2020 AUDI A3 check engine

Checking and Filling

> After the fuel pump has switched off, wait five
seconds before removing the nozzle to allow
the rest of the fuel to finish dripping into the
fuel tank.
> Turn the fuel cap clockwise until it clicks into
place.
> Close the fuel filler door and then press on the
left side until it latches.
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 298.
For the tank capacity in your vehicle, refer to the
Technical Data > page 380.
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, there
is a fuel filler door emergency release
= page 301.
Messages
Plug-in hybrid drive: for additional information
on refueling, see > page 302.
| 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 you
must enter the vehicle, 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
Improper fueling procedures and improper
handling of fuel can lead to explosions, fires,
severe burns, and other injuries.
— Do not smoke. 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


ZA WARNING
Transporting fuel containers inside the vehicle
is not recommended. Fuel could leak out of
the container and ignite, especially during an
accident. This can cause explosions, fires, and
injuries.
— If you must transport fuel in a fuel contain-
er, note the following:
— Always place the fuel container on the
ground before filling. Never fill the fuel
container with fuel while it is inside or on
the vehicle. Electrostatic discharge can oc-
cur while refueling and the fuel vapors
could ignite.
— When using fuel containers made of met-
al, the fuel pump nozzle must always re-
main in contact with the container to re-
duce 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.


could cause sparks and start a fire.


1) Depending on the engine and country
300

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling
— Remove fuel that has overflowed onto any If the central locking system malfunctions, the
vehicle components immediately to reduce fuel filler door can be unlocked manually.
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 may enter the exhaust
system and increase the risk of damage to
the catalytic converter.

a
s - a oO


— Do not overfill the fuel tank, or fuel could Raa SERS pplies to: version 1
leak out when the vehicle is warming up. Fig. 241 Right rear luggage compartment: emergency re-
— Fuel should never enter the sewer system or lease (example)
come into contact with the ground.


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 can age and may lead to problems when

starting. Audi recommends replacing the fuel Applies to: version 2 ;
in your vehicle within six months. Fig. 242 Rear of the vehicle: right rear seat folded forward


Emergency release in the luggage
a compartment
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive Applies to: version 1
If the engine turned off because the fuel level
was too low, then you may need to refuel with
up to 4.0 gallons (15 liters) of fuel in order
for the vehicle to detect the new fuel level.
Otherwise, the engine may not restart. » Remove the cover in the side panel.
> To unlock the fuel filler door, loosen the loop
from the retainer and then pull on the loop
carefully in the direction of the arrow & fig. 241
>©.
> Conventional drive system: press on the left
side of the fuel filler door to open it
=> page 299, fig. 239.
The emergency opening mechanism is located
behind the right side trim panel in the luggage
compartment.
Plug-in hybrid drive*: read and follow the instruc-
tions under > page 302. >
301

Checking and Filling

Emergency release behind the rear seat
backrest
Applies to: version 2
The emergency release is located behind the
right
rear seat.
The pull cable for the emergency release is locat-
ed on the cover.
> To access the emergency release, fold the right
backrest forward > page 63.
> Remove the cover fh) from the trim panel.
> To release the fuel filler door, pull the cover in
the direction of the arrow carefully at a 45° an-
gle toward the center of the vehicle > fig. 242
>). The tab on the cover must point forward
in the direction you are pulling when pulling on
the cover.
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 299, fig. 239.
© Note
Only pull on the loop/cover until you feel re-
sistance. You will not hear it release. If you
continue to pull, you could damage the emer-
gency
release mechanism.
Refueling
Opening the fuel filler door
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive



B8V-0441
Fig. 243 Driver's door: button
The tank system must be vented before refueling
> Switch the ignition off with the
START ENGINE STOP] button.
> Pull the EN) switch.
> The fuel filler door will open automatically af-
ter venting is complete.

302

Read and follow the directions for inserting the
fuel pump nozzle > page 302.
Read and follow the instructions for refueling
=> page 299.
Inserting the fuel pump nozzle
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
a o o 2
> fay oO

Fig. 244 Fueling procedure: insert the fuel pump nozzle
correctly
Make sure when inserting the fuel pump nozzle
that you do not press on the fuel filler door open-
er @ with the fuel pump nozzle. See the label in
the fuel filler door @). Otherwise, a valve will
close in the fuel filler neck and fueling will stop
even if the tank is not full.
You must vent the tank system again if you press
on the fuel filler door opener. The fuel pump noz-
zle can stay in the fuel filler neck when doing
this. Vent the tank system by pulling the
switch again in the driver's door > page 302.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
li Fuel filler door open. Please press button
again to refuel
Fueling is possible for a little while after pressing
the Gi) button. You must press the M button
again if the time limit is exceeded.
ly Fuel filler door: malfunction! Unlock fuel
filler door manually. See owner's manual
There is a malfunction. You must manually un-
lock the fuel filler door > page 303.
la Warning! Vehicle performance may be limit-
ed

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling

The fuel tank is almost empty. You must antici-
pate a significant power loss. Drive immediately
to a gas station.
Ey Beet Warning! Limited performance
The gasoline engine is no longer available be-
cause there is not enough fuel. Drive immediately
to agas station.
Fuel filler door emergency release
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
You must use the emergency release to open the
fuel filler door when there is a malfunction
=> page 301.
The tank is not vented. You can only fill a small
amount of fuel in the tank.
> Fill only until the automatic fuel pump nozzle
turns off for the first time when it is operated
correctly.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
@ Tips.
Pressure can escape if you open the tank cap
after using the emergency release. This can
create noises.
Emissions control
system
(ee eileen)
ZX 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.
(el e-] Nad (mcl akg
Follow the safety precautions > page 303, Gener-
al information.


The vehicle may only be driven with unleaded
gasoline, or the catalytic converter will be de-
stroyed.
Never drive until the tank is completely empty.
The irregular supply of fuel that results from that
can cause engine misfires. Uncombusted fuel
could enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.
On Board Diagnostic System (OBD)
The On Board Diagnostic System monitors the
engine and transmission components that influ-
ence emissions.


Fig. 245 Footwell on left side of the vehicle: connection
port for the On Board Diagnostic System (OBD)
On Board Diagnostic System
Engine data can be read out at the On Board Di-
agnostic System connection port using a special
testing device > fig. 245.
Indicator light
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 >
303

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 2991).

ZA\ WARNING
Incorrect use of the connection port for the
On Board Diagnostic System can cause mal-
functions, which can then result in accidents
and serious injuries.
— Only allow an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility to read out the
engine data.

Engine compartment
(ee eel)
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. > /\.

Z\ WARNING
— Turn the engine off.
— Switch the ignition off.
— Set the parking brake.
— Select the “P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Allow the engine to cool.
— Keep children away from the engine com-
partment.
— Never spill fluids on a hot engine. These flu-
ids (such as the anti-freezing agent con-
tained in the coolant) can ignite.
— 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.


1) Depending on the engine and country
304


— 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.
Plug-in hybrid drive: the coolant expansion
tank cap is equipped with a seal that must
never be removed under any circumstances
=> page 312, fig. 251. If the coolant expan-
sion tank for the high-voltage system is not
sealed, please contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
Plug-in hybrid drive: the sealed cap must on-
ly be opened by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
The cap on the coolant expansion tank must
never be opened as long as the coolant is
hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
There is a risk of burns
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

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling


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.


ZA 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 add any flu-
ids to the wrong reservoirs. Otherwise severe
malfunctions and engine damage will occur.
@ 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 and closing the hood
The hood is released from inside the vehicle.

j | ON }
li KW
Fig. 246 Section from the driver's side footwell: release
lever

2
SI = & a

Read and follow all WARNINGS before checking
anything
in the engine compartment
=> page 304, General information.
Make sure the wiper arms are not raised up from
the windshield. Otherwise the paint could be
damaged.
Opening the hood
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Switch the ignition off before releasing the hood
so that the gasoline engine does not start auto-
matically.
305
>

Checking and Filling

> With the door open, pull the lever > below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 246.
> Raise the hood slightly > A\.
> Press the rocker switch under the hood upward
> fig. 247. This releases the catch.
> 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. > /\.
Message
2 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.


AN 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
latched securely while driving. Because of
this, always check the hood after closing it
to make sure it is latched correctly. The hood
is latched if the front corners cannot be lift-
ed.
— If you notice that the hood is not latched
while you are driving, stop immediately and
close it, because driving when the hood is
not latched increases the risk of an accident.
— If the hood is not latched completely, it
could fly up while you are driving and ob-
struct your vision.


D) The &> symbol on the lever was still being designed at
the time this manual was printed.
306

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling

Engine compartment overvie

The most important check points.
~ R
S| 8
> 2) ao

Fig. 248 Typical location of the reservoir, engine oil dipstick, and engine oil filler opening
Follow the safety precautions > page 304.
Coolant expansion tank (£) > page 312
Engine oil dipstick > page 308

) Engine oil filler opening (27) > page 308

(4) Sticker* for engine oil specification
=> page 307
Brake fluid reservoir (CO) > page 313

Jump start point (+) under a cover
=> page 316, > page 364
@) Applies to: vehicles with the vehicle battery
in the engine compartment: Vehicle bat-
tery (+) under the battery cover > page 316,
=> page 364
(8) Body ground point (-) > page 316,
=> page 364
Washer fluid reservoir (>) > page 317
Fuse housing > page 360

) Applies to: vehicles with jump start point (+):
The engine oil dipstick, the engine oil filling
opening, and washer fluid reservoir may be locat-
ed in different places within the engine compart-
ment, depending on the engine version.
(i) Tips
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Note the information for the coolant expan-
sion tank in > page 312 and for the vehicle
battery (+) in > page 365.
Engine oil
If you need to add engine oil, use an oil that is
listed on the sticker. The sticker is located at the
front
of the engine compartment > page 307,
fig. 248.
If the recommended engine oil is not available, in
an emergency you may add a maximum of 1
307
>