2020 AUDI A4 warning light

Checking and Filling


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 continue driving if the coolant expan-
sion tank is empty. Do not add any coolant,
because air could enter the cooling system
and damage the engine. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.


Brake fluid

BFV-0229)


Fig. 165 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Follow the safety precautions > page 214, Gener-
al information.
Checking the brake fluid level
Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 216, fig. 162. The brake fluid level
must be between the MIN and MAX markings
SA.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Message
Ga y @ Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level
222
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.
Electrical system
If the =z or fm] indicator light turns on, there is a
malfunction in the generator, the battery, or the
vehicle electrical system.

8W1012721BB
Checking and Filling

a Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop
vehicle
Do not continue driving and switch the engine off
=> AX. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
= Electrical system: malfunction! Restart not
possible. Please contact Service
If you switch the ignition off, you will not be able
to restart the vehicle. Vehicle functions/driving
stability may be limited. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately.
= 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. Stop driving and
switch the engine off. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
assistance.

Battery
Peale mee eee scl)
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 224, Lead
battery or > page 224, Other battery types
— Auxiliary battery (for example, for recuperation
or optional equipment) > page 224, Other bat-
tery types
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 99. 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 225. 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.

Z\ 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. >

223

8W1012721BB
Checking and Filling

a ing the battery

Fig. 166 Engine compartment: connectors for a charger or
jump start cables
Note the safety precautions > page 214, General
information, > A\ in Battery general informa-
tion on page 223 and > /\.
Requirement: only use chargers with a maximum
charging current of 14.8 volts. The battery ca-
bles remain connected.
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment. The ground point ©) is always located on
the vehicle body.
> Switch off the ignition and all electrical equip-
ment.
> Open the hood > page 215.
> Press the release lever on the positive terminal
and fold the cover upward > fig. 166.
> Clamp the charger terminal clamps to the jump
start pins according to the instructions. (Pin un-
der the cover = “positive”).
> 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.
> Close the cover on the positive terminal.
> Close the hood > page 215.

ZX WARNING
— Never connect the charging cable directly to
your vehicle battery. Only use the connec-
tions in the engine compartment
=> page 225.

— 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.

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

B8W-0125


Fig. 167 Engine compartment: washer fluid reservoir cap
Follow the safety precautions > page 214, Gener-
al information.
The windshield washer fluid reservoir © contains
the cleaning solution for the windshield and the
headlight washer system > fig. 167, > page 216.
The reservoir capacity can be found in
=> page 278.
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.
225
>

8W1012721BB
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.
227

8W1012721BB
Wheels

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 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 again each
time you change the pressures (switching be-
tween partial and full load pressure) or after
changing or replacing a tire on your vehicle
=> page 246. The tire pressure monitoring system
only monitors the tire pressure you have stored.
Refer to the tire pressure label for the recom-
mended tire pressure for your vehicle
= page 237, fig. 171.
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 tires have structural damage
— The tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 246
— Tires that are only partially used are replaced
with new tires
Indicator lights
If the @ indicator light turns on, there is a loss
of pressure in at least one tire .> A\ Check the
tires and replace or repair if necessary. Check and
correct the pressures of all four tires and store
the pressure again > page 246.
ia Tire pressure: malfunction! See owner's
manual
if appears after switching the ignition on or
while driving and the @ indicator light in the in-
strument cluster blinks for approximately one
minute and then stays on, there is system mal-
function. Try to store the correct tire pressures
=> page 246. In some cases, you must drive for
several minutes after storing the pressures until
the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light
does turn off or turns on again after a short peri-
od of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

Z\ WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking maneu-
vers. Stop as soon as possible and check the
tires and their pressure.
— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressure. You must check the
tire pressure regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the tire pressure monitoring system
indicator may be delayed.

245

8W1012721BB
Care and cleaning

Care and cleaning
General information
Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehi-
cle's value. It can also be a requirement when
submitting warranty claims for corrosion damage
and paint defects on the body.
The required cleaning and care products can be
obtained from an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Service Facility. Read and follow the in-
structions for use on the packaging.

ZA WARNING
— Using cleaning and care products incorrectly
can be dangerous to your health.
— Always store cleaning and care products out
of reach of children to reduce the risk of poi-

soning.

@ For the sake of the environment
— Purchase environmentally-friendly cleaning
products if possible.
— Do not dispose of cleaning and care prod-
ucts with household trash.
Car washes
The longer that deposits such as insects, bird
droppings, tree sap or road salt remain on the ve-
hicle, the more the surface can be damaged. High
temperatures such as those caused by sunlight
increase the damaging effect.
Before washing, rinse off heavy deposits with
plenty of water.
Stubborn deposits such as bird droppings or tree
sap are best removed with plenty of water anda
microfiber cloth.
Also, wash the underside of your vehicle once
road salt stops being used for the season.
Pressure washers
When washing your vehicle with a pressure wash-
er, always follow the operating instructions pro-
vided with the pressure washer. This is especially
important in regard to the pressure and spraying
distance. Do not aim the spray directly at the
seals on the side windows, doors, lids or the sun-
roof* or at tires, rubber hoses, insulating materi-
al, sensors* or camera lenses*. Keep a distance of
at least 16 in (40 cm).
Do not remove snow and ice with a pressure
washer.
Never use cone nozzles or high pressure nozzles.
The water temperature must not be above 140 °F
(60 °C).
Automatic car wash
Spray off the vehicle before washing.
Make sure that the windows and roof* are closed
and the windshield wipers are off. Follow instruc-
tions from the car wash operator, especially if
there are accessories attached to your vehicle.
If possible, use car washes that do not have
brushes.
Washing by hand
Clean the vehicle starting from the top and work-
ing downward using a soft sponge or cleaning
brush. Use solvent-free cleaning products.
Washing vehicles with matte finish paint by
hand
To reduce the risk of damaging the paint when
washing, first remove dust and large particles
from your vehicle. Insects, grease spots, and fin-
gerprints are best removed with a special cleaner
for matte finish paint.
Apply the product using a microfiber cloth. To re-
duce the risk of damaging the paint surface, do
not use too much pressure.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water. Then
clean using a neutral shampoo and a soft micro-
fiber cloth.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly again and let it air
dry. Remove any water residue using a chamois.

ZA WARNING
—To reduce the risk of accidents, only wash
the vehicle when the ignition is off and fol-
low the instructions from the car wash oper-
ator.

247

Care and cleaning



Water-based deposits
such as coffee, tea,
blood, etc.
Component Situation Solution
Textiles, Deposits adhering to | Vacuum cleaner
Artificial leather, | the surface
Alcantara Absorbent cloth and mild soap solution®

Oil-based deposits
such as oil, make-up,
etc.
Apply a mild soap solution ®, blot away the dissolved oil or
dye, treat afterward with water, if necessary

Certain types of de-
posits such as ink,
nail polish, latex
paint, shoe polish,
etc;
Special stain remover, blot with absorbent material, treat
afterward with mild soap solution, if necessary»

Natural leather Fresh stains Cotton cloth with a mild soap solution®

Water-based deposits
such as coffee, tea,
blood, etc.
Fresh stains: absorbent cloth
Dried stains: stain remover suitable for leather

Oil-based deposits
such as oil, make-up,
etc.
Fresh stains: absorbent cloth and stain remover suitable
for leather
Dried stains: oil cleaning spray

Certain types of de-
posits such as ink,
nail polish, latex
paint, shoe polish,
etc.
Spot remover suitable for leather


nents

Care Regularly apply conditioning cream that protects from
light and penetrates into the material. Use special colored
conditioning cream, if necessary.
Carbon compo- Deposits Clean the same way as plastic components

a) Mild soap solution: maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in 1 quart (1 liter) of water

ZX WARNING
— Never clean headlights or tail lights with a
dry cloth or sponge.

The windshield must not be treated with wa-
ter-repelling windshield coating agents. Un-
der unfavorable conditions, such as wetness,
darkness, and when the sun is low, these coat-
ings can cause increased glare, which increas-
es the risk of an accident. They can also cause
wiper blade chatter.

@) Note
— Headlights and tail lights
250
— Do not use any cleaning products that con-
tain alcohol, because they could cause
cracks to form.
— Wheels
— Never use any paint polish or other abra-
sive materials.
— Damage to the protective layer on the
rims, such as stone chips or scratches,
must be repaired immediately.
— Camera lenses

8W1012721BB
Emergency assistance

Emergency assistance
General information
> Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic in the event of a breakdown. In the event
of a flat tire, park the vehicle ona level surface.
If you are ona steep hill, be especially careful.
> Set the parking brake.
> Switch the emergency flashers on.
> Have the passengers exit the vehicle. They
should move to a safe place, for example be-
hind a guard rail.

Z\ WARNING
Follow the steps given above. This is for your
protection and the for the safety of others on
the road.

Equipment
Vehicle tool kit, tire
vehicle jack
Applies to: vehicles with the vehicle tool kit, tire mobility kit,
and vehicle jack
yi aYaLaL eae Tale|

Fig. 172 Luggage compartment: cargo floor cover
The vehicle tool kit, vehicle jack, tire mobility kit
and compressor are stored in the luggage com-
partment under the cargo floor cover.
» Applies to: sedan: To open the front compart-
ment, lift the cargo floor cover by the strap (@).
> Applies to: allroad: To open the front compart-
ment, pull the cargo floor cover by the plastic
handle @) slightly toward the rear. Lift the car-
go floor cover over the front compartment.
> To open the rear compartment, lift the cargo
floor cover by the plastic handle @).
» Applies to: sedan: Hook the plastic handle (2)
into the luggage compartment seal.
> To remove the cargo floor cover completely,
pull it toward the rear at the plastic handle @).
> Applies to: vehicles with spare tire: Turn the
handle counter-clockwise and remove the spare
tire.
> Applies to: sedan: Unhook the cargo floor cover
again
before closing the luggage compartment
lid.
Depending on vehicle equipment, the vehicle tool
kit, tire mobility kit, and compressor may be lo-
cated under another cover that is secured with a
handwheel.
Applies to: vehicles with vehicle jack in the stor-
age bag: The bag with the vehicle jack is secured
to the tie-downs in the luggage compartment
and must be secured to the tie-downs again after
using it.

ZX WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with vehicle jack in the storage bag
A vehicle jack that is unsecured, incorrectly se-
cured, or not secured in the luggage compart-
ment may slide out of place when braking,
turning,
or in an accident, which increases the
risk of injuries to vehicle passengers. To re-
duce the risk of an accident, never transport
the vehicle jack without securing it.
G) Tips
—Insome vehicles, the rear compartment
may not open.
— The vehicle jack in your vehicle is mainte-
nance-free.


Tire mobility kit
Applies to: vehicles with tire mobility kit
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions > page 253.
> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” position.
> Check if a repair with the tire mobility kit is pos-
sible > page 254.
253