2009 AUDI Q7 brake fluid

Safety first ........ ... ... .. .
Driving Safely ........... ...... .
Genera l notes . .... ....... ... .. .
Proper occ upant sea ting positions
Peda l area ... ................. .
Sto\Ning luggage . .... .... .... . .
Reporting Sa fety Defects ....... .
Safety belts ................... .
General notes ...... ........... .
W hy safe ty belts? .. ... .. ... ... .
Safety belts ..... ........ ... .. .
Safety belt pretensioners ...... .
Airbag sy stem ..... ...... ..... .
Important t hings to kno\N ...... .
Front airbags . ... ... .......... .
Monitoring the Advanced Airbag
System .... ......... ......... .
Side airbags ......... .... .. ... .
Side curtain a irbags ...... ..... .
Child Safety .............. ..... .
Impo rtant things to kno\N ...... .
Child safety seats . ....... ... .. .
Insta lling a ch ild safe ty seat . ... .
Add it ional Information ......... .
219
220
220
222
226
227
229
231
231
232
235
239
241
241
245
252
257
260
263
263
268
2 73
276
Lo\Ner anchorages and tether for
ch ildren (LA TC H) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
278
Vehicle operation . . . . . . . . 287
Inte lligent technology . . . . . . . . . . 288
Not ice about d ata reco rded by
ve hicle contro l modules . . . . . . . . .
288
Elect ronic S tabilizat ion Program
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
288
B raking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Servotronic® -advanced po\Ner
s teer ing syst em . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
293
Driv ing \Nit h your quatt ro® . . . . . . 294
Energy management . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Driving a nd enviro nment . . . . . . . 297
The first 1,000 m iles (1 ,500 km) and
after\Na rds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
297
Cata lytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Avo id damaging the vehic le . . . . . 299
Opera te your vehicle economically
and minimize pollution . . . . . . . . . .
299
Dri ving off road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Driving in diffic ult roa d co nd it ions
a nd o ffro ad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
302
Trailer towing ............. .... .
Driv ing \Nit h a trailer ...... ..... .
T rai le r to\Ning tips .. .... ..... .. .
305
305
308
Table of contents
Vehicle care ....... ... ... ... 311
C leaning and protection ........ 312
Ge ner al in fo rm atio n . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 12
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 12
Care of inte rior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 19
F u el su pp ly and fillin g your fuel
ta nk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Gaso line . . . . . . . . • . . . . • . . . . . . . . . 325
Fuel tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
C heck in g and filling . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Engi ne cooling sys te1 T1 . . . . . . . . . . 33 7
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Batt ery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
W indshield/headlight \Nasher
containe r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
346
T ires a nd w hee ls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 7
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Vehicle care I I irechnical data

Instruments and warning/indicator lights
& WARNING (continued)
• 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.
• If the brake warning/indicator light does not go out after a few
seconds and the parking brake released, or lights up while you are
driving, the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is too low . If you
believe that it is safe to do so, proceed immediately at low speed
to the nearest authorized Audi dealer or qualified repair facility
and have the brake system inspected.
• Always keep in mind that after several brake applications, you
will need greater pressure on the brake pedal to stop your vehicle. Do not rely on strained brakes to respond with maximum stopping
power in critical situations. You must allow for increased braking
distances . The extra distance used up by fading brakes could lead
to an accident. •

Driver messages and yellow symbols
If a yellow symbol appears in the display, a driver message is also
displayed automatically.
For example, the symbol appears in the display, indicating low
windshield washer fluid level. The following message also appears:
Please top up washer fluid
The driver message disappears after a few seconds. The driver
message can be displayed again by briefly pressing the
I CH ECK]
button. •
Red symbols
A red symbol means DANGER.
-Pull off the road.
- Stop the vehicle.
Turn off the engine.
Fig . 18 Display: engine
coolant level warning
(priority 1)
- Check the malfunctioning system. Contact your autho­
rized Audi dealer or a qualified workshop for assistance.
Red symbols indicate a priority 1 malfunction -Danger!
Con tro ls and eq uip­
ment
Driver information display
With a priority 1 malfunction, a large symbol appears in the center
area of the display => fig. 18. When the symbol appears,
three
warning tones sound in succession. The symbol continues to blink
until the malfunction has been repaired.
If there are
more than one priority 1 malfunctions, the symbols
appear one after the other for about 2 seconds.
An additional driver message can also be displayed by briefly
pressing the
! CHECK ] button.
The red symbols mean:
0
BRAKE

[ i] Tips
Alternator malfunction
USA models:
Brake system malfunction
Canada models:
Brake system malfunction
Engine coolant level too
low/engine coolant temperature
too high
Engine oil pressure too low
Faulty steering
Faulty ignition switch
=> page32
=> page 32
=> page32
=> page33
=> page 33
=> page 34
=> page 34
• If the warning/indicator light BRAKE (USA models)/ © (Canada
models) in the instrument cluster flashes, there is a brake system
malfunction. By pressing the
I CH ECK] button, you can bring up a
driver message which explains the malfunction in more detail.
Please note
=> page 32. ..
Vehicle care
I I irechnical data

Driver information display
• Speed warnings threshold 1 8 (USA modelsl/8 (Canada
models) and threshold
2 e , (USA modelsl/ 8 (Canada models) are
also shown as red symbols. The warning is always shown as a small
symbol in the upper area of the display=>
page 38. •
Alternator malfunction 0
If the O symbol in the instrument panel display flashes, then there
is a malfunction in the alternator or the vehicle electronics. A
warning to the driver will appear, too. The driver warning goes out
after about
5 seconds, but it can be brought up at any time by
pressing the
( CHECK ] button again.
Usually, you can still drive to the next dealership. Turn off all but the
most necessary electrical consumers, since these drain the vehicle's
battery.
0 Note
If the _t warning symbol (coolant system malfunction) also lights
up on the instrument panel during the trip=>
page 33, then you
have to stop immediately and turn off the engine. The coolant pump
is not working anymore -danger of damage to the engine! •
Brake system malfunction
A malfunction in the brake system must be repaired as
soon as possible.
If the warning/indicator light BRAKE (USA models)/ (©)
(Canada models) in the instrument cluster flashes, there is
a brake system malfunction. By pressing the [ CHECK]
button, you can bring up a driver message which explains
the malfunction in more detail.
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
-Pull off the road.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the engine.
- Check the brake fluid level=>
page 341.
-Contact your nearest authorized Audi dealer or qualified
workshop if necessary.
Warning! Fault in ABS brake system. Contact
workshop
- Drive carefully to the nearest authorized Audi dealer or
qualified workshop and have the malfunction corrected
=> & .
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 324, "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 .-..-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 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 _.,

If there is a malfunction in the electronic ignition lock, the ignition
cannot be turned off. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dea ler to have the cause of the malfunction corrected .
On vehicles with Convenience key*, the engine should not be
switched off using the
I S T OP! button because the engine cannot be
started again after the ignition is switched off. •
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol means WARNING.
Fig. 19 Display: low
fu el leve l wa rnin g
(pr io rity 2)
Yellow symbols indicate a priority 2 malfunction -Warning!
When a yel low warning symbol appears,
one warning tone sounds .
A driver message appears as well to explain the malfunction in more
detail. The driver warning goes out after about 5 seconds, but it can
be brought up again at any time by pressing the
I CH ECK! button.
Check the displayed function as soon as possible . If
more than one
priority 2 malfunction is detected, all symbols will appear one after
the other for about 2 seconds.
Yellow symbols mean:
Con tro ls and eq uip­
ment
Dri ver inf orm atio n di spl ay
Convenience key* ~ page 146
Key not in vehicle
IIUSA model s: ~ page27
Defective brake light
Canad a mod els: ~ page27
Defective brake light
Defective light bulb
~ page27
Light/rain sensor defective* ~ page36
Windshield washer fluid ~ page36
level low
L ow fue l leve l
~ page36
Battery voltag e ~ page36
Worn brake pads ~ page37
Dynamic headlight range => page 37
control defective
Check engine oil level
~ page 37
~ page335
IIEngine oil sensor malfunction ~ page 37
-
Engine speed limitation* ~ page37
-
Adaptive Light d efective* ~ page37
Ignition lock malfunction => page 38
]iwindshield wiper defect ive ~ page38
Vehicle care I I irechnical data

The ASR works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should
occur in the ABS, the ASR wil l also be out of action.
& WARNING
The increased safety afforded by ASR does not mean that you can
take safety risks. Always adapt your driving style to the road
conditions and traffic situation.
[ i ] Tips
To ensure that the ASR works properly, all four wheels must be fitted
with identica l tires. Any differences in rolling radius of the tires can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
See also~
page 359, "New tires and rep lacing tires and wheels". •
Braking
General information
What affects braking efficiency?
Operating conditions and driving habits
The brakes on today's automobiles are still subject to wear,
depending large ly on operating conditions and driving habits~& .
On vehicles that are either driven mostly in stop-and-go city traffic
or are driven hard, the brake pads shou ld be checked by your autho ­
rized Audi dealer more often than specified in the
Warranty & Main­
tenance booklet.
Failure to have your brake pads inspected can
result in reduced brake performance.
On steep slopes, you shou ld use the braking effect of the engine .
This way, you prevent unnecessary wear on the brake system. If you
must use your brakes, do not hold the brakes down continuously.
Pump the brakes at intervals.
Controls and equip­
ment Safety first Vehicle operation
Intelligent technology
Moisture
or road salt
If you are driving faster than 3 1 mph (50 km/h) and the windshield
wipers are on, the brake pads will briefly touch the brake discs in
regular intervals so as to improve reaction time when braking on
wet surfaces. You, the driver, will not notice anything.
Under certain conditions, for example, when driving through water
or very heavy rain, or even after washing your vehicle, the braking
effect can be reduced due to moisture (or in freezing conditions ice)
on the brake pads. A few careful brake applications sho uld dry off
the brake pads or remove any ice coatings .
The effectiveness of the brakes can be reduced when the vehicle is driven on a salt -covered road and the brakes are not used. Here too,
you should clean off accumulated salt coating from brake discs and
pads with a few carefu l app lications of the brake ~& .
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and
corrosion to form on the discs if the car is not driven regularly or
only for short trips with litt le use of the brakes.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if corrosion has formed on
t he discs, it is advisable to clean off the pads and discs by braking
firm ly a few times from a moderately high speed~&.
Faults in the brake system
If you shou ld notice a sudden increase in brake peda l trave l, then
one of the two brake circuits may have failed~& .
Low brake fluid le vel
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is
too low . The brake fluid level is monitored electronically .
Brake lining wear status
Brake lining wear may be checked by visual inspection of the condi ­
tion of the brake pads through the openings in the wheel. If neces­
sary, the wheel may be removed for this inspection
~ page 373,
"Changing a whee l" . ._.
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Technical data

If an individual wheel begins to rotate too slowly in relation to
vehicle speed and tends to lock, the ABS automatically reduces
brake pressure to prevent that wheel from locking.
This automatic adjustment process will cause a
slight vibration of
the brake pedal and some noises to alert you that vehicle speed
must be adapted to existing road and traffic conditions .
_& WARNING
Although the ABS is very effective, always remember that braking
capability is limited by tire traction. Always adjust your driving
speed according to the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety afforded by the ABS tempt you into taking extra risks.
The ABS cannot overcome the laws of physics.
[ i] Tips
• If ABS is not functioning properly , a warning light will come on .
See
=> page 22.
• If a fault occurs in the ABS, the EDL is also not functioning. This
is indicated by the ABS warning light.•
Brake assistant
The brake assistant is designed to achieve the optimum
braking effect.
The brake assistant helps to increase the effective braking power
and thus to achieve
a shorter stopping distance . If the driver
presses the brake pedal very quickly , the brake assistant automati­
cally boosts the braking force to the maximum level, up to the point
where the anti-lock brake function (ABS) intervenes to stop the
wheels from locking. You should then keep th e brake pedal pressed
until the vehicle has braked to the required speed. The brake assis­
tant swi tches its elf off as soon as you release the brake pedal.
Controls and equip­
ment Safety first Vehicle operation
Intelligent technology
Automatic full braking assist
This function allows full braking
in spite of high brake pedal forces
(e.g . when the brakes are severely stressed because the vehicle is
fully loaded) . The driver notices this function through a reduction of
pedal force and increased pedal travel. When the brake pedal is
released, full braking assist switches off again automatically.
If there is an ABS failure, the brake assistant and automatic full
braking assist ar e not available .
The brake assistant will not be operative if there is a malfunction in
the ABS.
_& WARNING
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you
drive too fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you
follow the vehicle ahead of you too closely . Increased risk of an
accident cannot be compensated for even by the brake assistant,
so always maintain a safe speed. iJ
Servotronic® -advanced power
steering system
The power steering systems uses the power of the
running engine to allow precise steering with little effort.
The advanced Servotronic ® power steering system senses the road
speed and electronically adjusts power assistance to provide
comfortable and safe steering response exactly matched to the
vehicle speed.
Power steering will not work if the engine is off. As a result, the
s teering whe el will be hard to turn.
The power steering fluid level is checked during the scheduled
maintenance services .
•
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Technical data

-Cleaning and prot
ection
-~--------------
Cleaning and protection
General information
Regular care preserves vehicle value.
Any automobi le is exposed to industrial fumes, corrosive road salt,
muddy dog feet, etc . A well cared for Audi can look like new many
years a fter purchase. Regu lar a nd correct ca re will co ntribu te to
maintaining the beauty and value of your Audi.
Furthermore, good care may be a condition for substantiating a
war ranty claim should co rros ion damage or paint defect s occur .
Your authorized Audi dealer has a variety of dedicated vehicle- care
product s
and can adv ise whic h ones to use for clea ning the e xter ior
and interior of your vehicle.
Whethe r you use p roducts recommended by Audi or other c ommer ­
cia lly availab le cleaning agents , please make sure you apply them
correctly.
& WARNING
• Cleaning agents may be poisonous. Keep them out of the reach
of ch ildren .
• Heed all caution label s.
• Always read directions on the contai ner before using any
product. Follow the di rection s carefully .
• Most chemical cleaners are concentrated and have to be
d iluted.
• Use spot removing fluids only in well ventilated area s.
• Do not use gasoline , kerosene , die sel fuel , nail polish remover
or other volatile fluids . They may be toxic , flammable or hazardous
in other way s. Do not wash , wa x or dry the vehicle w ith the igni ­
tion on or the engine running.
& WARNING (continued )
• Do not clean the under side s of chassis , fenders , wheel cove rs,
etc . without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself
on sharp -edg ed metal parts .
• Moisture and ice on brakes may impair braking effi ciency
=> page 291 , "General info rmation ". Test the brake s carefully each
time you wa sh the vehicle.
~ For the sake of the environment
Se lect only enviro nmenta lly friend ly c leaning products . Leftover
clean ing products should not disposed of in the household waste. •
Care of exterior
Washing
Frequen t washing pro tects the vehi cle.
Th e bes t protection against envi ronmental influences is frequent
washing and waxing . How often this is required depends on:
• Ho w much the vehic le is used
• Where the vehic le is parked (garage, in the open under trees,
etc.)
• T he seasonal and weather conditions
• Environmenta l influences
T he longer bird droppings, insects, tree resin, road and industrial
gri me, tar, soot, road salt and ot her materials rema in on the ve hicle
body, the more lasting their destruc tive effects will be . High temper ­
atu res caused by exp osu re to in tense s un ligh t inte nsify the c orro -
sive effect, particularly when humidity is high as well.
~