Parts for your 2013 Volkswagen Amarok-Radiator cap

2013 Volkswagen Amarok radiator cap — is there one?

Based on Volkswagen’s own technical literature, a traditional radiator cap fitted directly to the radiator is not used on the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok (model code 2H). Instead, the Amarok’s cooling system is a sealed, pressurised design that uses a screw-on pressure cap mounted on the coolant expansion (degassing) tank. This setup performs the same pressure-control job as an old-school radiator cap but relocates it off the radiator itself.

Technical sources referenced for this conclusion include: Volkswagen Amarok Owner’s Manual (MY2013) — Cooling system: coolant expansion tank and cap, Volkswagen ELSA/Workshop Manual — Cooling System Overview for Amarok (2H) 2.0 TDI engines, and Volkswagen ETKA Parts Catalogue listings for Amarok (2H) cooling system components, which show the expansion tank and its pressure cap and no filler cap on the radiator.

Why Volkswagen doesn’t use a radiator cap on the Amarok radiator comes down to modern cooling system design. The pressurised expansion tank cap manages system pressure and coolant recovery, while the radiator remains a closed heat exchanger without a filler neck.

• Better packaging and safety under the bonnet — no hot cap on the radiator itself.
• More consistent pressure control and self-bleeding via the degassing/expansion tank.
• Easier service access and cleaner coolant recovery into the tank as temperatures cycle.

What matters for servicing is the expansion tank cap. That’s the functional “radiator cap” on the Amarok. It’s typically a blue, screw-on cap rated around 1.2–1.5 bar. Over time, the cap’s seal and spring can fatigue, which can lead to pressure loss, slow coolant weeping, or hard hoses and overheating complaints.

Good practice for an Amarok service is to inspect the expansion tank cap for perished rubber, cracks, or crusty deposits, and to replace it if any doubt exists. Only open the cap when the engine is stone cold. Use a genuine or OEM-equivalent cap that meets Volkswagen specifications. If topping up, use the correct VW G12++/G13 coolant (pink/violet) premixed with demineralised water to the appropriate ratio for Australian and New Zealand conditions.

Tell-tale signs the cap may need replacement:

• Coolant smell after driving, minor loss without visible leaks, or dried pink residue around the tank.
• Overflowing or collapsing hoses as the engine cools, suggesting pressure control issues.
• Overheating warnings despite the cooling system otherwise checking out.

Bottom line: the 2013 Amarok doesn’t use a radiator-mounted cap. It uses a pressurised expansion tank cap — that’s the part to check, service, and replace when needed.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Amarok have a radiator cap?
The radiator itself doesn’t have a cap. The pressure cap lives on the coolant expansion tank and handles pressure relief and coolant recovery. That’s the cap to inspect or replace if there are cooling system concerns.

Where is the cap located on the Amarok?
Under the bonnet, on the plastic coolant expansion tank — commonly a translucent tank with a blue screw-on cap. It’s positioned high in the engine bay to aid self-bleeding and proper coolant level monitoring.

When should the Amarok’s cap be replaced?
If there are signs of pressure loss, staining around the tank neck, a perished seal, or unexplained coolant drop, fit a new cap that meets VW spec. As preventive maintenance, many workshops replace the cap around major cooling service intervals or at higher kilometres, especially in hot climates.