2021 AUDI A6 catalytic converter

Checking and Filling

Checking and Filling
Fuel
Types of gasoline
The correct gasoline grade is stated on the inside
of the fuel filler door.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter
and must only be driven with unleaded gasoline.
Audi recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gas-
oline. For additional information on TOP TIER De-
tergent Gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
The individual gasoline grades are differentiated
by octane ratings. This value is given with (R
+M)/2 equating to AKI or in RON.
The headings below match the sticker in the fuel
filler door (examples):
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY MIN. (R+M)/2 87
Regular / MIN. RON 91 Regular
Use regular gasoline with minimum 87 AKI /
91 RON > ©.
Audi recommends using premium gasoline with
minimum 91 AKI / 95 RON to achieve the rated
horsepower and torque.
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY PREMIUM MIN. (R
+M)/2 91 / SUPER MIN. RON 95
Using premium gasoline with minimum 91 AKI /
95 RON is recommended.
If premium gasoline is not available, you can also
use regular gasoline 87 AKI / 91 RON. However
this does reduce the engine power slightly.
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY PREMIUM MIN. (R
+M)/2 93 / SUPER PLUS MIN. RON 98
Using premium plus gasoline with at least 93
AKI / 98 RON is recommended.
If no premium plus gasoline is available, you can
also use premium gasoline with 91 AKI / 95 RON.
However this does reduce the engine power
slightly.
238
@) Note
— Filling the tank just one time with leaded
fuel or other metallic additives will cause
permanent deterioration to the catalytic
converter function.
— When gasoline with an octane rating that is
too low is used, high speeds or heavy engine
load can lead to engine damage.
@® tips
The vehicle may be filled with fuel that has a
higher octane rating than what is required by
the engine.
Gasoline mixture
Gasoline with alcohol or MTBE (Methyl-Tert-
Butyl-Ether)
You can use unleaded gasoline mixed with alco-
hol or MTBE (generally labeled as oxygenated
compounds) as long as the fuel meets the follow-
ing conditions:
Gasoline with methanol content (methyl alco-
hol or methanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 3% methanol
— More than 2% solvent
Gasoline with ethanol content (ethyl alcohol or
ethanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% ethanol
Gasoline with MTBE content
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% MTBE
Gasoline adapted to the season
Many gasoline fuels are adapted to the seasons.
When the season changes, refueling at high-traf-
fic gas stations is recommended. It is more likely
that the gasoline will be suitable for the season
there.
@) Note
— Gasoline with methanol content that does
not meet the specified conditions may cause >

Checking and Filling

continue fueling, or else the expansion space in
the tank will be filled with fuel.
>» After the fuel pump has switched off, wait five
seconds before removing the nozzle to allow
the rest of the fuel to finish dripping into the
fuel tank.
> Turn the fuel cap clockwise until it clicks into
place.
> Close the fuel filler door and then press on the
left side until it latches.
The correct fuel type for your vehicle can be
found ona label located on the inside of the fuel
filler door. For additional information on fuel, see
=> page 238.
For the tank capacity in your vehicle, refer to the
Technical Data > page 314.
To reduce the risk of fuel leaking out or vapors
escaping, make sure that the fuel tank is closed
correctly. Otherwise the EY indicator light will
turn on.


ZA\ WARNING
Improper fueling procedures and improper
handling of fuel can lead to explosions, fires,
severe burns, and other injuries.
— Do not smoke. Keep away from open flames.
— The ignition must be switched off when re-
fueling.
— Mobile devices, radio devices, and other ra-
dio equipment should always be switched
off when refueling. Electromagnetic rays
could cause sparks and start a fire.
— If you do not insert the fuel pump nozzle all
the way into the filler tube, then fuel can
leak out. Spilled fuel can ignite and start a
fire.
— Never get into the vehicle when refueling. If
there is an exceptional situation where you
must enter the vehicle, close the door and
touch a metal surface before touching the
fuel pump nozzle again. This will reduce the
risk of electrostatic discharge that can cause
flying sparks. Sparks can start a fire when
refueling.

ZA WARNING
Audi does not recommend transporting fuel
containers inside the vehicle. Fuel could leak
out of the container and ignite, especially dur-
ing an accident. This can cause explosions,
fires, and injuries.
— If you must transport fuel in a fuel contain-
er, note the following:
— Always place the fuel container on the
ground before filling. Never fill the fuel
container with fuel while it is inside or on
the vehicle. Electrostatic discharge can oc-
cur while refueling and the fuel vapors
could ignite.
— When using fuel containers made of met-
al, the fuel pump nozzle must always re-
main in contact with the container to re-
duce the risk of static charge.
— Insert the fuel pump nozzle as far as pos-
sible into the filler opening while refuel-
ing.
— Follow the applicable legal regulations in
the country where you are driving when
using, storing and transporting fuel con-
tainers.
— Make sure that the fuel container meets
the industry standards, for example ANSI
or ASTM F852-86.




)) Depending on the engine and country
240
() Note
— Remove fuel that has overflowed onto any
vehicle
components immediately to reduce
the risk of damage to the vehicle.
— Never drive until the fuel tank is completely
empty. The irregular supply of fuel that re-
sults from that can cause engine misfires.
Uncombusted fuel may enter the exhaust
system and increase the risk of damage to
the catalytic converter.
@) For the sake of the environment
— Do not overfill the fuel tank, or fuel could
leak out when the vehicle is warming up.
— Fuel should never enter the sewer system or
come into contact with the ground.

4K0012721BE
Checking and Filling

@ Tips
The fuel filler door on your vehicle does not
lock if you lock the vehicle from the inside us-
ing
the central locking switch.
Fuel filler door emergency release
Applies to: vehicles with manual fuel filler door release

If the central locking system malfunctions, the
fuel filler door can be unlocked manually.

Fig. 156 Version @)/ version @) Right cover in the luggage
compartment: removing the cover


Fig. 157 Luggage compartment: fuel filler door emergency
release
The emergency opening mechanism is located
behind the right cover in the luggage compart-
ment.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 286.
> Insert the flat side of the screwdriver carefully
into the slot between the side trim panel and
the cover > fig. 156 (arrows) and pry out the
cover. Keep in mind that a power cable for the
socket is located on the rear side.
> To unlock the fuel filler door, loosen the red
loop from the retainer and then pull on the
loop carefully > fig. 1579@©.
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 2339, fig. 154.
® Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You
will not hear it release. If you continue to
pull, you could damage the emergency re-
lease mechanism.
Emissions control
system
General information
ZA WARNING
The temperature of the exhaust system is
high, both when driving and after stopping
the engine.
— Never touch the exhaust tail pipes once they
have become hot. This could result in burns.
— Do not park your vehicle over flammable
materials such as grass or leaves because
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
Observe the safety precautions > page 241, Gen-
eral 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 >
241

Checking and Filling

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 2391).
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
LS, 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
"271 if the oil level is too high!

Always follow the instructions in the op-
erating manual.


)) Depending on the engine and country
242

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.
— 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.

Checking and Filling

@ Tips
Audi recommends using engine oils provided
by Audi Genuine Parts.
Messages
Engine oil pressure
i Turn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 246.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 247. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
— If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, turn the engine off and
do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Engine oil level
& Please add oil immediately.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 246 and add engine oil
immediately > page 247.
i Add max. x qt (x l) oil. You can continue
driving
Add the amount of oil shown immediately
=> page 247.
Reducing the oil level
3 Please reduce oil level
There is too much oil in the engine and there is a
risk of damaging the catalytic converter or en-
gine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
engine oil extracted if necessary. Avoid high en-
gine speeds, full acceleration, and heavy engine
loads.
Engine oil sensor
BS Oil level sensor: oil change necessary. Please
contact Service
Fuel has entered the engine oil. This will cause
the engine oil level to rise slowly and the engine
246
oil quality to decrease. Do not extract engine oil
to reduce the level, because this will increase the
risk of engine damage. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have engine oil extracted.
3 Oil level system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil level has
malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty to have the malfunction repaired.
& Oil pressure sensor: malfunction! Please
contact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil pressure
has malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired.
Engine warm-up request
Tf Please drive to warm up engine
Fuel has entered the engine oil, either due to low
outside temperatures or frequent short drives.
Drive until the engine is warm so that the fuel in
the engine oil will evaporate. Avoid high engine
speeds, full accelerating, and heavy engine loads
when doing this.
@ Tips
The oil pressure warning = is not an oil level
indicator. Always check the oil level regularly.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil level can be checked in the MMI.
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral information.
>» Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Shut the engine off when it is warm.
> Switch only the ignition back on.
> Wait approximately two minutes.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Oil level.
> Read the oil level in the display. Add engine oil
if the bar in the oil level indicator is just below
“min” > page 247.

4K0012721BE

Fuses and bulbs


This can cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem and increases the risk of fire.
() Note
If a new fuse burns out again shortly after you
have installed it, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty.
G@) Tips
— The following table does not list fuse loca-
tions that are not used.


— Some of the equipment listed in the follow-
ing tables applies only to certain model ver-
sions or certain optional equipment.
Fuse assignment - left footwell
Fuse panel @® (black)

4 |Engine components



S| Brake light sensor
6 |Engine valves
7 |Engine components
8 |Engine components
9 Engine components, 48 V water pump, 48
V drivetrain generator

10 | Oil pressure sensor, oil temperature sensor

Engine components, 48 V water pump, 48
11 |V drivetrain generator, 12 V drivetrain gen-
erator

12 | Engine valves, engine mount

13 | Engine cooling

14 | Engine control module, fuel injectors

Engine sensors, ignition coils, oxygen sen-
sors
15

RAZ-0195
ay
i
Toren
BARRIER P ala


Fig. 188 Left footwell: fuse panel with plastic clip
The fuse assignment @) and @) is in the opposite
order on right-hand drive vehicles.
16 | Fuel pump






Fuse panel (2) (red)
No. | Equipment
1 |Anti-theft alarm system
2 | Engine control module
3 | Left front lumbar support
5 |Horn
6 | Parking brake
7 | Diagnostic interface
8 |Roof electronics control module
9 | Driver assistance systems control module
10 | Airbag control module
iW Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), An-
ti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

12 | Diagnostic connection, light/rain sensor

Climate control system, vehicle electrical
1
3 system control module

14 | Right front door control module


Fuse panel (@) (black)
No. | Equipment

Climate control system compressor, vehi-
15
cle electrical system control module


Catalytic converter heating
Auxiliary battery control module, brake
16 ;
system pressure reservoir


2 |Engine components


Engine components

299

Blowers + cssios «0 cneaene a & comeaus we soem vw teow = 92
Bluetooth
Audio player............000 2000 e ee eee 221
Connecting adevice...............006- 235
Connecting a mobile phone............ 181
Deleting adevice......... cee eee eee eee 236
Device overview............2..2.0000- 235
Disconnecting adevice................ 235
Displaying profiles..................0. 236
Selecting adevice.............0.-.00. 235
Specifying a favorite................0. 236
BOOSts: « 2 sews « @ stews & 2 sews Fe eee ge ee ce 16
Boost pressure indicator................. 16
Brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid level........... 251
Brak@Siecs ¢ ¢ ees ¢ o aes 2 eee ae eee eo oe 105
Brake:fluids « « sone eo eae oo enw vv cow 251
Emergency braking function............ 108
HOtars: x 2 syne: 5 ames § eee ox me 2 oe 109
New brake pads .......6. 0: es eeee eens 106
Bravidsis » sauvs y © squme 9 © eigen =o Renee «Been 237
Break-in security feature................. 38
Breaking in
New brake pads............ ee eee eee 106
Newtires. 2.2... 0.0... c eee ee eee eee 263
Browser
refer to Mediacenter..............-00- 224
Bulb replacement..................-00- 302
Business address...........00-.000e eee 206
C
California Proposition 65 Warning........ 243
Battery specific.......... 0.0 e eee ae 253
Calllist. 0... eee eee eee eee eee 185
Cameras... 2... eee eee 123
LOCAUIONS wx ¢ s aan ¢ ¢ Sees » ¥ Saewe 2 ¢ Saree 124
Capacities
Fuel tank’, = css ¢ s meme 2s news so ees eee 314
Washer fluid reservoir...............0. 314
Cargo MOf in cs coas 2 2 wm oe ewes oe wen oe 89
Gargo nets ss sees « wesw v women 5 v were 6 3 Co 88
Carwashis < con s+ goes ve sees 2p Rew a ee 280
Catalytic converter.............--00000- 241
Cell phone
refer to Telephone...........-.0ee000 181
316
Cell phone compartment
refer to Audi phone box.............4. 183
Central
locking......... 0.0.0. c eee ee eee 35
AUTO LOCK: 5 sacs s ana. s aaam & § Suid G 3 Have 35
Convenience key............0 0c ee eee 40
Convenience opening and closing......... 48
Luggage compartment lid............... 43
Mechanically unlocking and locking....... 38
MESSAGES « snc 5 0 smones @ a seme 3 3 aemene osname 37
Remote control key............--.00005 40
SGttiNnGs s x cewp » x eee £2 REE Fo wR F 8 oe 36
Vehicle key sccm « « svsnoue =o weenme = stonene i 3 omens 40
Central locking switch..............00.0. 37
Ceramic DrakeSeovic. x a eins we seesam o o ceca ¥ os 106
Certificationts, s 2 acws s « saun + ¢ suas 2 ¢ eee 311
Changing light bulbs................... 302
Charging
refer to Power sourceS...........-.00-05 84
Charging the battery
Mobilesdevicesis « « ssisin 6 seine sw aysene 2 as 222
USB... eee 184
Wirelessis « « saups ¢ © sees x 2 emus xe ees gb 184
Child safety lock
Climate control system controls in the rear. 46
Power windows...........0000e eee eeee 46
REAMrdGGrSisc + s saan sa wae a Ales s aeeR GS 46
Child safety seats... ..... cece cece eee 78
Securing to the top tether anchor........ 82
Securing with asafety belt... co. 6 6 cows s 81
Securing with LATCH...............2--. 80
Cleaning... ... cece eee eee ee 280
Cleaning Alcantara...............000005 283
Cleaning artificialleather............... 283
Cleaning carbon components........ 282, 283
Gleaning controls’. « sees «esse « e saws x eo 283
Cleaning decorative parts andtrim........ 282
Cleaning exhaust tail pipes.............. 282
Cleaning plastic parts................0. 282
Cleaning textiles................0.000. 283
Climate control system...........--..0-- 91
Climate control system controls in the rear
Child safety lock................000000. 46
Closing
Automatic luggage compartment lid...... 43
Convenience closing.............+-+04- 48
Hood ...... eee ee eee ee 243
Luggage compartment lid............... 43