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Troubleshooting
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Water Pump Failure Overheating
1996 - 2005 BMW VW Audi Water Pump Failure Overheating
Introduction
Engine coolant is used to transfer heat from the
engine to the
radiator
by the cooling system. The
radiator removes heat from the coolant by forcing air through the radiator fins.
Without coolant your engine will over heat and severe engine damage will
occur. The water pump is driven by a belt and powered by the engine which
circulates coolant when the engine is running. This pump utilizes a veined
impeller to pull the coolant from the block to the
radiator. Some BMW, Volkswagen and Audi cars have a common problem
that the water pump impeller becomes dislodged from the input shaft of the water
pump leaving the water pump looking ok from the outside, but failed on the
inside. If
your car experiences this problem it will over heat rapidly much like a thermostat
failure. For exact specific repair procedures for this repair visit our
online repair manual page.

Failed BMW, VW, Audi Water Pump
Troubleshooting Procedure
WARNING! Only inspect vehicle when it has completely cooled
down, preferably over night or personal injury can occur.
- Check Water Pump Operation - To trouble shoot this problem first drain
about a half a gallon out of the cooling system, next remove the thermostat
from the engine. With the thermostat out start the engine (stand back) coolant
should be forced out of the thermostat port, if not the impeller has dislodged
itself from the water pump input shaft and needs to be replaced. To replace
the water pump finish draining the remainder of engine coolant, remove the multi
rib belt and coolant hoses. Next remove the water pump mounting bolts and
remove the water pump. Clean gasket surfaces and reinstall new water pump and
reassemble. Refill with coolant and recheck system, top off engine coolant after
it has re-cooled.
Troubleshooting
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Water Pump Failure Overheating
Check Manufacturer Specific Engine
Over Heating Questions and Answers
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