When to replace the Thermostat on your VW GOLF
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Engine thermostat : 50000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change engine thermostat on VW GOLF 4 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Thermostat for Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) and other VW models
Tools
Replacement: engine thermostat – VW Golf 4. List of the tools you'll need:
All-purpose cleaning spray
Sealant
Torque wrench
Combination spanner #10
Drive socket # 7
Drive socket # 13
Torx bit T25
HEX bit No.H5
HEX bit No.H6
Ratchet wrench
Clic-R collar pliers
Seal scraper
Funnel
Fluid container
Crow bar
Microfibre towel
Fender cover
Replacement: engine thermostat – VW Golf 4. AUTODOC recommends:
  • Check the condition of the coolant every time you replace the thermostat. Change the coolant if necessary.
  • Please note: all work on the car – VW Golf 4 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Thermostat on Golf 4 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the hood.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.4 16V 1998 Thermostat - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  3. Step 3
    Golf 4 1.6 1999 Thermostat replacement: free workshop manuals
    Disconnect the secondary air pump hoses.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI 2000 by yourself
    Cover the secondary air pump channels with a microfibre cloth to prevent dust and dirt from getting inside.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.8 T 2001 Thermostat - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Detach the secondary air pump connector.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2002: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the fasteners connecting the secondary air pump to its bracket. Use a combination spanner #10.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Thermostat replacement on Golf 4 1.4 16V 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the secondary air pump.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Thermostat on VW GOLF 2004? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the fastener of the secondary air pump bracket. Use HEX No.H6. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Thermostat on Golf 4 2005 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the secondary air pump bracket.
  10. Step 10
    VW GOLF 1.6 16V Thermostat replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Thermostat on Golf 4 1998 1.4 16V by yourself
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
  12. Step 12
    Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.8 T 1999 Thermostat DIY replacement workshop manual
    Undo the fasteners of the oil pan lower cover. Use Torx T25. Use a ratchet wrench.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Remove the oil pan cover.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf 4 2001 1.8 T Thermostat
    Prepare a container for fluids.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 16V 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Open the coolant drain tap.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Thermostat on Golf 4 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Drain the coolant from the engine.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW Golf 4. Tip from AUTODOC:
    Caution! The coolant can be very hot.Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.All work should be done with the engine stopped.Wait until the coolant has completely flowed out of the drain hole.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.4 16V 1998 Thermostat - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Close the coolant drain tap.
  18. Step 18
    Golf 4 1.6 1999 Thermostat replacement: free workshop manuals
    Reinstall the oil pan lower cover.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI 2000 by yourself
    Tighten the fasteners of the oil pan lower cover. Use Torx T25. Use a ratchet wrench.
  20. Step 20
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.8 T 2001 Thermostat - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Lower the car.
  21. Step 21
    How to replace Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2002: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Prepare a container for fluids.
  22. Step 22
    How hard is it to do yourself: Thermostat replacement on Golf 4 1.4 16V 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Unplug the connector of the coolant temperature sensor.
  23. Step 23
    Need to know how to renew Thermostat on VW GOLF 2004? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Detach the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use clic-R collar pliers.
  24. Step 24
    Changing of Thermostat on Golf 4 2005 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Disconnect the coolant hoses from the thermostat housing.
  25. Step 25
    VW GOLF 1.6 16V Thermostat replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Loosen the coolant hose clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  26. Step 26
    Replacing Thermostat on Golf 4 1998 1.4 16V by yourself
    Detach the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use clic-R collar pliers.
  27. Step 27
    Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.8 T 1999 Thermostat DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the coolant hoses from the thermostat housing. Use a crowbar.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW Golf 4. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
  28. Step 28
    How to change Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
  29. Step 29
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf 4 2001 1.8 T Thermostat
    Remove the thermostat housing.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW Golf 4. Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
  30. Step 30
    DIY replacement of Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 16V 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a seal scraper. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  31. Step 31
    How to change Thermostat on Golf 4 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Treat the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a sealant.
  32. Step 32
    How to replace VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.4 16V 1998 Thermostat - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Install the new thermostat housing.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW Golf 4. Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
  33. Step 33
    Golf 4 1.6 1999 Thermostat replacement: free workshop manuals
    Tighten the thermostat housing fasteners. Use HEX No.H5. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 8 nm torque.
  34. Step 34
    Changing Thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.9 TDI 2000 by yourself
    Attach the coolant hose.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Searching for the right tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) model.

Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!
Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.
VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) Thermostat replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
DIY VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) Thermostat replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1)
View more
  • How to change Coolant thermostat on VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 16V - replacement tricks
    How to remove scratches from car plastic | AUTODOC tips
  • Changing Coolant thermostat Golf 4 1.4 16V - Replacement Tips
    Top 5 brake repair mistakes | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1) 1.6 Coolant thermostat replacement guide
    What to do if the ABS light comes on | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Coolant thermostat on Golf 4 - free video tips
    DIY alternator repair | AUTODOC tips