2008 AUDI A5 engine

Checking and topping up fluids237
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Add coolant.
– Screw the cap on again tightly.Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 235, “Coolant”. Do not use a different type of additive if anti-
freeze additive G12+, G12 or G11 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.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Excess coolant is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
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 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.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 driven by the engine via a poly V-belt. The speed
of the fan is varied by a viscous clutch according to the temperature.
There is also an auxiliary electric fan, which cuts in automatically
whenever the temperature of the coolant and the engine compart-
ment rises above a certain level.
The 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.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment be aware that the radi-
ator fan may start running suddenly – risk of injury.
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Checking and topping up fluids 238Brake fluidChecking brake fluid level
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.– Check the fluid level on the brake fluid reservoir
⇒fig. 228. It should always be between the “MIN” and
“MAX” marks.In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other
side of the engine compartment.
The fluid level may drop slightly after a period of time due to the
automatic compensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops
below the “MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. If
the fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the
brake warning lamp ⇒page 31. If this should happen, take the car
to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system
inspected.
Changing brake fluid
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.
It is advisable to have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular
Inspection Service at your Audi workshop. 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
•
Brake fluid is poisonous; store it in the sealed original container
in a safe place out of reach of children.
•
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 acci-
dent.Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
Fig. 228 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on brake fluid
reservoir
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Checking and topping up fluids239
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
For the sake of the environment
If the fluid has to be drained out of the brake system, use an appro-
priate container to catch the used brake fluid and dispose of it in the
proper manner.BatteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is virtually maintenance-free. It is checked as part of the
Inspection Service.
We recommend that you replace a battery once it is older than 5
years.
When an airbag is triggered, the battery will, under certain circum-
stances, be disconnected from the on-board power supply for
safety reasons ⇒ in “General notes on airbag system” on
page 176.
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
If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of several days or weeks,
the power management will gradually shut off the on-board
systems one by one, or reduce the amount of current they are using.
This limits the amount of power consumed and helps to ensure reli-
able starting even after a long period ⇒page 202.Please note that certain convenience features, such as the Audi
advanced key*, the remote control key or the electrical seat adjust-
ment may not be available when you unlock the vehicle. These func-
tions will be restored when you switch on the ignition and start the
engine.
Winter conditions
At low temperatures the battery has to work very hard. It also
provides only a fraction of the starting power it has at normal
temperatures.
For this reason, we recommend having the battery checked and
charged if necessary before the start of winter ⇒page 241.
WARNING
•
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. For queries
regarding the vehicle battery please contact an Audi 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.Note
If the vehicle is to be left standing for a period of several weeks at
extremely low temperatures, the battery should be removed from
the vehicle. This ensures that it cannot “freeze up” and be
damaged.
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Checking and topping up fluids 240Important safety warnings for handling a car battery
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The vehicle battery is located under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment.
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.•
Wear safety glasses. Do not allow acid or lead particles to come
into contact with eyes, skin or clothing.
•
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and
safety glasses. Do not tilt the battery - acid can leak out of the
vapour vent. 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.
•
Keep children away from the battery and battery acid.
•
Switch off all electrical equipment before starting any work on
the vehicle electrical system. Remove the ignition key. The minus
cable of the battery must be disconnected. When changing a light
bulb, it is sufficient to only turn off the light.
•
Before disconnecting the battery, turn off the anti-theft
system! Otherwise, the alarm will sound.
•
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.
•
Make sure that the vapour hose is always attached to the
battery.
•
Never use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace a
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.

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 fluids241
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of
time, as the intense ultraviolet radiation can affect the battery
housing.
•
If the car is left standing for long periods, protect the battery
from extreme cold temperature so that it does not “freeze up” and
become damaged.
Charging the battery
Terminals for charging the battery are fitted in the engine
compartment.– Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings
for handling a car battery” on page 240 and ⇒.
– Switch off all electrical equipment. Remove the ignition
key.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 230.
– Open the red cap on the positive terminal ⇒fig. 229.
– Follow the correct procedure for connecting the charger
cables to the jump-start terminals (terminal with red cap
= “positive”, terminal with hexagon = “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.
– Refit the red cap onto the positive terminal.
– Close the bonnet ⇒page 232.
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.
Charging the battery
Important: Before you charge the battery make sure you read the
manufacturer's instructions for using the battery charger.
When charging with a low current (for instance with a small battery
charger) the battery does not have to be disconnected. The battery
must not be opened while you are charging it.
Fast-charging the battery
For technical reasons it is not permissible to fast-charge the battery
using charging devices with an output voltage higher than 14.8 V.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen battery – it could explode.
Note
Use only the terminals in the engine compartment to charge the
battery.
Fig. 229 Engine
compartment: Termi-
nals for jump leads and
battery charger
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Checking and topping up fluids 242Replacing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same specifications
as the original equipment battery.Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management
system to control the distribution of electrical energy ⇒page 202.
The power management function ensures that the battery is
charged much more efficiently than on vehicles without a power
management system. For this additional power to be available after
replacing the battery, we recommend that the replacement battery
used is of the same make and type as the original-equipment
battery. The battery must be encoded in the control unit for power
management. This has to be done by a qualified workshop.
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage (12 V)
and current rating. It must also have the same dimensions as the
original, factory-fitted battery and have sealed caps. The battery
must comply with the standards TL 825 06 (dated December 1997 or
later) and VW 7 50 73 (August 2001 or later).
Caution
•
Make sure that the vent hose is always attached to the opening
on the side of the battery. Gases or battery acid can otherwise
escape and possibly cause damage.
•
The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.
•
Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the
warnings listed under ⇒page 240, “Important safety warnings for
handling a car battery”.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
removed from the vehicle cannot tip over. Otherwise, sulphuric acid
could escape.
Windscreen washerPlain water on its own is not sufficient for the windscreen
washer system.The container for the windscreen washer
 contains the cleaning
fluid for the windscreen and the headlight washer system*
⇒fig. 230. Container capacity: ⇒page 293.
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
wax solvent) to the water. A washer fluid with freeze-resistant addi-
tive should be used in winter.
Caution
•
Never put in radiator anti-freeze or other additives.
•
Never use washer fluid which contains paint thinners or solvents
as it can damage the paintwork.
Fig. 230 Engine
compartment: Wind-
screen washer
container
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Self-help 256If you need the tools, the Tyre Mobility System or the jack*, you will
have to open the floor panel and take out the spare wheel*
⇒page 256.
The tool kit includes:•
A hook for removing hub caps
•
Pin for mounting a wheel
•
Screwdriver with reversible blade
•
Tool for changing bulbs
•
Interchangeable socket (Torx socket for changing bulbs)
•
Crank handle for jack
•
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts*
•
Jack*
•
Box spanner for wheel bolts
•
Towline anchorage
Some of the parts listed are only fitted on certain models or are
optional extras.
Before stowing the jack* again, wind down the arm of the jack as far
as it will go.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to
tighten the wheel bolts. It is not possible to tighten the bolts with
the required torque – risk of accident.
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing
wheels on this model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting
heavier vehicles or other loads – risk of injury.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack - risk of
accident.
•
If work has to be done under the veh i cl e , e n su re t h a t i t is sa fe l y
supported on stands designed for the purpose, otherwise there is
a risk of injury.
Applies to vehicles: with compact temporary spare wheelCompact temporary spare wheel*The spare wheel is carried in the wheel well under the
floor panel in the luggage compartment. It is only
intended for temporary use over short distances.Taking out the spare wheel
– Lift the floor panel by the plastic handle ⇒fig. 238.
– Hook the handle onto the luggage compartment weath-
erstrip.
– Turn the centre plastic knob ⇒fig. 238 anti-clockwise.
– Take out the spare wheel.
– Unhook the floor panel before closing the boot lid.
Securing the defective wheel in the spare wheel
well
– Place the wheel in the spare wheel well and secure it with
the plastic knob.
– Unhook the floor panel before closing the boot lid.
Fig. 238 Spare wheel
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Self-help265
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Insert the hook (provided in the vehicle's tool kit) in the
hole in the hub cap.
–Pull off the hub cap ⇒page 261, fig. 241.
– Insert the adapter completely into the wheel bolt .
– F i t t h e b o x s p a n n e r as f a r as i t w i l l g o o v e r t h e a d a p t e r .
– Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt ⇒page 261.It is advisable to carry the wheel bolt adapter in the vehicle. The
adapter is normally stored in the vehicle tool kit, underneath the
towline anchorage. It should be put back there after use.
The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front
o f t h e a d a p t e r. Yo u r A u d i d e a l e r w i l l n e e d t h i s n u m b e r t o r e p l a c e t h e
adapter if lost.
Note
Note the code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a
safe place – not in your vehicle.Jump-startingBefore starting the engine
If necessary, the engine can be started by connecting it to
the battery of another vehicle.If the engine should ever fail to start because of a discharged
battery, the battery can be connected to the battery of another
vehicle to start the engine. Suitable jump leads are required.
Both batteries must be rated at 12 Volts. The capacity (Ah) of the
booster battery should not be significantly lower than that of the
discharged battery.Jump leads
The jump leads must be heavy enough to carry the starter current.
Refer to the details given by the manufacturer.
Only use jump leads with insulated battery clamps.
Positive cable – usually red
Negative cable – usually black
WARNING
•
When it is discharged the battery can freeze at temperatures
around 0°C. A frozen battery must first be thawed out before
connecting the jump leads, as it could otherwise explode.
•
Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the
engine compartment ⇒page 231.Note
•
There must be no contact between the two vehicles as otherwise
current could flow as soon as the positive terminals are connected.
•
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the
vehicle's electrical system.
•
Switch off the car telephone if necessary. Details will be given in
the manufacturer's instructions for the car telephone.
A2
A1A2
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