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Cleaning the Heating Radiator

Model: Volkswagen Passat 3BG, B5 - Years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Part: Heater core

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If you notice air not particularly warm coming from the ventilation outlets despite the temperature being set to maximum, it is likely that there is a blockage in the cabin heating radiator preventing the regular circulation of coolant. You can resolve this issue by cleaning the radiator: this operation can be performed directly on the vehicle without removing the radiator, using a special machine.

First, locate the inlet and outlet pipes of the radiator: they are found in the engine compartment, just below the windscreen, next to the battery. Disconnect the hoses and connect the pipes of the cleaning machine; then perform the system cleaning: you will notice the discharge of a brown liquid (likely rust) and continue until the liquid appears perfectly clear.

At the end of the operation, reconnect the hoses.


Updated on 10 February 2026 by ScegliAuto


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by ScegliAuto

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