Audi Check Coolant Warning: How To Check And Add Coolant

Is there a warning on your dashboard that shows the temperature light and says: “Check Coolant! See owner’s manual”? Learn how to fix it by following the procedures below. Do not ignore the engine coolant warning on an Audi or drive with the light on.

At a Glance

Only open the cap on a cold engine.
Level should sit between MIN and MAX on the translucent reservoir.
Use the coolant spec in your manual (G12 family, G13 or G12evo by year).
Mix concentrate 50/50 with distilled water.
Losing coolant repeatedly means a leak; have it checked.

Warning!

Do not open the radiator or coolant expansion cap when the engine is hot.
Allow the engine to cool down.

What you will need

Audi Engine Coolant
- Only use the Audi-recommended engine coolant listed in your owner’s manual. Depending on the year, it is VW G12, G12 plus, G12 plus plus, G13 or, on newer models, G12evo. Check the spec before buying; the color alone does not tell you.
- It is not recommended to use a store-bought coolant. It may not meet the specifications of an Audi cooling system.
- If you decide to use a store-bought coolant, flush the system with the correct coolant as soon as possible.
- Audi /VW coolant comes in a concentrated form.
- Mix concentrate 50/50 with distilled water; add premixed coolant as it comes.

Procedure

Park your Audi on level ground and set the parking brake.
Allow the engine to cool down. Once the engine has cooled down, you can open the hood.
Pull the lever until you hear the hood pop open. Next, you need to release the hood safety latch at the front of the car.
Locate the translucent engine coolant expansion reservoir. Audi Engine Coolant Reservoir
Look at the side to determine the current level.
If the level is low, slowly remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise. Do not remove the cap if the engine is hot.
Add engine coolant to bring the level between the MIN and MAX marks. Only add the recommended Audi coolant type mixed with 50 % antifreeze and 50% distilled water.

These instructions apply to Audi A3, S3, RS3, A4, S4, A5, S5, A6, S6, A7, S7, RS7, A8, S8, Q3, Q5, SQ5, Q7, TT, R8. Losing coolant frequently can be a sign of a serious problem. Get your Audi diagnosed by a local automotive mechanic as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color is the Audi engine coolant?

It depends on the spec: G12 family coolants are pink or red, while G13 and G12evo are purple. Color is not a reliable guide, so go by the spec on the bottle.

What is the recommended coolant/water ratio for Audi?

Mix concentrate with distilled water at 50/50 for most climates. For very cold climates the manual may call for a stronger mix, up to 60 percent coolant; follow your owner’s manual.

What to do if your Audi engine coolant light comes on?

Check the engine coolant level. If the level is correct and the warning stays on, the coolant level sensor in the reservoir may be faulty.

Symptoms

Common symptoms that low coolant levels could cause include:

Engine Overheating
The temperature gauge is in the HIGH range,
Check Coolant Warning,
Low Engine Coolant Message

If the Coolant Keeps Dropping or the Engine Overheats

Coolant is not used up. A level that keeps falling means a leak: check the radiator, hoses, water pump and reservoir for wet spots or dried crust.
A sweet smell or white steam from the engine bay points to an external leak; coolant loss with no visible leak can mean a head gasket problem.
If the temperature gauge climbs or a coolant warning appears, pull over and let the engine cool before checking anything.
Overheating with a full system can come from a stuck thermostat, a failed cooling fan or a weak water pump.

A scan tool such as the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro shows live coolant temperature and cooling fan status on supported models, which helps pinpoint the cause.

Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.

Audi Overheating: Check Engine Coolant Level & Add Antifreeze

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