2008 AUDI A4 oil

Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct sitting positions . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage safely . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why is it so important to use seat
belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forces acting in a collision . . . . . .
How to wear seat belts properly .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of airbag system . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head-protection airbags
(sideguard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating the front passenger's
airbag via the key-operated switch
Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Points to remember if children are
travelling in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting child safety seats . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation program
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering (servotronic) . . . . .
Four-wheel drive (quattro®) . . . . . .
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your vehicle and the
environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control systems . . . . . . .
How to improve economy and
minimise pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . .
Towing a trailer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving the vehicle with a trailer or
caravan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removable towing bracket . . . . . .
General maintenance
. . .
Care of vehicle and cleaning
. . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel and filling the tank
. . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and topping up fluidsBonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment layout . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Run flat tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and modifications
to the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio transmitters and business
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
186
186
188
191
192
194
194
195
197
199
201
201
203
205
207
208
210
210
213
216221
222
222
224
225
226
226
229
229
229
229
231
232
232
235243
244
244
244
247
251
251
251
252
254
254
256
257
260
262
263
267
268
268
274
277
277
277
278
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 12Warning symbol in instrument cluster

If the symbol
 lights up in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low
⇒page 33.
If the needle is at the top end of the dial, this means the coolant
temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down. If the warning lamp starts flashing again
after just a short distance, contact a qualified workshop.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the coolant level,
please observe the warning information on ⇒page 255, “Working
on components in the engine compartment”.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of being
scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping steam
or coolant.Caution
•
Additional lights and other accessories in front of the air inlet
reduce the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside tempera-
tures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the engine over-
heating.
•
The front spoiler also ensures proper distribution of the cooling
air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can
reduce the cooling effect, which could cause the engine to overheat.
You should obtain professional assistance.
Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolu-
tions per minute.You should select a lower gear if the engine speed drops below
1500 rpm. The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine
is warm and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable
to change up a gear or move the selector lever to “D” (or lift your
foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
Never allow the rev counter needle ⇒page 11, fig. 2 to go into
the red zone on the dial for more than a very brief period: there is a
risk of damaging the engine. The start of the red zone on the dial is
different for some engine versions.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise
engine noise.
button
This button has a number of different functions.
A2
SET
Fig. 3 Instrument
cluster: SET button
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Driver information system 24Door catches / boot lid warning
The pictogram shows whether the doors and the boot lid,
etc. are properly closed when driving off.The door catches/boot lid warning symbol lights up if one or more
of the doors, or the bonnet or boot lid are not properly closed when
the ignition is on. The symbol also indicates which of these is not
properly closed ⇒fig. 14.
The warning symbol disappears when all the doors, the bonnet and
the boot lid are completely closed, and the driver information func-
tions selected will then be displayed again.
Service interval display
The service interval display detects when the next service
is due for your vehicle.You can see whether an oil change or service inspection is due in
the Car menu on the sound system or MMI display. There are two
display levels:•
Service reminder: When the next service date is approaching,
Service in----- km--- days ⇒fig. 15 will be shown in the instrument
cluster display each time you switch on the ignition. The number of
days and kilometres act independently of each other. Service due!
will appear in the display when the number of days reaches zero,
even if you have not yet driven the estimated number of kilometres
remaining. Similarly, Service due! will appear in the display when
Fig. 14 Display: Door
catches/boot lid
warning
Fig. 15 Instrument
cluster display: Service
interval displayFig. 16 Display:
Service interval displa
y
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Driver information system25
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data the number of kilometres reaches zero, even if the estimated period
has not yet expired. The remaining distance and time are updated
and displayed briefly each time you switch on the ignition.
•
Service due: When a service is due, Service due! will appear in
the display as soon as you switch on the ignition. The display reverts
back to the standard display after a short time. In addition, a tone
will sound.
Displaying distance and time to next service
In the Car menu, you can look up the distance and time remaining
until the next oil change and next service inspection. To do this,
select function selector button > Service interval display
⇒page 24, fig. 16.
The display may not be complete on new vehicles within the first
500 km.
Resetting the service interval display
Your Audi dealer resets the display after each service. You can only
reset the oil change display yourself. To do this, select function
selector button > Service interval display > Reset oil change
interval. The next oil change will be indicated as being due
15,000 km or one year (fixed service interval) after the oil change
interval is reset.Caution
The system cannot calculate the figures for the service indicator if
the battery is disconnected from the vehicle, so no service reminder
can be displayed during this time. Please remember that keeping to
the correct service intervals is most important for the service life
and residual value of the vehicle (and especially for the life of the
engine). The period between two services must never be longer
than the time specified in the Service Schedule, even if you only
cover a low mileage during this time.
Note
•
Do not reset the display between oil changes - otherwise the
display will be incorrect.
•
The information in the service interval display remains intact if
the battery is disconnected.
•
The distance to the next service cannot be called up if the system
has detected a Priority 1 fault (red symbol).
•
If the service was not performed by a qualified workshop, the oil
change interval display can only be set to “fixed service intervals” of
15,000 km. If you wish to continue with the “LongLife” service, you
will need to have the oil change interval display reset by a qualified
workshop.
On-board computerApplies to vehicles: with on-board computerIntroduction
The on-board computer provides you with useful informa-
tion during a journey, including average and current fuel
consumption, average speed, fuel range and driving time.
CAR
CAR
Fig. 17 On-board
computer: Fuel range
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Driver information system31
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data For example, in the event of an oil pressure malfunction the oil pres-
sure symbol

will appear in the display. In addition, the following
message will appear:
Switch off engine and check oil level
The message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds.
If required, the message can be called up again by briefly pressing
the button ⇒page 30, fig. 24.
Driver messages and yellow symbols
If a yellow warning symbol appears in the display, it will automati-
cally be accompanied by the corresponding driver message.
For example, if the symbol
 appears (windscreen washer fluid
low), the display will also show the message:
Please top up washer fluid
The message will disappear after a few seconds. If required, the
message can be called up again by briefly pressing the
button.
Red symbols
A red symbol warns of a serious malfunction.–Stop the vehicle.– Switch off the engine.
– Check the function displayed. Obtain professional assist-
ance if necessary.
The red symbols indicate a Priority 1 fault (serious malfunction).
Should a Priority 1 fault occur, a red warning symbol will appear at
the top of the display ⇒fig. 25. The symbol is accompanied by a
driver message giving you more information about the fault. This
symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The symbol will
keep flashing until the fault is corrected.
If several Priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
This message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can call
it up again at any time by pressing the button ⇒page 30.
SET
SET
Fig. 25 Display:
Symbol for serious
malfunction

Alternator fault
⇒page 32

Fault in brake system/parking
brake
⇒page 32

Coolant level too low / coolant
temperature too high
⇒page 33

Engine oil pressure too low
⇒page 33

Add engine oil immediately
⇒page 34

Fault in the steering system
⇒page 34

Ignition lock defective
⇒page 34

Tyre pressure monitoring
⇒page 39
SET
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Driver information system33
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified.
Note
The warning lamp
 in the instrument cluster will start flashing as
well if there is a fault in the brake system.
Fault in the cooling system

Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immedi-
ately.If the
 symbol flashes in the display, this means that
either the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant
level is too low. The symbol is accompanied by a driver
message giving you more information about the fault. This
message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can
call it up again at any time by pressing the button:
Switch off engine, check coolant level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 261.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 261.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a
malfunction of the radiator fan.If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒page 32, it is
possible that the drive belt has broken.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle should break down for technical reasons, stop it
at a safe distance away from moving traffic, switch off the engine
and turn on the hazard warning lights ⇒page 61, “Hazard
warning lights ”.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of being
scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping steam
or coolant.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous
place. Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and allow it to cool down. Please observe the
important safety warnings ⇒page 255, “Working on components
in the engine compartment”.Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol
 has come on to indicate a fault in
the cooling system, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the
engine.
Engine oil pressure too low

If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be recti-
fied immediately.If the

symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is
too low. The symbol is accompanied by a driver message
giving you more information about the fault. This message
WARNING (continued)
SET
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Driver information system 34
will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can call it up
again at any time by pressing the button:
Switch off engine and check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 258.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.If the engine oil level is too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 259.
If the engine oil level is correct
If the

symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain
professional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the
engine, not even at idle speed.
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp

is not an indicator for the oil
level. The oil level should therefore be checked regularly.
Add engine oil immediately

 WARNING! Please add oil immediately
If the  symbol lights up, you must add oil immediately
⇒page 259.
Fault in the steering system

The steering wheel cannot be unlocked if there is a fault
in the electronic steering lock.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information
about the fault. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by
pressing the button:
Do not drive vehicle. Steering defective
– You should obtain professional assistance.
–Do not have the vehicle towed away.
WARNING
The vehicle must not be towed if there is a fault in the electronic
steering lock: the steering will be locked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. Towing a vehicle with locked steering can cause an acci-
dent.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Ignition lock defective

A fault in the ignition lock must be rectified immediately.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic ignition lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information
about the fault. This message will disappear after about
SET
SET
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Driver information system35
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by
pressing the button:
Ignition lock defective. Contact workshop!
–Do not switch off the engine.
– Drive the vehicle without delay to a qualified workshop
and have the fault repaired.The ignition cannot be switched off if there is a fault in the elec-
tronic ignition lock. For this reason, you should drive the vehicle
without delay to a qualified workshop and have the cause of the
fault repaired.
If the vehicle is equipped with the advanced key* feature, you
should not switch off the engine with the Stop/Start button because
it cannot be started again after the ignition has been switched off.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a malfunction or other item
requiring attention.
Yellow symbols indicate a Priority 2 fault.
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The
symbol is accompanied by a driver message giving you more infor-
mation about the fault. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by pressing the
button.
The function indicated should be checked as soon as possible. The
yellow symbol will only go out when the fault has been rectified.
If several Priority 2 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
SET
Fig. 26 Display: Yellow
warning symbol

Dynamic steering
⇒page 36 and
⇒page 159

Brake pads worn
⇒page 37

Battery power*
⇒page 38

Bulb monitor*
Bulb failure*
⇒page 37

Check engine oil level
⇒page 38 or
⇒page 38

Engine oil sensor defective
⇒page 38

Fuel level low
⇒page 37

Washer fluid level low*
⇒page 37

advanced key*
Key not in vehicle
⇒page 36

Light sensor/rain sensor defec-
tive
⇒page 37

Diesel particulate filter*
obstructed
⇒page 38
SET
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