So I got some work done at my local dealership and part of that was getting fresh coolant.

When I checked the reservoir tank, it looks like water / clear liquid.

The itemised sheet has it listed as Part Number GA13A8JM1 COOL.ADD

Is that liquid clear or is it water?

 

it should be pink

 

Should be pink. The coolant I buy directly from the dealer (and what they say to use) is pink. Where are you located? I've heard that in some states where the temperature doesn't get below freezing, that they just use water.

 

I don't know what type of coolant they used for your car, but there are coolants available now - that are perfectly compatible with our cars - that are not pink.

 

Do you know if the coolant you purchase from the dealership has the same part number as this one?

Part Number GA13A8JM1 COOL.ADD

 

That IS THE audi part number for coolant. Here's a random link to it:

$18.48 (Part # G013A8J1G) Audi COOL.ADD.

I have a few bottles in my garage (with that part number on it). It should be pink though......mine in that bottle is PINK.....

 

Spoke to the dealership. They said they use G13 (I think) and it will appear clear if you dip your finger in and look at it.

My radiator overflow bottle is stained pink / red from previous coolant but the actual liquid looks clear. They showed me an overflow tank on a new Audi and from the outside the liquid looks darker than water but when you open the cap and look directly at the liquid or dip your finger in it it looks clear.

 

G13 will have the same purple/pink hue to it that G12 does. I have never seen a car with "clear" G13. Clear fluid is usually what it looks like..water.