2020 AUDI R8 COUPE ECU

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling

Opening and closing the engine
compartment lid
The engine compartment lid is released from in-
side the vehicle.
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Ss S
db eS t a

Fig. 176 Driver's side: unlocking the engine compartment
lid
Opening the engine compartment lid
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> Pull the &> switch. The engine compartment
lid opens > A\.
Closing the engine compartment lid
> Push the engine compartment lid down until it
locks into place > A\.



. WARNING
— Never open the engine compartment lid
when there is steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment, because
there is a risk that you could be burned.
Wait until no steam or coolant is escaping.


— For safety reasons, the engine compartment
lid must always be latched securely while
driving. Because of this, always check the
engine compartment lid after closing it to
make sure it is latched correctly. When
latched correctly, the engine compartment
lid will be flush with the other body panels.
@ Tips
An emergency release can be used if the en-
gine compartment lid cannot be released with
the switch > page 231.
Engine compartment lid emergency release
The emergency release loop is located under the
trim panel behind the front passenger's seat.

3 3 s S &
g a
=N
Fig. 177 Front passenger's seat: emergency release loop


> Pull the loop forward to release the engine
compartment lid. The engine compartment lid
opens > A\ in Opening and closing the engine
compartment lid on page 231.
231

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling

— 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 Au-
di 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
© = 2
QD + a

Fig. 182 Engine compartment: engine oil filler opening
cover
Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 229.
> Turn the engine off.
> Open the engine compartment lid > page 231.
>» Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 182.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
oil > page 233.
> Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
> Close the engine compartment lid.
> Check the oil level again > page 234, Checking
the engine oil level.
> Add more oil if necessary.

ZX WARNING
— When adding oil, do not let oil drip onto hot
engine components. This increases the risk
of a fire.
— 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 229, Gener-
al information.
235
>

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling




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)

@) Note
— Before the start of winter, have an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility check if the coolant additive in your
vehicle matches the percentage appropriate
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.
@ Tips
In certain weather conditions, water can
evaporate on the radiator and exit the side
vents as steam after stopping the engine.
Adding coolant
Applies to: vehicles without power top

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Fig. 183 Engine compartment: markings on the coolant
expansion tank
Observe the safety precautions > page 229, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the engine coolant level
>» Park the vehicle on a level surface.
>» Switch the ignition off.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick cloth over the coolant ex-
pansion tank cap and unscrew the cap counter-
clockwise > A\.
> Read the coolant level using the coolant level
float. The coolant level float may only stick out
over the edge of the coolant expansion tank a
maximum of 0.39 in (1 cm) when the engine is
cool.
Adding coolant
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Add coolant in the correct mixture ratio
=> page 236 until the dipstick is no more than
0.39 in (1 cm) above the edge of the coolant
expansion tank.
> 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.

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 229, General informa-
tion.
— Never open the engine compartment lid if
you can see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine compartment. This in-
creases 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. |>

237

Checking and Filling


— 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.
o 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.

Adding coolant
Applies to: vehicles with power top


° ©
S a + oO


Fig. 185 Power top storage bay: coolant expansion tank
Observe the safety precautions > page 229, Gen-
eral information.
The coolant expansion tank is located in the pow-
er top storage compartment cover on the right
side under the oval metal cover > fig. 185. To
check the coolant level, the vehicle must be level
238
and the power must be in the service position
> fig. 184.
Bringing the closed power top into the
service position
> Switch the ignition on.
> Pull and hold the power top switch.
> Press and hold the rear window switch as well
until the power top moves into the service posi-
tion > fig. 184.
Bringing the open convertible to into the
service position
> Switch the ignition on.
» Press and hold the power top switch.
> Press and hold the rear window switch as well
until the power top moves into the service posi-
tion > fig. 184.
Opening the coolant expansion tank cover
> Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Carefully remove the bolts in the cover (4) using
a screwdriver and remove the cover. The cool-
ant expansion tank is located underneath
> fig. 185.
Checking the engine coolant level
> Place a cloth over the coolant expansion tank
cap and unscrew the cap counterclockwise
of.
> Read the coolant level using the coolant level
float. The coolant level float may only stick out
over the edge of the coolant expansion tank a
maximum of 0.39 in (1 cm) when the engine is
cool.
Adding coolant
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Add coolant in the correct mixture ratio
=> page 236 until the dipstick is no more than
0.39
in (1 cm) above the edge of the coolant
expansion tank.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Close the cap securely.

Checking and Filling


authorized 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 Au-
di 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 = or fl] indicator light turns on, there is a
malfunction in the generator, the battery, or the
vehicle electrical system.
= Electric system: malfunction! Battery is not
being charged
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately. Turn off all un-
necessary electrical equipment because it will
drain the battery. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility if the battery
charge level is too low.
= 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.
240
If this message does not turn off, drive immedi-
ately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
Battery
Battery general information
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 241, Lead
battery or > page 241, Other battery types
— Auxiliary battery (for example, for recuperation
or optional equipment) > page 241, 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 limited or switched off. Some
convenience functions, such as interior lighting
or power seat adjustment, may not be available
under certain circumstances. The convenience
functions will be available again when you 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 242. 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.

4S1012721BA
Emergency assistance

Raising the vehicle
Applies to: vehicles with vehicle jack

Q 3
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B4S-0095



rom Oe a


Fig. 203 Sill: positioning the vehicle jack
> Place the vehicle jack from the vehicle tool kit
ona firm surface. Use a flat, stable support if
necessary. On a slippery surface such as tile,
you should use a non-slip pad such as a rubber
mat > /\.
> Find the mounting point in the sill on the side
with the affected wheel > fig. 202.
> Turn the vehicle jack located under the lifting
point on the sill to raise the jack until its arm @
=> fig. 203 is located under the designated plas-
tic mount.
> Align the vehicle jack so the arm @ engages in
the designated Lifting point in the door sill and
the base (2) lies flat on the ground. The base @)
must be directly under the mounting point @.
> Continue raising the vehicle jack until the wheel
lifts off the ground slightly.

ZA WARNING
—To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no
one is in the vehicle before raising it.
— Make sure the vehicle jack is stable. The risk
of injury is increased when the ground is


slippery or soft, because the vehicle jack
could slide or sink.
— Only raise your vehicle with the vehicle jack
provided by the factory. If you use a vehicle
jack designed for another vehicle, your vehi-
cle could slip and cause injury.
— Position the vehicle jack only at the desig-
nated mounting points on the side sill and
align the jack. Otherwise, the vehicle jack
could slip and cause an injury if it does not
have sufficient hold on the vehicle.
—To reduce the risk of injury, do not raise any
other vehicles or other loads using the vehi-
cle jack provided by the factory.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, never start
the engine when the vehicle is raised.
—To reduce the risk of injury, support the vehi-
cle securely with suitable stands if work is to
be performed underneath the vehicle.


q@) Note
Do not lift the vehicle by the sill. Position the
vehicle jack only at the designated mounting
points on the side sill. Otherwise, your vehicle
could be damaged.
275

Emergency assistance

The jump start cable connections are located in
the luggage compartment.
Follow the information about the vehicle battery
=> page 240.
Connecting the positive cable (red) to the
positive terminal
> Open the cover for jump starting > page 242,
fig. 188.
1. Attach one end of the positive cable (red) to
the jump start connection @ © fig. 207 on
your vehicle.
2. Attach the other end of the positive cable
(red) to the positive terminal @) on the pow-
er source.
Connecting the negative cable (black) to the
negative terminal
3. Attach one end of the negative cable (black)
to the negative terminal @) on the power
source.
4. Attach the other end of the negative cable
(black) to the jump start connection @) on
the vehicle.
Starting the engine
> Start the engine in the vehicle giving the charge
and let it run at idle.
> Now start the engine in your vehicle, which has
the
drained battery.
> If the engine does not start: Stop the starting
procedure after 10 seconds and then repeat it
after approximately 30 seconds.
> Turn on the rear window defogger in your vehi-
cle in order to reduce any voltage peaks that
may occur when disconnecting the jump start
cables. The headlights must be switched off.
> With the engines running, remove the cables in
reverse order of the way they were installed.
> Close the cover.

ZX WARNING
— Do not touch the non-insulated parts of the
terminal clamps. The cable must also not
come into contact with vehicle components
that conduct electricity when it is connected
to the positive vehicle battery terminal. This
can cause a short circuit.

278

—The locking bolts on the battery cells must
be tightened securely.
— Keep ignition sources (open flames, burning
cigarettes, etc.) away from the vehicle bat-
teries to reduce the risk of an explosion.
— If you jump start another vehicle, route the
jump start cable so that it does not become
caught in moving components in the other
vehicle's engine compartment.
@) Note
Please note that the connecting process previ-
ously described for the jump start cables is in-
tended for when your vehicle is being jump
started. If you are jump starting another vehi-
cle, connect the negative cable (-) to a large
metal component that is bolted securely to
the engine block, or to the engine block itself.
If the vehicle battery in the vehicle being
jump started is not vented to the outside,
there is a risk of explosion due to hydrogen
gas.
G) Tips
Make sure that the connected jump start ca-
bles have sufficient contact with metal.

Towing
General information
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
Towing requires a certain amount of practice. Au-
di recommends contacting a towing company to
have the vehicle transported.
You should only have your vehicle towed by an-
other vehicle when disabled in exceptional cir-
cumstances. Inexperienced drivers should not
tow.
Notes on towing
When the engine is stopped, the transmission
will not be sufficiently lubricated if traveling at
high speeds and long distances:

4S1012721BA
Emergency assistance

— The maximum permitted towing speed is 30
mph (50 km/h).
— The maximum permitted towing distance is 30
miles (50 km).
Additional information on towing with a tow
truck
The vehicle must not be towed with the front axle
or rear axle raised. Do not wrap any chains or ca-
bles around the brake lines.
Tow bar and towing cable
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or tow-
ing cable. Both drivers should be familiar with
the special considerations when towing, especial-
ly when using a towing cable.
Always make sure the traction force does not ex-
ceed the permitted level and there are no shock
loading conditions. There is always the risk of the
coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-
road.
For the most safety and security, drive with a tow
bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow
bar is not available. Use a towing cable made of
synthetic elastic cable similar elastic material.

ZA WARNING
— Towing highly increases the risk of an acci-
dent, for example from colliding with the
towing vehicle.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, do not al-
low anyone to remain inside the vehicle
when it is being transported by a tow truck
or a special transporter.
@) Note
— If normal towing is not possible, for exam-
ple if the transmission is faulty or if the
towing distance is greater than 30 miles
(50 km), then transport the vehicle on a
special carrier.
— If the vehicle is towed by a tow truck at the
axle that is not permitted, this can cause se-
vere damage to the transmission.


D_ Requirement: the vehicle battery must have a sufficient
charge level.
— The vehicle must not be tow started for
technical reasons.
G) Tips
— If the power supply is interrupted, the se-
lector lever will not move out of the "P" po-
sition. The parking lock must be released
using the emergency release before towing
the vehicle > page 73.
— Follow the local legal regulations for tow-
ing.
Read and follow the important information under
=> page 278.
Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loop > page 280.
> Make sure the towing cable is not twisted. Oth-
erwise it could disconnect from the towing loop
while towing.
> Switch the emergency flashers on in both vehi-
cles > page 44. However, do not do this if it
prohibited by law.
Towing vehicle (front)
> Only start to drive when the towing cable is
taut.
> Be especially careful when accelerating.
> Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
Vehicle being towed (rear)
> Make sure the ignition is switched on so that
the steering wheel is not locked and so that you
can use the turn signals, the horn, and the
windshield wipers if needed > A\.
> The brake booster only works when the engine
is running. Power steering only works when the
ignition is switched on and the vehicle is roll-
ing )). If the brake booster and power steering
are not functioning, you must press the brake
pedal much harder and use more force to steer.
> Release the parking brake > page 65.
279
>