Coolant Flush How-to: Audi A3 (1996-2005)
Audi A3 Model Years - 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
1. Getting Started - Prepare for the repair
2. Overview - How to determine cooling system type
3. Open the Hood - How to pop the hood and prop it open
4. Find Reservoir - Locate the coolant reservoir and clean it
5. Drain Reservoir - Remove coolant from the reservoir
6. Drain Point - Locate the drain point on the radiator
7. Drain Coolant - Drain the coolant from the system
8. Circulate Water - Run engine with distilled water and flush
9. Fill Coolant - Dilute coolant with distilled water and fill
10. Locate Hoses - Locate the coolant hoses and connection points
11. Burp System - Remove excess air in the cooling system
12. Replace Cap - Put the reservoir cap back on
13. Clean Up Tips - Secrets to dealing with spilled coolant
14. More Info. - Additional information on coolant flushes
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Adding engine coolant (also known as antifreeze) to your 2001 Audi A3 is pretty easy. Engine coolant circulates through your engine to keep it cool in the summer but won't freeze in the winter. Make sure to check your engine when it is cold for an accurate reading. The video above shows you where the coolant reservoir in your A3 is located and how to add coolant. Be sure to check your owners manual to determine the correct type of fluid to add - for Audis, it will typically be in a section titled Fluid Capacities in the back of your manual. Mix the coolant with distilled water so that you have a combination of 50% coolant and 50% water. Some coolants will come premixed...that is, you don't need to add any water. These coolants will typically say 50/50 or pre-mixed on the front of the coolant bottle.
Removing the coolant reservoir cap on a warm engine could cause the cap to fly off at a high rate of speed and fluid to spray out of the reservoir. Always wear safety goggles when working on your A3. Promptly wipe up any spilled fluid as it is highly toxic. Animals love its sweet taste, so even a spilling a small amount on your garage floor can end up in the dog's stomach pretty quickly. If you notice an oily surface in your coolant, immediately have your mechanic inspect your A3 for head gasket leakage
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Hans Angermeier is an ASE certified Maintenance and Light Repair Technician and has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road. Over the past 10 years, Hans has been focused on building CarCareKiosk, which is visited by millions of drivers each month.
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