When to replace the Thermostat on your VW GOLF
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Thermostat : 50000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2.0 TDI, VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2.0 TDI, VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2.0 TDI 4motion, VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2.0 TDI View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

Tools
Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). Tools you might need:
Wire brush
All-purpose cleaning spray
Sealant
Torque wrench
Combination spanner #10
Drive socket # 7
Drive socket # 10
XZN socket bit # 6
Torx bit T27
Ratchet wrench
Funnel
Clic-R collar pliers
Needle nose pliers
Fluid container
Microfibre towel
Fender cover
Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). Professionals recommend:
  • 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 VI (5K1) – should be done with the engine switched off.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Open the hood.
    Step 2
    How to change Thermostat on Golf Mk6 2008 - free PDF and video manuals
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  2. Step 3
    How to replace VW GOLF VI (5K1) 1.6 TDI 2009 Thermostat - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the air duct.
  3. Step 4
    Golf Mk6 2.0 TDI 2010 Thermostat replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the throttle body fasteners. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2.0 GTi 2011 by yourself
    Disconnect the throttle body connector.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.4 2012 Thermostat - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the fastener of the air intake hose. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2013: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the dipstick tube fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  7. Step 8
    Loosen the fastener of the air intake hose. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Thermostat replacement on Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI 2008 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the air intake duct.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Thermostat on VW GOLF 2009? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Cover the air intake hose with a microfibre towel to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the system.
  9. Step 11
    Changing of Thermostat on Golf Mk6 2010 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the fasteners connecting the throttle valve to the intake manifold. Use Torx T27. Use a ratchet wrench.
  10. Step 12
    VW GOLF 1.4 TSI Thermostat replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  11. Step 13
    Replacing Thermostat on Golf Mk6 2012 1.6 TDI by yourself
    Detach the throttle body from the intake manifold.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Clean the throttle body if necessary.
  12. Step 14
    GOLF VI (5K1) 1.4 2013 Thermostat DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
  13. Step 15
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
    Step 16
    How to change Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Clean the coolant hose. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  14. Step 17
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf Mk6 2009 1.4 Thermostat
    Prepare a container for fluids.
  15. Step 18
    DIY replacement of Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 1.4 TSI 2010 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Loosen the coolant hose clamp. Use clic-R collar pliers.
  16. Step 19
    How to change Thermostat on Golf Mk6 2008 - free PDF and video manuals
    Detach the coolant hose.
  17. Step 20
    How to replace VW GOLF VI (5K1) 1.6 TDI 2009 Thermostat - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Drain the coolant from the engine.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). Tip:
    Caution! The coolant can be very hot.Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.Wait until the coolant has completely flowed out of the drain hole.
  18. Step 21
    Golf Mk6 2.0 TDI 2010 Thermostat replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the coolant hose. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  19. Step 22
    Changing Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2.0 GTi 2011 by yourself
    Attach the coolant hose.
  20. Step 23
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.4 2012 Thermostat - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Secure the coolant hose clamp. Use clic-R collar pliers.
  21. Step 24
    Lower the car.
    Step 25
    Prepare a container for fluids.
    Step 26
    How to replace Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2013: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Detach the clamp of the upper coolant hose. Use clic-R collar pliers.
  22. Step 27
    How hard is it to do yourself: Thermostat replacement on Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI 2008 - download illustrated guide
    Detach the upper coolant hose.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). Tip from AUTODOC:
    Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
  23. Step 28
    Need to know how to renew Thermostat on VW GOLF 2009? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Detach the clamp of the upper coolant hose. Use needle nose pliers.
  24. Step 29
    Changing of Thermostat on Golf Mk6 2010 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Detach the upper coolant hose.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). Tip:
    Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
  25. Step 30
    VW GOLF 1.4 TSI Thermostat replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Detach the clamp of the upper coolant hose. Use needle nose pliers.
  26. Step 31
    Replacing Thermostat on Golf Mk6 2012 1.6 TDI by yourself
    Detach the upper coolant hose.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). Tip from AUTODOC:
    Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
  27. Step 32
    GOLF VI (5K1) 1.4 2013 Thermostat DIY replacement workshop manual
    Detach the clamp of the upper coolant hose. Use clic-R collar pliers.
  28. Step 33
    How to change Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Detach the upper coolant hose.
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
  29. Step 34
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Golf Mk6 2009 1.4 Thermostat
    Unscrew the fastener of the coolant hose clamp. Use XZN #6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  30. Step 35
    DIY replacement of Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 1.4 TSI 2010 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the thermostat housing. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  31. Step 36
    How to change Thermostat on Golf Mk6 2008 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
  32. Step 37
    How to replace VW GOLF VI (5K1) 1.6 TDI 2009 Thermostat - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  33. Step 38
    Golf Mk6 2.0 TDI 2010 Thermostat replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the thermostat housing together with the thermostat.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
  34. Step 39
    Changing Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2.0 GTi 2011 by yourself
    Clean the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  35. Step 40
    How to remove VW GOLF 1.4 2012 Thermostat - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Install the new thermostat housing together with the thermostat.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: engine thermostat – VW GOLF VI (5K1). Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
  36. Step 41
    How to replace Thermostat on VW GOLF VI (5K1) 2013: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Treat the fastening bolts. Use a sealant.
  37. Step 42
    How hard is it to do yourself: Thermostat replacement on Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI 2008 - download illustrated guide
    Install the fastening bolts.
  38. Step 43
    Need to know how to renew Thermostat on VW GOLF 2009? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Tighten the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 9 nm torque.
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DIY VW GOLF VI (5K1) Thermostat replacement - online guide
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