2008 AUDI S6 radiator

Instruments and warning/indicator lights
Warning light in the instrument cluster -t
When the _L warning light in the instrument cluster starts to flash,
this can mean one of two things: either the coolant
temperature is
too high, or the coolant
level is too low~ page 33.
If the needle is well in the upper area of the gauge, the coolant
temperature is too high.
Stop the vehicle, switch the engine off and
allow the engine to cool.
If the warning light comes on again after
driving a short distance, contact an authorized dealer.
& WARNING
• Always observe the warning in ~ page 289, "Engine compart­
ment", before opening the hood and checking the engine coolant
level.
• Never open the engine hood if you see or hear steam, or if you
see engine coolant dripping from the engine compartment . You
could burn yourself. Let the engine cool off first so that you cannot
hear or see any steam or engine coolant.
0 Note
• Mounting additional lights or accessories in front of the air inlets
reduces the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside tempera­
tures or high engine load, the engine could overheat.
• The front spoiler has been designed to properly distribute the
cooling air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged,
this could reduce the cooling effect and the engine could then
over­
heat. Ask your authorized Audi dealer for assistance. •
Tachometer (engine rev counter)
The tachometer indicates the engine RPM (revolutions per
minutes).
The tachometer 0 ~ page 13, fig. 2 is the left of the two large clock ­
type displays. The
engine turns at a speed
1,000 times the single digit in the
display, e.g. if the needle is pointing at the "2" the engine is turning
at 2,000 RPM.
If engine RPM drops below 1,500, you should downshift to the next
lower gear. The red area at the end of the scale indicates maximum
permissible engine RPM after the break -in period. Before reaching
this area, move the selector lever to position "D (Drive)" or ease your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
0 Note
The tachometer needle should not move into the red range. If it
does, then only for a
very short period of time. You could damage
your engine by driving at high RPM .
'£> For the sake of the environment
Upshifting early saves fuel and reduces engine noise.•
Digital clock with date display
Date and time of day can be set in the MM/.
Fig . 3 Instrument
cluster with digital
clock
The date, time of day, and time and date format can be set in the
MMI. You can find out more in the MMI manual. .,_

If the ABS system malfunctions, the ABS warning/indicator light illu­
minates together with the brake system malfunction warning/indi ­
cator light~
&-
& WARNING
• Always observe the warnings in ~ page 289, "Engine compart­
ment", before opening the hood and checking the brake fluid.
• Driving with low brake fluid is a safety hazard . Stop the car and
get professional assistance.
• USA models: If the
BRAKE warning light and the c~ warning
light come on together, the rear wheels could lock up first under
hard braking . Rear wheel lock-up can cause loss of vehicle control
and an accident. Have your vehicle repaired immediately by your
authorized Audi dealer or a qualified workshop. Drive slowly and
avoid sudden, hard brake applications.
• Canada models : If the brake warning light
«D> and the ABS
warning light come on together, the rear wheels could lock up
first under hard braking. Rear wheel lock-up can cause loss of
vehicle control and an accident. Have your vehicle repaired imme­
diately by your authorized Audi dealer or a qualified workshop .
Drive slowly and avoid sudden, hard brake applications. •
Engine cooling system malfunction -L
A malfunction in the engine cooling system must be
repaired as soon as possible.
When the -t symbol in the display blinks, then either the
engine coolant
temperature is too high, or the coolant level
is too low. An additional driver message can also be
displayed by pressing the [ CHECK] button:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
-Pull off the road .
Controls and equip ­
ment
Driver information display
Stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the engine.
Check coolant level
=> page 304 .
Add coolant if necessary=> page 305.
Continue driving only after the engine coolant
warning/ind icator light goes out.
Contact your authorized Audi dealer for assistance if necessary.
If the engine coolant level is correct, then the radiator fan may be
the cause of the malfunction.
If the generator warning/indicator light should also illuminate
~ page 79, then the fan belt may be damaged.
& WARNING
• If your vehicle should break down for mechanical or other
reasons, park at a safe distance from moving traffic, turn off the
engine and turn on the hazard warning lights
~ page 73, "Emer­
gency flasher
A".
• Never open the hood if you see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartment -you risk being scalded.
Wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant
escaping.
• The engine compartment of any vehicle is a dangerous area.
Before you perform any work in the engine compartment, turn of
the engine and allow it to cool. Follow the warning stickers
~ page 289, "Engine compartment" . .,_
I • •

• ..__O_ n_ t_h _e _ r_o _a _ d __________________________________________________ _
& WARNING
Never start or let the engine run in a confined or enc losed area .
Exhaust fumes from the engine contain carbon monoxide , a color ­
le ss and odorless gas . Carbon monoxide can be fatal if inhaled .
• Never leave the engine idling unattended . An unattended
vehi cle with a runn ing engine poses a danger of personal injury or
theft.
0 Note
• Avoi d high engine speed s, fa st a ccele rati on or heavy eng ine
loads while the engi ne is sti ll cold. This cou ld damage the engine.
• The e ngi ne canno t be sta rt e d by pushing o r to w ing the vehicle.
~ For the sake of the environment
To avoid unnecessary engine wear and to re duce ex hau st emis ­
sions, do not let your vehicle stand and warm up. Be ready to drive
off immed iate ly afte r start ing y our veh icle. Maintain modera te
sp eed unt il the engine is completely warm. Remembe r, th e engine
performs best a t operati ng tempe ra ture .•
Stopping the engine
- Turn t he ignit ion key to position ©~ page 125 , fig. 123 .
& WARNING
• Never turn off the engine until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
• The brake booster and servotroni c only work when the engine
is running . With the ignition turned off , you have to apply more
force when steering or braking . Since you cannot steer and stop
normally, this can lead to accidents and serious injuries .
& WARNING (continued )
• The radiator fan can continue to run for up to 10 minutes even
after you have turned off the engine and removed the ignition key .
The radiator fan can also turn on again if the engine coolant heats
up because of inten se sunlight or heat build -up in the engine
compartment .
0 Note
Do not stop the engine immediatel y after hard or extended driving.
Keep the eng ine runn ing f or ap proximate ly t wo minu tes to preven t
excessive heat build -up. •
Starting and stopping the engine
with Advanced Key
Ap plies to veh ic les : w ith Advan ce d Key
Starting the engine with the [ START) button
This button switches on the i gnition and starts the en gine.
Fig. 124 Advanced
Key: ENG INE START
button
T he [ S TA RT ] b utto n is prov ided with two-stage operation
~ fig . 12 4. .,,_

• .___O_ n_ t_h _e _ r_o _a_ d __________________________________________________ _
& WARNING
• Never turn off the engine until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
• The brake booster and servotronic only work when the engine
is running. With the ignition turned off, you have to apply more
force when steering or braking. Since you cannot steer and stop
normally, this can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
• For safety reasons, you should always park your vehicle with
the selector lever in P. Otherwise, the vehicle could inadvertently roll away.
• After the engine has been switched off, the radiator fan can
continue to run for up to 10 minutes -even with the ignition
switched off. It can also switch on again after some time if the
coolant temperature rises as the result of a heat buildup or if the
engine is hot and the engine compartment is additionally heated
by the sun's rays.
0 Note
If the engine has been under heavy load for an extended period,
heat builds up in the engine compartment after the engine is
switched off -there is a risk of damaging the engine. Allow the
engine to run at idle for about 2 minutes before switching it off. •
Applies to vehicles: w ith Advanced Key
Driver messages in the instrument cluster
display
If a function is not present, a driver message appears.
No key identified
This message appears when the [STAR T) button is pressed if there
is no master key inside the vehicle or if the system does not recog­
nize it. For example, the master key cannot be recognized if it is
covered by an object (e.g. aluminum brief case) which
screens the radio signal.
.Electronic devices such as cell phones can also inter­
fere with the radio signal.
Press brake pedal to start engine
This message appears if you press the [ START) button to start the
engine and do not depress the brake pedal. The engine can only be
started if the brake pedal is depressed.
Engage N or P to start engine
This message appears when the engine is started if the selector
lever for the automatic transmission is not in the P or N position.
The engine can only be started with the selector in these positions.
? Key not in vehicle
This message appears along with the symbol if the master key is
removed from the vehicle with the engine running. It is intended to
remind you (e.g. when changing drivers) not to continue the journey
without the master key.
If the master key is no longer in the vehicle, you cannot switch off
the ignition after stopping the engine and you also cannot start the engine again. Moreover, you cannot lock the vehicle from the
outside with the key.
Shift to P, otherwise vehicle can roll away. Doors do not lock if lever
is not in
P.
This message appears for safety reasons along with a warning
buzzer if the selector lever for the automatic transmission is not in
the P position when the ignition is switched off with the
[STOP)
button and the driver's door is opened. Move the selector lever to
the P position, otherwise the vehicle is not secured against rolling
away. You also cannot lock the vehicle using the locking button on
the door handle or using the remote key.
To engage steering lock, press and hold STOP button
This message appears for safety reasons if the engine and the igni ­
tion have been switched off by pressing the [
STOP) button once, .,,_

___ C_ le_ a _ n_i_n ~g _ a_ n_ d __ p_r _o _t _e _c_ t_ i_o _n ___________________________________________ _
essential to have a long-lasting corrosion protection reapplied to al l
s urf aces, sea ms, joi nts a nd compo nents i n th e en gine c om par t­
m ent .
& WARNING
Be aware: The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a
potentially hazardous area.
• Before working in the engine compartment , be sure to read the
information
=> page 289.
• Before reaching into the front plenum panel, always remove the
ignition key . Otherwise, the windshield wipe r system could unin ­
tentionally be switched on , possibly causing personal in jury from
the moving wiper linkage .
• Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan . The
auxiliary fan is temperature controlled and can switch on suddenly
- even when the ignition is off.
• Do not wash, wax or dry the engine with the engine running .
Moving or hot parts could injure you .
• Do not clean the underside of the chassis , fenders, wheel
covers, or other hard to reach parts without protecting your hands
and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp -edged metal parts.
• Always read and heed all WARNINGS and other information
=> page 278 . •

___________________________________________ C_ h:....:e :....: c:....: k..:..: i..:.. n :..::g ::.....:: a:..:.n ..:..: d=---.:. f..:..:il ..:..:li ..:..n :.:::g !--_!11
•
Closing the engine hood
- Pull the hood down until the pressure from the struts is
reduced .
- Let the hood
drop down and latch in place. Do not try to
push it shut;
it may fail to engage => &.
& WARNING
A hood that is not completely latched could fly up and block your
view while driving.
• When you close the engine hood, check it to make sure the
safety catch has properly engaged. The hood should be flush with
the surrounding vehicle body parts.
• If you notice while driving that the hood is not secured prop­
erly, stop at once and close it. •
Working in the engine compartment
Be especially careful whenever you work in the engine
compartment.
Whenever you must perform any work in the engine compartment,
for example checking and filling different fluids, there is a risk of injury, burns and accidents. To prevent personal injury always
observe the following WARNINGS. The engine compartment of any
vehicle is a hazardous area
~ & .
& WARNING
To help avoid injury, before you check anything under the hood :
• Turn off the engine.
• Remove the ignition key.
• Apply the parking brake .
& WARNING (continued)
• Move selector lever to "P" (Park).
• Always let the engine cool down. Hot components will burn
skin on contact.
• To reduce the risk of being burned, never open the hood if you
see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine compart­
ment. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen or heard before
carefully opening the hood.
• Keep children away from the engine compartment .
• Never spill fluids on hot engine components. They can cause a
fire.
• Never touch the radiator fan. The auxiliary electric fan is
temperature controlled and can switch on suddenly.
• Never open the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is still
warm . The coolant system is pressurized and hot coolant could
spray out.
• Protect your face, hands and arm from steam or hot engine
coolant by placing a thick rag over the cap when you open the
coolant reservoir.
• If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary :
- Always disconnect the battery.
- Never smoke or work near heaters or open flames . Fluids in
the engine compartment could start a fire.
- Keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
• To avoid electrical shock and personal injury while the engine
is running or being started, never touch:
- Ignition cables
- Other components of the high voltage electronic ignition system.
• If you must perform a check or repair with the engine running: -First, fully apply the parking brake, move selector lever to "P"
(Park). .,
Vehicle care
I t •

___ C_h_ e_ c_k _in --== g'-- a_n _d_ f_il _li _n ..:::g:::..- ___________________________________________ _
& WARNING (continued )
-Always u se extreme caution to prevent cloth ing , jewelry, or
long hair from getting caught in the radiator fan , V-belt s or
other moving parts , or from contacting hot parts . Tie back hair
before starting , and do not wear clothing that will hang or
droop into the engine .
• Minimize exposure to emis sion and chemical hazards
::::> & .
& WARNING
California Proposition 65 W arn ing :
• Engine exhaust , some of its constituents , and certain vehicle
c omponents cont ain or emit chemicals known to the State of Cali­
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects and reproductive harm. In addition , certain fluids contained in vehi cles and certa in products
of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defect s or other reprodu c­
tive harm.
• Battery posts , terminals and related ac cessories conta in lead
and lead compounds , chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harms. Wash hands after
handling.
0 Note
When adding f luids, always make sure that they are poured into the
proper container or filler ope ning, otherwise serious damage to
vehic le systems wi ll occur.
ci> For the sake of the environment
To detect leaks in time, inspect the vehicle floor pan from under ­
n eath regu larly. If you see spots fro m oil o r o th e r v eh icle flu ids, hav e
your vehicle inspected by an author ized Audi dea ler. •
Engine compartment
These are th e m ost im porta nt items th at you can ch ec k.
Fig. 231 Typical layout for containe rs, engine oi l d ipstick and engine oil filler
cap
0 Jum p star t connector( +) under a cover,( -) w ith hex
head screw .... ... .... ..... ... .. .. ........... .. 310, 351
@ B rake fluid reservoir ( ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 06
© Coo lant e xpansio n tank (- L ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
© Eng in e oil fill er cap ('l=:11) . . . . . • . . . . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . 30 2
© E ng ine oil d ipstick (orange) .............. ....... .
©
0
Power steering reservoir ....................... •.
Windshield/ headlight washer container( ~) ....... . 3
01
263
312 ~

___ C_h_ e_ c_k _in --== g'-- a_n _d_ f_il _li _n ..:::g:::..- ___________________________________________ _
le as t 50% b ut not mor e th an 60 % to maintain antifreeze protection
and cooling efficiency . If the coo lant frost protection is too low, the
coo lant could freeze and damage the vehicle heating and engine
cooling system.
For year -round driving, antifreeze is added at the factory for temper­
atures down to:
• -31 °F ( -35 °C) USA
• -40 °F ( -40 °C) Canada.
You can m ix the
Gl 2 + coolant additive with other add itives (for
example
Gl 1 or Gl 2). A lways check with your authorized Audi
dea ler .
& WARNING
Before you check anyt hing in the engine comp artment , alw ays
re ad and heed all WARNINGS ~
& in "Working in the eng ine
co mpar tm ent " o n
pag e 297.
0 Note
• Before win ter sets in, have the coolant checked to see if the
coolant additive in your vehicle is sufficient to meet the climate
conditions. This is especia lly important if you live in a region where
the winter is extremely cold. I f necessary, increase the proportion of
coo lant additive to 60%.
• When adding coolant additive to your coo ling system,
remember:
-We recommend using only coolant additive
Gl 2+ (check the
label) for your vehicle. This coolant addit ive is available at autho ­
rized Audi dealers. Other types of antifreeze can significantly
reduce corrosion protect ion . T he resulting corrosion can cause a
loss of coolant and serious engine damage.
• Do not add any type of radiator leak sealant to your vehicle's
engine coolant. Adding radiator repair fluid may adversely affect the function and performance of your cooling system and cou
ld result
in damage not c overed by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty. •
Checking the engine coolant level
The engine coolant level can be checked with a quick
glance.
F ig . 235 Eng ine
c o mpartm ent : Cool ant
ex pa nsion tank
Before you check anything in the engine compartment,
always read and heed all WARNINGS~
& in "Working in
the e ngin e compa rtment" on
page 297 .
Turn off the ignition.
Re ad the en gine coo lant leve l from the coo lant exp an­
sio n ta n k~ fig. 235. With a cold eng ine, the coolan t leve l
sho uld be between the "m in" and "max" markings. W hen
t h e eng ine is warm, the level may be s lightly abov e the
"max" marking .
The location of the coolant expansion tank can be seen in the
engine compartment illustration~
page 298.
To obtain an accurate reading, the engine must be switched off .
T he expansion tank in your vehicle is equipped with an e lectric
coo lant leve l sensor.