Volkswagen ID.4: Checking and filling engine coolant

• Preparations
• Checking the coolant level
• Filling the coolant

Preparations

1. Parking the vehicle on a level, secure surface.

2. Let the electric drive system cool down → .

3. Open the hood.

The coolant expansion tank is identified with the red symbol on the cap → fig. 1.

Fig. 1 In the hood space: Cap on the coolant expansion tank (general example).

WARNING

Escaping hot steam or hot coolant and hot components may cause serious burns.

• Never open the hood if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the hood space.
• Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or engine coolant escaping from the hood space.

WARNING

The motor cooling system is under pressure when the electric motor is hot. If the cover is opened carelessly, coolant may spray out and cause serious burns or fatal injuries.

• Never open the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the electric drivetrain is hot.
• Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth if you need to open the cover of the coolant tank.
• Slowly and very carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank counterclockwise while pressing down lightly on the cap.

Checking the coolant level

Fig. 2 In the hood space: markings on the engine coolant expansion tank (general example).

When new vehicles are delivered or after repairs to the cooling system, the coolant level may be above the marked area. This is normal. The coolant does not need to be extracted.

The coolant level cannot be checked exactly for every model, because the view of the fluid level in the coolant expansion tank may be obstructed. If you cannot read off the engine coolant level accurately, contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

1. When the electric motor is cold, check the coolant level using the markings on the side of the coolant expansion tank → fig. 2. The coolant level must be between the markings.

2. If the fluid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum mark ("min"), have coolant added. When the electric drivetrain is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper marking.

3. If no coolant is visible in the coolant expansion tank, do not add coolant→ .

Filling the coolant

1. Carefully unscrew the cap → .

2. Only add new coolant that conforms to the Volkswagen specification (→ Engine coolant).

If there is no engine coolant available that conforms to the required specification, initially only top up with distilled water. Then have the correct mixture ratio using the specified coolant additive restored as soon as possible by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility → .

3. Top up the engine coolant to the upper fill level marker. After topping up the engine coolant, the coolant level must be between the markings on the coolant expansion tank → fig. 2.

4. Install the cap securely.

5. Check the coolant level after one day. If the level of the engine coolant tank drops below the "min" minimum marking again, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the cooling system checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

6. If there is no engine coolant available that conforms to the specification, do not use any other engine coolant additive in an emergency → .

NOTICE

Coolant expands when it heats up. If coolant is topped up above the marked level, excess coolant may leak out and cause damage to the vehicle.

• Do not refill the system with engine coolant above the upper edge of the marked area of the engine coolant tank.

NOTICE

If there is no more engine coolant in the coolant expansion tank, air can get into the cooling system. This could result in damage to the electric drivetrain.

• Do not continue driving.
• Do not top up the coolant.
• See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

NOTICE

The chemical components contained in water that is not distilled can cause considerable corrosion damage in the engine. This can cause electric drivetrain malfunctions.

• Only use distilled water for refilling the system!
• If you have added water that is not distilled, have the fluid in the cooling system changed completely by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

The use of incorrect fluids can cause serious malfunctions and damage to the electric drivetrain.

• When filling or changing fluids, make sure the correct fluids are added to the corresponding reservoirs.

Troubleshooting

Engine coolant

The red warning light blinks. The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low.

Do not continue driving! This could result in damage to the electric drivetrain.

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so (→ Parking).

2. End drive-ready mode.

3. Let the electric drive system cool down.

Engine cooling system

1. Check the engine coolant level (→ Engine coolant).

2. If the warning light does not go out even though the coolant is at the correct level, do not drive any further; deactivate the vehicle's drive system immediately.

3. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

together with High-voltage coolant system malfunction

The warning lights blink red.

Do not continue driving!

1. Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so (→ Parking).

2. End drive-ready mode.

3. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility immediately for assistance.

Introduction

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over the course of time. Too much water in the brake fluid causes damage to the brake system. Water lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, vapor lock may form in the brake system during heavy braking and full braking. Vapor lock reduces the braking efficiency, increases the braking distance considerably, and can lead to a total failure of the brake system. Your own safety and the safety of others on the road depends on your brake system functioning correctly at all times.

WARNING

Brake fluid is poisonous. Contact with brake fluid, especially swallowing brake fluid, may result in serious or fatal injuries.

• If you swallow brake fluid, seek urgent medical help.
• If you have health problems after working with brake fluid, seek medical help.
• Always store brake fluid out of the reach of children and only within the sealed original container.
• Never use empty food cans, bottles, or other containers to store brake fluid, because someone could drink the brake fluid by mistake.
• Avoid regular contact with brake fluid to prevent damage to your skin.
• Protect your skin, face, and particularly your eyes when working with brake fluid.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke when working with brake fluid.
• Wash your skin with soap and water after working with brake fluid.

NOTICE

Spilled or leaking brake fluid will damage the vehicle's surfaces. The vehicle's paint, plastic parts, and tires may be damaged.

• Immediately wipe up any spilled or leaking brake fluid that comes into contact with vehicle components.
• Then rinse all vehicle parts with plenty of water.

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Collect spilled brake fluid and dispose of it correctly.