Talon
Well-known member
Just picked up a 2013 sportwagen and was wondering how I could tell if the vw replacement had been done to avoid the problems I've read about with the intercooler water retention/freezing. Thanks, Talon
Intercooler freezing issue
- Thread starter Talon
- Start date
OilBurningBrit
Veteran Member
It isn't a recall, so you can't track it like that. Search around the forums and you'll find some photos of what to look for - there's either wiring or a small hose that's visible from the front of the engine compartment if the updated intercooler has been installed.
roostre
Veteran Member
Look at the first post in the "Sticky: Hard Start / No Start - Is your intercooler frozen? Check Here!" thread:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=302863
There is a link in the first post to the VW TSB (Technical Service Bulletin):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B162-sX2NN5lUzBIdG9hcVR6NUU/edit?pref=2&pli=1
Comparing the diagrams and pictures in both the TSB and the first post of the thread should allow you to determine if your TDI has the modified intercooler cold weather kit installed.
It is my understanding that VW will only perform TSBs at no charge if you have the specific problem during the 36,000 mile or 3 year (whichever comes first) bumper to bumper warranty.
Here is my intercooler icing experience: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=4393719#post4393719
Some members cover a portion of the front grill to keep intercooler temperatures up, some remove part of the air intake to draw warmer air from the engine compartment and some drill a small hole in the outlet hose of the intercooler to drain any accumulated liquid. You can search the forum for more info about these options.
Here's a post by "oilhammer": http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=4984105#post4984105 . Also read his other posts in the same thread.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=302863
There is a link in the first post to the VW TSB (Technical Service Bulletin):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B162-sX2NN5lUzBIdG9hcVR6NUU/edit?pref=2&pli=1
Comparing the diagrams and pictures in both the TSB and the first post of the thread should allow you to determine if your TDI has the modified intercooler cold weather kit installed.
It is my understanding that VW will only perform TSBs at no charge if you have the specific problem during the 36,000 mile or 3 year (whichever comes first) bumper to bumper warranty.
Here is my intercooler icing experience: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=4393719#post4393719
Some members cover a portion of the front grill to keep intercooler temperatures up, some remove part of the air intake to draw warmer air from the engine compartment and some drill a small hole in the outlet hose of the intercooler to drain any accumulated liquid. You can search the forum for more info about these options.
Here's a post by "oilhammer": http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=4984105#post4984105 . Also read his other posts in the same thread.
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