How to tell if it's G12?

[collins123420]

I was reading up on coolants and read that if you have G12 in your car already then you can't top it off with anything other than G12, otherwise it'll jell up and cause problems. This is true right? And how do you tell if you have G12 in, or if it's something else? Living here in central FL I don't have to worry about it getting too cold, since it only reaches barely below freezing (and that's rare), so I read I should probably put in a 20% coolant to 80% water mixture. So, how to tell which coolant? Color? Any other recommendations regarding all this? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

P.S. 2004 1.8t CVT (even though it doesn't make a difference lol)

[belinko]

Color of G12 is PINK.

You are correct. If there is a different type of coolant in the system (other than G12), it should be flushed really well and re-filled with G12. If you mix G12 and an alternate coolant bad things will happen. (Search).

Mix ratio is 50:50 or up to 80:20 (water:G12)

[JEENYUS]

i am pretty sure that you can only buy it at the dealer. i have never found it anywhere else. i normally do a 50/50 mixture...

[PDX04a4]

i am pretty sure that you can only buy it at the dealer. i have never found it anywhere else. i normally do a 50/50 mixture...

audi/vw dealer, german auto shops should carry it (at least the ones around portland do), on-line. i dont think napa or autozone will have it. i also do 50:50 since i do drive/park in very cold conditions when i go skiing. being in florida though, you can do a higher water:G12 ratio.

[old guy]

Personally I would recommended sticking with a 50/50 mix no matter where you live. The coolant additives are formulated for a 50/50 ratio and they do more than just protect the block from freezing. What advantage do you expect to you see by changing it?

[collins123420]

Personally I would recommended sticking with a 50/50 mix no matter where you live. The coolant additives are formulated for a 50/50 ratio and they do more than just protect the block from freezing. What advantage do you expect to you see by changing it?

I've heard that water has better cooling properties than the G12, since the G12 has more properties for freezing protection, and since I don't really have to worry about the freezing aspect that I should do 80% water 20% G12. Anyone else heard that?

[old guy]

Water does transfer heat better. However, the coolant will raise the boiling point of the mix, so you are a lot less likely to have a boil-over with the 50/50 mix. Also, the cooling system in the 1.8T does a pretty good job keeping temperatures in check. The only time you hear of temperature related issues with the 1.8T (even for the BT and BAT guys) is when there is a mechanical problem such as a bad water pump or t-stat. As previously stated I would recommend using the 50/50 mix as the coolant was designed.

[FORCE_FED_DUB]

Heads up, G12, which is pink, has been replaced by G12+, which is purple. G12+ mixes perfectly fine with G12 (and G11, which is blue, the reason why G12 was reformulated into G12+).

[old guy]

Heads up, G12, which is pink, has been replaced by G12+, which is purple. G12+ mixes perfectly fine with G12 (and G11, which is blue, the reason why G12 was reformulated into G12+).

But boy that g12+ is expensive as compared to the G12!! I had to pick up some coolant a few weeks ago when I blew my ECT sensor and I considered switching to the g12+ until i saw the price. It was almost twice as much as the G12 at the local v-dub dealer.

[n7plus1]

any reason that i would want to pick up g12+?

[FORCE_FED_DUB]

But boy that g12+ is expensive as compared to the G12!! I had to pick up some coolant a few weeks ago when I blew my ECT sensor and I considered switching to the g12+ until i saw the price. It was almost twice as much as the G12 at the local v-dub dealer.

Was there truly a difference in cost, or was the VW dealer trying to liquidate their backstock of G12? They come up as the same part numbers, just a different suffix

any reason that i would want to pick up g12+?

No. From what I've read, G12+ simply solved a compatibility problem with their old G11 used in the mid-90's

[old guy]

any reason that i would want to pick up g12+?

After some quick Googling this is what I came up with:

In January, 2003, VW/Audi introduced G12+ (part number G 012 A8F A4), an antifreeze with purple coloration. It can be freely mixed with the original pink G12 (part number ZVW 237 G12). The VAG specification for G12+ is TL 774-F. From the information at the BASF site, Glysantin G 30 meets both specifications. The only significant difference between the two is the color - changed to help prevent people from thinking that GM Dexcool compatible (typically orange) coolant could be used to top-up the original G12 (pink), which is not the case.

I also found out why it cost more: It is sold in a higher concentration so you don't need as much when you mix it with water.

[PGH~DOPEST~B6]

They sell G-12 at my local Napa here....but most of the time they are sold out and you have to order it. But they do have it...and I'm sure any Napa could order it for you guys...maybe not but it might be worth a try because I'm sure its alot cheaper then a dealer. I dont remember the price off the top of my head but I'll try to find my slip if anyone is interested.

[walky_talky20]

I didn't know it came in different concentrations. Old Guy, can you elaborate? How do you get to 50/50, then?

[old guy]

I didn't know it came in different concentrations. Old Guy, can you elaborate? How do you get to 50/50, then?

OK.... After a little more Googling I question the site that I was on regarding the concentration. Going to the the manufacturers site Clicky click it appears that the concentration mix is no different than the G12. Add more water for less protection against freezing, less water for more freeze protection. I guess the V-dub dealer was just gouging.

[n7plus1]

i want to run purple b/c ive never seen it...interesting

[CoreyRS]

But boy that g12+ is expensive as compared to the G12!! I had to pick up some coolant a few weeks ago when I blew my ECT sensor and I considered switching to the g12+ until i saw the price. It was almost twice as much as the G12 at the local v-dub dealer.

How was the ECT sensor replacement? Mine just went bad...and the A4mods writeup makes it sounds pretty aggravating

[old guy]

How was the ECT sensor replacement? Mine just went bad...and the A4mods writeup makes it sounds pretty aggravating

Having replaced the rear coolant flange a few years ago I was already intimately familiar with everything on the back of the motor. Consequently replacing the ECT sensor only took a few minutes. I did it by standing in front of the car laying across the motor and working my hands in from either side, doing it all by feel. If you have never done one it will probably take a bit more effort. It would help to use a mirror to at least see what you are working with before you start. The factory position of the retaining clip seems to be from the block side, so you will have to push toward the block on the clip "fingers". You can install the replacement clip in the other direction. Be sure to purchase at least 2 extra clips and "O" rings. They are dirt cheap and you will be hating life if you drop a clip and have to find it.

[MikeWire]

FYI, some/most Napa's should carry the full line of Pentosin fluids. I get mine there, G12, AT-1, PS fluid and I think I got a can of super blue there too.