2020 AUDI A6 service interval

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

Driving

@ Tips
— Press the brake pedal during a Stop phase
to keep the vehicle from rolling.
— The ignition will turn off if you press the
START ENGINE STOP} button during a Stop


phase.
— If you leave the vehicle briefly during a Stop
phase, the driver's door must be closed and
the safety belt buckled for the engine to be
able to restart.
— You can control if the engine will stop or not
by reducing or increasing the amount of
force you use to press the brake pedal. For
example, if you only lightly press on the
brake pedal in stop-and-go traffic or when
turning, the engine will not switch off when
the vehicle is stationary. If you press the
brake pedal harder, the engine will switch
off.
Starting and stopping the engine automat-
ically
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
The system checks if certain conditions are met
before and during the Stop phase, and deter-
mines if the engine stops and how long it re-
mains stopped. For example, if power usage is
high, the engine will not be stopped. Along with
other conditions, the following factors influence
the automatic engine start or stop:
— Environmental conditions (slopes, inclines, ele-
vation, temperature)
— Battery (charge status, temperature, power us-
age)
— Engine temperature
— Assist systems
— Driving behavior
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
Drive system: please start the vehicle manually
This message appears when specific conditions
are not met during a Stop phase. The Start/Stop
system will not be able to restart the engine. The
102
engine must be started with the
START ENGINE STOP] button.


Vehicle starting system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
There is a malfunction in the Start/Stop system.
Drive the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Service Facility as soon as possible to
have the malfunction corrected.
Brakes
General information
You can apply the vehicle's brakes using the brake
pedal.
Operating noise
Noises may occur when braking depending on the
speed, braking force, and outside conditions such
as temperature and humidity.
Braking effect
The response time from the brakes depends on
the weather and environmental conditions. To
ensure the optimal braking effect, the brake sys-
tem is cleaned at regular intervals. This is done
by applying the brake pads to the brake rotors for
a short period of time when driving at high
speeds when the windshield wipers are switched
on.
If the brake system becomes damp, for example
after driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may
be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en frequently or for long distances. In this case,
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.

4K0012721BD
Driving

— Noises when the parking brake is set and re-
leased are normal and are not a cause for
concern.
— The parking brake goes through a self-test
cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is
stopped. Any noises associated with this are
normal.
Emergency braking function
Emergency braking should only be used in an
emergency, if the standard brake pedal is mal-
functioning or obstructed. When the emergency
braking function is activated, the braking effect is
similar to a heavy braking maneuver.
> Pull and hold the © switch while driving.
> An audio warning signal will sound and emer-
gency braking will begin.
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency
braking will be canceled.

Z\ WARNING
Heavy braking while driving through curves or
in poor road or weather conditions can cause
the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to
swerve, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
Messages
Gg / ©) Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual


There is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level
ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
GRING / () Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake
There
is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level
ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
ww Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines
and shift to “P”.
a / {Q) Parking brake: warning! Vehicle parked
too steep
The braking force may not be enough to secure
the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in
a place with less of an incline.
& / Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal to release the parking brake.
Special driving situations
Driving uphill and downhill
When driving uphill, downhill, or at high alti-
tudes, note the following information:
— Drive slowly and carefully.
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-
verse.
— When driving down hills, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
down the hill and will attempt to maintain the
speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the
time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the
brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-
trol will switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
105

Trailer towing

you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 108
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 109.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 109.
For vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch, you
must switch on the air suspension trailer mode
manually.
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch it off again when you are no longer towing
a trailer.
When using carrier systems that are mounted di-
rectly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can also
switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 109.
Applies to: allroad: You can also increase ground
clearance by selecting the Audi drive select* off-
road or allroad modes > page 108.
116
Vehicle levels below the values set in the Com-
fort level will no longer be available, even if you
are lowering the vehicle manually.

Z\ WARNING
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
@) Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function checked by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
@) Tips
— Block the wheels with chocks when parking
on inclines if the trailer is loaded.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.

Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when >

Navigation

Online traffic information
Applies to: vehicles with navigation system and online traffic
information
The MMI can receive real-time online traffic in-
formation about congestion, accidents, road
construction, and other incidents.
Requirement: the MMI must be connected to the
Internet > page 177, Audi connect. Traffic infor-
mation must be switched on in the MMI
=> page 198.
Traffic information will be displayed on the
standard map > page 191, fig. 138.
Online traffic information is also displayed on the
standard map > page 195.
() Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
=@ in General information on page 177.
@) Tips
— Having the online traffic information func-
tion switched on provides the most accurate
reports of traffic situations and traffic fore-
casting. Your vehicle transmits and process-
es its anonymous, encrypted position infor-
mation at regular intervals to the traffic da-
ta provider. You can switch off data transfer
at any time > page 290.
— The online traffic information network is
not available in all countries, and the cover-
age is not nationwide.
Options and settings
Applies to: vehicles with navigation system
Context-specific functions and settings may be
available depending on the vehicle equipment.
> Press More, or
> Open a list with navigation destinations (such
as recent destinations) and press and hold an
item until the Options menu is displayed.
198
Storing a favorite
See > page 194.
Edit address
You can edit an address for the next destination
entry and navigate to the destination. Select: Ed-
it address > enter a street > Use address > Start.
If the address is permanently stored (for exam-
ple, in the favorites), the stored entry will not be
changed.
Change address
See > page 194, Favorites.
Entering an address
See > page 194, Contacts as navigation destina-
tions.
Change name
See > page 194, Favorites.
Weather
See > page 179, Services.
Save as a shortcut
See > page 23, Shortcuts.
Applies to: vehicles with navigation system
You can adjust the navigation system settings in
the instrument cluster and in the MMI display
separately. The settings depend on the country
and vehicle equipment.
Accessing settings
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
NAVIGATION > ©}.
Accessing settings using the multifunction
steering wheel
> Applies to: multifunction steering wheel: Select
in the instrument cluster: Navigation tab >
button.
Please note that a setting applied to the multi-
function steering wheel is only valid for the in-
strument cluster map.

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
>

Checking and Filling

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229|


Fig. 159 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Follow the safety precautions > page 231, Gener-
al information.
Checking the brake fluid level
> Slide the cover that is located below the wind-
shield wipers on the driver's side toward the
windshield and remove the cover.
> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 234, fig. 156. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
>A.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Message
Ga / @ Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level
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

240

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 = A B or fm] indicator light turns on,
there is a malfunction in the power supply, the
battery, or the vehicle electrical system.
/ BB Electrical system: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle
Do not continue driving and switch the ignition
off > A\. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized 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

Checking and Filling

Fill the washer fluid for the windshield washer
system and the headlight washer system* when
the ignition is switched off.
@) Note
— The concentration of anti-freezing agent
must be adjusted to the vehicle operating
conditions and the climate. A concentration
that is too high can lead to vehicle damage.
— Never add radiator anti-freeze or other addi-
tives to the washer fluid.
— Do not use a glass cleaner that contains
paint solvents, because this could damage
the paint.
Service interval display
The service interval display detects when your ve-
hicle is due for service.
The service interval display works in two stages:
— Inspection or oil change reminder: after driv-
ing a certain distance, a message appears in the
instrument cluster display each time the igni-
tion is switched on or off. The remaining dis-
tance or time is displayed briefly.
— Inspection or oil change due: if your vehicle
has reached an inspection or oil change interval
or both intervals at the same time, the mes-
sage Inspection due! or Oil change due! or Oil
change and inspection due! appears briefly af-
ter switching the ignition on or off.
Checking service intervals
You can check the remaining distance or time un-
til the next oil change or next inspection in the
Infotainment system.
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Service intervals.
Resetting the indicator
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will reset the service interval dis-
play after performing service.
If you have changed the oil yourself, you must re-
set the oil change interval.
244
Applies to: MMI: To reset the display, select on
the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings & Service
> Service intervals.
C) Note
— Only reset the oil change indicator if the oil
was changed.
— Following the service intervals is critical to
maintaining the service life and value of
your vehicle, especially the engine. Even if
the mileage on the vehicle is low, do not ex-
ceed the time for the next service.