2009 AUDI S6 warning

On-Board Diagnostic system (08D)
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIU ~ in the instrument cluster
~ page 16, fig. 7 is part of the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD ID system.
The warning/indicator light illuminates when the ignition is
switched on and goes out after the engine starts and the idle has
stabi lized . This indicates that the MIL is working properly.
If the light does not go out after the engine is started, or illuminates
while you are driving, a malfunction may exist in the engine system.
If the light starts flashing, the catalytic converter could be damaged.
Continue driving
with reduced power (avoiding sustained high
speeds and/or rapid accelerations) and have the condition
corrected. Contact your authorized Audi dealer.
If the light illuminates, the electronic speed limiter may also be
malfunctioning . For more information~
page 27, "Electronic speed
limiter".
An improperly closed fuel filler cap may also cause the MIL light to
illuminate
~ page 297. •
On-Board Diagnostics
Con tro ls and eq uip­
ment
Fig . 16 Location of
Data Link Connector
(D LC )
Driver information display
On-Board Diagnostics monitors the components of your emission
control system. Each monitored component in your engine sys tem
has been assigned a code. In case of a malfunction, the component
wil l be identified and the fault stored as a code in the control
module memory .
The M IL light may also illuminate if there is a leak in the on -board
fuel vapor recovery system. If the light illuminates after a refuelling,
stop the vehicle and make sure the fuel filler cap is properly closed
~ page 297.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, the stored data can only be
d isplayed using special diagnostic equipment (generic scan tool for
OBDl.
In order to connect the special diagnostic equipment, push the plug
into the Data Link Connector (DLC). The DLC is located to the right of
the hood release~ fig. 16.
Your authorized Audi dealer or a qua lified service station can inter­
pret the code and perform the necessary repair. •
Electronic speed limiter
Your vehicle may be factory equipped with tires that are rated for a
maximum speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). This is less than the
maximum speed of your vehicle. To reduce the risk of sudden tire
failure and loss of control if the vehicle is operated at excessive
speeds, your vehicle also has an electronic speed limiter. The elec­
tronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from going faster than the
tire speed rating. For more information~
page 329.
If the engine control unit receives faulty vehicle roadspeed signa ls,
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIU will i lluminate . If this
occurs, contact the nearest authorized Audi dealer for assistance. .,.
Vehicle care I I Technical data

Driver information display
& WARNING
Always observe the posted speed limits and adjust your speed to
suit prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions. Never drive
your vehicle faster than the maximum speed rating of the tires
installed. •
Auto Check Control
Introduction
The Auto -Check control monitors the function of certain vehicle
features and components . It simply makes sure these features and
components are working properly . The Auto -Check control works as
long as the ignition is on, as well as whenever the vehicle is driven.
If a component is malfunctioning or if the need for an urgent repair
has been detected, this will appear in the instrument cluster display.
You will also hear an audible warning tone . The displays are color
coded in either red or yellow depending on their level of priority .
A red symbol means
Danger, a yellow symbol indicates Warning. In
certain situations, information message for the driver appear in
addition to the red and yellow symbols.
Function test: automatic transmission
The Auto-Check Control will automatically perform a test each time
you switch on the ignition. With the selector lever in
P or N, the
following message appears in the display:
When stationary apply footbrake while selecting gear.
When you a select a different gear (for example: R, D, etc.), the
message will disappear and the Auto-Check function is displayed.
If there is a malfunction, then the malfunction message will appear
about 15 seconds after the you start the vehicle. At the same time
you will hear a warning tone .•
Driver information messages
Driver information messages are shown in the instrument
cluster display in addition to the red and yellow symbols.
Fig. 17 Instrument
cluster: CHECK button
For example, if the transmission selector lever is not in the P posi­
tion when the engine is turned off, the following message appears:
Please move selector lever to position P
The ignition key can only be removed with the selector in this posi ­
tion. This and other messages are brought up if a function cannot
be carried out.
Driver messages and red symbols
If a red symbol appears in the display, a driver message can be
shown by pressing the [
CHECK) button.
For example, the symbol for a problem with engine oil pressure
'1=7-
appears in the display. If you then press the [ CHECK) button, the
following driver message appears in the display:
Switch off engine and check oil level
The driver message in the display goes out after about 5 seconds.
The driver message can be displayed again by briefly pressing the
[CHECK) button. ...

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
=> page30
=> page 30
=> page30
=> page 31
=> page32
=> page 32
=> page 33
• 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 30. ..
Vehicle care
I I irechnical data

Driver inf ormati on displ ay
• Speed warnings threshold 1 8 (USA modelsl/ 8 (Canada
models) and threshold 2
e , (USA modelsl/ 8 (Canada models) are
a lso shown as red symbols. The warning is always shown as a small
symbo l in the upper area of the display =>
page 36. •
Alternator malfunction 0
If the O symbol in the ins trument pane l disp lay 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
( C H ECK ] button again .
Usually, you can sti ll drive to the next dealership . Turn off a ll 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 pane l during the trip=>
page 31, 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 /indi cator light BRAKE (USA models)/ (©)
(Canada models) in the instr ument cl uster flashes, there is
a brake system malfunct io n. By pressing the [ CHECK ]
button, you can bring up a driver message w hich explains
the malfunction in more detail.
Stop v ehi cle a nd ch ec k brak e fluid l eve l
- Pull off the road .
- Stop t he vehicle .
- Tur n o ff the engine .
- Check the brake fluid level=>
page 310.
-Contact your nearest authorized repair facility if neces-
sary .
Warning! Fault in ABS brake syst em . Conta ct
workshop
- D rive carefully to the nearest au thorized repair fac ility
and have the malfunction corrected
=> ,& .
Parking br ake ! Ple ase c onta ct work sh o p
- If the warning/indicator light flashes when the vehicle is
stationary or after the ignition is turned on, c heck to see
if the parking brake c an be released . Dr ive to an aut ho­
rized repair facility as soon as possible a nd have the
ma lfunctio n corrected. If the pa rking brake cannot be
released, contac t your nea rest authorized repa ir facil ity .
- If the warning/indicato r light flashes w hile you are
dr iving, i t is possible tha t the traction con tro l or the
emerge ncy brake has ma lfunc tioned . It is poss ib le that
the park ing brake cannot be applied . It is a lso possible
that the pa rking brake cannot be released after it has
been app lied . Drive to an aut horized A udi dealer to have
the malfunction corrected.
If the ABS system malfunctions, the ABS warning/indicator light i llu ­
minates together with the brake system malfunction warning/indi -
cator light=>& . .,_

& WARNING
• Always observe the warnings in => page 293, "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 «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 _t
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 .
- Stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the engine.
Controls and equip ­
ment
Driver information display
Check coolant level ~ page 308.
-Add coolant if necessary~ page 309 .
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 O warning symbol (alternator malfunction) also lights up on
the instrument panel=>
page 30, 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 67, "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 293, "Engine compartment" .
0 Note
Do not continue driving if the -F-symbol illuminates. There is a
malfunction in the engine cooling system -you could damage your
engine .•
I • •

Driver information display
Engine oil pressure malfunction "t=;f':
The red engine oil pressure warning symbol requires
immediate service or repair. Driving with a low-oil-pres­
sure indication is likely to inflict severe damage to the
engine.
If the ~ symbol appears in the display and blinks, the oil
pressure is too low. An additional driver message can also
be displayed by pressing the
!CHECK] button:
Switch off engine and check oil level
Immediate actions
- Pull off the road.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the engine.
-Check the engine oil level with the dipstick=:> page 305.
Dipstick readings checks too low
-Top off oil to the proper level ::::, page 306.
Make sure that the oil pressure warning symbol~
appears no longer in the display before you start driving
again.
Dipstick reading checks OK
- If the oil pressure warning symbol~ starts flashing
again even though the engine oil level checks OK on the
dipstick,
do not continue driving and do not let the
engine run in 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
~ starts to flash before you respond to the low oil
level warning ...... By then, your engine may already have suffered
serious damage. •
Steering malfunction i
If there is a malfunction in the electronic steering column
lock, the steering cannot be unlocked.
If the i symbol in the display blinks, there is a malfunction
in the electronic steering column lock. An additional driver
message can also be displayed by pressing the
I CHECK]
button:
Do not drive vehicle: Steering defective
-Contact your nearest authorized repair facility.
- Do
not tow your vehicle.
& WARNING
Your vehicle must not be towed in the event of a malfunction in the
electronic steering column lock because it cannot be steered due
to the locked steering. If it is towed with the steering locked, there
is the risk of an accident. •

Ignition lock malfunction ~
A malfunction in the ignition Jock must be repaired imme­diately.
If the ~ symbol in the display blinks, there is a malfunction
in the electronic ignition lock. An additional driver message
can also be displayed by press ing the [CHECK] button:
Ign iti on lock defe ctive . C ont ac t wo rkshop !
- Do not turn the engine off.
- Drive immediately to an auth orized A udi dealer to have
the malfunction corrected .
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 [
STOP] button because the engine cannot be
started again after the ignition is switched off. •
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol means WARNING.
Contro ls and eq uip­
ment
Fig . 19 Dis pl ay: low
fu el le ve l wa rning
(pr io rity 2)
Dri ver inf orm atio n di spl ay
Ye llow symbols indicate a priority 2 malfunction -Warning!
When a yellow 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 [ CHECK
I button .
Check the displayed function as soon as possible . If
more than one
priority 2 malfunction is detected , a ll symbols will appear one after
the other for about 2 seconds.
Yellow symbols mean:
Convenience key*
~ page 120
Key not in vehicle
USA models: ~ page25
Defective brake light
Canad a mod els: ~ page25
Defective brake light
11 Defective light bulb
~ page25
-
Light/rain sensor defective ~ page34
Windshield washer fluid ~ page34
level low
Low fuel leve l
~ page34
Battery voltage ~ page35
Worn brake pads ~ page35
IIDynamic headlight range ~ page35
control defective
-
Check engine oi l level ~ page35
~ page305 ...
Vehicle care I I irechnical data

Battery voltage ~
If the battery's state of charge is not in the optimal range, the
symbo l is shown in the display and the driver message
Low battery
c harge : battery will be charged wh ile dr iving
appears .
Whi le th is d river notification is displayed, you have to be p repa red
for limited starting capabi lity.
Driver message appears and goes out again
If this driver message appears after the ignition is turned on or
w hile driving and it g oes out agai n after a w hile , th e ba tte ry has
been adequately recharged.
Driver message appears and does not go out again
I f this dr iver notification appears after the ignition is turned on or
while driv ing and does n ot go out aga in, the bat tery's state of
charge is not in the optimal range. Starting capability is restricted.
H ave the ba ttery checke d by an au tho rize d Audi deale r as soon a s
poss ible .•
Worn brake pads
Brake pads!
If the wa rning light i lluminates, immediate ly contact your autho ­
rized Aud i d eal er or qualified wor kshop to have a ll brake pads
inspected. On USA models the warning light comes on together
wit h the warning light
BRAKE . Both sets of brak e pads o n an a xle must
a lways be replaced at the same time.
& WARNING
Driving with bad brakes can cause a collision and serious personal
injury.
• If the warning light • and the warning light
BRAKE11 with the
message Brake pads ! comes on in the instrument cluster display ,
Controls and equip ­
ment
Driv er information display
& W ARNING (continued )
immediately contact your author ized Audi dealer or qualified
workshop to have all brake pads checked or replaced if necessary .•
Headlight range control defective ">
l ) Headlight range control defective
If th e sy mbol ill uminates , the dyna mic headlig ht ra nge c ont rol is n o
longer working properly . Have the system checked and repa ired at
yo ur Au di d eale r.•
Engine oil level "'·
Please check oil level
When the symbol il luminates, check the engine o il leve l as soon as
possible =>
page 305. Top off the oi l at your earliest opportu nity
=>
page 306. •
Engine oil sensor defective ~,m,
Oil level! sensor defective
If the symbo l il luminates, contact your authorized Audi dealer and
h ave th e oil sensor insp ecte d. Unt il y ou hav e thi s do ne, c heck the oil
leve l each time you refue l just to be on the safe side=>
page 305. •
11 BRAKE : USA models only
I • •