2009 AUDI S3 coolant level

Instruments and warning/indicator lights
Engine cold
As long as the needle remains at the left end of the gauge, the
engine still has not reached its operating temperature . Avoid high
engine speeds, heavy engine loads and heavy throttle.
Normal temperature
When the engine has reached its operating temperature, the needle
will move into the middle of the gauge and remain there. If the engine is working hard at high outside temperatures, the needle
may turn further to the right. This is no cause for concern as long as
the
_ f_ warning light in the instrument cluster does not illuminate.
When the
-L warning light 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 30.
& WARNING
• Always observe the warning in => page 217, "Engine compart ­
ment" before opening the engine 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. •
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge works only when the ignition is on.
When the needle reaches the red area, the warning light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate=>
page 32 I). This means you
have approximately 1.8 gallons (7 liters) of fuel left in the tank.
Time
to refuel!
The total tank capacity of your vehicle is listed in=> page 300,
"Data".
0 Note
Never run the tank completely dry! An irregular supply of fuel can
cause engine misfiring and fuel could enter into the exhaust
system. The catalytic converter could then overheat and be
damaged .•
Speedometer with odometer
The speedometer shows you the vehicle speed, and the
odometer shows you how many miles (kilometers) you
have driven.
Fig. 4 Speedometer
close-up : odometer
display
The odometer and trip odometer are located inside the speedom­
eter.

Driver inf ormati on displ ay
- Briefly press the button in t he ins trument cluster
=>
page 27, fig . 19. T he odome ter and the digita l clock are
now illuminated .
- Press the button for at least
2 seconds. The currently
stored maximum speed appears in the display
or the
crossed out symbol for warning threshold
2, if no
maximum speed was set previously .
- Press the function selector switch in the wiper lever @
=>
page 27, fig. 20 up or down to change t he set value .
Values r un up or dow n in steps of
6.2 mph (10 km/h) .
To dele te max imum sp eed
-Turn off the ignition.
- Briefly press the button in t he instrument cluster
=>
page 27, fig . 19. The odometer and the digita l clock are
now illuminated.
- Press the butt on for at least 2 seconds. T he currently
stored maximum speed appears in the display.
- Press the rese t button in the wiper lever @=>
page 27,
fig. 20 unt il the crossed out speed warning symbo l for
warning threshold 2 appears in the display.
A few seconds after the adjustment is comp leted, the i llumination
for the odometer and the digital clock wil l go out .
[ i ] Tip s
This warning threshold can also be controlled through the trip
computer =>
page 25, "Navigating the menu". •
Warnings and symbols
Red symbols
A red symbol means DANGER
-Pull of the r oad and stop t he vehicle .
- Turn o ff the engine .
Check the malfunctioning system. Contact your autho ­
rized Audi dealer or a qua lified workshop for assistance .
BRAKE USA m odels: => page 30 Ma lfunction in the brake system
CCD > Ca na da m odel s: => page 30
Malfunction in the brake system
_t_ Engine coolant level too low/ => page 30
-engine coolant temperature too
high
~ Engine oil pressure too low => page 37
- --
When a red symbol appears, a warning tone will sound three times
in succession. The symbol continues to flash unti l the malfunction
has been repaired . If there is
more than one malfunction, the
symbols appear one after the other for about two seconds.
[ i ] Tip s
• The message for a malfunction can be shown by pressing on the
left knob.
• During route guidance on vehicles with a navigation system, the
warn ing symbo l is shown in the field above .•

Driver inf ormati on displ ay
In addition, driver information may appear when a red symbol
fl ashes in the driver disp lay .
To disp lay Drive r inf orma tion
As an example, the~ symbo l appears in the disp lay. If you now
press the button=>
page 29 , fig. 21 , the following driver message
appears in the display:
Switc h off eng ine and ch eck oil leve l
The driver message in the disp lay goes out after about
5 seconds.
You can display the driver message again by briefly pressing the button .•
Brake system malfunction
BRAKE (USA models) /((D) (Canada models)
The indicator light flashes if the brake fluid level is too
low, if there is a malfunction in the ABS system or when
the parking brake is engaged.
If the BRAKE /((D) symbol flashes in the display with the
parking brake released , there is a ma lfunction in the brake
system. In addition to the symbol, one of two messages
appears in the display :
Stop vehi cle and che ck br ake fluid
ABS f ault
! S ee owner' s manual
- Pull off the road and stop the vehic le.
- Obtain professiona l assistance.
USA models : if there is a malfunction in the ABS system, the -
warning/indicator light i lluminates along with the BRAKE system
malfunction warning /indicator light=>&.
Canada models : if there is a malfunction in the ABS system , the
warning/ indicator light illuminates together with the ((])) brake
system malfunction warning/indicator light=>&.
Parking br ake se t
The parking brake warning light Brake/((])) (Canada mode ls} i llumi ­
nates when the parking brake is set. In addition, a warning tone will
sound after you have driven fo r longer than 3 seconds and faster
t han
3 mph (5 km/h}.
& WARNING
• Alwa ys observe the warning s in => pag e 217, "Engine compart ­
me nt", befor e op en ing the eng in e hood and ch ec king th e br ake
flu id.
• Driving w ith lo w brak e fluid is a sa fe ty hazar d! S top the car an d
g et prof es si onal a ssistance .
• If the br ake system wa rnin g/ ind icator l ight illum in ate s
t o geth er with th e AB S wa rning /indi cator light , then the AB S
sy stem i s ma lfuncti oni ng. Th e re ar w heels c ould quickly lock up
whe n you apply the brak es. Thi s could lead to l oss of control and
you r ve hicle cou ld slid e! Dr iv e ca re fully to th e nearest au thori ze d
Au di d ea le r and have th e malfun ction correct ed. •
Engine cooling system malfunction _}_
A malfunction in the engine cooling system must be
repaired as soon as possible.
When the - t symbol in the display flashes , then either the
engine coolant temperature is too high, or the coolant level
is too low . In addition to the symbol, the following message
also appears in the display :
Switch off engin e and ch ec k coolant level
- Pull off the road and stop the vehicle .

-Turn off the engine.
- Check coolant level => page
233 .
-Add coolant if necessary => page 234 .
-Continue driving only after the engine coolant
warning/indicator 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 14, 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 58, "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 off
the engine and allow it to cool . Follow the warning stickers
=> page 217, "Engine compartment" .
0 Note
Do not continue driving if the -IL symbol illuminates. There is a
malfunction in the engine cooling system -you could damage your
engine. •
Controls and equip ­
ment
Driver information display
Engine oil pressure malfunction 'l=;:f.
The red engine oil pressure warning symbol requires
immediate service or repair.
If the 'l=::7-: symbol appears in the display and flashes, the oil
pressure is too low. In addition to the symbol, the following
message also appears in the display:
Switch off engine and check oil level
-Pull off the road and stop the vehicle.
Shut the engine down.
Check the engine oil level=> page
229.
Contact your authorized Audi dealer for assistance if
necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, top off oil to the proper level
=> page 230.
Engine oil level OK
If the ~ symbol star ts flashing again even though the engine oil
level checks OK on the dipstick,
do not start driving again and do not
let the engine run at idle .
Instead, contact your authorized Audi
dealer for assistance.
[ i] Tips
• The engine oil pressure symbol ~ is not an indicator for a low
engine oil level. Do not rely on it. Instead, check the oil level in your
engine at regular intervals, preferably each time you refuel, and
always before going on a long trip.
• The yellow oil level warning indication requires oil refill or
workshop service without delay. Do not wait until the red oil pres ­
sure warning symbol
~ starts to flash before you respond to the ...
I • •

Checking and filling -
---------------------=----"=---------
0 Note
• Before winter sets in, have the coolant checked to see if the
coolant additive in your vehicle is sufficient to meet the climate
conditions. This is especially important if you live in a region where
the winter is extremely cold. If necessary, increase the proportion of
coolant additive to 60%.
• When adding coolant additive to your cooling system,
remember:
-We recommend using only coolant additive G12+ + (check the
label) for your vehicle. This coolant additive is available at autho­
rized Audi dealers. Other types of antifreeze can significantly
reduce corrosion protection . The 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 could result
in damage not covered by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty .•
Checking the engine coolant level
The engine coolant level can be checked with a quick
glance.
Fig . 175 Engine
compartment : coolant
expansion tank
Before you check anything in the engine compartment,
always read and heed all WARNINGS==> & in "Working in
the engine compartment" on
page 225.
Turn off the ignition.
Read the engine coolant level from the coolant expan­
sion tank==> fig. 175. With a cold engine, the coolant level
should be between the "min" and "max" markings. When
the engine is warm, the level may be slightly above the
" max" marking.
The location of the coolant expansion tank can be seen in the
engine compartment illustration=>
page 226.
To obtain an accurate reading, the engine must be switched off.
The expansion tank in your vehicle is equipped with an electric
coolant level sensor.
When the coolant level is too low, the warning light in the Auto­
Check System =>
page 30will blink until you add coolant and the
level has been restored to normal. Even though there is an electric
coolant level sensor, we still recommend you check the coolant level
from time to time.
Coolant loss
Coolant loss may indicate a leak in the cooling system. In the event
of coolant loss, the cooling system should be inspected immedi­
ately by your authorized Audi dealer. It is not enough merely to add
coolant.
In a
sealed system, losses can occur only if the boiling point of the
coolant is exceeded as a result of overheating.
0 Note
Do not add any type of radiator leak sealant to your vehicle's engine
coolant. Adding radiator repair fluid may adversely affect the tune- _..
Vehicle care I I Technical data

Checking and filling -
---------------------=----"=---------
Radiator fan
The radiator fa n switches on au toma tically by i tself.
T he e lectric radiator fan is control led bythermoswitches that switch
on and off depending on coolan t and engine compar tm ent temper ­
atures .
An auxiliary e lectric radiator fan * switches on and off depending on
coolant temperature and other vehicle operation conditions.
After switching off the engine , the auxiliary fan -even with the igni ­
tio n off -ca n co ntinue runni ng for u p to 10 minutes. It can even
switch on again later by itself=>&, if
• the temperat ure of the engine coolant rises due to the heat
build -up from the engine in the engine compartment, or
• t he engine co mpart men t heats up because the vehicle is parked
in intense sunlight.
& WARNING
• To reduce the risk of personal injury never tou ch the r ad iator
fan .
• The auxiliary electric fan is temperature controlled and can
switch on suddenly even when the engine i s not running .
• The auxiliary radiator fan switches on automatically when the
engine cool ant reache s a certain temperature and will continue to
run until the coolant temperature drop s. •
Brake fluid
Checking brake fluid level
The bra ke flu id l evel can be che cke d wi th a q uick gla nce.
Fig . 17 6 Engine
c o mpartment : brake
fluid re ser vo ir
Be fore yo u check anythin g in the e ng ine compar tm ent,
always read and heed all WARNINGS=> & in "Working in
t h e eng ine compartment" on
page 225.
Read t he brake fl uid lev el from t he brake flui d res ervoir .
T he b rak e fluid l eve l must b e between the
"MI N" and
"M AX" markings => fig. 176.
The brake f luid reservoir is located at the rear pa rtit ion of the engine
compartment on the left side=> page 226.
T he fluid leve l may drop slightly after some time due to the auto ­
ma tic adjustment o f the brake pads. Th is is not cause for alarm .
I f the brake flu id leve l falls considerably below the "MIN" mark, the
brake warning/indicator light (U.S . models :
BRAKE, Canadian models:
ID ) will come on=> page 15 and=> page 30. Do not continue to
operate the vehic le . The complete brake system should be thor ­
oughly checked by an au thorized Audi dealer or other qualified
facility and the cause corrected. If the brake fluid leve l is too low, the .,,_
Vehicle care I I irechnical data

------------------------------------------------=C :..:o=. n :..:..: s:..:u::.: m:...:..:. e::.:.. r..:l~ n .:..:f:..: o:.: r :..:m~ a::.:. ti:.:o::. n:....:__ _11111
& WA RNIN G (continu ed )
• Alway s be extremely careful when working on the v ehicle .
Alway s follo w commonly accepted safety pr actice s and general
c ommon sen se . Never risk per sonal inju ry .
• Do n ot attempt any of the m aint enance , check s or rep air s
de scribed on the following pages if you are not fully famili ar with
the se or othe r procedures with respect to the vehicle , or are u ncer­
t a in ho w to pro ceed .
• Do not do any work w ithout the proper tool s and equipment .
Have the necessary work done by your authorized Audi de aler or
anothe r properly equipped and qual ified work shop .
• The engine compartment of any motor vehicle i s a potentially
h azardou s are a. Ne ver rea ch into the are a around or touch the
radiator fan. It is te mperature controlled and can switch on
s uddenly · even when the engine is off and the ignition key has
been remo ved . The radi ator fan switches on automat icall y when
the coolant reaches a certain temperature and will continue to run
until the coolant t emper ature drops .
• Alway s remo ve the ignition key befor e anyone get s under the
v ehi cle .
• Alway s support your vehicle with safety sta nd s if it i s nece s­
sary to work underneath the vehicle . The ja ck supplied with the
vehi cle is not adequate for this p urpo se a nd co uld coll apse
c au sing ser iou s person al in jur y.
• If you m ust w ork under neath the vehi cle with the wheel s on
the ground , alway s make sure the vehicle is on lev el ground , that
the wheels are alway s secu rel y blocked and that the engine
c annot be started .
• Alway s make sure the t ran sm iss ion selector lever (automat ic
tran smi ssion ) is in "P " (Park position ) (automati c transmis sion) or
Neutr al ( ma nual transmission ) and the h and brake i s firmly
appli ed .
Controls and equip­ ment Safety first Vehicle operation
<£' For the sake of the environment
•
Changing the engine settings will adverse ly affect em ission
levels. This is detrimental to the environment and increases fuel
consu mption.
• Always observe environmenta l regulations when disposing of
old engine oil, used brake fluid, d irty engine coolant, spent batteries
or worn out tires .
• Undeployed airbag modules and pretensioners might be classi ­
fied as Perch lorate Material -special handling may apply, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlo rate. When the vehicle or
parts of the restraint system including airbag modules safety be lts
with pretensioners are scrapped, a ll applicable laws and regu la ­
tions must be observed. Your authorized Audi dealer is familiar with
these requirements and we recommend that you have your dea ler
perform this service for you. •
Additional accessories,
modifications and parts replacement
Additional accessories and parts
replacement
Al ways consult an authorized Au di de aler befo re
purchasing accessories.
Your vehicle incorporates the latest safety design features ensuring
a high standard of act ive and passive sa fety.
This safety could be compromised by non -approved changes to the
vehic le . Fo r th is reason, if par ts have t o be re p laced, please observe
the fo llowing points when insta lling additional accessories:
Approved Audi accessories and genuine Audi parts are available
from autho rized Audi dealers . .,_
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Tec hn ica l da ta

___ A_l.:,. p _h_ a_ b_e _t _ic _ a_l _in _ d_e _x ____________________________________________ _
Cargo net .... .... ...... .. ... ..... ... 85
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Center armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Centigrade Switching between Centigrade and Fahrenheit ..................... 103
Central locking panoramic sliding sunroof closing .. . 49
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268, 307
Changing a flat tire ...... .... ....... 272
Changing engine oi l .. .... .... .... ... 231
Chassis Undercoating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
See also Audi magnetic ride
Checking 115
Engine coolant level .. .... .... .... 233
Checking tire pressure ...... ........ . 250
Child restraint
Danger of using child restraints in the
front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Child restraints What types of child restraint anchors are available? ... .... .... ......... . 182
Where can I get additional information
about child restraints? ... .... .... 183
Child safety ...... ... .... .... ... 169, 174
Additional information .... .... .... 186
Booster seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Convertible child safety seats . . . . . . 175
Convertible locking retractor . . . . . . . 179
Important safety instructions for using child safety seats .. ......... .... 172 Important things to know when driving
with children ................... 169
Infant seats ..................... 174
Installing a child restraint using the
LATCH system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Lower anchorages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Mounting and releasing the anchorage
hook .... .... ... ........ .... ... 186
Older children and safety belts . .... 178
Safety belts and ol dler children .... . 178
Tether anchors .... .... .... ... ... 186
Tether strap .... ... .... .... .... .. 187
Which restraint system should my o lder
child wear? .. .... .... .... ...... 178
Child safety lock ..................... 44
child safety seat LATCH system . .... .... .... .... .. 185
Child safety seats ... ........... ..... 174
Convertible locking retractor . ...... 179
How do I properly install a child safety
seat in my vehicle? .. ...... .... .. 172
Installing .... ...... ... .... .... .. 179
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Cleaning Alcantara (synthetic suede) . .... ... 216
Engine compartment ... .... ...... 217
Fabrics and fabric coverings ..... .. 213
Instrument panel .. ... .. .... .... .. 214
Interior .. .... .... ..... .... .... .. 213
Leather .. .... ... .......... ...... 215
Plastic and vinyl ................. 210
Plastic parts ............... ... ... 214
Safety belts .. .... .... ... ..... ... 217 Trim
strips .... ........ .. . .. .. .. . 209
trim strips .. .... .... ... .... .... .. 210
Cleaning and protection ............. 206
Climate controls .. ........ .... .... ... 98
Air distribution .... .... ... .... ... 103
Air outlets ... .. .... .... .... ...... 104
Air recirculation ... ...... ... ...... 103
Air recirculation mode (manual) ... . 102
AUTO (standard setting) .. .... ... .. 101
Automatic air recirculation ........ 102
Controls . ........... .. .... .... .. 100
Defrosting/defogging .. ........ ... 101
Description .... ........ ....... .... 98
Fan ........ ... .. .... .... .... ... 103
Key-coded setting ..... ... . ....... 105
Recommended settings .... .... .... 98
Setting the temperature .... .... ... 101
Switching between Fahrenheit and
Centigrade ... .... .... ... .... ... 103
Switching the air conditioning on and off 101
Using the climate control economically . .
104
Warm and cold ... .... .... .... ... . 98
Clock . .... .... ............... ........ 9
Coat hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Co ld tire inflation pressure . ..... ... .. 247
Coming -home -function .. ...... ... ... . 56
Compartments in the door trims ... ... . 96
Compass mirror .. .... ....... .... .... 72
Compliance ........................ 307
Consumer Information .......... . 135, 303
Contacting NHTSA ... .... .... .... ... 135