2008 AUDI S4 warning light

Care of vehicle and cleaning
246Plastic partsPlastic parts will come clean with regular washing. If this is not suffi-
cient, plastic parts should only be treated with a special solvent-free
plastic cleaning agent . Do not use paint cleaners, polishes or wax on
plastic parts.Paint damageMinor damage to the paint, such as scratches or stone chips, should
be touched up without delay before the metal starts to corrode. Suit-
able touch-up brushes or sprays for your car can be obtained from
an Audi dealer.
The number of the original paint finish on the vehicle is given on the
data sticker ⇒page 321 .
If corrosion is already visible it must be thoroughly removed by a
qualified workshop.Windows
Clear vision is an es sential safety factor.The windscreen must not be cleaned with insect remover or wax,
otherwise the windscreen wipers will not function properly
(juddering).
Traces of rubber, oil, grease or silicone can be removed with a
window cleaning solution or a silicone remover . Wax residue can
only be removed with a special cleaner. Your Audi dealer will be able
to provide you with more detailed information.
The windows should also be cleaned on the inside at regular inter-
vals.
Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the windows. Cloths used for
waxing and polishing contain residues that will cause smears on the
glass.
WARNING
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visi-
bility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a
serious safety hazard. Such coat ings can also cause the wiper
blades to judder.
Caution
•
Remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors with a plastic
scraper only. To avoid scratches caused by dirt on the glass, the
scraper should only be pushed in one direction and not moved to
and fro.
•
The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner
side of the window. To avoid damaging the heating element, do not
put stickers on the inner side of the window.
•
Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from
windows and mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!
Rubber seals (weatherstrips)The weatherstrips will remain pliable and last longer if they are
occasionally treated with a suitable care product (for example sili-
cone spray). This will also preve nt premature ageing and leaks. The
doors will be easier to open as well. If they are kept pliable, the door
seals will be less likely to freeze up in the winter.WheelsThe wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance.
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the
wheels at regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 246 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
--4 -
-T
---- &
•
----CD
-+
•
•
+-
•

Care of vehicle and cleaning247
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
After washing, the wheels should only be cleaned with an "acid-
free" cleaning agent for alloy wheels. This is available from Audi
dealers and specialist retailers. Never leave the cleaning agent on
the rims for any longer than specified in the instructions before
rinsing it off. If the wheel cleaner fluid contains acid it can attack the
surfaces of the wheel bolts.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the
protective paint coating is damaged by stone chips etc., the
damaged area should be touched up immediately.
WARNING
Please note when cleaning the wheel
s that water, ice and road salt
can impair the effectiveness of the brakes – this can cause an
accident.Care of interiorSound system / MMI* display screen and MMI control console*The display screen can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a special
“LCD cleaner” (available from retailers of electrical goods). Moisten
the cloth with a small amou nt of the cleaning fluid.
Clean the MMI control console with a fine brush first to prevent any
dirt from getting in between the control buttons and the housing.
We then recommend wiping the MMI control console using a cloth
moistened with washing-up liquid and water.
Caution
To avoid scratching the screen, do not wipe the display with a dry
cloth.
•
To avoid any possibility of damage, do not let any liquid get
inside the control console.
Plastic parts and leatherettePlastic parts and leatherette can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If
this is not sufficient, plastic parts and leatherette should only be
treated with a special solvent-free plastic cleaner .Textile covers and trim partsTextile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door trim) should be
cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner. This will remove surface
dirt which could otherwise be rubbed into the textile material
during use. Do not use steam cleaners, as the steam could carry the
dirt deeper into the textile material.
Normal cleaning
We recommend that you use a soft sponge or lint-free, micro-fibre
cloth for normal cleaning. Only use brushes on floor coverings and
mats, as other textile surfaces could become damaged.
In the case of normal surface dirt you can use a foam cleaner. Use a
sponge to spread the foam on the textile surface and to work it into
the material lightly. However, make sure that the textile material
does not become soaking wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and
absorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-fibre cloth) and vacuum off any
residue once the surface is completely dry.
Removal of stains
To treat stains caused by spilled drinks (coffee, fruit juice or similar)
make up a solution with a mild detergent for sensitive fabrics and
apply it with a sponge. If the stains are difficult to remove, a
washing paste can be applied directly onto the stain and worked
into the fabric. The surface will then have to be wiped with clear
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 247 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
--4 -
-T
•
•
-+ +-
CD

Checking and topping up fluids
254Checking and topping up fluidsBonnetReleasing the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.– Open the driver's door.
– Pull the lever under the dash board in the direction indi-
cated (arrow) ⇒fig. 250.The bonnet springs out of its lock.
Opening the bonnetBefore opening the bonnet make sure that the windscreen
wiper arms are not lifted away from the glass. Otherwise the
paint may get damaged.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards ⇒fig. 251. This will release the arrester hook.
– Open the bonnet.The bonnet is held open by two gas-filled struts.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of being scalded, never open the bonnet if you see
steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Wait
until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.
Fig. 250 Detail of foot-
well on driver's side:
Release lever
Fig. 251 Release catch
under the bonnet
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 254 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
--4 -
-T
-+ +-
•
.I

Checking and topping up fluids261
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
The coolant additive G12++ can be mixed only with additives
G12+ and G12.
Checking coolant level
The coolant level can be checked at a glance.– Switch off the ignition.
– Read off coolant level on radiator expansion tank ⇒fig. 257. When the engine is cold it should be between
the “MIN” and “MAX” marks. When the engine is hot it
may be slightly above the “MAX” mark.The coolant level should be checke d with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 33 . 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.
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
Be careful when topping up coolant.– Switch off the engine.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒fig. 257 with a
cloth, and carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise
⇒ .
– Add coolant.
– Screw the cap on again tightly.Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 260, “Coolant”. Do not use a different type of additive if anti-
freeze additive G12++, G12+ or 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.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Ex cess 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.
Fig. 257 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on radiator expan-
sion tank
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 261 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
--4 -
-T
•
---- 0
•
-+ +-

Checking and topping up fluids
262
WARNING
•
The cooling system is under pr essure. Do not unscrew the cap
on the expansion tank when the engine is hot: you could be
scalded by escaping steam
•
The coolant and coolan t 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 ad ditionally heated up by the
sun.
WARNING
When working in the engine compa rtment be aware that the radi-
ator fan may start running suddenly – risk of injury.
Brake fluidChecking brake fluid level
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.– Check the fluid level on the brake fluid reservoir ⇒fig. 258. It should always be between the “MIN” and
“MAX” marks.In right-hand drive vehi cles 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 32 . If this should happen, take the car
to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system
inspected.
Fig. 258 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on brake fluid
reservoir
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 262 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
--4 -
-T
•
-+ +-
•
. I

Checking and topping up fluids
264Please note that certain convenience features, such as the Audi
advanced key*, the remote control ke y or the electrical seat adjust-
ment may not be available when you unlock the vehicle. These func-
tions will be restored when you swit ch 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 265 .
WARNING
•
All work on batteries requires s pecialist 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.
Important safety warnings for handling a car battery
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The vehicle battery is located unde r 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 corrosi ve. Wear protective gloves and
safety glasses. Do not tilt the ba ttery - acid can leak out of the
vapour vent. If electrolyte should splash into the eyes rinse at once
for several minutes using clear wa ter. 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, cons ult a doctor immediately.
•
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away from battery. Avoid sparks (including those from static

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.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 264 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
--4 -
-T
-+ +-
[I]
•

Checking and topping up fluids265
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
charges) when handling cables
and electrical equipment. Never
cross the battery poles. The re sulting high-energy sparks can
cause injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge. Only char ge 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. Re move the ignition key. The minus
cable of the battery must be disc onnected. 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 th e battery from the vehicle's electrical
system, first disconnect the minu s cable and then the plus cable.
•
Before reconnecting the battery, turn off all electrical equip-
ment. First connect the plus cabl e, 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 th e 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.
•
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 264 and ⇒ .
– Switch off all electrical equi pment. Remove the ignition
key.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 254 .
– Open the red cap on the positive terminal ⇒fig. 259.
– Follow the correct procedure for connecting the charger cables to the jump-start terminals (terminal with red cap
= “positive”, terminal with hexagon = “negative”).
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 259 Engine
compartment: Termi-
nals for jump leads and
battery charger
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 265 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
--4 -
-T
•
-+ +-
CD

Wheels and tyres269
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– The tyre pressures should only be checked when the
tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres
must not be reduced.
– The pressures must be altered to suit major changes in the load being carried.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from time to time.Tyre pressure and vehicle loading
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according to the load the vehicle
is carrying. We recommend adhering to the tyre pressure specifica-
tions for a maximum load. The tyre inflation pressures are listed on
a sticker on the end face of the driver's door ⇒page 268, fig. 261.
However, if you prefer an extra-smooth ride and the vehicle is not
fully loaded, you can select the tyre pressure for a normal load (no
more than three people travelling in the vehicle). However, should
you wish to drive with a full load you must increase the tyre pressure
to the specified maximum.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres
considerably and also impair the car's handling. Correct inflation
pressures are very important, especially at high speeds. The pres-
sures should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting a journey.
Do not forget the spare wheel* when checking the tyre pressures.
Keep the spare tyre inflated to the highest pressure required for the
road wheels.
Driving habits
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking (squealing
tyres) all increase tyre wear. Wheel balancing
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors
encountered in normal driving can cause them to become unbal-
anced, which results in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause
excessive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the
safety of the vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, contact your
Audi dealer.
WARNING
•
Always adapt the tyre pressure
accordingly when the vehicle
load changes.
•
Under-inflated tyres flex more an d can overheat at continuous
high speeds. This can cause trea d separation and tyre blow-out,
which could result in an accident.For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 269 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
--4 -
-T
-+ +-
•