2019 VW Passat tdi Contaminated coolant

[AndyH72]

Had my car serviced at vw last week and was advised they would need it back due to coolant being contaminated???? Has any one else had this issue?
They have also said it is a 20 hour job. Not really very good as the car has only done 26 thousand miles on a 19 plate

[LukeyP_]

It's not got the silica type bag in it has it?

I know the Mk3 Leons do and when they burst, it needs a whole lot of work to fix! It's supposed to be prolong coolant changes...

[Drezza]

Contaminated with what? Blown headgaskets can result in pressurised (gas) in coolant or oil depending on where it's blown.

[AndyH72]

No, the coolant is a grey colour, never noticed it until now. Just hope they get it sorted. Glad I don't have to pay for it as its under warranty. 20hr job seams like a lot of work

[AndyH72]

Well the cars with vw now so will be interesting to see what they have to say when we pick it up

[320d is all you need]

To Drain coolant on any car is at most a 2 hour affair.

10 minutes onto a ramp
10 minutes to disconnect lower radiator hoses
10 minutes to drain

refill with deionised water
run up to temp (15 mins)
Empty (to flush)
Then re-fill with correct

20 hours. LOL.

[AndyH72]

Well hopefully in the middle of all of that they will try and find out what has caused the issue in the first place. It really shouldn't be losing any fluid. Its not like its an old car

[Smiljan]

LukeyP made a good point, it's a VAG thing that happens across a lot of models. I wonder if this is what's happened to yours?

[Glosphil]

LukeyP_ said:

It's not got the silica type bag in it has it?

I know the Mk3 Leons do and when they burst, it needs a whole lot of work to fix! It's supposed to be prolong coolant changes...

Not all Leon's - depends on which engine fitted, as with all VAG cars.

[AndyH72]

I don't know to be honest but it has lost fluid since they serviced it and when ive had a look it looks a mess. This is the second 2ltr tdi we have had and never had an issue before. Just glad its under warranty so wont cost me anything

[Smiljan]

It would explain the 20hr quote as it sludges up the heater matrix and other coolers. Also you often get a drop in coolant level just beforehand.

It's not a widespread issue but there have been quite a few reports across the various VAG ranges that have them. My 2018 Golf has one, there's a symbol on the coolant tank if it does.

[AndyH72]

Well when we get it back Ill bee keeping an eye on it. If it happens again there is a good chance they will be keeping it. Not paying all this for a a car that has an ongoing issue

[ndtman]

Had oil contamination of coolant on an older B5 Passat that was caused by a failing oil/water intercooler. Probably took me 3 hours to change the faulty item, flush the cooling system and replenish/ bleed the system. Didn't change the oil as it was ok probably due to oil pressure forcing oil into the water and not vise versa.

[AndyH72]

Never heard of this issue before but when ive looked on other forums there have been a few. 2ltr tdi engines all of the time. Love the car but I need it to be reliable not sat in vw all of the time !

[catso]

ndtman said:

Had oil contamination of coolant on an older B5 Passat that was caused by a failing oil/water intercooler. Probably took me 3 hours to change the faulty item, flush the cooling system and replenish/ bleed the system. Didn't change the oil as it was ok probably due to oil pressure forcing oil into the water and not vise versa.

Had the same on a 3.2, A3. Biggest job was getting access to the cooler but still only a morning's work.

[AndyH72]

Well got the car back, When it was picked up the service guy said everything was ok. Turns out they have only flushed the system not checked for anything else. I have checked the coolant and its clear. I thought it was supposed to be pink?

[320d is all you need]

AndyH72 said:

Well got the car back, When it was picked up the service guy said everything was ok. Turns out they have only flushed the system not checked for anything else. I have checked the coolant and its clear. I thought it was supposed to be pink?

Yes pink or purple. G12/g13.

[AndyH72]

Checked yesterday and its deffo clear, I have no idea what vw are playing at. I would have thought they would have put ati freeze back in

[320d is all you need]

Go back to the dealer and ask them!

[AndyH72]

Yeh Ill call them tomorrow, I'm not happy to just leave it as it is. Not to happy with the service at vw. Every time we have a car serviced there is an issue