Can anyone please tell me the proper steps in performing a coolant flush, im about to replace my temp sensor and thought it would be a good idea to replace my coolant at the same time.

 

Here's how *I* did it, last time, although it wasn't with my Audi, so the process might differ, but only slightly:

1. Find a mechanic you trust.
2. Pay him.
3. Pick up car, when finished.
4. Drive away.
5. Pick up HOT female seat-cover
6. Make it DO what it DO!


Again, as I said, your stepps might end up being slightly different.

OK, seriously, I can't help you, but I am a funy, funny guy, right? Someone'll chime in, shortly, f they haven't already done so by teh time you returnm to read this. FTR, I *have* done coolant flushes, before, but never on an Audi, so I don't know/can't tell you if/where they drain valve is, if there is one for your model. I *can* tell you that your car uses a VAG-proprietary coolant and you'd be sorry if you simply went and picked up a gallon or two of Prestone. Swing by you'r local VW Stealership, if you haven't already done so, and pick up an appropriate amount.

 

This should be done when you replace the timing belt and water pump around 90K mi..
You can use universal yellow antifreeze and distilled water.

 

I'm not so sure that's an accurate statement. I've seen many, MANY postings by Audi techs, on thes and other forums, warning about using "universal," or generic Anti-Freeze/Coolant.

http://blauparts.com/technical_tips/fluids_tech_tip.htm

 

Easiest way is to drain the coolant by disconnecting the lower radiator hose. Then put a garden hose in the fill bottle for like 10 min or so. Not the most effective but the key is to change as much as the coolant as possible. If you really want to you cound drain it and fill it with a flush type coolant. Then you run it for like 10 min and then drain out the flush coolant and add good coolant. The third method would be to use a really expensive flush machine that pumps new coolant into the system as the old is drained out while the car runs. Most effective but really overkill in my opinion. Just do the drain and fill. Use the audi coolant. It has special additives to help reduce corrosion between the aluminum and iron componants of the system. Its not the only coolant that has that property, but its difficult to say what exactly is in a generic coolant.

 

From what I have read on this forum and been told by audi mech, never never use the universal coolant.

As with the other fluids for our cars you must use the correct type.

 

If you flush the system, universal yellow is good.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/cm120450.htm

 

I keep seeing the recommended mixture of 1 part coolant to 1 part water, but HOW MUCH of each is required for a B5 S4(2001)?