Cooling system checking... don't freak out, keep calm! (Part 1)

Part 2:
• Cooling system checkin...
Thomas
P.O. Box 83041
4827 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
V5H 0A4
Canada
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[@rhkips]

This was an invaluable video, Thomas! Anyone getting started in the game or without experience would benefit from seeing something like this early on. :)

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you! Keep those fingers safe! LOL

[@wilahinely]

You've got quite a few great videos, and it's evident you know the VW 2.0 inside and out. Thanks for taking the time to produce them!

[@EXOVCDS]

wilahinely Thank you and thank you for watching! Don't forget to watch part 2!

[@stuzman52]

Always good to remind viewers of what to expect of their cooling system when operating correctly!

[@EXOVCDS]

I might have to create a playlist just for this video!

[@konaprog]

Awesome. My teen daughter and i fixed the smooshed radiator, replaced fan with a bad resistor, replaced the temp sensor (prolly not necessary), replaced the water pump with plastic impeller spinning freely, and a fan control module that triggered the ac clutch whenever the battery was connected causing a 3amp parasitic drain. Then, after all that, i freaked out! (radiator fan switch? or thermostat? There's nothing left!) Watched your video. Hooked up vcds, and it went exactly was you described! 96C degrees.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Great to see it broken down like that! As a BMW owner, the cooling system keeps me on my toes haha

[@EXOVCDS]

My E34 cooling system has been a work in progress since 2010! It's a love / hate relationship! LOL

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

I know what you mean! 😂😂😂

[@SteveRobReviews]

I came real close to freaking out big time. Ok i'm alright now but it was real close there for a minute. Cheers and thanks for the warning.

[@EXOVCDS]

I would love to watch you & badger watch a horror movie! ROFLMAO!!!

[@baxrok2.]

Excellent explanation and demonstration. Thanks!

[@EXOVCDS]

Thanks! It might help a few.

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

Some nice tips there that will certainly help a lot of people out top video

[@EXOVCDS]

We shall see. =)

[@wyattoneable]

Same comment as Baxroc2. Great explanation.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you!

[@garethevans4573]

Excellent informative video

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-xf3ys6zi5z]

Thanks very helpful tutorial,my question just clear my doubt so the top radiator hose should be same temperature to the lower hose o different?

[@EXOVCDS]

Year, make, model, engine? Top hose should be hotter than the lower. Depending on the engine... lower hose will be cold for up to 10min when the engine is first started (thermostat is closed, no coolant is flowing through the radiator). If you have overheating issues or no heat inside the car, something is wrong.

[@kfrdubber]

Our CKRA (2013 Passat NMS) has an operating range between 99c and 106c. Apparently, it's normal for the engine

[@EXOVCDS]

kfrdubber Yes... some engines will run hotter / warmer.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

it's me again haha wanted to follow up with you on the p1582 fault, replaced the throttle body and has now been almost three weeks no fault codes all the modules have relearned. dtc status complete , I would say at this point we have a solid fix when cleaning throttle body has no effect. thinking about doing a video on dissecting the throttle body in near future thanks for all your help.. by the way are the AEG vw parts now being sourced to China manufacturers?

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for the update! I've only had a handful of faulty mk4 throttle bodies over the last 10 years... not a common issue, but a good suspect when everything else checks out. I think a lot of the parts are now coming out of China or only available from there. Yes, take it apart to see if you can spot a fault. I have a few throttle bodies that I have kept... but have not yet had the time to do the same. To be honest, I wouldn't know what to look for / spot, unless it was a stripped gear or a burnt connection.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

@Thomas what sensor are you pulling the 95 96 degrees reading to monitor the fans switching on

[@billrimmer5596]

This was an excellent video! Of course they all r. R u connected by blue tooth to your lap top? I have asked u about your scan tool before. But not the connection. It seems that it is your practice to hook up scanner and watch live data in tool box.

[@EXOVCDS]

USB cable... I'll be buying the wifi VCDS dongle soon. VCDS / VW / Audi native communication is metric. I'm in Canada and we mainly use metric.

[@robertlafrieda203]

Job driving me crazy. Went aftermarket because it was running to cold (car was diagnosed at the dealership) then I started having overheating problems with the new aftermarket thermostat thinking maybe it was bad replace it a second time same issue went to the dealership purchased the factory unit, same issue, then come to find out the dealership, unplug the exhilarate water pump right in front of the radiator and guess what I still have an overheating issue. I tried, vacuuming the system out and still overheats and then I noticed the water quit running through the purge line but yet it is not clogged as I could put vacuum to it, and pour water through the engine what’s my issue a bad water pump possibly the purge pump is working, but it will not purge into the overflow tank

[@EXOVCDS]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpqng4iNhdySnJY

[@Badgertronix]

Man I was freaking out 😂😂😂

[@EXOVCDS]

ROFLMAO!

[@MrAMGvideos]

Hi Thomas. I have 2002 Audi A3 8L 1.9tdi. My temp gauge on the dash isn't coming up, I have changed coolant temperature sensor but made no difference. My fans aren't cutting in. The bottom pipe is staying cold and top one is warm. Radiator isn't warming up after 10+mins. I have no AC so cant check if that kicks fans in. Coolant is re-circing back into the top of reservoir. No signs of coolant leak from engine. Is this thermostat??

[@EXOVCDS]

TDI engines can take a loooong time before the lower hose gets warm / hot and the fans come one. A wiring problem with the sensor circuit should set a fault code and turn the check engine light on... however, that's for the temperature circuit that the ECM monitors. The instrument cluster circuit is in the same sensor, but the Instrument Cluster Module would monitor that circuit. If you have a scan tool that can communicate with the instrument cluster... check it for fault codes. Better yet, you can use the scan tool to activate "output tests"... like in this video (to check correct function / movement of the needles): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmernpKKo9aci9U

[@mraccord92]

What are you using to keep the engine idling at 2K RPM...Device on the pedal or the scan tool? I have two MK4 2.0L VW's and one has a mechanic throttle body while the other is a later year that has the fly-by-wire. So the cable one i just hold open by hand, the other I usually have someone sit in the car.

[@EXOVCDS]

My pedal buddy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXSrp3iYmLygqNU

[@Carolinasoldier4831]

Hey Thomas I have a 02 VW beetle GLS 2.0 I've replaced the water pump, thermostate, the flange, ECT, timing belt, and even had to replace a freeze plug behind the tensioner pulley. When I crank and let it running for 20 or 30 mins at 2k I get no overheating issues. However as soon as I get down the road it the red overheating light beeps then starts flashing no leaks. It also throws the code p0117 ECT low input. Could it be a wiring issue? What do you think? Thanks for the videos and the help

[@EXOVCDS]

Does the fluid level remain between min & max? Or does it drop? Any major overheating incident in the past? Can you monitor engine coolant temperature with a scan tool? To see how hot it runs at idle & 2000 rpm... and while driving? Is the lower radiator hose getting nice and warm after the thermostat opens? Could be a number of things... lack of flow, head gasket and yes, maybe electrical. Not sure at this point.

[@Rusty_39]

Great video, I am having an issue where I have added coolant to my 02 12v vr6, and I have squeezed the hoses to release as much air as possible. I have run the engine for a while, and the auxiliary radiator line and the transmission cooler lines feel empty, and the level in the coolant res. has not changed. Any ideas, i am worried i will seize the engine as there is still lots of air in the system?

[@EXOVCDS]

Have you checked if the coolant return hose is actually clear / not obstructed? Disconnect the upper radiator hose and check if coolant level is up to that level.

[@louieemartinez6920]

hey thomas my radiator has a crack on the top where the radiator hose connects to that elbow. does removal of the radiator require to remove any a.c component? mk4 jetta 1.8t

[@EXOVCDS]

No, but you have to loosen the condenser from the radiator: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGmvY5qFipprb9E

[@JackVoorbij]

Hey mate, I have a beetle with the 2.0L AQY engine, I cannot get fans working normally. Have replaced fans, as they were faulty. Replaced the fan control module in the engine bay, changed the thermal cut in switch, coolant temp sensor, coolant temp gets up to 105-110 without fans automatically cutting in. Both fans work with A/C on. Any ideas?

[@EXOVCDS]

Is coolant flowing back into the coolant reservoir when the engine is running? Do you have heat inside the car when turning the heater on? Can you trigger the fans by bridging the radiator fan switch (like in this video)? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKDLZ4V5qJ18gM0

[@osmanhusejnovic1104]

Hi i have also a WV lupo i have a problem.By me blinkt te light for cooling system and i dont know whats wrong.I realized that my fan isnt working as he should while as i know he should work when you turn off the car but by me he isnt running.Can you imagine what could it be??

[@EXOVCDS]

What year is the car? Which engine? Try the following... if your system is the same. Let me know what you find. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKDLZ4V5qJ18gM0

[@MaikEletrica]

Very nice bro!

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you... be careful with fingers! =)

[@whatnextsunshine3046]

Your one of them multi-tasking guys.... :-)) Brownie, anyone?

[@EXOVCDS]

Brownie yes... special brownies, no.

[@whatnextsunshine3046]

:-)) I knoooooooooooow, was jsut trying to keep up the joke

[@EXOVCDS]

[@whatnextsunshine3046]

;-))

[@mevsme6416]

Those 2.slows are bullet proof. Good for long trips. Just sucks on power lol

[@EXOVCDS]

I don't get the 2 slow reference... to me, they seem to have enough power.

[@mevsme6416]

Thomas EXOVCDS 2.slow is what we call it here in the states instead of the 2.0 because it's a non turbo lol

[@murraydupley9330]

2000 vw vr6 have now (my 2004 1.8 engine burst in to flames 10 mins after parking) anyways, seem ac rad fan works when ac on. un plug wiring from rad temp switch fan goes off? if i jump connection can"t get either big or small fan to go? over heated going threw slow drive through. should I turn on my ac if in traffic to cool engine coolant?would it help abit? have to do better checks on coolant system, top hose gets hot bottom stays cold, thinking big fan is toast, seem to get only 1 speed ac fan side (sm) does the small fan have its own power suppy switch small fan works but can"t seem to get either fan to work when jumpin wires at rad temp fan swich (?). the temperture sensor close to engine involved at all? have to find if i have power at rad temp sensor/switch but i assume i do because small fan will run?

[@murraydupley9330]

Thomas EXOVCDS 3 months ago Have you checked if the coolant return hose is actually clear / not obstructed? Disconnect the upper radiator hose and check if coolant level is up to that level.

[@EXOVCDS]

@@murraydupley9330 Watch the following video... do what I did and tell me what happens. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKDLZ4V5qJ18gM0

[@NomadicPhotoSafariAdventures]

My 1999 VW Passat 1.8T recently began overheating. I replaced the coolant flange on the rear of the motor about a year ago as it was leaking (not overheating at the time) and yesterday replaced the thermostat and reservoir cap. I believe the water pump is working as the heater was blowing hot air as usual. After a test drive the needle began creeping up again and I quickly shut off the car. That’s when I noticed a hairline fracture in the coolant tank sending a tiny jet stream of coolant from the tank. My question is, could this alone be why the car is overheating? The oil cap/dipstick appears clear of any milkyness and looks normal. I’m hoping it’s not a head gasket issue. Any thoughts? I have a new coolant reservoir ordered but am skeptical that the tiny leak is the sole issue reason for the overheating.

[@EXOVCDS]

I'm still at work... will get back to you once I'm at home later tonight.

[@EXOVCDS]

If you didn't have any overheating issues before replacing the thermostat, then most likely you still have air in the system or the thermostat is bad. If the coolant reservoir has fluid in it (even if it's only at the bottom of the bottle) then there should be enough fluid in the engine to keep the engine from overheating. If you are sure that the thermostat is OK, check for air in the system / rebleed the system. The fan clutch for the large radiator fan can go bad with age. If the car does NOT overheat as long as the car is moving, then the thermostat is probably OK. If it overheats while cruising at a steady speed... thermostat or air in the system.

[@NomadicPhotoSafariAdventures]

Thomas EXOVCDS Thanks for the timely response! There is plenty of coolant in the reservoir. After I changed the thermostat yesterday I test drove it and the 1st mile or so the temp held steady at 190, then it began to rise steadily and I just made it back home before it got to the red line. That’s when I noticed the jet stream of coolant/vapor coming from a hairline crack from the side of the reservoir. I also had replaced the cap since that was “rattling “ upon inspection. I will try bleeding the system once I replace the reservoir. Thanks again kind sir!

[@NomadicPhotoSafariAdventures]

Also, the car doesn’t overheat while just idling, only when driving, even at low speeds. The fan (large one) is operating but the secondary one does not come on during the overheating.

[@EXOVCDS]

The small fan could be burnt out... turn AC on to see if the fan comes on (ignition ON engine off, AC ON). After further bleeding, instead of driving, let engine idle until you can feel the lower radiator hose get warm (this verifies that the thermostat is actually opening). Keep checking the temperature needle between checking the lower rad hose to make sure that temperature stays in the middle. Once the lower rad hose is warm, take it for a run and see if temperature still climbs.

[@EXOVCDS]

Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5_QoqadaLGgmtk

[@archipiphanyworkshop860]

When my fans come on I’m seeing a little smoke coming from the fan motor and the fan motor is very hot.

[@EXOVCDS]

Year, make, model, engine? When you move the fan by hand... how easy does it turn? Replace the fan if it is stiff to move.

[@archipiphanyworkshop860]

Thomas EXOVCDS I found out the condensed hose was holding down the fan and the friction prevented it from spinning. But this video helped me greatly I’m filling up on coolant. The air escaped and the fan chipped in and out around the same time you said. I have a 95 VW golf with 1.8 8v engine.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for the update! I would not have guessed that it was rubbing on something! =)

[@happy543210]

i wouldn't want to lose my fingers on those radiator fans!!

[@EXOVCDS]

Once you know how a system works... you know when & when not to stick fingers into something. =)

[@bbogdanmircea]

aren't you afraid that fan will start ?

[@EXOVCDS]

It's all about knowing what to expect. I don't expect the fans to come on until a certain time... until that time, my fingers are safe! =)

[@wysetech2000]

You need to have patients especially when it's cold outside. I just walk away after i make sure there are no leaks. If i see steam then i know there is a problem. {:>)

[@EXOVCDS]

The biggest fear I have when walking away (from a car that is running) is that the fans don't come on. If I hear the fans once... I'll walk away. Until then... I'm sticking to it like it was a 20 year old blond! LOL

[@carolinacrusher6808]

What's it mean the fans dont cut on

[@EXOVCDS]

Year, make, model, engine? Is it overheating?

[@carolinacrusher6808]

@@EXOVCDS 98 VW beetle but I found the problem it had air in the system thank you for responding just bought the car for my wife working through some minor stuff.

[@carolinacrusher6808]

@@EXOVCDS your videos are helping alot I am subscribing thanks again

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for the update! Since the beetle does not have a coolant temperature gauge... it might be worth adding a gauge such as a friend of mine did to his car (not a Beetle): kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZLaY56rjayZntk This is the ebay link he shared: www.ebay.com/itm/Red-LCD-Digital-Motorcycle-Water-Temp-Temperature-Gauge-With-22mm-Sensor-Adapter/192539748718 With the display mounted in the right area on the dash, your wife can catch temperature issues before they get out of hand!

[@treydaypnw]

Shit why not just replace the Thermostat along with the Water Pump and Timing Belt...?!

[@EXOVCDS]

Shit... I know, right!!!!???? What the hell was that guy thinking!!!???? It's the cheap ass customers that say no... that's why!!!!! I had a guy that just wanted the belt... no tensioner, no water pump. Now you know!

[@EXOVCDS]

Shit... even when the thermostat is replaced, you have to verify that it opens. Shit, what a waste of time!!!

[@normansmith7806]

👍👍🍺🍺

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you!