2021 AUDI A6 maintenance

Table of contents

Supported media and file formats...... 228
Troubleshooting..............000eeee 229
Audi smartphone interface...... 231:
Setup... .. 0... eee eee eee 231
Troubleshooting «cx «sess se eee s 3 ves 232
Additional settings.............. 233
System settingS..............e ee eee 233
Software update: « ccs ss e054 een ee ve 234
Connected devices............00.0 00s 235
Legalinformation................... 236
Additional information.......... 237
Brands and licenses..........-...0-5- 237
Maintenance and Care........... 238
Checking and Filling............. 238
FilClae « ¢ agisu @ & maven 2 e SINS BE SePeE YE ee 238
RePUCLINGiecs + 2 mein oo een eae ¥ wer 239
Emissions control system............. 241
Engine compartment................. 242
EMGine Oils: seas 2 = wave = ¢ eoume 5 y couse 6 2g 245
Cooling systeM...........00 0-2 ee eee 249
Brake fllid. 0.2... eee eee eee ee 251
ElectricalsysteM esa. ecw + y pews se ee 251
Battenyis « o masse © o cxasane «a sincere « a averse © ere 252
Windshield washer system...........- 254
Service interval display............... 255
Wheels .......... 66. cece eee eee eee 256
Whieelsiaind Tires « caus « « cara sv eee eo 9 256
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 274
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 276
Care and cleaning................ 280
General information 0... ..c.6 eee 280
Car washes....................0000. 280
Cleaning and care information......... 281
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 285
DoOuUlt YOuUrSELT ios «pases s yas ss eRe 286
Emergency assistance........... 286
Generalinformation................. 286
EQUIPITIONE sce + & wswu + wowe xe eee a ee 286
Tire MObILity Kit esses se seceoe a x oneivens ea ares 286
Replacing wheels..............000005 288
Space-saving spare tire............... 292
Collapsible spare tire...............-. 292
Jump starting ......... 0... cee ee eee 293
TOWING ¢ aoves « & wees ¢ 2 eG 4 2 eee Fe 295
Fuses and bulbs.................. 298
FUSES sccs so das oo eee ERG PeeG TE? 298
BULBS eves ic = sonsess oo couse oo wooo e ReREN He 302
Customer information........... 303
Data PNivacyc. « « sean ss wows ac eos oe 303
Privacy NOEICE «ssw Image recording..............0e-000 303
DataiMemnioniess: < s omy: s x wee ¢ ¢ eee a ee 303
Transmitted information.............. 305
Accessories and technical
CNGIGESS: « csccs 6 5 scans & 3 senses yo eve 2 308
Warranty... 00... cee ee eee 308
Audi Literature Shop................. 308
Driving in other countries............. 308
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
TROCITICAUONS & cass « 1 een 4 § caren 3 ewes 308
Accessories and parts................ 310
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 310
Declaration of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electronic systems...........2.-.0005 3It.
Technical data. « « 2s.6 + ngs sens 313
Identification data................0.. 313
Vehicle data...............00220000. 313
Tindle@xtie. 5 cviuss ae onsen ao meen ae omer oo 315

Opening and closing


PANIC —To trigger the alarm, press the but-
ton @) ° fig. 24.
—To turn the alarm off, press the
again.


PANIC button
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
Observe the safety precautions > page 35.

@) Note
Protect the key against high temperatures
and direct sunlight.
@ For the sake of the environment
‘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.
G@) 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-
40
dio equipment). Always check if your vehicle
is locked.
— Applies to MMI: You can view the number of
keys programmed to the vehicle by selecting
on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings &
Service > Vehicle information.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
> page 311.
Unlocking and locking the vehicle

RAZ-0025


Fig. 25 Door handle: sensor for locking
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you may
have various options for unlocking and locking
your vehicle. The settings in the MMI specify
which doors will unlock > page 36.
Unlocking or locking using the vehicle key
buttons
> To unlock the vehicle, press the @ button
=> page 39, fig. 24.
> To lock the vehicle, press the ff 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 door and touch
the sensor on the door handle once > fig. 25.
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 period direct-
ly after locking it. This way you have the oppor-
tunity to check if the doors locked correctly. >

4K0012721BE
Driving

the same time when the vehicle is stationary. The
“P” gear is automatically engaged when you turn
off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
fl 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.
i Danger of rolling away! P not possible.
Please apply parking brake
— The parking lock was released using the emer-
gency release > page 101. Or:
— The parking lock can no longer be engaged.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected. Secure the vehicle
against rolling before exiting the vehicle
=> page 97.
Move selector lever to automatic position
The transmission has switched out of tiptronic
mode. Switch back to automatic mode with the
selector lever > page 100.
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.
Vehicles with a mild hybrid drive system have ad-
ditional battery technology.
aaita( alae RT dieollaCtil eli Neada late lig
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 let the engine run while the vehicle
parked.
— Do not drive with winter tires during the summ-
er.
— 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.
103

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.
Factory default settings
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > System maintenance > Restore
factory settings.
> Follow the system instructions.
The settings will be reset. The system will re-
start. This may take some time.
@ Tips
Make sure that not only the settings were de-
leted but also the stored data, if necessary.
Software update
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with software update
You can update your vehicle’s software.
The functions depend on the country and vehicle
equipment:
— Update through the online system update
=> page 234.
234
— Map material update for the navigation system
=> page 208.
— Have the software update performed by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility. This can result in additional costs.

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.
Online system update
Applies to: vehicles with online system update

With the online system update, you can update
the software directly in the vehicle.
Requirement: the MMI must be connected to the
Internet > page 192, Audi connect.
Downloading updates
Requirement: notification for an online system
update will appear in the upper display.
> Press on the notification, or
> Open the notification in the notification center
on page 23 and press on the notification.
> Follow the system instructions.
You can also check manually if an update is avail-
able.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > System maintenance > Software
update > Search for updates > desired update
> Continue.
> Follow the system instructions.
The
MMI will start the download. You can check
the status of the download process in the notifi-
cation center > page 23.
Installing updates
Requirement: an online system update must be
downloaded and a notification must be shown in
the upper display.
> Stop the vehicle safely.

Checking and Filling

4K0012721BE
® Note 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-
If the engine oil level is too low or too high,
there is a risk of engine damage.
@ ) sary care and accuracy and may take time.
Tips An authorized Audi dealer or authorized
The oil level indicator in the display is only an Audi Service Facility is trained in accurately
informational display. If the oil level is too measuring the oil consumption.
low, a minimum oil warning appears in the in- — You can find information on engine oil and
strument cluster. Add oil and close the hood. engine oil capacities for the USA at www.
The current oil level will be displayed on the audiusa.com/help/maintenance, or for Can-
MMI the next time the ignition is switched on. ada at www.audi.ca/ca/web/en/
customer-area/care-and-maintenance/
@) Tips audi-service-schedules.html, or call
The engine oil consumption may be up to 800-822-2834.
0.5 quart/600 miles (0.5 liter/1,000 km), de-
pending on driving style and operating condi-
tions. In RS models, the oil consumption may
be up to 1 qt/600 mi (0.8 L/1,000 km). Con-
sumption 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 Fig. 161 Engine compartment: engine oil filling opening
service life of the engine. Engines generally covet Sxem BE)
consume more oil at the beginning during
the break-in period. Then oil consumption
stabilizes after the break-in period.

RAZ-0072|


Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral information.
— Under normal conditions, oil consumption > Turn the engine off.
depends on the quality and viscosity of the > Open the hood > page 243.
oil, the engine RPM, the climate conditions, >» Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
and the road conditions. The dilution of oil opening > fig. 161.
from condensation or fuel residue as well as > Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
the age of the oil also play a role. Because oil > page 245.
engine wear increases with mileage, oil con- > Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
sumption will increase again over time until > Close the hood = page 243.
it may be necessary to replace worn compo- > Restart the ignition after two minutes and read
nents. the current oil level in the MMI > page 246,
— Because all these variables play a role, it is Checking the engine oil level.
not possible to define an oil consumption » Applies to: using engine oil that meets the rec-
standard. Therefore, the oil level must be ommended specification: Add some more en-
checked regularly. gine oil again if necessary.
— If you believe that your engine has in-
creased its oil consumption, contact an au-
247

Checking and Filling


ZA\ 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.
CET Ute Rie Lae!
Audi recommends having the oil changed at an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Serv-
ice Facility.
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral information.
248
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, Audi recommends
having your engine oil changed by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
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.

4K0012721BE
Wheels

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.
If the tire pressure monitoring indicator
appears
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
The tire pressure indicator in the instrument
cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low
or if there is a system malfunction.
Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor-
ing system compares the tire tread circumference
and vibration characteristics of the individual
tires. If the pressure changes in one or more
tires, this is indicated in the instrument cluster
display with an indicator light @ and a message.
If only one tire is affected, the location of that
tire will be indicated.
The tire pressures must be stored again each
time you change the pressures (switching be-
tween partial and full load pressure) or after
changing or replacing a tire on your vehicle
= page 276. The tire pressure monitoring system
only monitors the tire pressure you have stored.
Refer to the tire pressure label for the recom-
mended tire pressure for your vehicle
=> page 266, fig. 169.
Tire tread circumference and vibration character-
istics can change and cause a tire pressure warn-
ing if:
— The tire pressure in one or more tires is too low
— The tires have structural damage
— The tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 276
— Tires that are only partially used are replaced
with new tires
Indicator lights
If the @ indicator light turns on, there is a loss
of pressure in at least one tire .> A\ Check the
tires and replace or repair if necessary. Check and
correct the pressures of all four tires and store
the pressure again > page 276.
ia Tire pressure: malfunction! See owner's
manual
fe appears after switching the ignition on or
while driving and the @ indicator light in the in-
strument cluster blinks for approximately one
275
>

Wheels

minute and then stays on, there is system mal-
function. Try to store the correct tire pressures
= page 276. Insome cases, you must drive for
several minutes after storing the pressures until
the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light
does turn off or turns on again after a short peri-
od of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZA\ WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking maneu-
vers. Stop as soon as possible and check the
tires and their pressure.
— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressure. You must check the
tire pressure regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the tire pressure monitoring system
indicator may be delayed.

(i) Tips
— The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC mal-
function.
— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
— The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 263. Audi recommends using
these tires.
Storing tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
If the tire pressure changes or a tire is replaced,
it must be confirmed in the MMI.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=> page 266.
> Switch the ignition on.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Tire pressure
276
monitoring > Store tire pressure > Yes, store
now.
@) Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.
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 >