2021 AUDI A6 service interval

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

4K0012721BE
Driving

Stopping and starting the engine
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
> Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle
has stopped. The @ indicator light appears in
the instrument cluster once the engine stops
automatically.
> The engine starts again when you remove your
foot from the brake pedal. The indicator light
turns off.
If the parking brake is set, the engine will only
start again when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
@) 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 and then enter again, the driver's
door must be closed and the safety belt
must be fastened in order 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-
ire 1 NY
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
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: >
105

Driving


ZA\ WARNING
— To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. Secure the vehicle against roll-
ing before exiting the vehicle > page 97. See
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.

@ Tips
— On steep inclines, especially when in trailer
mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unin-
tentionally when starting to drive. To reduce
the risk of this happening, pull and hold the
switch while pressing the accelerator
pedal. If enough drive power has built up at
the wheels and the vehicle does not roll
backwards, then release the switch to start
to drive.
— If you leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are
engaged, the parking brake will be set auto-
matically.
— 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.
ee Smee Laie mies (ola)
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.
108
> An audio warning signal will sound and emer-
gency braking will begin.
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency
braking will be canceled.

ZX 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
Eg / © Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual
GRING / Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake

If one of the two messages appears, 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 stays on, if the parking brake can-
not be released, or if the message appears while
driving, do not continue driving. Secure the vehi-
cle against rolling before exiting the vehicle
= page 97. See an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized 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”.
fa / 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.

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 112
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 114.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 114.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch trailer mode off again when you are no
longer towing a trailer.
When using rear carrier systems that are mount-
ed directly 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 114.
Applies to: allroad: You can also increase ground
clearance by selecting the Audi drive select* off-
road or allroad modes > page 112.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.
120

ZA\ WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
— 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.
C) 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.
— 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.
Pie Rie Relig
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.

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
Checking and Filling


— 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.


@) Note
Do not continue driving if the coolant expan-
sion tank is empty. Do not add any coolant,
because air could enter the cooling system
and damage the engine. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229]


Fig. 163 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral 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 245, fig. 160. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
ANG
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Messages
EG 7 @ 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
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 z= / B or fl indicator light turns on,
there is a malfunction in the power supply, the
battery, or the vehicle electrical system.
= / B Electrical system: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle
251

4K0012721BE
Checking and Filling

anti-freezing agent should be added to the water
so that it does not freeze.
Messages
EE Please add washer fluid
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.
Applies to: MMI: To reset the display, select on
the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings & Service
> Service intervals.
@) 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.
255

Accessories and technical changes

Accessories and
technical changes
Warranty
Your vehicle is covered by various warranties:
— New Vehicle Limited Warranty
— Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation
— Emissions Control System Warranties: Federal
Emissions Control System Defect Warranty,
Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
— Applies to: USA models: Kansas Safety Belt
Limited Warranty
— Applies to: USA models: California Emissions
Control Warranties: Short-term Emissions De-
fects Warranty, Long-term Emissions Defects
Warranty, TZEV models Emissions Defects
Warranty, California Emissions Performance
Warranty
You can find detailed information in your Warran-
ty & Maintenance Booklet and in the California
Emissions Booklet*.
Audi Literature Shop
Service information is made available as soon as
possible after a model is introduced and can be
ordered in the Audi Literature Shop: http://
literature.audiusa.com
Driving in other
countries
Government regulations in the United States and
Canada require motor vehicles to comply with
emissions regulations and safety standards.
Therefore, vehicles that were produced for the
U.S. and Canadian markets are different from
vehicles produced for other countries.
If you plan to use your vehicle outside of the
United States or Canada, it is possible that:
— Fuel may have a significantly lower octane rat-
ing. Unsuitable fuels can cause engine damage.
— Proper maintenance and repair work may not
be possible because special service equipment,
tools, or measuring devices needed for your ve-
hicle may not be available.
308
— Replacement parts may not always be availa-
ble.
— Navigation systems for vehicles built for the
U.S.A. and Canada will not necessarily work in
Europe, and may not work in other countries.
(1) Note
Audi is not liable for damage to the vehicle re-
sulting from these country-specific differen-
ces.
Maintenance, repairs,
and technical modifi-
cations
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral information and > page 290, Raising the ve-
hicle.
General information
Due to the increasing complexity of technology in
these vehicles, as well as the safety and environ-
mental standards that apply, you can only per-
form a very limited amount of repairs and modifi-
cations to the vehicle yourself.
Proof of maintenance work may be required to
submit a claim within the warranty period.
We recommend that you have your vehicle serv-
iced by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility and that Audi Genuine Parts
and Audi Genuine Accessories are used. This
helps to ensure that your vehicle's functionality,
performance, and safety are not impaired.
Maintenance and repairs
Your vehicle was designed to help keep mainte-
nance requirements to a minimum. Some regular
maintenance is required to help ensure that your
vehicle runs in a safe, economical, and reliable
manner. Please refer to your Warranty & Mainte-
nance Booklet for more detailed information
about vehicle maintenance.
When operating the vehicle under more extreme
operating conditions, for example when outside
temperatures are very low or in very dusty envi-
ronments, certain maintenance should be per-
formed between the specified intervals.