2019 AUDI Q3 check engine

83A012721BA
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
General information
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Certain requirements must be met when towing
a trailer.

Trailer hitch
Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @.

Z\ WARNING
— Never mount a "weight-distributing" or
"load-balancing" trailer coupler as the trailer
hitch. The vehicle was not designed for
these types of trailer hitches. The trailer
hitch can malfunction and the trailer can
break off from the vehicle.
— If the trailer is equipped with electronic
brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by
a factory-installed control system, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, always remove
the ball hitch mount if no trailer is mount-
ed
® Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity

Never exceed the maximum permitted weights
=> page 264.
In some scenarios, the load in trailer mode can
be reduced due to the permitted towing weight.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
The towing capacities given only apply to eleva-
tions up to 3,200 ft (1,000 m) above sea level. As
the elevation increases, the engine power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressures. This
reduces the hill climbing ability and towing ca-
pacity. For every additional 3,200 ft (1,000 m),
the maximum permitted towing weight must be
reduced by approximately 10%. The permitted
towing weight is the combined weight of the
(loaded) vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
101

83A012721BA
Telephone

Telephone
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with telephone
You can make calls in your vehicle using the MMI.
You have various options for this depending on
the vehicle equipment and the range of functions
on your cell phone.
Handsfree
Once you have connected your mobile device to
the MMI via Bluetooth, you can use the hands-
free system. You can make calls using the anten-
na on your mobile device.
Car
phone function
Applies to: vehicles with car phone
In conjunction with Audi connect Infotainment*,
the car phone function ) is available via an em-
bedded SIM card.
With the car phone function and the Audi phone
box*, calls are made using the exterior antenna
on the vehicle. Using the external antenna helps
when there is a low signal and also provides bet-
ter reception quality > page 141.


or may not be able to dial it at all. Dial the
emergency number manually.
— Switch your mobile device off in areas where
there is a risk of an explosion. These loca-
tions are not always clearly marked. This
may include gas stations, fuel and chemical
storage facilities or transport vehicles, or lo-
cations where fuel vapors (such as propane
or gasoline vapor in vehicles or buildings),
chemicals or large quantities of dust parti-
cles (such as flour, sawdust or metal) may
be present in the air. This also applies to all
other locations where you would normally
turn your vehicle engine off.
— The demands of traffic require your full at-
tention. Always read the chapter > page 18,
Traffic safety information.


Z\ WARNING
— Medical experts warn that mobile devices
can interfere with the function of pacemak-
ers. Always maintain a minimum distance of
about 7.9 inches (20 cm) between the mo-
bile device antennas and the pacemaker.
— Do not carry the mobile device in a pocket
directly over the pacemaker when the
phone is switched on.
— Switch the mobile device off immediately
if you suspect it may be interfering with
the pacemaker.
— Do not use the voice recognition system*
= page 24 in emergencies because your
voice may change in stressful situations. The
system may take longer to dial the number


1) Not available in all countries. Only in conjunction with Au-
di connect Infotainment* and Audi phone box*.
2) SIM card installed in the vehicle at the factory.
3) Not available in all countries.
q@) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
=> page 154.
(Gi) Tips
— The Bluetooth connection range is limited
to inside the vehicle. It can also be affected
by local conditions and interference with
other devices.
—To learn which Bluetooth connections and
which of the functions in your mobile device
are supported, check with your mobile de-
vice service provider or the database for mo-
bile devices at www.audiusa.com/
bluetooth.
— If you use the car phone function’, it is rec-
ommended to use the Wi-Fi hotspot* in the
vehicle > page 155 so that the apps on your
mobile device continue to have Internet ac-
cess.
— When the car phone function* is active, Audi
connect Infotainment* is available through
the embedded SIM card2)3).
139

83A012721BA
Checking and Filling

Checking and Filling
Fuel
Types of gasoline
The correct gasoline grade is stated on the inside
of the fuel filler door.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter
and must only be driven with unleaded gasoline.
Audi recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gas-
oline. For additional information on TOP TIER De-
tergent Gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
The individual gasoline grades are differentiated
by octane ratings. This value is given with (R
+M)/2 equating to AKI or in RON.
The headings below match the sticker in the fuel
filler door (examples):
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY MIN. (R+M)/2 87
Regular / MIN. RON 91 Regular
Use regular gasoline with minimum 87 AKI /
91 RON > ©.
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY PREMIUM MIN. (R
+M)/2 91 / SUPER MIN. RON 95
Using premium gasoline with minimum 91 AKI /
95 RON is recommended.
If premium gasoline is not available, you can also
use regular gasoline 87 AKI / 91 RON. However
this does reduce the engine power slightly.
@) Note
— Filling the tank just one time with leaded
fuel or other metallic additives will cause
permanent deterioration to the catalytic
converter function.
— When gasoline with an octane rating that is
too low is used, high speeds or heavy engine
load can lead to engine damage.
@ Tips
The vehicle may be filled with fuel that has a
higher octane rating than what is required by
the engine.
Gasoline mixture
Gasoline with alcohol or MTBE (Methyl-Tert-
Butyl-Ether)
You can use unleaded gasoline mixed with alco-
hol or MTBE (generally labeled as oxygenated
compounds) as long as the fuel meets the follow-
ing conditions:
Gasoline with methanol content (methyl alco-
hol or methanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 3% methanol
— More than 2% solvent
Gasoline with ethanol content (ethyl alcohol or
ethanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% ethanol
Gasoline with MTBE content
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% MTBE
Gasoline adapted to the season
Many gasoline fuels are adapted to the seasons.
When the season changes, we recommend refu-
eling at high-traffic gas stations. It is more likely
that the gasoline will be suitable for the season
there.
() Note
— Gasoline with methanol content that does
not meet the specified conditions may cause
corrosion damage and damage to plastic or
rubber components in the fuel system.
— Do not use gasoline that does not meet the
specifications.
— If you are unable to find out if a specific gas-
oline mixture meets the specifications, ask
the gas station operator or their fuel suppli-
er.
— Do not use any gasoline mixture whose
composition cannot be identified.
— Audi does not assume any responsibility for
damage to the fuel system or for perform-
ance problems caused by using gasoline
mixtures different from those specified.
This type of damage also does not fall under
199
>

Checking and Filling

the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or under
the emissions control system warranty.
— If you notice a higher fuel consumption or
poor handling or performance problems due
to such gasoline mixtures, we recommend
fueling with unblended gasoline.
Gasoline additives
An important issue for many automobile manu-
facturers is combustion residue in the engine
that results from the use of certain fuels.
Although types of gasoline differ depending on
the manufacturer, there are similarities. Certain
substances in the gasoline may cause deposits in
the engine. Additives in the gasoline that should
keep the engine and fuel system clean do not all
function equally.
Audi recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gas-
oline. For additional information on TOP TIER De-
tergent Gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
If you use incorrect fuels over a long period of
time, the maximum engine performance may be
impaired by combustion residue.
@) Note
— Damage or malfunctions caused by the use
of incorrect types of gasoline are not cov-
ered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
— Only gasoline additives that have been ap-
proved by Audi may be used.
200
Refueling
Fueling procedure



Fig. 137 Right rear side of the vehicle: opening the fuel
filler door




Fig. 138 Fuel filler door with attached fuel cap
The fuel filler door is unlocked or locked by the
central locking system.
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open > fig. 137.
» Unscrew the tank cap counterclockwise.
> Place the cap from above on the open fuel filler
door > fig. 138.
> Insert the fuel pump nozzle all the way into the
fuel filler neck.
> Begin fueling. Once the fuel pump nozzle turns
off the first time, the fuel tank is full. Do not
continue fueling, or else the expansion space in
the tank will be filled with fuel.
> After the fuel pump has switched off, wait five
seconds before removing it to allow the rest of
the fuel to finish dripping into the fuel tank.
> Turn the fuel cap clockwise until you hear it
lock.
> Close the fuel filler door and then press on the
left side until it latches.

83A012721BA
Checking and Filling

The correct fuel type for your vehicle can be
found ona label located on the inside of the fuel
filler door. For additional information on fuel, see
=> page 199.
For the tank capacity in your vehicle, refer to the
Technical Data > page 264.
To reduce the risk of fuel leaking out or vapors
escaping, make sure that the fuel tank is closed
correctly. Otherwise the Ey indicator light will
turn on.
If the central locking system malfunctions, the
fuel filler door may emergency release
=> page 202.
Messages
li Please refuel
If the indicator light turns on for the first time
and the message appears, there are about 2.1
gallons (8 liters) of fuel left in the tank.
ly Please refuel immediately
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the fuel tank is almost empty. Refuel
the vehicle immediately.
fi Tank system: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the fuel tank system.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.

— If you do not insert the fuel pump nozzle all
the way into the filler tube, then fuel can
leak out. Spilled fuel can ignite and start a
fire.
— Never get into the vehicle when refueling. If
there is an exceptional situation where the
vehicle must be entered, close the door and
touch a metal surface before touching the
fuel pump nozzle again. This will reduce the
risk of electrostatic discharge that can cause
flying sparks. Sparks can start a fire when
refueling.


ZA WARNING
An improper fueling procedure and improper
handling of fuel can lead to explosions, fires,
severe burns and other injuries.
— Do not smoke and keep away from open
flames.
— The ignition must be switched off when re-
fueling.
— Mobile devices, radio devices, and other ra-
dio equipment should always be switched
off when refueling. Electromagnetic rays
could cause sparks and start a fire.


ZA\ WARNING
We recommend that you do not transport any
fuel containers in the vehicle. Fuel could leak
out of the container and ignite, especially dur-
ing an accident. This can cause explosions,
fires and injuries.
—If you must transport fuel in a fuel contain-
er, please note the following:
— Always place a fuel container on the
ground before filling. Never fill the fuel
container with fuel while it is in or on the
vehicle. Electrostatic charge can occur
while refueling and
the fuel vapors could
ignite.
— For fuel containers made of metal, the
fuel pump nozzle must always maintain
contact with the container to reduce the
risk of static charge.
— Insert the fuel pump nozzle as far as pos-
sible into the filler opening while refuel-
ing.
— Follow the applicable legal regulations in
the country where you are driving when
using, storing and transporting fuel con-
tainers.
— Make sure that the fuel container meets
the industry standards, for example ANSI
or ASTM F852-86.



) Depending on the engine and country
201

Checking and Filling

® Note
— Remove fuel that has overflowed onto any
vehicle components immediately to reduce
the risk of damage to the vehicle.
— Never drive until the fuel tank is completely
empty. The irregular supply of fuel that re-
sults from that can cause engine misfires.
Uncombusted fuel will enter the exhaust
system and increase the risk of damage to
the catalytic converter.
@ For the sake of the environment
— Do not overfill the fuel tank, otherwise fuel
can leak out when the vehicle is warming
up.
— Fuel should never enter the sewer system or
come into contact with the ground.
@ Tips
The fuel filler door on your vehicle does not
lock if you lock the vehicle from the inside us-
ing
the central locking switch.
Fuel filler door emergency release
If the central locking system is faulty, the fuel
filler door can be unlocked manually.


Fig. 139 Luggage compartment: Fuel filler door emergen-
cy release
The emergency release mechanism is located un-
der the cargo floor in the luggage compartment.
> Lift up the cargo floor until it engages at the
top.
> Lift up the cloth cover.
> To unlock the fuel filler door, loosen the red
loop from the retainer and then pull on the
loop carefully > fig. 139 °@.
202
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 200, fig. 137.
@) Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You will not hear it release. Otherwise you
could damage the emergency release mecha-
nism.
Emissions control
system
General information
ZN WARNING
The temperature of the exhaust system is
high, both when driving and after stopping
the engine.
— Never touch the exhaust tail pipes once they
have become hot. This could result in burns.

— Do not park your vehicle over flammable
materials such as grass or leaves because
the high temperature of the emissions sys-
tem could start a fire.
— Do not apply underbody protectant in the
exhaust system area, because this increases
the risk of fire.
Catalytic converter
Follow the safety precautions > page 202, Gener-
al information.

The vehicle may only be driven with unleaded
gasoline, otherwise the catalytic converter will be
destroyed.
Never drive until the tank is completely empty.
The irregular supply of fuel that results from that
can
cause engine misfires. Uncombusted fuel will
enter the exhaust system, which can cause over-
heating and damage to the catalytic converter.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
If the S indicator light blinks or turns on, there
is a malfunction that is causing poor emissions
quality and that could damage the catalytic con-
verter. Drive slowly to an authorized Audi dealer >

83A012721BA
Checking and Filling

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction corrected.
The indicator light can also turn on if the fuel fill-
er cap is not closed correctly > page 200).
Engine compartment
ere eee)
Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
For work in the engine compartment, such as
checking and filling fluids, there is a risk of in-
jury, scalding, accidents, and burns. For this
reason, follow all the warnings and general
safety precautions provided in the following in-
formation. The engine compartment is a dan-
gerous area on the vehicle. > A\.

ZA WARNING
— Turn the engine off.
— Switch the ignition off.
— Set the parking brake.
— Select the “P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Let the engine cool down.
— Keep children away from the engine com-
partment.
— Never spill fluids on a hot engine. These flu-
ids (such as the freeze protection contained
in the coolant) can catch fire.
— Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.
— Never reach into the radiator fan. The fan is
temperature-controlled and can turn on
suddenly, even when the ignition is switched
off.
— Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— Never open the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is warm. The



cooling system is under pressure.


) Depending on the engine and country

—To protect your face, hands, and arms from
hot steam or coolant, cover the cap with a
thick cloth when opening.
— Do not remove the engine cover under any
circumstances. This increases the risk of
burns.
— Due to the risk of electric shock, never touch
the ignition cable or other components in
the electronic high-voltage ignition system
when the engine is running or is starting.
— If a gear is engaged while the vehicle is sta-
tionary and the engine is running, do not
press the accelerator pedal inadvertently.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will cause the
vehicle to move, and this could result in an
accident.
—If inspections or repairs must be performed
while the engine is running, moving compo-
nents (such as the ribbed belt, generator,
and radiator fan) pose an additional risk.
— Set the parking brake first and select the
“P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Always make sure that no parts of the
body, jewelry, ties, loose clothing, and
long hair can be caught in moving engine
components. Before any work, always re-
move any jewelry and/or ties, tie back long
hair, and make sure all clothing fits close
to the body to reduce the risk of anything
becoming caught in engine components.
— Pay attention to the following warnings list-
ed when work on the fuel system or on the
electrical equipment is required.
— Do not smoke.
— Never work near open flames.
— Always have a working fire extinguisher
nearby.
— All work on the battery or electrical system
in your vehicle can result in injuries, chemi-
cal burns, accidents, or burns. Because of
this, all work must be performed only by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— Limit your exposure to exhaust and chemi-
cals to as short a time as possible.

203

Checking and Filling


Z\ WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
— Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
— Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harms.
Wash hands after handling.
®) Note
When filling fluids, be sure not to mix the flu-
ids up. Otherwise severe malfunctions and en-
gine damage will occur.


iC) For the sake of the environment
You should regularly check the ground under
your vehicle in order to detect leaks quickly. If
there are visible spots from oil or other fluids,
bring your vehicle to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to be
checked.
Opening/closing the hood
The hood is released from inside the vehicle.


Fig. 140 Footwell: release lever

D) The &> symbol on the lever was still being designed at
the time this manual was printed.
204

Fig. 141 Unlocked hood: lever
Make sure the wiper arms are not raised up from
the windshield. Otherwise the paint could be
damaged.
Opening the hood
> With the door open, pull the lever >) below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 140.
» Raise the hood slightly > /A\.
> Press the lever > fig. 141 in the direction of the
arrow. This releases the hooks.
> Open the hood.
Closing the hood
> Push the hood down until you override the
force of the strut.
> Let the hood fall lightly into the latch. Do not
press it in. > AX.
Message
8B Warning! Hood is not locked. Stop vehicle
and check the lock
The hood latch is not locked correctly. Stop im-
mediately and close the hood.

ZA\ WARNING
— Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— For safety reasons, the hood must always be
closed securely while driving. Because of
this, always check the hood after closing it >