2021 AUDI A4 coolant system

Table of contents

About this Owner's Manual......
SUMIMAry: < = exe : eens: Seen cs sens
QutckeaeCe ssh: «i esis se ois a eaves @
Cockpit. ...... 0... eee eee eee eee
Indicator lights overview...........4..
Display and operation...........
Instrument cluster...............
Instrument cluster overview...........
Operating. ecccuse w+ were oo wens oo ayes 9 ¥
Adjusting the display.................
Coolant temperature display...........
Tachometer’ series i ewe so snes ¥ & ome
Odometer.............. cee eee eee ee
Outside temperature display...........
Engine oil temperature indicator.......
Boost indicator...............0--000.
Vehicle functions...............-----
Touch display.....................
General touch display operation........
Multi Media Interface................
Head-up display..................
DeSeriptions: s wees « x wows ¢ cess so eee
Voice recognition system........
Generalinformation.................
DeSeriptions. «+ seams x x arucsms x 0 seine oo coer
External voice operation..............
Global FUNGtHIONS:. icc: 5 6 ese. 6 6 sce
Additional function buttons...........
Starting and driving.............
Personalization..................
Opening and closing.............
Central locking..............00-e eee
Child safety lock.............00.-000
Power WindOWSic« s < sews ys wey 5 2 em 5
Sliding/tilting:SUNTOOF escinie os wise a 6 soe
Panoramic glass roof.................
NOD
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12 12 12
13
13
14 14
15
15
15
15
16 17 17 19
Z5
25
26 26 26 27
29;
29
30 30 30
33
33)
37
40
44
45
46 47
Valetiparking = s ss-e «x cscs ov cree a ¥ os 48
Garage door opener..........--.00 eee 48
Lights and Vision................. 51
Exterior lighting...................4. 51
Interior liQhting ss =e aves ss eews so eos 54
ViSIOMsn « 3 ses 3 3 ema oo wena vo ae © ove 55
Windshield wipers.............-..45- 58
Digital compass.............-.-0000- 61
Sitting correctly and safely...... 63
Correct passenger seating position...... 63
Frontseats:: » ssw. « ¢ sews & » saws +s ewe < 63
Steering wheel seis < «cies ¥ eerie ss eee 66
Head restraints.................0000. 67
Safety Beltsi: s sass x eeups ¢ < saves 2 e cee 68
Memory function . « scons ecw ee cro ee 71
Airbag system... ... 2.62... 0 ee eee eee 7X
Child safety seats.................04- 76
Storage and convenience........ 82
POWErSOURCES coisa gs seen ss wae se aes 82
Gup holders. ¢ ssn ss wee 2 2 see 2 & pee 82
Storage and compartments............ 83
Luggage compartment............... 83
ROOF hacks « = weies x = wae 2 s eae 2 & ween 2 88
Warm and cold................... 90
Climate control system............... 90
3-zone deluxe automatic climate control. 91
Steering wheel heating............... 93
Fluids in the A/C system. .........0065 93
Driving .............. 0.0... eee eee 95
Starting the vehicle...............0.0. 95
When driving isis ss iovsvie se aerswce oo anes oe 96
Drive system... 2.2... ee eee eee eee 101
Start/Stop system .........ee cece eee 102
BrakeS's so isemi 2 wane w aman a 2 oer as ie 104
Electromechanical parking brake....... 106
Special driving situations.............. 107
Driving: dynamic. . « sic. 6 6 see a 6 se 110
Audi drive select..................00. 110
SUSPENSION es « + exes ¢ ¢ eres +o ees vv eae 111
SUECOMIING 6 vessse oo csisweue io & stone 6 a toma ww Bs Lid

Warm and cold

Warm and cold
Climate control system
Your vehicle has a deluxe automatic climate con-
trol system with 3 zones where the temperature,
air distribution, and air supply can be set sepa-
rately on the left front side, the right front side,
and in the rear.
The climate control system warms, cools, dehu-
midifies, and filters the air in the vehicle interior.
It is the most effective when the windows and
panoramic glass roof* are closed. If there is a
build-up of heat inside the vehicle, ventilation
can help to speed up the cooling process.
The automatic climate control system automati-
cally maintains a temperature once it has been
set. In all heating mode functions except defrost,
the blower only switches to a higher speed once
the coolant has reached a certain temperature.
Pollutant filter
The pollutant filter removes pollutants such as
dust and pollen from the air.

ZX WARNING
— You should not use the recirculation mode
for an extended period of time, because no
fresh air is drawn in and the windows can
fog when cooling mode is switched off. This
increases the risk of an accident.
— Individuals with reduced sensitivity to pain
or temperature could develop burns when

90


using the seat heating* function. To reduce
the risk of injury, these individuals should
not use seat heating”.

C) Note
To reduce the risk of damage to the seat heat-
ing* elements, do not kneel on the seats or
place heavy pressure on one area of the seat.
@) For the sake of the environment
Energy can be saved by switching off the A/C
mode.
Gi) Tips
—To prevent interference with the heating or
cooling output and to prevent the windows
from fogging over, the air intake in front of
the windshield must be free of ice, snow,
and leaves.
— Condensation from the cooling system can
drip and form a puddle of water under the
vehicle. This is normal and does not mean
there is a leak.
— The energy management system may tem-
porarily switch off certain functions, such as
the seat heating” or rear window defogger.
These systems are available again as soon as
the energy supply has been restored.
— If the front passenger's seat heating* is
turned on, it will not turn on again automat-
ically if more than 10 minutes have passed
between switching the ignition off and on
again.

8W1012721BC
Warm and cold

& Defrosting
The windshield and side windows are defrosted
or cleared of condensation as quickly as possible.
Align the outer air vents with the side windows.
The maximum amount of air flows mainly from
the vents below the windshield. Recirculation
mode switches off. The temperature should be
set at 72 °F (+22 °C) or higher. The temperature
is controlled automatically.
You can switch the defroster on or off using the
X& button. You can switch the function off by
pressing a knob (4).
@ Rear window defogger
The rear window defogger only operates when
the engine is running. It switches off automati-
cally after 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the
outside temperature.
To prevent the rear window defogger from
switching off automatically, press and hold the
® button for more than three seconds. This is
stored until the ignition is switched off.
Vents
You can open or close the center and rear vents in
the cockpit and the vents in the rear center con-
sole using the ridged thumbwheels. The levers
adjust the direction of the airflow from the vents.
Residual heat
You can activate the residual heat function when
the ignition is switched off by pressing the knob
@ (left side). The residual heat from the coolant
is used to heat the vehicle interior. The residual
heat function switches off automatically after
about 15 minutes.
Additional settings
Applies to: vehicles with 3-zone deluxe automatic climate
control system
You can adjust additional settings.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Air conditioning.
Auto recirculation
When switched on, automatic recirculation con-
trols the recirculation mode automatically. You
must press the && button if fog forms on the win-
dows.
Steering wheel heating
Sica Lie mola
Applies to: vehicles with steering wheel heating
> Press the @ button on the multifunction steer-
ing wheel to switch the steering wheel heating
on and off.
Applies to: vehicles with steering wheel heating
@ Steering wheel heating: on / Steering wheel
heating: off
This message appears if you switched the steer-
ing wheel heating on or off by pressing the but-
ton on the multifunction steering wheel.
Steering wheel heating: malfunction! See own-
er's manual
If this message appears, there is a malfunction.
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
Fluids in the A/C system
Refrigerant in the A/C system
The sticker in the engine compartment provides
information about the type and amount of refrig-
erant used in the vehicle’s A/C system. The stick-
er is located in the front section of the engine
compartment or at the front or back of the hood.

Symbol
A
ss
at
Meaning

Warning: the A/C system must only
be serviced by qualified technicians.

Refrigerant type

Lubricant type >

93

8W1012721BC
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
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 245. 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
>

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.
@) Note
Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer hitch
ball head. In cases of damage, have the func-
tion 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.
— Audi recommends having the vehicle in-
spected between the inspection intervals 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
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
116
Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Downshift before driving on hills to utilize the en-
gine braking effect > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.
Engine coolant temperature
Pay attention specifically to the coolant tempera-
ture display when there are high outside temper-
atures, and when driving on long inclines
=> page 14. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

Z\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

8W1012721BC
Checking and Filling

The indicator light can also turn on if the fuel fill-
er cap is not closed correctly > page 218),
Engine compartment
General information
Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
For work in the engine compartment, such as
checking and filling fluids, there is a risk of in-
jury, scalding, accidents, and burns. For this
reason, follow all the warnings and general
safety precautions provided in the following in-
formation. The engine compartment is a dan-
gerous area in the vehicle. > A.
Explanation of warnings (sticker in the engine
compartment):

Hot engine components!
@ Rotating parts!


The radiator fan can switch on at any
[2 time!

High voltage! Switch off the engine be-
5 fore coming into contact with any igni-
tion system components!



The catalytic converter can be damaged
"71 if the oil level is too high!

Always follow the instructions in the op-
Co erating manual.

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 contained
in the coolant) can catch fire.
— 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 coolant is
escaping.
— 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 from
hot steam or coolant, cover the cap with a
thick cloth when opening.
— Do not remove the engine cover under any
circumstances. This increases the risk of
burns.
— Due to the risk of electric shock, never touch
the ignition cable or other components in
the electronic high-voltage ignition system
when the engine is running or is starting.
— If a 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.
— Set the parking brake first and select the
“P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Always make sure that no parts of the
body, jewelry, ties, loose clothing, and
long hair can be caught in moving engine
components. Before any work, always re-
move any jewelry and/or ties, tie back long
hair, and make sure all clothing fits close
to the body to reduce the risk of anything
becoming caught in engine components.
— Pay attention to the following warnings list-
ed when work on the fuel system or on the
electrical equipment is required.
— Do not smoke.


1) Depending on the engine and country
221

8W1012721BC
Checking and Filling


— 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.

() 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 is recommended.
Messages
/_E| 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 228.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 228. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
& 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.
— 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 add the follow-
ing coolant additives mixed with distilled water.

Coolant additive Specification


Gl12evo TL774L

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 °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
227
>

Checking and Filling

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 G12evo coolant additive is not availa-
ble in an emergency, do not add any other
additive. You could damage the engine. If
this happens, only use distilled water and
restore 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.
— You can continue driving if the permitted
G12evo coolant additive was not added.
However, go to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately
to have the coolant replaced to reduce the
risk of engine damage.
— 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
authorized Audi Service Facility can also pro-
vide you with important information about
the recommended coolant additive.
(Gitta diet lis

RAZ-0540,



Fig. 161 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Observe the safety precautions > page 221, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 222.
228
The coolant expansion tank for some engines is
located in the water drip tray under a cover. If
necessary, remove the cover that is located under
the windshield wiper on the front passenger's
side.
> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 223, fig. 159 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 161. The coolant level must
be between the markings (2) when the engine is
cold. When the engine is warm it can be slight-
ly above the upper marking.
» Applies to: vehicles with 6-cylinder engine:
There is a float located in the coolant expansion
tank. Read the coolant level using the coolant
level float. When the engine is cold, the float
must be located between the MIN marking and
the edge of the filler opening on the coolant ex-
pansion tank.
> When you add coolant to the expansion tank,
please refer to > page 227, 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. Audi recommends mixing
the coolant additive with distilled water.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick towel on the coolant expan-
sion tank cap.
> Push the release button @ > fig. 161 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 in the correct mixture ratio
=> page 227 up to the MAX marking. Or, in
vehicles with a 6-cylinder gasoline engine, the
float must be located between the MIN mark-
ing and the edge of the filler opening on the
coolant expansion tank.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Vehicles with 6-cylinder engine: if necessary,
press the float into the coolant expansion tank
using the cover.
> Turn the cap to the right to tighten it until you
feel resistance a second time.