Audi S3 Water Pump & Thermostat Replacement DIY (2015-2021 Audi 8V A3, S3, TT, TTS)

►On the Audi 8V A3, S3, and TT, it's as if Audi engineered the water pump and thermostat to fail. The thermostat housing is made of plastic, and the water pump is made of aluminum. Over time, the plastic of the thermostat will either crack or leak from the gasket between the two pieces. If left long enough, this causes significant cooling leaks and can cause permanent damage to your engine.
Since the water pump and thermostat on the 8V Audi A3, S3, and TT are electronically monitored, when you do spring a leak, you will get a check engine light and fault code for "Coolant Insufficient Flow." If you do see this, you need to immediately address this problem as you have the potential to overheat your engine.
Follow along as Aaron Davis, FCP Euro's Audi Catalog Manager, demonstrates how to replace the water pump and thermostat on this 8V S3.
Index:
00:00 - Intro & Tools Needed
02:26 - Audi 8V S3 Fan Shroud & Air Box Removal
04:30 - Audi 8V S3 Charge Pipe Removal
07:04 - Audi 8V S3 Intake Manifold Electrical Connector Removal
08:05 - Audi 8V S3 Coolant Crossover Pipe Removal
08:57 - Audi 8V S3 Fan Assembly Removal
11:03 - Audi 8V S3 Water Pump Coolant Line Removal
12:30 - Audi 8V S3 Throttle Body Removal
12:45 - Audi 8V S3 Water Pump & Thermostat Removal
14:35 - Audi 8V S3 Cleaning the Water Pump Mating Surface
15:00 - Audi 8V S3 Inspecting the Water Pump Belt
15:25 - Audi 8V S3 Water Pump & Thermostat Installation
17:38 - Audi 8V S3 Throttle Body & Fan Assembly Installation
18:18 - Audi 8V S3 Charge Pipe Installation
20:30 - Audi 8V S3 Coolant Crossover Pipe Installation
21:25 - Audi 8V S3 Air Duct & Air Box Installation
23:00 - Audi 8V S3 Filling the System With Coolant
23:40 - Wrap-Up
Shop the parts used in this video:
Audi 8V A3/S3 Water Pump & Thermostat Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi...
This video applies to the following vehicles:
TT Quattro Audi MK3
2016 Audi TT Quattro
2016 Audi TT Quattro
2017 Audi TT Quattro
2017 Audi TT Quattro
2018 Audi TT Quattro
2018 Audi TT Quattro
2019 Audi TT Quattro
2019 Audi TT Quattro
2020 Audi TT Quattro
2020 Audi TT Quattro
2021 Audi TT Quattro
2021 Audi TT Quattro
TTS Quattro Audi MK3
2016 Audi TTS Quattro
2017 Audi TTS Quattro
2018 Audi TTS Quattro
2019 Audi TTS Quattro
2020 Audi TTS Quattro
2021 Audi TTS Quattro
A3 Audi 8V
2015 Audi A3
2015 Audi A3
2015 Audi A3
2015 Audi A3
2015 Audi A3
2015 Audi A3
2016 Audi A3
2016 Audi A3
2016 Audi A3
2016 Audi A3
2016 Audi A3
2016 Audi A3
2017 Audi A3
2017 Audi A3
2017 Audi A3
2017 Audi A3
2017 Audi A3
2017 Audi A3
2018 Audi A3
2018 Audi A3
2018 Audi A3
2018 Audi A3
2018 Audi A3
2018 Audi A3
2019 Audi A3
2019 Audi A3
2019 Audi A3
2019 Audi A3
2019 Audi A3
2019 Audi A3
2019 Audi A3
2020 Audi A3
2020 Audi A3
A3 Quattro Audi 8V
2015 Audi A3 Quattro
2015 Audi A3 Quattro
2015 Audi A3 Quattro
2015 Audi A3 Quattro
2015 Audi A3 Quattro
2015 Audi A3 Quattro
2016 Audi A3 Quattro
2016 Audi A3 Quattro
2016 Audi A3 Quattro
2016 Audi A3 Quattro
2016 Audi A3 Quattro
2016 Audi A3 Quattro
2017 Audi A3 Quattro
2017 Audi A3 Quattro
2017 Audi A3 Quattro
2017 Audi A3 Quattro
2017 Audi A3 Quattro
2017 Audi A3 Quattro
2018 Audi A3 Quattro
2018 Audi A3 Quattro
2018 Audi A3 Quattro
2018 Audi A3 Quattro
2018 Audi A3 Quattro
2018 Audi A3 Quattro
2019 Audi A3 Quattro
2019 Audi A3 Quattro
2019 Audi A3 Quattro
2019 Audi A3 Quattro
2019 Audi A3 Quattro
2019 Audi A3 Quattro
2020 Audi A3 Quattro
2020 Audi A3 Quattro
2020 Audi A3 Quattro
2020 Audi A3 Quattro
S3 Audi 8V
2015 Audi S3
2015 Audi S3
2016 Audi S3
2016 Audi S3
2017 Audi S3
2017 Audi S3
2018 Audi S3
2018 Audi S3
2019 Audi S3
2019 Audi S3
2020 Audi S3
2020 Audi S3
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[@Gerald_G]

This is by far the best, most detailed video I've found for doing this job...can't thank you enough for the level of EXPLANATIONS and CAMERA ANGLES. That's what's usually missing from most DIY videos. Thanks!!

[@fcpeuro]

You're very welcome, Gerald!

[@SynikPixels]

I don't think I got the tools for all that lol, how much would this cost?

[@LOUCABRASI]

​@@SynikPixelsoof!

[@LOUCABRASI]

​@SynikPixels I'm not an expert mechanic, not even an intermediate...lol, but I have done this job, twice. On my girls A3 and my s3. It definitely will take most of the day, but with a the proper tools, some patience and a little help from a friend or someone, u can do it. I was happy when I did it by myself on mine. Been driving for months now, no leaks, no issues. Follow this video like i did down to every detail and u should be ok. You will feel good u accomplished a somewhat difficult task and from then on u will know how to do ur own pump and will never be an issue.

[@extrememike]

VAG engineers definitely dropped the ball with this design. Pretty unacceptable that you have to remove so many component to get to a pump that is so prone to failure.

[@pw5192]

Same with doing the valve cover re-seal !! What a ballache job that is .

[@damianchang6439]

That’s why they designed it this way. Planned obsolescence = money making design for planned failure

[@Wolfpack310]

Actually is not that big job. But definitely the design sucks.

[@Surfzap63]

I’m not sure that the engineers designed this by accident. I believe it keeps their service technicians in business because most people don’t wanna tackle something this fiddly.

[@Wolfpack310]

@@Surfzap63 they could droped in a electric pump whit aluminum housing and used pwm too run the pump in a 100 different ways and speed. No need for advanced thermostat just controll the pump as needed by map

[@waynerichards1060]

I watched this earlier this week before doing this exact job , really great video and helped me gauge how long I would need the car in the shop for! Great work and appreciate the time taken to produce a clear video like this 👍🏼👍🏼

[@alherch]

Tight squeeze in there for sure. GoPro footage was helpful to see what was going on, excellent shots. Maybe some compressed air to blow off the excess coolant and water?

[@tanklergaming103]

legend says hes still pulling that line out with his 90 degree hook pick

[@jasong9472]

thank you for posting this video.. i was dreading taking off the manifold... this job just became alot easier... GREAT VIDEO!!

[@Gerald_G]

Thanks to this amazing video with detailed steps and camera shots, I was able to perform this job on my A3...saved me BIG $$$$. I tried to buy the part from you guys, but you and most others were out of stock. Thanks!

[@Peterpss]

Great video, thank you. Audi have just informed me my TTS thermostat is showing signs of a leak.

[@JohnDoe_toetag]

Amazing video. Expertise in the repair & video editing are on full display. Curious what shop labor rate is for the removal & reinstall.

[@aysmen89]

Hello, I like your videos, are very clear.If I need to replace the oil cooler I think I need to do the same steps no? I need to remove the water pump,so evrything what you showed in the video because i saw the oil cooler is in the back of water pump... but I m not sure if need to take out the alternator.Thank you!!!.

[@sergedesousa4287]

Bonjour Mille merci pour votre vidéo!!! Grâce à vous j ai réussi à le faire moi même. Bonne continuation et à bientôt 👌

[@dogchainsaw3923]

FCP euro can y’all make a video explaining the new G12evo coolant, and the comparability’s with it.

[@user-ux5hr8br9l]

Very very good detailed video thank you very much for the help

[@lavikumaranchetty9893]

Great work... From south africa

[@Emielrwb]

Before mounting the new pump you've stickt the connection pipe skew into the oil-cooler with lots of vaseline I assume? (saw you applied the new connection pipe to the waterpump first, but that's very tough mounting)

[@muhammadazair6384]

Excellent 👌.

[@shawnbarge1734]

This was amazingly helpful to replace the pump in a 2017 Porsche Macan. Thank you very much for posting this. I think there is more space in the Porsche so it seemed easier.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it helped, appreciate the first hand experience notes!

[@HanifEFIMechanical]

Good work

[@quitplaying7264]

Hi, Replacing the water pump but do you know the part number for the last coolant y union that you took out? Mine has a crack by the middle and is leaking coolant there.

[@burb17]

I seem to recall the radiator hoses being in the way of gettin the fans out easily. And replacing that belt is overkill. I called the local VW and Audi dealers and no one had them in stock. The parts guys said they’d never seen one replaced so I highly doubt the techs do it when they do water pumps.

[@deeznut9734]

they never change it

[@evanhaddad1960]

What a freakin headache. Holy smokes. Nice work and clear explanation, but this is beyond my pay grade.

[@tcusteve1995]

DO NOT over tighten the water pump bolts!!!!!! They snap easy, I didn’t even torq mine The first time is always the hardest….Very good video, would have never got through this without the video. 5 Stars!!!

[@PWstateOFmind]

Software optimisation from older cars that will fit newer updated pumps?

[@VinodKumar-jt3og]

Nice 👍 good job halpfull video sir

[@sergeihanush2262]

Guys, could you make video oil full transmission oil change on VW 09G transmission for 1.8/2.0t engines on vw passat. Mine is 2017 and i want to make service myself but can't find proper instructions. Thank you

[@norcaloutdoor5462]

Very good tutorial. This must be the same VW gold engine

[@Unexpectedperspectivesnow]

May I ask that that gray throttle body is? Something to do with the intercooler? Because the main throttle body as at the rear of the engine If im not mistaken?

[@CrapTrapSlap]

Can you show for Audi a5 2.0 b8.5 Quattro please

[@bird-dog81]

Take it the golf gti is the same process?

[@parveza8946]

14:16 there goes the radiator.

[@Chris675R]

I would highly recommend to duct tape a big piece of strong cardboard on radiator, to prevent this from happening. Damaged cooling fins reduce the airflow through the radiator, therefore it's cooling efficiency. In the worst case you could puncture the lines in the core > expensive.

[@pw3565]

@@Chris675R Or take it from underneath?

[@sunilraj7692]

I noticed that to! thats why taking out the manifold makes it easier to remove and the radiator is protected by the shroud. Unless of course you are a skilled mechanic.

[@moochiezpitt]

Thank you. You don't find it easier to remove the intake instead of the fan assembly?

[@sunilraj7692]

I think removing the manifold is the way. If you watch carefully some of the radiator fins get damaged as he's pulling it out.

[@arnaudehrhart8213]

I removed the fan assembly in 10 seconds... surely much more easier than removing the entire intake manifold with all these hoses, screws, sensors etc... @@sunilraj7692

[@ahmadzaza8738]

Just did this job today on a customer car! Went to check the videos now for fun because Audi sent us the belt aswell to change it otherwise we would have the guarantee of the engine. Maybe it’s a uk thing! So if anyone is in uk do be careful to change the water pump belt 👊

[@kerwinvergara3335]

What are some symptoms of failure ? I have an A3 and I keep getting “turn engine off, check coolant level” but level is fine. Just yesterday was my coolant super low. Any help please

[@skydancerforever]

Excellent video. so how long of a job is this? What does Audi time it out for in labor cost? When using the coolant fill tool does the system need bleeding or just start it up and check level once hot?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Sky, we spent about 7 hours on this job filming. You will want to contact your local shop for a quote on the cost, and the coolant fill tool with leave the system full, however it never hurts to check the level after driving and letting it cool down.

[@pw5192]

@@fcpeuro Hi did you use the radiator by-pass valve setting on the diagnostic tool to help fill the system properly ? I purchased a 50L air compressor & a vacuum tool so i can do this job , i have eveything i need to complete this but i have to add a new heater support pump while im at it as it is locked according to the diagnostic fault code, i have these parts already which are genuine parts aswell , i guess it will add a bit more time to the job though. So i want to pressure flush the system to totally clean out eveything ie the rad , the block & the heater matrix , im hoping that with the support pump removed & the failing water pump unit removed it would be easier to pressure flush everything out individually ?

[@arnaudehrhart8213]

FYI : asked my dealer how many hours they bill for this job they said 3.5 hours.@@fcpeuro

[@strike.22]

After watching this video I’m thinking about trying to replace the water pump myself, I had the thermostat replaced but didn’t think of replacing the water pump while I was at it which caused overheating issues shortly after replacing. I’ve never done work that requires to remove many components but it doesn’t seem awfully hard. Any recommendations?

[@danielescu8840]

Hi, please help me....I need a info. I want to change the wather pump belt. How can I do it ? Apreciate your responce, thank you!

[@chrisinmaine2139]

Thank you soo much! Great video! I saved myself about $900 using your video!

[@chrisinmaine2139]

Since the water pump job replacement, I now get almost no heat from my heater. Thoughts or suggestions?

[@jairflore3356]

Question. Is the s3 has same parts positioned as the a3 premium like waterpump is it on same position as a3. Cause thats my issue rn

[@tcusteve1995]

Yes, same location

[@cxchamp]

Dam that’s a lot of work 😂😭

[@batbawls]

1:44 😂 what this man says is gospel

[@wavee124]

Class action lawsuit has me wondering if I should get this done preventatively

[@Ahjinae]

So on average, what would be the cost of getting a thermostat housing replaced?

[@raptors2019]

Yeah I need that answer too

[@LastHumansGarage]

at the dealer or a shop? including parts? easily over $1000.

[@raptors2019]

@@LastHumansGarage do u recommend after market or is that not worth it

[@zakaripaige4423]

Yeah dealer charged me 2700 😂 but fuck that my boy has a shop and I just ordered the part im doing this shit my self

[@tcusteve1995]

$2700

[@deegl]

6:25 careful don't hurt yourself!

[@romebeats6591]

Can’t find that 5th bolt. Seems like the S3 has more space maybe

[@kmac720]

Do you really need that complex setup for refilling coolant? We have a thermostat leak on our 2015 A3, the dealer wants $2k to change it. I've done many in other cars, but never had to use a setup like that to refill coolant. Any info would be appreciated!

[@charlesdavis9909]

I was also wondering this, does anyone know?

[@kawilifezx10r23]

No not needed. A few of these steps aren't needed. You can remove less parts if you want for example if you remove just the throttle body you'll have room or you can do it from under the car also not as fun. But to each his own these steps are most likely similar to what a stealership would do.

[@kmac720]

@@kawilifezx10r23 I think you missed the question I was asking.

[@paultrevino8462]

Hey can having a bad water pump cause and EPC light to come on? Noticed I had a bad water pump, I would just top it off daily for about a week then the EPC light came on and car won’t move when trying to accelerate. Just rpm’s goes up.

[@pw3565]

Went in Limp mode i spect !?

[@alexhoddzz2765]

I have a 63 plate s3 8v would this be the same for me ?

[@jasonjay7650]

yes, as mine was a 14 plate and cost me £1000 at a local independent garage. mechanic said nightmare job to do.

[@pw3565]

@@jasonjay7650 probably would only be a nightmare job if you havnt got an air compressor & the vacuum tool & a diagnostic tool to activate the radiator bypass valve & clear codes that flash up after doing the job , The rest is relatively simple , awkward at times due to tight spaces like where the belt cover is . Ive got to do this in the nxt few days on my 2016 polo 1.8 gti tsi which is very similer to this engine , my batt is in the boot tho & my car air intake is about half a foot long above the fan shroud not the length of this one . I cant wait to do it tbh , would do a vid but im doing mine on the road outside my house as i dont have a driveway & people always want to stop & chat so cant be asked to video it lol I guess it might take a while to complete the job tho but i dont mind as ill know its done properly .😊

[@Noname23489]

What do shops charge to do this?

[@nukeyy9141]

Depends, decent places charge about a grand lol, Audi charge 1500

[@ScottPC]

I assume no coding is needed after?

[@pw3565]

I heard that if when you have the throttle body off & you decide to clean it out with carb cleaner you need to do a throttle re-calibration with the diag tool because removing the carbon buildup (if any) it will mess with the % measurements aswell with moving the swirl flap manually will put the calibration out & car will run badly . So if its clean inside when you take it off dont worry bout cleaning it & dont move the swirl flap , just refit it when it needs to go back on & clear all codes after the jobs done.

[@markjohnson2079]

1) Another great how to video! 2) What a huge pain in the ass!

[@judah2kx]

How is it possible to field check the position sensor?

[@SJMotions]

So much easier if you remove the intake

[@jesusmoysen4759]

Audi calls for replacing all intake seals if intake is removed.... Setting vehicle ins service position is 100% way to go if vehicle does not have driver assists.

[@mr-loki]

Great job! A lot of headache compared with the same job for a4 b8-8.5. Up to customer of course, but I'd replace with full aluminum pump + body to avoid the same shit over again in some time

[@davidkp1125]

I need fix mine Audi 😢😢😢

[@kdoran709]

He doesn’t miss a beat when mentioning he obviously using his “90 degree hook pick” we get it bro. You’re using you pick 😂😂 Better yet, drink every time he says 90 degree hook pick 😂😂

[@oakkwin3138]

Dealership guys remove throttle body and reinstall it that way . It’s difficult to mount it . Just by feeling 🤪😅

[@user-fs4wk3tf8u]

سلام وعليكم ماهوه سبب كسر طرس القير اودي.

[@LOUCABRASI]

Not sure why the tartar breaks

[@stephenmorrissey1254]

Why are the replacement parts still plastic? Won't this mean you have to do the job again in a few years? The dealer wants $2000 to do this job.

[@PASKI502]

They told me 1600$ at bell audi

[@jesusmoysen4759]

There is aftermarket metal thermostat housing available in aftermarket but they tent to cause some overheating issues. The biggest problem is letting oil get to the seal of the water pump. It swells and cracks the housing. Just keep the engine clean and don't spill oil.

[@pw3565]

Lol thats why i brought an air compressor & the vacuum tool , & various other tools , for what i paid out for them its a fraction of what i would have had to pay out to the dealers , i can now do the job myself & for as long as ive got the car + i can do other things with the air compressor like pump our car tyres up properly & quickly , do spraypaint repair jobs if i want to , so it wernt a waste of money . I refuse to pay dealers prices for repair work & i gain more knowledge & knowhow . Obviously there could be issues if something goes wrong but thats something ill take on board & deal with it & learn by it . Theres something very satifiying about getting stuck into a job & getting completed & i think it make you appreciate the car more tbh.

[@Foreignsgarage444]

So you don’t need a special tool for the water pump belt

[@fcpeuro]

You will if you are going to replace the belt!

[@Unexpectedperspectivesnow]

​may I ask why? I didn't see anything special holding it. I saw another video of a guy changing the pump of an S1, and he didn't have any special tool. 🤔

[@powayimports4175]

No basic setting performed for the new actuator? I’ve always done it and assumed it was necessary…

[@aysmen89]

What actuator?for what?

[@powayimports4175]

The pump has an actuator mounted to it ;) different than the old design that does NOT

[@aysmen89]

@@powayimports4175 if I remove the water pump because I need to change the oil cooler need to thos Basic setings?

[@powayimports4175]

@@aysmen89 i doubt it. I usually do it when a new one is installed. But in the video they don’t discuss ever doing it. So maybe you can get away with it either way. It’s better practice to do it by the book.

[@pw3565]

You just clear all the codes that this job creates & then its all good .

[@SincerelyApollo]

I might as well rebuild the whole engine🤣

[@fcpeuro]

😂😅

[@danieljadorie829]

This is an excellent instructional video but this is also depressing to watch at the same time. Still, could be worse

[@user-hn5rr7he3k]

Been watching this video as i go and am a pretty mechanically inclined individual. I am an industrial mechanic by day. Do not believe these comments. This job absolutely BLOWS im 14hrs into it and wouldve rather just paid the $1600 to have a shop do this

[@jasonjay7650]

Is it that bad of a job? It's putting me off buying one 🫣

[@tcusteve1995]

Shop quoted me $2700 for the work

[@PASKI502]

How do i bliad coling

[@michellocoffie427]

23:25 they skip the vid that part is also important because if there is air in the system the thermostat will not open

[@micheldelsem7022]

you should've removed the radiator though! Just saying...

[@hartzland7658]

After watching this there's no way I'm attempting to do mine, I will just pay the poor guy that has to do it.

[@Ahjinae]

How much did you end up having to pay?

[@angeldlt2455]

Just got quote for 700 on this lmao fuck

[@Ahjinae]

@@angeldlt2455 check to see if your car has an extended warranty. Depending on your State, there’s a Federal Emissions warranty for these parts to get it fixed at no charge.

[@angeldlt2455]

@@Ahjinae unfortunately I don’t bought the car 3 years ago

[@Ahjinae]

@@angeldlt2455 what year is it?

[@MotorHeadTech]

I don't understand. I've been changing water pumps for the longest time and nothing compared to this 18 hour long headache. Installation was perfect, them next day P00B7 is static when ignition is on, code states coolant pump has low performance & thats when I hopped on the internet trying to see what happened. Because so far, i really don't want to believe that I have a factory defective pump

[@raffykhan7800]

Did you find what the problem was?

[@joepeluso3864]

A customer’s Audi A3 water pump failed after just 33,000kms but it’s out of warranty. Just Junk

[@asaprulers226]

This looks like the worst job ever. Would hate to be an Audi tech

[@pw3565]

Worse job would be the reseal of the valve cover on this engine lol i know coz i had to do mine the other day! Wat a ballache job that was i tell you ! 😅😂

[@andrewsmith2502]

Plastic housings, Need special tools... what a shit show ..

[@deeznut9734]

is this identical on a mk7 gti?

[@pw3565]

Vid was going so well until you speeded it up at the end at a vital point of vacuuming the system , which was annoying tbh ! I know how the proceedure works but theres others whom would have liked to have seen that part in its entirenty in this one to be fair .😐🫤 Yes its on other vids elsewhere but if it was shown in this vid it would have saved venturing to another video to complete the job . After all this is supposed to be a tutorial .