ayap

Ok, don't flame me, but just wanted to ask what other coolants you have used aside from the G12++ ? In the manual, it says you can mix with G12 and G12+. Other non-G12 coolants ?

uberwgn

That's correct, G12 and G12+ are fully miscible with G12++.

People report being able to buy the Pentosin version at NAPA. Pentosin is the OES for VAG coolants.

Tifosi

If you are just topping off the coolant, then you can use G12 and G12+. However, if you are flushing & refilling the coolant system, then it is better to use G12++ only.

As for other coolants, I would not recommended it because if you use the wrong type of coolant, precipitation can occur and potentially can clogged up the coolant system.

32spoke

correct! I work at a NAPA store and I sold a bottle of the G12++ pentosin coolant to a porsche guy. The cars are placing many plastic components into the cooling system. the new coolant G12++ is supposed to be the most "plastic friendly" coolant yet that VW/Audi/porsche requires. I suggest sticking with OEM style coolant. want it for less, get it at a NAPA store. they may have to order it, but it's a day away at most.

KmackS4

So I have a 2013 audi S4, and the guy at napa gave me a bottle of "g40" but on the back it says it can be used for vehicles requiring G12+ and G12++.

I feel like i've read so much conflicting advice, i'm more confused after researching then i was before i started.

I got a notification on the console that it was low, didnt have any antifreeze so topped it off with a mixture of distilled water and lab grade Polypropylene glycol to help it not freeze over night as it is around 30 degrees F here at night, Haven't driven it more than a few minutes to get to the shop for a proper flush, but now i'm not 100% sure on what to fill it with.

SMac770

The VAG coolant requirement specification is TL 774, with increasing rev letters over time:
TL 774 C > G11
TL 774 D > G12
TL 774 F > G12+ aka G30
TL 774 G > G12++ aka G40
TL 774 J > G13
TL 774 L > G12evo aka G65
Porsche seems to stick to the actual BASF Glysantin marketing names, while VW uses their own sequential numbering, but still the Gxx syntax.

Stick to TL774 G or newer (under whichever marketing name) and you'll be fine.

KmackS4

Thank you @SMac770 So, a little background on the issue...I bought the 2013 S4 a few months ago, had no issues during the summer, but as soon as it got cold, I had a PCV warning about insufficient airflow, solved that by relocating the hose coming from it up by the passenger side quarter panel, and removing that cover over the air intake for increased airflow. Since then, no PCV warnings, but....shortly after, I replaced the water pump and had a transmission service done, and now, whenever it's foggy out, or raining, I get a transmission error code/warning that says not to use reverse, and then the TPMS light comes on for a second and then they both go away, but TPMS will keep popping up every other minute until I turn off and restart the car... At first, I was thinking the shop messed something up when doing the transmission service, but now I'm thinking it could be the PCV and or my cats failing resulting in not enough back pressure?...Please help...I love this car.

SMac770

You got a whole lot of who knows going on there. Was that a PCV insufficient airflow or an SAI insufficient airflow? TPMS is indirect on that vehicle, so operating errors involving it are likely related to the wheel speed sensors. The transmission is that DL501-7Q, aka type 0B5. You'll want to look over other DL501 threads in the B8 S4 and B8 S5 forums and see what the don't reverse thing might be. "shop messed something up", maybe. You're just throwing a bunch of words out there and not just picking a specific error and working that error. TPMS is a computational thing, you can't work it by starring at the car. Either you have VCDS so you can talk to the car like a computer, or you're in the cold.