2007 AUDI R8 ignition

Checking and topping up fluids 156drive belts and alternator, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition
system. •
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery
−Do not smoke
−Never work near open flames
−Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/ reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.Closing the engine lid– Make sure that the rear spoiler is retracted ⇒page 134.
– To close the engine lid, pull it down to overcome the
spring pressure.– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒.
WARNING
For safety reasons the engine lid must always be completely
closed when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check
that it is properly secured. The engine lid must be flush with the
adjacent body panels.Engine compartment layout
Main components for checking and refillingFig. 116 Typical locations of fluid containers, engine oil dipstick and engine oil
filler cap
Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler cap (

) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator expansion tank () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING (continued)
A1
136
A2
158
A3
157
A4
160
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Checking and topping up fluids 160Checking coolant level
Be careful when checking the coolant.– Switch off the ignition.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank with a cloth, and
carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒.
– Read off the coolant level on the inside of the radiator
expansion tank ⇒fig. 120. When the engine is cold it
must be above the “min” mark. When the engine is hot it
may be slightly above the marked area.The expansion tank is located in the engine compartment on the
right. Its location is also shown in the illustration of the engine
compartment ⇒page 156.
The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 35. However, we recommend that it should be
checked occasionally.
Coolant losses
Any loss of coolant normally indicates a leak in the cooling system.
In this case the cooling system should be inspected by a qualified workshop without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the
coolant.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant can only occur
if the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of
overheating.
WARNING
•
The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap
on the expansion tank when the engine is hot: you could be
scalded by escaping steam
•
The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store
the coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children – risk of poisoning.Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the coolant– Add coolant.
– Turn the cap clockwise until it engages.Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 159, “Coolant”. Do not use a different type of additive if anti-
freeze additive G12++ is not available. In this case use only water
and bring the coolant concentration back up to the correct level as
soon as possible by putting in the specified additive.
Always top up with fresh, unused coolant.
Fill up only to the top edge of the marked area. Excess coolant is
forced out of the system through the valve in the filler cap when the
engine gets hot.
Fig. 120 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on radiator expan-
sion tank
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Checking and topping up fluids161
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down
before putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in
serious engine damage.
WARNING
The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store the
coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children – risk of poisoning.
For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used
coolant into a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper
manner (observe environmental regulations).Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The radiator fan is powered electrically. The speed of the fan is
varied according to the temperature registered by a thermostat.
The radiator fan or auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as
10 minutes after stopping the engine – even after the ignition is
switched off. It may also start running suddenly after a while if•
residual heat raises the coolant temperature, or
•
the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the
sun.
Brake fluidNote
When required, the brake fluid should be changed by a
competent mechanic with the proper equipment.Brake fluid gradually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. If the
water content in the brake fluid is too high, this may cause corrosion
in the brake system over time. In addition, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect
the braking ability in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has
to be changed.
The brake fluid is replaced by your Audi R8 dealer as part of the
Inspection Service. They are familiar with the procedure and have
the necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper
facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Qualified
workshops know that the brake fluid “DOT 4” is approved by Audi.
The brake fluid must be fresh and unused.
WARNING
Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the
efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the car – risk of
accident.
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Checking and topping up fluids 162BatteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is located behind the cover in the luggage compart-
ment. To remove the cover, slide it to the left and lift it out.
The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the
Inspection Services.
We recommend that you replace a battery once it is older than 5
years.
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will
become inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will
require resetting after the battery is reconnected. For this reason,
the battery should only be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical
system when absolutely necessary.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical
equipment continues to draw current even when the ignition is off.
If you park the vehicle for long periods of time in winter you should
have your Audi R8 dealer take the battery out of the vehicle and keep
it in a frost-proof room. This ensures that it cannot “freeze up” and
be damaged. At warm outside temperatures it is sufficient to
disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Even when the
battery is not connected you should charge it from time to time.
Winter conditions
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the
starting power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked
and charged if necessary before the start of winter.Replacing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage and
current rating. It must also have the same dimensions as the orig-
inal, factory-fitted battery and have sealed caps. The Audi batteries
which have been specially developed fulfil the maintenance,
performance and safety specifications for your vehicle.
We recommend to use only maintenance-free batteries or deep-
cycle resistant and leakproof batteries which comply with the
standards TL 825 06 (dated December 1997 or later) and VW 7 50 73
(August 2001 or later).
Since the battery is difficult to access, we recommend having it
replaced by an Audi R8 dealer or qualified workshop.
WARNING
•
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. For queries
regarding the vehicle battery please contact an Audi R8 dealership
or other qualified workshop (risk of chemical burns / risk of explo-
sion).
•
The battery must not be opened. Do not attempt to make any
changes to the electrolyte level of the battery. Otherwise, there is
a risk that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas can accumulate
and cause an explosion.Caution
•
The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.
•
Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the
warnings listed under ⇒ in “Important safety warnings for
handling a car battery” on page 163.For the sake of the environment
 Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and
lead. They must be disposed of appropriately and must not be put
together with ordinary household waste. Make sure the battery
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Checking and topping up fluids163
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data removed from the vehicle cannot tip over. Otherwise, sulphuric acid
could escape.
Important safety warnings for handling a car battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as
well as the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and
the electrical system.•
Switch off all electrical equipment and remove the ignition key
before starting any work on the vehicle electrical system. The
minus cable of the battery must be disconnected. When changing
a light bulb, it is sufficient to only turn off the light.
•
Keep children away from the battery and battery acid.
•
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and
safety glasses. Do not tilt the battery - acid can leak out of the
vapour vent. Do not allow acid or lead particles to come into
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. If electrolyte should splash
into the eyes rinse at once for several minutes using clear water.
Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing with soap solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor
immediately.
•
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away from battery. Avoid sparks (including those from static
charges) when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never
cross the battery poles. The resulting high-energy sparks can
cause injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge. Only charge battery in a well ventilated
area.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle's electrical
system, first disconnect the minus cable and then the plus cable.
•
Before reconnecting the battery, turn off all electrical equip-
ment. First connect the plus cable, then the minus cable. The
battery cables must not be connected to the wrong battery poles
- serious risk of cable fire.
•
Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery - risk of explosion
and chemical burns! A battery must be replaced once it has been
frozen. When it is discharged the battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 0°C.
•
Never use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace the
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the car's battery with the engine running or
with the ignition turned on, otherwise the electrical system or elec-
trical components will be damaged.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of
time, as the intense ultraviolet radiation can affect the battery
housing.

Wear safety glasses!

Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protec-
tive gloves and safety glasses.

Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and
lit cigarettes away from battery!

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off
when the battery is under charge!

Keep children away from the battery and battery
acid.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and topping up fluids 164Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is important for reliable starting.–Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings
for handling a car battery” on page 163 and ⇒.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– Only if “fast-charging”: both battery cables must be
disconnected (first the “negative” cable, then the “posi-
tive” cable).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals,
noting the colour code (red is used for “positive”, black
or brown for “negative”).
– Now connect the battery charger to the mains and switch
on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger
and disconnect the mains cable.
– Now disconnect the charger cables.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables to the battery
(first the “positive” cable, then the “negative” cable).When charging with a low current (for example with a small battery
charger) the battery cables do not normally have to be discon-
nected. However, both battery cables must be disconnected before
“fast-charging” the battery with a high current. However, always
follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the battery
charger.
Fast-charging a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Important safety
warnings for handling a car battery” on page 163. This work should
only be performed by a competent mechanic with the proper equip-
ment. If necessary, we therefore recommend that this work should
only be performed by a qualified workshop.When it is discharged the battery can freeze at temperatures
around 0°C. A frozen battery must be thawed before charging ⇒.
However, it is advisable to replace the battery if it has frozen,
because the ice can crack the battery casing and allow the battery
acid to escape.
The battery caps should not be opened while the battery is being
charged.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen battery – it could explode. Windscreen washerPlain water on its own is not sufficient for the windscreen
washer system.The container for the windscreen washer
 is located in the
luggage compartment and contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen and the headlight washer system ⇒fig. 121. Container
capacity: ⇒page 199.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass properly. It
is therefore advisable to add a suitable washer fluid additive (with
Fig. 121 Luggage
compartment: Wind-
screen washer
container
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Self-help187
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Caution
Please note that the described method of connecting the leads is
meant for jump-starting your vehicle. If jump-starting another
vehicle, you should not connect the negative lead (–) to the negative
terminal of the discharged battery ⇒page 186, fig. 131 , but
directly to the engine block or a solid metal part bolted to the engine
block. If the battery of the other vehicle does not have a gas vent,
there is a risk that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas can accu-
mulate and cause an explosion.Tow-starting and towing awayGeneral notes
Points to observe when tow-starting or towing awayIf you use a towrope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– The towrope must be taut before driving off.
– Engage the clutch very gently when starting to move
(press the accelerator slowly if you have R tronic).
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– The ignition should be switched on so that the turn
signals, horn, windscreen wipers and washers can be
used. Please ensure that the steering wheel is unlocked
when you switch on the ignition and that it moves freely.
– Put the gear lever in neutral or move the selector lever to
position N.– The brake servo and power steering only work when the
engine is running. Considerably more effort is required
on the brake pedal and steering wheel when the engine
is switched off.
– Ensure that the towrope remains taut at all times when
towing.
Towrope or towbar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a towbar. You should only
use a towrope if you do not have a towbar.
A towrope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both
vehicles. It is advisable to use a towrope made of synthetic fibre or
similar material.
Attach the towrope or the towbar only to the towing anchorages
provided for this purpose ⇒page 188.
Driving technique
Towing requires some experience – especially when using a
towrope. Both drivers should be familiar with the technique required
for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or
tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid
jerking the towrope. When towing on a loose surface there is always
a risk of overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
Caution
If there is no oil in the gearbox or no lubricant in the automatic
transmission the car may only be towed with the driven wheels
lifted clear of the road, or transported on a special car transporter
or trailer.
Note
•
Note the regulations concerning towing.
A4
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Self-help 188•
The hazard warning lights of both vehicles must normally be
switched on. However, observe any regulations to the contrary.
•
Make sure that the towrope is not twisted, as otherwise the front
towline anchorage on your vehicle could work itself loose.
Front towline anchorage
The front towline anchorage is only mounted if the vehicle
has to be towed.The towline anchorage is screwed anti-clockwise into the
screw connection (left-hand thread) which is located on the
right side of the front bumper behind the air intake grille.
– Take the towline anchorage out of the vehicle's tool kit
⇒page 178.
– Pull the bottom part of the grille out.
– Screw the towline anchorage firmly all the way into the
screw connection ⇒fig. 132.After use, unscrew the towline anchorage and put it back in the
toolbox. The towline anchorage should always be kept in the
vehicle.When refitting the air intake grille, first insert the lugs on the grille
into their mountings in the intake duct. Then press the grille firmly
back into place.
WARNING
If the towline anchorage is not screwed in as far as the stop, there
is a risk of the screw connection shearing off during towing (acci-
dent risk).Tow-starting
As a general rule, tow-starting is not recommended.Vehicles with manual gearbox
– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear before moving off.
– Press the clutch and hold the pedal down.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts: press the clutch and put the
gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with R tronic
– Switch on the ignition.
– When both vehicles are moving, engage a gear using the
selector lever or the paddle levers. Which gear is selected
will depend on how fast the vehicle is travelling.
– As soon as the engine starts: Put the gear lever in neutral.If the engine will not start, it is best to try starting it using the
battery of another vehicle ⇒page 185 before attempting to tow
start. You should only try to tow-start the engine if jump-starting is
Fig. 132 Detail from
front of vehicle, right
side with air intake
grille removed: Towline
anchorage screwed in
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