air charge cooling?
 

tdi54

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Location
California
TDI
1981 Rabbit Diesel(sold), 2009 Jetta TDI MT(sold)2010 Jetta TDI MT, 2015 Jetta TDI SEL, DSG, 99 Ford F 350 PSD Dually, 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d, 2016 535d
Well, the dealer decided to redo the flush to get rid of the contaminants after I told them that the color of the coolant is still not pink. So hopefully this time they will do it right.
 

meerschm

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Location
Fairfax county VA
TDI
2009 Jetta wagon DSG 08/08 205k buyback 1/8/18; replaced with 2017 Golf Wagon 4mo 1.8l CXBB
You might have a chat with them and see if they used the computer to operate the various pumps and valves involved.

You are correct that the coolant for the intercooler shares pressure but not temperature with the rest of the system. so it would take some manipulation to change fluid in that part of the coolant loop.
 
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