2020 AUDI A6 maintenance

Table of contents


Audi smartphone interface...... Z21,
Setup... eee eee ee eee 221
TrOuUBLESHOOtING wees « & wees « 2 eos so eee 222
Additional settings.............. 223
System settingS.......0seeecceeveees 223
Connected devices ...... 0.0... 000 e eee 224
Legalinformation..................5 225
Maintenance and Care........... 227
Checking and Filling............. 227
Fuel... 2. cece eee eee eee eee 227
Refuelingjecs ss sees se ane + eeee § s peme 228
Emissions control system...........4. 230
Engine compartment................. 231
ERGINGOtls seus 2 x seme « ¥ neue =e oRBER Fae 234
Cooling:system . « sscses v < ssesens vo eevee so ave 238
Brake fluid... 2... eee eee eee 240
Electrical SySteMi wis ¢ scm ae mews eg ey 240
Battery: « & cess 6 6 ceva © 5 mews « wenn ¥ © oi 241
Windshield washer system...........- 243
Service interval display............... 244
Wheels ........ 0... eee 245
Wheels and Tires . . 245
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 263
Care and cleaning................ 266
General
information................. 266
Car washess « siscica ea suasen a i wana # w auavars a a 266
Cleaning and care information......... 267
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 271
Do It Yourself .................... 272
Emergency assistance........... 272
General information..............0.. 272
Equipment.........-...00 2. cece eee 272
Tire Mobility’ Kit « sc ss ces scans 8 ees 272
Replacing wheels................-00. 274
Space-saving spare tire............... 278
Collapsible spare tire..............02. 278
JUITIP'SESPCING « cores s « weve « ¥ eerws & 2 cores 279
TOWING senses <2 seexsie s > costeine © « serene « o samenes 281
Fuses and bulbs.................. 284
FUSCSiercs i & accaans ao cena ooo mero wom ROI & 284
Bulbs. .... 0... eee eee eee eee eee 288
Customer information........... 289
Data privacy..................000. 289
Image recording............seeeeeees 289
Datamemoniesy. « s sscams sv sume ov ene a 0s 289
Transmitted information.............. 290
Accessories and technical
CHANGES... 1... eee eee eee 293
Warranty......... 00-000. e eee eee 293
Audi Literature Shop..............00. 293
Driving in other countries............. 293,
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
MOGIFIcAatIONS vase x x mem = x saw x 2 sue 293
Accessories and parts................ 295
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 295
Declaration
of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electronic systems............---0000- 296
Wechinicaldata:... . secs. s wen es ews 298
Identification data................00. 298
Vehicle dataiscs: = s xews 2s eens sp oes ye 298
Index... 0.2... eee 300

4K0012721BD
Opening and closing


—To trigger the alarm, press the [PANIC] but-
ton @) > fig. 25.
—To turn the alarm off, press the red [PANIC] but-
ton again.



Lost key/replacing a key
If a vehicle key is lost, contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Have
this vehicle key deactivated. It is important to
bring all keys with you.
If a key is lost, you should report it to your insur-
ance company.
Electronic immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized use of
the vehicle.
In some cases, it may not be possible to start the
vehicle if there is a vehicle key from a different
vehicle manufacturer on the key chain.
Data in the vehicle key
When driving, service and maintenance-relevant
data is continuously stored in your vehicle key. An
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility can read out this data and tell you about
the work your vehicle needs.

ZA WARNING
Follow the safety precautions > page 32.

@) Note
Protect the key against high temperatures
and direct sunlight.
() For the sake of the environment
XX Do not dispose of vehicle keys in household
trash. They contain materials that can be re-
cycled. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for more in-
formation.
@) Tips
— The vehicle key function can be temporarily
disrupted by interference from transmitters
near the vehicle working in the same fre-
quency range (such as a mobile device or ra-
dio equipment). Always check if your vehicle
is locked.
— Applies to: MMI: You can view the number
of keys programmed to the vehicle by se-
lecting on the home screen: VEHICLE > Set-
tings & Service > Vehicle information.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 296.
Unlocking and locking the vehicle

[RAZ-0025)
ar

Fig. 26 Door handle: sensor for locking
You can unlock and lock your vehicle using either
the buttons on the vehicle key or using the sen-
sors* in the door handles. The settings in the
MMI specify which doors will unlock > page 33.
Unlocking or locking using the vehicle key
buttons
> To unlock the vehicle, press the f@ button
=> page 36, fig. 25.
> To lock the vehicle, press the & button once.
Unlocking or locking using the sensors
Applies
to: vehicles with convenience key
> To unlock a door or the luggage compartment
lid, grasp the door handle or luggage compart-
ment lid handle.
> To lock the vehicle, close the doors and touch
the outer sensor on the door handle once
=> fig. 26. Do not grasp the door handle while
locking the vehicle, or else the vehicle will not
lock. The door cannot be opened for a brief pe-
riod directly after locking it. This way you have
the opportunity to check if the doors locked
correctly.
37

Driving

off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
i P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine
off. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the "P" button on the
selector lever. The “P” gear is automatically en-
gaged when you turn off the engine. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
fl Danger of rolling away! P not possible.
Please apply parking brake
The parking lock was released using the emer-
gency release > page 98 or can no longer be en-
gaged. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
Move selector lever to automatic position
The transmission has switched out of tiptronic
mode. Switch back to automatic mode with the
selector lever > page 97.
Drive system
A new vehicle must be broken in within the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km) so that all moving parts
work smoothly together, which helps to increase
the service life of the engine and other drive com-
ponents.
Do not drive higher than two-thirds of the maxi-
mum permitted engine RPM during the first 600
miles (1,000 km) and do not use full accelera-
tion. The engine can be increased RPM gradually
during the next 300 miles (500 km).
Conventional and mild hybrid drive system
Applies to: vehicles with a conventional drive system or a mild
hybrid drive system
Vehicles with a conventional or mild hybrid drive
system are powered by a combustion engine. It
uses fuel to recover energy.
100
Vehicles with a mild hybrid drive system have ad-
ditional battery technology.
Sait ele didn aat nel a ede eA

driving
Your driving style greatly influences the amount
of fuel and energy consumed, the environmental
impact, and the wear on the engine, brakes, and
tires. Note the following information for efficient
and environmentally-conscious driving:
— Turn off electrical equipment that is not need-
ed, for example seat heating*.
— Anticipate upcoming traffic situations while
driving to avoid unnecessary acceleration and
braking.
— Avoid driving at high speeds.
— Avoid adding extra weight to the vehicle if pos-
sible, for example by not leaving roof racks or
bike racks installed when they are not needed.
— Make sure the tire pressure is correct.
— Have maintenance performed regularly on the
vehicle.
— Do not drive with winter tires during the summ-
er.
— Do not let the engine run while the vehicle
parked.
— Use the Start/Stop system.
— Utilize the engine braking effect.
— Avoid driving short distances when possible.
@ Tips
The amount of noise produced by the vehicle
can increase significantly when driving with a
sporty style. Show respect to others around
you and the environment with the way you op-
erate your vehicle, especially at night.
Energy management
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent ener-
gy management system for distributing electrici-
ty. This significantly improves the starting ability
and increases the vehicle battery life.
(Gi) Tips
— If you drive short distances frequently, the
vehicle battery may not charge enough

4K0012721BD
Navigation

Map updates settings
Applies
to: vehicles with a navigation system and Audi con-
nect Infotainment
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > System maintenance.
Automatic online map update: when the func-
tion is switched on, map updates will be auto-
matically downloaded and installed.
@) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
=@ in General information on page 177.
Traffic information
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with navigation system
a mal
a Delay along the route: 30 Min
i eet aca

Fig. 142 Upper display: traffic information overview
Open traffic information
Requirement: the map must be displayed
=> page 192.
> Press Q) > page 191, fig. 138.
Display traffic report details
> Press on the traffic report @) > fig. 142.
> To display the previous or next traffic report,
press < or.
The following information can be displayed
> fig. 142:
@ Amessage will appear if the MMI calculates a
better route for the current route guidance.
More
information can be found under
=> page 197.
@ Atraffic message is displayed. The distance
to the hazardous area is calculated from the
current vehicle position.
@® The traffic messages are only shown when
route guidance is active. Press on a line to
display details about it.
@) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
= in General information on page 177.
G) Tips
— Particularly critical traffic information, such
as warnings about wrong-way drivers, is au-
tomatically displayed as a notification.
— Traffic information is not available in some
countries.
Better route
Applies to: vehicles with navigation system
By receiving traffic, your MMI calculates a better
route if available and the possible time saved
compared to the current route. You can decide
which route you would like to use.
A notification will appear for several seconds if
your MMI calculates a better route for the cur-
rent route guidance.
A message will also appear in the traffic informa-
tion overview @) > page 197, fig. 142.
Accept better route
Requirement: a notification about a better route
must be displayed.
> Press F&. The better route is used for route
guidance and the route is recalculated. Or:
press the notification in the central area. The
better route with the calculated arrival time is
displayed > page 193, Alternative routes. Press
on a better route (for example @) > page 193,
fig. 141).
197

Additional settings

Bluetooth
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Connection settings > Bluetooth.
Bluetooth
You can select a setting for visibility of the MMI
to other Bluetooth devices. To connect a new
Bluetooth device, the Visible setting must be se-
lected. If Invisible is selected, a Bluetooth con-
nection will only be possible with paired devices.
If Off is selected, no Bluetooth device can be con-
nected.
Bluetooth audio player
When this function is switched on, the profile
will load automatically when your Bluetooth au-
dio player is within range.
Bluetooth name
The MMI’s Bluetooth name is displayed and can
be changed.
Tyee M olor hd
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > System maintenance > Software
update.
> If necessary, insert a storage medium with the
update data into the corresponding drive
=> page 219.
> Press Search for updates.
> Press on the desired update.
> Press Next.
> Follow the system instructions.

ZA\ WARNING
— Perform the installation only when the vehi-
cle is stationary. Otherwise, this increases
the risk of an accident
— If the installation fails, contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction
corrected.
() Note
The connection costs for the software update
are included in the Audi connect pricing.

224
G) Tips
The length of the process depends on the size
of the update.
Factory default settings
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > System maintenance > Restore
factory settings.
> Select the desired functions individually, or
> Select the option Select all.
> Press Apply. The settings will be reset. The key
user will remain stored.
> To also delete the key user, press Remove key
user.
> To completely delete a smartphone that is
paired with the Audi smartphone interface, re-
set Audi smartphone interface and Bluetooth.
G) Tips
— Make sure that not only the settings were
deleted but also the stored data, if necessa-
ry.
— The system may restart when the settings
are reset. This may take a few minutes.
Connected devices
(eye e Ts ( Us
Requirement: the vehicle must be stationary and
the ignition must be switched on.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Connected devices.
Possible menu items:
— Telephone 1
— Telephone 2
— Audio player
— WLAN hotspot
— Headset
myAudi app
This function is available if the myAudi app is in-
stalled on your mobile device and started, and if
the mobile device is connected with the vehicle’s
Wi-Fi hotspot.

Checking and Filling

@) Note
If the engine oil level is too low or too high,
there is a risk of engine damage.
@) Tips
The oil level indicator in the display is only an
informational display. If the oil level is too
low, a minimum oil warning appears in the in-
strument cluster. Add oil and close the hood.
The current oil level will be displayed on the
MMI the next time the ignition is switched on.
@) Tips
The engine oil consumption may be up to
0.5 quart/600 miles (0.5 liter/1,000 km), de-
pending on driving style and operating condi-
tions. Consumption may be higher during 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.
236
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.



Fig. 157 Engine compartment: engine oil filling opening
cover (example)
Follow the safety precautions > page 231, Gener-
al information.
> Turn the engine off.
> Open the hood > page 232.
> Unscrew the cap 7 for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 157.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
oil > page 234.
> Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
> Close the hood = page 232.
> Restart the ignition after two minutes and read
the current oil level in the MMI > page 235,
Checking the engine oil level.
> Add more oil if necessary.

ZA, WARNING
— When adding oil, do not let oil drip onto hot
engine components. This increases the risk
of a fire. >

4K0012721BD
Checking and Filling


— You must close 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.
@ 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 231, 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.
— 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.
237
>

4K0012721BD
Wheels

heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the mate-
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure > A\.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-
der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.

ZA WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
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.

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


Tire pressure monitoring
system
(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 ona 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.
263