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:
Step 1
Open the hood.
Step 2
Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
Step 3
Disconnect the secondary air pump hoses.
Step 4
Cover the secondary air pump channels with a microfibre cloth to prevent dust and dirt from getting inside.
Step 5
Detach the secondary air pump connector.
Step 6
Unscrew the fasteners connecting the secondary air pump to its bracket. Use a combination spanner #10.
Step 7
Remove the secondary air pump.
Step 8
Unscrew the fastener of the secondary air pump bracket. Use HEX No.H6. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 9
Remove the secondary air pump bracket.
Step 10
Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 11
Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
Step 12
Undo the fasteners of the oil pan lower cover. Use Torx T25. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 13
Remove the oil pan cover.
Step 14
Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 15
Open the coolant drain tap.
Step 16
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.
Step 17
Close the coolant drain tap.
Step 18
Reinstall the oil pan lower cover.
Step 19
Tighten the fasteners of the oil pan lower cover. Use Torx T25. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 20
Lower the car.
Step 21
Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 22
Unplug the connector of the coolant temperature sensor.
Step 23
Detach the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use clic-R collar pliers.
Step 24
Disconnect the coolant hoses from the thermostat housing.
Step 25
Loosen the coolant hose clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 26
Detach the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use clic-R collar pliers.
Step 27
Disconnect the coolant hoses from the thermostat housing. Use a crowbar.
Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
Step 28
Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 29
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.
Step 30
Clean the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a seal scraper. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 31
Treat the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a sealant.
Step 32
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.
Step 33
Tighten the thermostat housing fasteners. Use HEX No.H5. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 8 nm torque.
Step 34
Attach the coolant hose.
Step 35
Secure the coolant hose clamp. Use clic-R collar pliers.
Step 36
Attach the coolant hose.
Step 37
Secure the coolant hose clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 38
Connect the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing.
Step 39
Attach the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use clic-R collar pliers.
Step 40
Plug in the connector of the coolant temperature sensor.
Step 41
Install the secondary air pump bracket.
Step 42
Tighten the fastener of the secondary air pump bracket. Use HEX No.H6. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 9 Nm torque.
Step 43
Install the secondary air pump.
Step 44
Screw in the fasteners connecting the secondary air pump to its bracket. Use a combination spanner #10.
Step 45
Attach the secondary air pump connector.
Step 46
Remove the microfibre cloth from the secondary air pump channels.
Step 47
Attach the secondary air pump hoses.
Step 48
Remove the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 49
Insert the funnel.
Step 50
Pour coolant in the coolant reservoir.
Replacement: engine thermostat – VW Golf 4. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Only use the coolant recommended by the manufacturer.The coolant level should be at the MAX mark.Wait until the air goes out of the system.
Step 51
Run the engine for a few minutes. This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.
Step 52
Shut off the engine.
Step 53
Check the coolant level. If necessary, top up to the required level.
Step 54
Install the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 55
Screw on the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 56
Remove the fender protection cover.
Step 57
Close the hood.
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.
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.
Scan
To download the app:
- scan the QR code
- download from App Store
- download from Google Play
Tips & tricks for your VW Golf IV Hatchback (1J1)
View more
How to remove scratches from car plastic | AUTODOC tips
Top 5 brake repair mistakes | AUTODOC tips
What to do if the ABS light comes on | AUTODOC tips