2020 AUDI A3 checking oil

Table of contents


Audi smartphone interface...... 228
Setup... eee eee ee eee 228
OPeratintg’s + ease s x mows « woeE se ow ee 229
Troubleshooting wwii «s wwine ev eee ae eae 229
System settings.................. 230
Setting the date andtime............. 230
MMI SOMOS: » sunses 0 » anexeiae o anseane » 0 exons 230
Connection manager................. 231
System update isis ss wows x ¢ seows a eaves 234
Sound settingS............0 ee eee eee 234
Volume settings ..............000000. 234
Restarting the MMI.................. 235
Software license information.......... 235
237 237 237
Correct passenger seating positions..... 238
Driver's and front passenger's footwell.. 241
Pedal area.......... eee eee eee eee 241
Active rollover protection system....... 242
Safety belts...................0.. 245
General notes.................00005. 245
Why use safety belts?................ 246
Safety belts. ............... 00000005 248
Belt tensioners... 0.02... cece eee eee 252
Airbag system.................00. 253
Important information............... 253
Front:airbags’: = seis s = canes + = esis + oer 257
Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System. 265
Knee airbags...............-0 ee eee 269
Side@:airbags x: < sews se eewes te eee ee oe 271
Sidercurtain airbags « swe ss wei sv woes 274
GAUGES AATEC iss 5 « nee a 5 Baa GE EE Be 278
Important information............... 278
Child safety seats................000. 284
Securing child safety seats............ 289
LATCH system (lower anchorages and
tethers forichildren) sic. o = essere x 3 awmin « 5 aoe 292
Additional information............... 297
Maintenance and Care........... 298
Checking and Filling............. 298
FUGlaves: «2 wows s 2 seems © a meee 4 S oweme a 2 a 298
Reftieling crass « sccswes e neness xe aeiceme x acer 299
Refueling ......... 0... cee ee eee eee 302
Emissions control system............. 303
Engine compartment...........0.500% 304
Engineoil........ 0... eee eee eee 307
Cooling SYSteM . <= sees ic sees be tees we 311
Brake Pluidhise «2 ascii 2 2 soos 2 x comes © x sree 313
Electrical system. ...........002-000 314
Battenysa « 5 news so ASS & ROS TE BaF 315
Windshield washer system............ 317
Service interval display............... 318
Whe6US: « ses ss sess os ees ss eee 2 a 319
Wheelsiand Tiresis « scsinin + « sore © a eneron » 319
Tire Pressure Monitoring System indicator . 337
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 339
Care and cleaning................ 342
General information................. 342
Gar washesi: « sosus so ime a 0 mana + omen 6 342
Cleaning and care information......... 343
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 347
Troubleshooting................. 348
Emergency assistance........... 348
Trunk escape latch............-.0000- 348
General
information................. 348
Equipment............. 00. cece eee 348
Tire Mobility kit’: goss « 2 sewn 2 y eweE a eos 349
Replacing wheels...........00ee eens 352
Sparetire........ 2... eee eee eee 357
Fuses and bulbs.................. 360
FUSES 2... eee ete eee 360
BULDS- Emergency situations............ 364
General...............0. 0000 cece 364
Starting by pushing or towing.......... 364
JUIMPESTAREIIG . « suerns 6 & sasnnes » « sanree wo samme 364
Towing with atowtruck............... 367
Raising the vehicle.................-. 369

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
>

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
>

Checking and Filling

quart (1 liter) of ACEA C3 or API SN engine oil
one time until the next oil change.
For more information on the correct engine oil
for your vehicle, contact an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility. Have the oil
changed by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Service Facility.

Audi recommends
Sbastrol/ ZIDIBE Frorzssional
Audi recommends using the LongLife high-per-
formance engine oil from Audi Genuine Parts.
Engine oil pressure


2 Turn off engine! Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 308.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 309. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
— If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, turn the engine off and
do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Engine oil level
Applies to: vehicles with oil level warning
= Please check oil level
— You may continue driving for the time being.
Check the engine oil level as soon as possible
=> page 308, Checking the engine oil level.
— If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, drive at low engine
speed to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility.
Engine oil sensor
=. Oil level sensor: oil change necessary. Please
contact Service
Fuel has entered the engine oil. This will cause
the engine oil level to rise slowly and the engine
oil quality to decrease. Do not extract engine oil
to reduce the level, because this will increase the
308
risk of engine damage. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have engine oil extracted.
& Oil level system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil level has
malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty to have the malfunction repaired.
& Oil pressure sensor: malfunction! Please
contact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil pressure
has malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired.
Engine warm-up request*
i Please drive to warm up engine
Fuel has entered the engine oil, either due to low
outside temperatures or frequent short drives.
Drive until the engine is warm so that the fuel in
the engine oil will evaporate. Avoid high engine
speeds, full accelerating, and heavy engine loads
when doing this.
G) Tips
The oil pressure warning EE is not an oil level
indicator. Always check the oil level regularly.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick varies depending on the
engine type.

B8V-0588
&
Fig. 249 Oil dipstick: checking the engine oil level (exam-
ple)

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling

Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 304.
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Shut the engine off when it is warm.
> Wait approximately two minutes.
> Open the hood > page 305.
> Remove the oil dipstick > page 307, fig. 248,
wipe
it off with a clean cloth and insert it all the
way in again.
> Remove the oil dipstick again and then read the
oil level > table on page 309.
> Add engine oil if necessary > page 309.

Areas on the oil dipstick > fig. 249.

@| If the engine oil level is just before the
marking (@), then engine oil must be added.
See>O.


@|Do not add engine oil.

() Note
— The engine oil level must not be below the
marking ©, because this increases the risk
of engine damage.
— After adding engine oil, the oil level must
not be above the marking (2) > fig. 249, be-
cause this increases the risk of catalytic con-
verter and/or engine damage. If the oil level
is above the marking Q), drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have any engine oil
extracted. Avoid high engine speeds, full ac-
celeration, and heavy engine loads.
@ Tips
— The engine oil consumption may be up to
0.5 quart/600 miles (0.5 liter/1,000 km),
depending on driving style and operating
conditions. Consumption may be higher dur-
ing the first 3,000 miles (5,000 km). The
engine oil level must be checked regularly.
It is best to check each time you refuel your
vehicle and before long drives.
— Because of the lubrication and cooling of
the engine, combustion engines consume
oil. The oil consumption varies depending
on the engine and may change during the
service life of the engine. Engines generally
consume more oil at the beginning during
the break-in period. Then oil consumption
stabilizes after the break-in period.
— Under normal conditions, oil consumption
depends on the quality and viscosity of the
oil, the engine RPM, the climate conditions,
and the road conditions. The dilution of oil
from condensation or fuel residue as well as
the age of the oil also play a role. Because
engine wear increases with mileage, oil con-
sumption will increase again over time until
it may be necessary to replace worn compo-
nents.
— Because all these variables play a role, it is
not possible to define an oil consumption
standard. Therefore, the oil level must be
checked regularly.
— If you believe that your engine has in-
creased its oil consumption, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to determine the cause.
Please note that an exact oil consumption
measurement must be done with the neces-
sary care and accuracy and may take time.
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility is trained in accurately
measuring the oil consumption.
— You can find information on engine oil and
engine oil capacities for the USA at www.
audiusa.com/help/maintenance, or for Can-
ada at www.audi.ca/ca/web/en/
customer-area/care-and-maintenance/
audi-service-schedules.html, or call
800-822-2834.
Adding engine oil

B8K-2120


Fig. 250 Engine compartment: engine oil filler opening
cover
309

Checking and Filling

Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 304.
> Turn the engine off.
> Open the hood = page 305.
> Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 250.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
oil > page 307.
> Check the oil level again after two minutes
=> page 308, Checking the engine oil level.
> Add more oil if necessary.
> Close the engine oil filler cap and push the dip-
stick
all the way in.
> Close the hood > page 305.

Z\ WARNING
—When adding oil, do not let oil drip onto hot
engine components. This increases the risk
of a fire.
— You must seal the cap on the oil filler open-
ing correctly so that oil does not leak out on-
to the hot engine and exhaust system when
the engine is running, because this is a fire
hazard.
— Always clean skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact with engine oil.
—
Engine oil is poisonous and must be kept out
of reach of children.
— Store the engine oil securely in the original
container.

() Note
— The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
cover damage or malfunctions if the recom-
mended intended use of the vehicle and
maintenance measures listed in the Audi
Owner's Manual and the Warranty & Main-
tenance Booklet were not followed.
— Only use high-grade engine oil that explicit-
ly meets the Audi oil quality standard for
your vehicle. Using another oil may cause
severe vehicle damage.
— Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
310
@) For the sake of the environment
— Oil should never enter the sewer system or
come into contact with the ground.
— Follow the legal regulations in the country
where you are located when disposing of
empty oil containers.
Changing engine oil
We recommend having the oil changed at an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
Follow the safety precautions > page 304, Gener-
al information.
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals
specified in the Warranty & Maintenance Book-
let. This is very important because the lubrication
function of the oil gradually declines during regu-
lar vehicle operation.
The engine oil should be changed more frequent-
ly under certain circumstances. Have the oil
changed more frequently if you often drive short
distances, your vehicle is predominantly in stop-
and-go traffic situations, is in very dusty environ-
ments, or is operated for long periods of time in
temperatures below zero.
Cleansing additives in the oil make fresh oil ap-
pear darker after the engine has run briefly. This
is normal and no reason to change the engine oil
more frequently than recommended.
Because correctly disposing of engine oil is diffi-
cult and special tools and technical knowledge
are needed for an oil change, having your engine
oil changed by an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility is recommended.
If you change the engine oil yourself, please note
the following important information:

ZA\ WARNING
If you change the engine oil on the vehicle
yourself, the following precautions must be
followed:
— Wear protective eyewear.
— Due to the risk of scalding, allow the engine
to cool down sufficiently.

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