2020 AUDI A3 light

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling


— Maintain enough distance when you are re-
moving the oil drain plug. While doing this,
keep your forearm parallel to the ground to
reduce the risk of hot oil dripping down your
arm.
— Drain the oil into a container designed for
this purpose that is large enough to hold the
full amount of oil in your engine.
— Engine oil is poisonous. Always store out of
reach of children.
— Prolonged contact of used engine oil with
the skin may cause skin damage. Always
wash oil off immediately with soap and wa-
ter to protect your skin.
@) Note
Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.

() For the sake of the environment
— Before changing the engine oil, make sure
you can dispose of the used engine oil cor-
rectly.
— Engine oil must always be disposed of cor-
rectly. Do not dump it in the yard, in the for-
est, or in open water, river channels, or sew-
ers.
— Have your used engine oil recycled by bring-
ing it to a used oil collection site or contact
a gas station.
Cooling system
The engine cooling system is filled with a mixture
of purified water and coolant additive at the fac-
tory. This coolant must not be not changed.
The coolant level is monitored through the B in-
dicator light > page 311. However, occasionally
checking the coolant level manually is recom-
mended.
Messages
BB Turn off engine and check coolant level! See
owner's manual
|| Stop vehicle and check coolant level! See
owner's manual
The coolant level is too low.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
coolant level > page 311.
Plug-in hybrid drive*: refer to > page 312.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 312. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
gg Coolant temperature too high! Please let en-
gine run while vehicle is stationary
Let the engine run at idle for a few minutes to
cool off, until the indicator light turns off.
— If the indicator light does not turn off, do not
continue driving the vehicle. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
Coolant additive
The coolant additive is made of anti-freezing and
corrosion protection agents. Only use the follow-
ing coolant additives. These additives may be
mixed with each other.




Coolant additive Specification
Gl12evo TL774L
G12++ TL774G
G13 TL774)

The amount of coolant additive that needs to be
mixed with water depends on the climate where
the vehicle will be operated. If the coolant addi-
tive percentage is too low, the coolant can freeze
and damage the engine.

Coolant Freeze protec-
additive tion
Warm min. 40% min. -13 °F
regions max. 45% (-25 °C)
Cold min. 50% max. -40 °F
regions max. 55% (-40 °C)

CG) Note
— Before the start of winter, have an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
311
>

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling

> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 307, fig. 248 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 252. The coolant level must
be between the markings (2) when the engine is
cold. When the engine is warm it can be slight-
ly above the upper marking.
Adding coolant
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Your vehicle has two coolant expansion tanks
that are separate from each other. The smaller of
the two expansion tanks must not be opened
= page 312. Read and follow the important safe-
ty precautions > A\ in Coolant on page 312.
Requirement: there must be a residual amount of
coolant in the expansion tank >@).
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick towel on the coolant expan-
sion tank cover.
> Remove the cover (@) © fig. 252 carefully to the
left > AX.
» Add the correct mixture ratio of coolant
> page 311 up to the upper marking @
> fig. 252.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Close the cap securely.
Coolant loss usually indicates that there is a leak.
Immediately drive your vehicle to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the cooling system inspected. If the
cooling system is not leaking, coolant loss can re-
sult from the coolant boiling due overheating
and then being forced out of the cooling system.

— Never open the hood if you can see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. This increases the risk of
burns. The cooling system is under pressure.
When you no longer see or hear steam or
coolant escaping, you may open the engine
compartment with caution.
—When working in the engine compartment,
remember that the radiator fan can switch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of injury.
— Coolant additive and coolant can be danger-
ous to your health. For this reason, store the
coolant in the original container and away

from children. There is a risk of poisoning.

@) Note
Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could enter the cooling system and
damage the engine. If this is the case, do not
continue driving. See an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229)



Z\ WARNING
— The engine compartment in any vehicle can
be a dangerous area. Stop the engine and al-
low it to cool before working in the engine
compartment. Always follow the informa-
tion found in > page 304, General informa-
tion.


Fig. 253 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Observe the safety precautions > page 304, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the brake fluid level
Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 307, fig. 248. The brake fluid level
must be between the MIN and MAX markings
>A.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically. >
313

Checking and Filling

Message
EG / @ Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level
Stop the vehicle and check the brake fluid level.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Changing the brake fluid
Brake fluid should be changed at regular inter-
vals. Have the brake fluid changed by an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty. The authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will inform you of the replace-
ment intervals.

Z\ WARNING
— If the brake fluid level is below the MIN
marking, it can impair the braking effect and
driving safety, which increase the risk of an
accident. Do not continue driving. See an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
— If the brake fluid is old, bubbles may form in
the brake system during heavy braking. This
could impair braking performance and driv-
ing safety, which increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— The brake fluid in your vehicle must meet
the standard VW 501 14 and is available at
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility. If this brake fluid is not
available, another high-grade brake fluid of
equivalent quality may be used, and it must
meet the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Stand-
ard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4, Class 6.

© Note
— If the brake fluid level is above the MAX
marking, brake fluid may leak out over the
edge of the reservoir and result in damage
to the vehicle.
— Do not allow any brake fluid to come into
contact with the vehicle paint, because it
will corrode the paint.
314
Electrical system
If the | or = indicator light turns on, there is a
malfunction in the generator, the battery, or the
vehicle electrical system.
z= Electrical system: malfunction! Battery is
not charging
Safely stop your vehicle, do not continue driving
and switch the ignition off > A\. See an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for assistance.
=} Electrical system: malfunction! Restart not
possible. Please contact Service
It will not be possible to restart the engine once
you turn it off. Vehicle functions/driving stability
may be limited. Drive to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility immediate-
ly.
z= Electrical system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Switch off all electrical equipment that is not
needed. Vehicle functions/driving stability may
be limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately.
= Electrical system: low battery charge. Bat-
tery will be charged while driving
The starting ability may be impaired.
If this message turns off after a little while, the
vehicle battery has charged enough while driving.
If this message does not turn off, drive immedi-
ately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.

ZA\ WARNING
When there is an electrical system malfunc-
tion, vehicle functions may not work and driv-
ing stability may be limited, which increases
the risk of an accident. Do not continue driv-
ing and switch the ignition off. See an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility for assistance.

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling

Battery
eae mee eles)
Because of the complex power supply, all work on
batteries such as disconnecting, replacing, etc.,
should only be performed by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility > A\.
Multiple batteries with different technologies
may be installed in your vehicle:
— Vehicle battery (for example, for starting the
engine, basic power supply) > page 315, Lead
battery or > page 316, Other battery types
— Auxiliary battery (for example, for recuperation
or optional equipment) > page 316, Other bat-
tery types
— Applies to: plug-in hybrid drive: High-voltage
battery (for example, for electric driving)
=> page 96.
Not running the vehicle for long periods of
time
The battery will gradually drain if the vehicle
does not run for long periods of time. To ensure
that the vehicle can still be started, the electrical
equipment will be reduced or switched off
=> page 82. Some convenience functions, such as
interior lighting or power seat adjustment, may
not be available under certain circumstances.
These convenience functions will be available
again once you switch the ignition on and start
the
engine.
Even when electrical equipment is switched off,
the equipment can still drain the battery if the
vehicle is not driven for long periods of time.
Deep draining results in a chemical reaction that
destroys the inside of the battery. The battery
must be charged every month to prevent this
= page 316. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for more infor-
mation.
Winter operation
Cold weather places higher demands on the bat-
tery. This results in reduced starting ability. Have
the battery checked by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility before cold
weather begins.

ZA WARNING
— 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.
— Never connect the charging cable or jump
start cable directly to your vehicle battery.
Only use the connections in the engine com-
partment > page 316.

Z\ WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
— Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive problems.
Wash hands after handling.


@) Note
If the vehicle will be parked for long periods
of time, protect the battery against the cold
so that it will not be destroyed by “freezing”
= page 316, Charging the battery.
Lead battery
Explanation of warnings:
© Always wear eye protection.
Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always
wear protective gloves and eye protection.
® Fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking are
@/
aa


forbidden.
A highly explosive mixture of gases can
VN form when charging batteries.

Always keep children away from battery
®) acid and the battery.

Always follow the instructions in the oper-
ating manual.


@) For the sake of the environment

¥ Lead-acid batteries must be disposed of
using methods that will not harm the
315

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling

» Applies to: vehicles with vehicle battery in the
engine compartment: Open the cover on the
positive terminal > fig. 254.
> Applies to: vehicles with jump start point (+):
Open the cover on the positive terminal
> fig. 255.
> Clamp the terminal clamps on the charger cor-
rectly onto the ground point ©) and the positive
terminal @).
> Insert the power cable for the charging device
into the socket and switch the device on.
> At the end of the charging process, switch the
charger off and pull the power cable out of the
socket.
> Remove the charging device terminal clamps.
> Applies to: vehicles with vehicle battery in the
engine compartment: Open the cover on the
positive terminal.
> Applies to: vehicles with jump start point (+):
Close the cover on the positive terminal.
> Close the hood > page 305.

ZA WARNING
— Applies to: vehicles with jump start connec-
tions in the engine compartment: The
charging cable must never be connected di-
rectly to the vehicle battery. Only use the
connections in the engine compartment
=> page 316.
— A highly explosive mixture of gases can form
when charging batteries. Only charge the
battery in well-ventilated areas.
— A drained battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 32 °F (0 °C). Do not charge or
use a frozen or thawed battery. If ice forms,
the battery housing can crack and battery
electrolyte can leak out, which increases the
risk of an explosion and chemical burns.
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for more informa-
tion.
— Do not connect or disconnect the charging
cable while charging because this increases
the risk of an explosion.

@) Tips
Read all of the manufacturer's instructions
for the charger before charging the battery.
Windshield washer
system

B8K-2123


Fig. 256 Engine compartment: windshield washer fluid
cover (example)
Observe the safety precautions > page 304, Gen-
eral information.
The windshield washer fluid reservoir & contains
the cleaning solution for the windshield and the
headlight washer system* > page 307, fig. 248.
The reservoir capacity can be found in
=> page 380.
To reduce the risk of lime scale deposits on the
spray nozzles, use clean water with low amounts
of calcium. Always add window cleaner to the wa-
ter. When the outside temperatures are cold, an
anti-freezing agent should be added to the water
so that it does not freeze.
Messages
gS Please add washer fluid
Fill the washer fluid for the windshield washer
system and the headlight washer system* when
the ignition is switched off.
@) Note
— The concentration of anti-freezing agent
must be adjusted to the vehicle operating
conditions and the climate. A concentration
that is too high can lead to vehicle damage.
— Never add radiator anti-freeze or other addi-
tives to the washer fluid.
— Do not use a glass cleaner that contains
paint solvents, because this could damage
the paint.
317

8V2012721BK
Wheels

Wheels Wheels
and Tires
General information
> Check your tires regularly for
damage, such as punctures,
cuts, cracks, and bulges. Remove
foreign objects from the tire
tread.
>If driving over curbs or similar
obstacles, drive slowly and ap-
proach the curb at an angle.
>Have faulty tires or rims re-
placed immediately.
>Protect your tires from oil,
grease, and fuel.
>Mark tires before removing
them so that the same running
direction can be maintained if
they are reinstalled.
>Lay tires flat when storing and
store them ina cool, dry location
with as little exposure to light as
possible.

A WARNING
—Never drive faster than the
maximum permitted speed for
your tires. This could cause the
tires to heat up too much. This
increases the risk of an acci-
dent because it can cause the
tire to burst.


—Always adapt your driving to
the road and traffic condi-
tions. Drive carefully and re-
duce your speed on icy or slip-
pery roads. Even winter tires
can lose traction on black ice.

() Note
—Please note that summer and
winter tires are designed for
the conditions that are typical
in those seasons. Audi recom-
mends using winter tires dur-
ing the winter months. Low
temperatures significantly de-
crease the elasticity of summ-
er tires, which affects traction
and braking ability. If summer
tires are used in very cold tem-
peratures, cracks can form on
the tread bars, resulting in
permanent tire damage that
can cause loud driving noise
and unbalanced tires.
—Burnished, polished or
chromed rims must not be
used in winter driving condi-
tions. The surface of the rims
does not have sufficient corro-
sion protection for this and
could be permanently dam-
aged by road salt or similar
substances.
319

8V2012721BK
Wheels


tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics.

ZA WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.


Z\ WARNING
Temperature grades apply to tires that are
properly inflated and not over or underinflat-
ed.

Tire Pressure Monitoring
System indicator
(1) General notes
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and inflat-
ed to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel, you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a Low tire pressure tell-
tale when one or more of your tires is significant-
ly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle's handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's re-
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal
low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
If the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
indicator appears
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
The tire pressure indicator in the instrument
cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low
or if there is a system malfunction.
Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor-
ing system compares the tire tread circumference
and vibration characteristics of the individual
tires. If the pressure changes in one or more
tires, this is indicated in the instrument cluster
display with an @ indicator light and a message.
If only one tire is affected, the location of that
tire will be indicated.
The tire pressures must be stored in the menu
display again each time the pressures change
(switching between partial and full load pres-
sure) or after changing or replacing a tire on your
vehicle > page 338. The tire pressure monitoring >
337

Wheels

system only monitors the tire pressure you have
stored. Refer to the tire pressure label for the
recommended tire pressure for your vehicle
=> page 330, fig. 260.
Tire tread circumference and vibration character-
istics can change and cause a tire pressure warn-
ing if:
— The tire pressure in one or more tires is too low
—The tire has structural damage
— The tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 338
— One side of the vehicle is more heavily loaded
than the other
— The wheels on one axle are more heavily loaded
than the others (for example, when towing a
trailer or when driving up and down hills)
— Snow chains are installed
— The spare tire* is installed
— Only one tire was replaced on each axle
Indicator lights
@ - loss of pressure in at least one tire > A\.
Check the tires and replace or repair if necessary.
Check/correct the pressures of all four tires. Then
store the tire pressures in the menu > page 338.
is (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Tire pres-
sure: malfunction! See owner's manual. If
appears after switching the ignition on or while
driving and the @ indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster blinks for approximately one minute
and then stays on, there is system malfunction.
Check/correct the pressures on all four tires and
store the pressures > page 338. If the indicator
light does turn off or turns on again after a short
period of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZX WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
instrument cluster display, reduce your
speed immediately and avoid any hard steer-
ing or braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as
possible and check the tires and their pres-
sures.


338

— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressures. You must check the
tire pressures regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions or unpaved
roads), the pressure monitor indicator may
be delayed.
— Do not use run-flat tires on your vehicle. Us-
ing them when not permitted can lead to ve-
hicle damage or accidents.
(i) Tips
—The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC/ABS
malfunction.

— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
— The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 326. Using these tires is rec-
ommended.
—The tire pressure monitoring system can on-
ly monitor the tire pressure of the driving
tires. Check the tire pressure of the spare
wheel in the luggage compartment so that
if necessary it is ready for use.
Storing tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
A change in tire pressure or a change in tires
must be stored in the system.
Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the specified
values and are adapted to the load > page 328.

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Service &
checks > Tire pressure monitoring > Store tire
pressure > Yes, store now.
(i) Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.