2020 AUDI A6 Check coolant

4K0012721BD
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
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 > @.
CG) 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
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 255. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
115
>

4K0012721BD
Checking and Filling


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 230, 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.
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
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 228).
Engine compartment
(er eel lacela)
Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
When performing work in the engine compart-
ment, such as checking and filling fluids, there
is a risk of injury, scalding, accidents, and
burns. For this reason, follow all the warnings
and general safety precautions provided in the
following information. The engine compart-
ment is a dangerous area in the vehicle. > A\.

) Depending on the engine and country

ZA 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 freeze protection contain
in the coolant) can catch fire.
ed
— 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 coolan
escaping.
tis
— The cap on the coolant expansion tank must
never be opened when the coolant is hot.
The cooling system is under pressure. There
is a risk of burns
—To protect your face, hands, and arms fro m
hot steam or coolant, cover the cap with a
thick cloth when opening.
— Do not remove the engine cover under an
circumstances. This increases the risk of
burns.
y
— Due to the risk of electric shock, never touch
the ignition cable or other components in
the electronic high-voltage ignition syste
when the engine is running or is starting.
m
— Ifa 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.

231

4K0012721BD
Checking and Filling

Opening the hood
> With the door open, pull the lever &>)) below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 154.
>» Raise the hood slightly > page 231.
> Press the lever > fig. 155 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. > J\.
Message
EB 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.


ZX 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.


)) The &> symbol is not available in all countries.
233

Checking and Filling


Engine compartment overview
The most important check points.




Fig. 156 Typical location of the reservoir and the engine oil filler opening (example)
Follow the safety precautions > page 231.
@ Washer fluid reservoir (>) > page 243
@ Jump start point (+) under a cover, (-) with
hex head screw > page 243, Charging the 12
Volt vehicle battery, > page 279, Jump start-
ing
Coolant expansion tank (=) under a cover
=> page 239
Engine oil filler opening (827) > page 236
Brake fluid reservoir (OC) under a cover
=> page 240
Sticker* for engine oil specifications
=> page 234
©
©®
©
The coolant expansion tank and the engine oil
filling opening may be located in different places
within
the engine compartment, depending on
the engine version.
234
Engine oil

If the engine oil level is too low
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 234,
fig. 156.
If the recommended engine oil is not available, in
an emergency you may add a maximum of 1
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.

Checking and Filling

@ 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 using the B indi-
cator light. However, occasionally checking the
coolant level manually is recommended.
Messages
& Turn off engine 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 239.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 239. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
Ba Coolant temperature: too high. Please let
engine 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 system: malfunction! Please turn
off engine
Do not continue driving, shut the engine off, and
switch the ignition off.
238
— 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 TL774J

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°O
Cold min. 50% max. -40 °F
regions max. 55% (-40 °C)

@) Note
— Before winter weather begins, have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility check if the coolant additive
in your vehicle matches the percentage ap-
propriate for the climate. This is especially
important when driving in colder climates.
— If the appropriate coolant additive is not
available in an emergency, do not add any
other additive. You could damage the en-
gine. If this happens, only use water and re-
store the correct mixture ratio with the
specified coolant additive as soon as possi-
ble.
— Only refill with new coolant.
— Radiator sealant must not be mixed with
the coolant.
— Due to the risk of engine damage, the cool-
ing system should only be refilled by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. An authorized Audi dealer or >

4K0012721BD
Checking and Filling

authorized Audi Service Facility can also pro-
vide you with important information about
the recommended coolant additive.
ecking coolant


RAZ-0540 z x


MIN


Fig. 158 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Follow the safety precautions > page 231, Gener-
al information.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 232.
The coolant expansion tank for some engines is
located in the water drip tray under a cover. Slide
the
cover that is located below the windshield
wiper on the front passenger's side toward the
windshield and remove the cover.
> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 234, fig. 156 using the outer
markings @) > fig. 158. The coolant level must
be between the markings @) when the engine is
cold. When the engine is warm it can be slight-
ly above the upper marking.
> When you add coolant to the expansion tank,
please refer to > page 238, Cooling system.
Adding coolant
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 cap.
> Push the release button @ © fig. 158 on the
cap and carefully turn it to the left until you
feel resistance > /\.
> Push the release button again and remove the
cap completely.
> Add coolant mixed in the correct ratio
=> page 238 up to the MAX marking.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Turn the cap to the right to tighten it until you
feel resistance a second time.
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.

ZA\ 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 231, General informa-
tion.
— 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 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
239
>

Index

Luggage compartment lid............... 39
Luggage compartment lid with foot motion . 41
Panoramic glass roof.............000005 45
Sunshade (roof): « = sss + «swiss + 2 enews ao wre 45
Windows........ 0. cece eee cece eee 43
Closing aid (power closing doors).......... 32
Cockpit MMM? «5 awsess so somes a 6 sumane a vee 53)
Cockpit (overview). « iss a ewes oe eee os eee 6
Collapsible spare'tir@se:. sisson occu ev were 278
Collapsible tire
refer to Collapsible spare tire........... 278
Colored ise: 5 + ssi so ese 6 vee 6H ee ee 298
Combustion engine « oss ss sees se caws see 100
Coming home/Leaving home
refer to Entry/exit lighting.............. 51
COMpact’Sparetires, & wc ao www xv owen & oe 278
Compartment as « o sss x & sass @ & saws 2 2 Bas 81
Compass:in' the Mirror: « cww sx ces se nore o 58
GOrmiplianice’s x s ems: 5 2 wemau sx seen 2 e PERG 296
Configuration wizard.................04. 20
connect ........ 0... cee eee eee eee 177
Data plaris’s s neon ss weoen = o aceem = x eanee & 3 182
Data Privatyices ws excise ss eines 3 v cmseae so csmue 291
Emergency call............0--.00 ee ee 183
Infotainment x: « : eens se ees ae ewe gees 177
Infotainment services...........000005 178
Online roadside assistance............. 184
Vehicle control services................ 179
Connected devices
Device overvieW... 5. . ccc ce eee e eens 224
Connections
refer'to Mediaie:. «2 eciace ss ences vs one 209, 213
Consumer information................0- 293
Consumption
Reducing.......... 0. eee eee eee eee 100
Consumption (Fuel) |. cscs wx sears wo ower ov oe 16
Contacts
Add destination...............000000. 194
Importing and exporting.............. 175
Memory capacity... 6 ccs. s sees se rows 175
Opening (business card)............... 169
Updating inthe MMI.................. 175
Convenience key..........0 2.0.00 eee eee 32
Convenience closing.........:seeeeeees 44
also refer to Vehicle key..............-. 36
302
Convenience opening and closing

Windows or panoramic glass roof........ 44
Coolant temperature display.............. 14
Cooling mode..... 2.6... cee ee eee eee 89
Cooling system
Adding coolant.............00- eee ee 239
Checking the coolant level............. 239
GOOLANE « scscoss = & saacs «wwe + 0 eaters ¥ wan 238
GOPM|NPING igh sce: os meses ow sxcmne v cna a 2 wees 49
Cross
traffic assist (intersection assistant) .. 153
Cruise control system..........-..20005 130
Cup holders......... 0... 2c cece eee eee 80
Current consumption...............0.005 16
D
Data plans
Data Privacy
Dake os ccerevs © scenes © eyaetses © sieitean wo sinters © = eee
Setting
Daytime running lights.............0000. 49
Declaration of compliance............... 296
DEF (instrument cluster) « « sec s «scene so see 12
Demo mode
refer to Presentation mode............. 198
Destination onthe map.............-.+- 190
Details, x x sssasws > x cass » x axcowms + 0 eesenms 4 1 oxen 189
Determining correct load limit........... 259
Digital COMPASS « vex » 2 ween 2 wewws ¥ weeH & sg 58
Dimensions: « 2 ces + = eee & x satis & o ews 298
Dimming the exterior mirrors............. 54
Dimming the rearview mirror............. 54
Directory
S@UttiNgS sane: ¢ x nome + 7 ees & 2 Rem 5 8 Ee 175
also refer to ContactS..............00. 169
Display
Cleaning......... 0... e ee eee eee 268
Disposal..... 0.0... . cee ee eee ee eee ee 293
DIStaNGe esisccs cs cswvie we aoecwne vw serene ww cee os 16
Distance warning « vse se wen s wae a 3 earn 143
Doors
Child safety lock « sencue «ss snimse = serene © sunaeie 0 43
Door contact switch. ...............005. 52
Mechanically unlocking and locking....... 35
Power closing/closing aid............... 32
Driver information system................ 13