2021 AUDI A8 brake fluid

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
Power meter...............0 00000005
QUOOMEtEr as + 2 ame < gas = papas s ¥ HERS &
Outside temperature display...........
Engine oil temperature indicator.......
Boost indicator’: 2 2c« «= sesa ¢ x sews «x 2x8
Vehicle functions « seis ss emis ee mes ee
Touch displays....................
General touch display operation........
Multi Media Interface................
Rear Seat Remote...............2...
Screens (NPCs « s wees s eae se wee as ee
Head-up display..................
Descriptionis: ss gem = x eames ¢ eee ge eee
Voice recognition system........
General information.................
DeSeriptionis = ssssas « « wens s + eres « + aes
External voice operation..............
Global functions.................
Additional function buttons...........
Starting and driving.............
Personalization..................
Luggage compartment lid.............
Child safety lock.............0...000.
POWEr WIKdOWS 6: «oxen se aes ye eee
NOD
OO
12 12 12
13
13
14 14
15
15
15
15
16
16
18 18
20
26
29
33 33
34 34
34
35
3F 37 38 38 38
Al 41 45
48
51
52
Panoramic glass roof................. 53
Valet parking............... 0c eee eee 55
Garage door opener.........60..e sees 55
Lights and Vision................. 58
Exterior lighting « sce ss ees se eea se ees 58
Interior lighting wiv «= ssw 2 6 ese = 3 ese 62
ViSION. 0. ee eee eee 64
Windshield wipers............-..00-- 66
Digitalcomipass’s ss gos « s wasn x & were 8 3 68
Sitting correctly and safely...... 70
Correct passenger seating position...... 70
FROMUSOAES!, «areas ao axoniva 5 & aumeane wa savers 70
Rear seats... 2... eee 74
SECeriig WHEEL su: s x wou 4 x naaee ee ee 77
Head restraintsisn: «+ cscs vo asceine vo wen ws 78
Safety belts........ 0.0... cee eee eee 80
Memory function..............-.000+ 83
Aitbag System sms: «+ suscens oe sowie «5 voeusic 84
Child safety seats................000- 88
Storage and convenience........ 94
POWEPrSOUICES wece ae ete ee ore ne 94
Cup holders..............00--0 eee ee 95
Storage and compartments............ 95
Luggage compartment............... 97
Roof rack... eee eee 99
WWarmitanGicolediics «6 scien «6 eve 6 6 on 100
Climate control system............... 100
Steering
wheel heating.............-. 104
Auxiliary climate control.............- 104
Fluids in the A/C system.............. 105
BXRIMIIG)). 5 sccces 6 ase wo moms 3 o OOM 8 Ho 107
Starting the vehicle.................. 107
When driving.......-..e0ceeeee sees 108
Drive SYStC Mises oo scene +o em oo omen oo 114
Start/Stop system............00 0 eee 117
Brakes... 2.0.0... eee eee ee eee eee 119
Electromechanical parking brake....... 121
Special driving situations.............. 122
Driving dynamic.................. 124
Audi driverselectis « was «+ cine 2 6 navies a 0 124
Suspension..............0 0.02.0 000. 125
StCGKitig + scm ss caus a e seen se Sees 4 eee 127

Table of contents

Co | fan a 250
General information................. 250
DVD: drive « swe s 2 awe 2 ewes 2 ewe see 250
Bluetooth audio player............... 251
Amazon Alexa.... 2.0.0. cece eee eee 251
Multimedia connections.............. 252
Playing medias. « & ssc 2c ewae « owe oo ee 253
Options and settings................. 257
Supported media and file formats...... 258
Troubleshooting ewies 2 < sce se enw so xy 259
Audi smartphone interface...... 261
S@tUD « ses + y gam peas + yoms os Bene 261
Troubleshooting.............-..00005 262
Additional settings.............. 263
Systemisettingsc « + cssuene so mvswee a soseeue vs 263
Software update........... 0.0 e eee 264
Connected devices..............2---5 265
Legal.information ss « sess s+ ama sx ween « 266
Additional information.......... 268
Brands and licenses...............-4- 268
Maintenance and Care........... 269
Checking and Filling............. 269
Fuel... cee eee 269
Refueling ......... 0... ce eee ee eee eee 270
Emissions control system............. 273
Engine:compartmMentss. scsi so vec eo cee 274
Engineoil........ 00... eee eee eee 277
COOLINGSYSEEM « « sees & = nets 5 = eetew so ore 281
Brake:fluid «2 csoswe s 2 wscceve ov eevee oo erm 283
Electrical system. ...........002-0 00 284
Battery: » = sees = » mean 5 4 meee ye ee Gt BE 284
Windshield washer system...........- 287
Service interval display............... 287
WWATEBUSE. core 5 6 sae oo sms oo ee oo oe 289
Wheels and Tires...........--0000 00s 289
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 307
Care and cleaning................ 310
Generalinformation................. 310
Carwashes ; aves + + sews ss ews se eee ee 310
Cleaning and care information......... 311
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 316
DO.It YOUSUF ovis. io 6 sssicone 3 6 excess 8 4 sane 317
Emergency assistance........... Sly
Generalinformation................. 317
Equipment sncseas xo wexeas ae seems as arvuews ¥ 2 317,
Tire mobility kit.............0...000- 317
Replacing wheels................-00. 319
Space-saving spare tire............... 323
Jump starting....................00. 323
"TOWING © szerws = i sates & 2 a £ § See 5g ee 325
Fuses and bulbs.................. 328
Fuses... 0... eee eee eee 328
BULDS ccs = seme x eens ot ewe ve ee a Pe 332
Customer information........... 333
Data Privaes:s ss seus ss gown se wom ss 333
PRIVAGY, MOLICE «sues 2 w avin w semecwns w vues a 333
Image recording..............00-000- 333
DatainieMmories:: < + sen x = wees sp eee eas 333
Transmitted information.............. 335
Accessories and technical
OMAMGES. « & cicrees 5 2 sn. 6 a snore 0 soe wo 338
Warranty... . 0. ee eee cece 338
Audi Literature Shop..............--- 338
Driving in other countries............. 338
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
modifications. ........ 0... cee eee eee 338
Accessories and parts.............0-. 340
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 340
Declaration of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electronic systeMS........0 cece ee eeee 341
Teennical datas: ¢ «ox. is meen ss ees 343
Identification data................ 00% 343
Vehicle data... 2... . ee eee eee eee ee 343
TAA Sis scence: oo cesses 2 v wee © o omen © 2 ove 345

Driving

— The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that
would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

ZA WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
place your foot under the brake pedal.
@) Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 122. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
G@) Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.

— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 283.
Messages
GG i @ Brakes: malfunction! Stop vehicle
safely
120
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
[S/ Bana B also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution. If
the brake booster is not working, you have to use
much more force when braking the vehicle.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A\.
fie 7 © Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality. You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual
The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-
od of time after switching off the ignition. Secure
the vehicle against rolling > page 108.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the GG / @®
indicator light turns on briefly to check the func-
tion. If the indicator light does not turn on, there
is a system malfunction.
1f Ba / @ stays on, there is a malfunction in
the brake system.
@- A high load was placed on the brakes from
driving downhill for a long period of time. Follow
the instructions in the message to utilize the en-
gine braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

ZA WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that >

Checking and Filling

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 271).
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 catalytic converter can be damaged
"127i if the oil level is too high!

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



The radiator fan can switch on at any
i, time!

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



Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid
drive: High voltage! The voltage in the
high-voltage system is high enough to
EN cause fatal injuries. Touching a damaged
high-voltage component can result in a
fatal electric shock.


D_ Depending on the engine and country
274

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.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: The coolant expansion
tank cap is equipped with a seal that must
never be removed under any circumstances
= page 277, fig. 181. If the coolant expan-
sion tank for the high-voltage system is not
sealed, please contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: The sealed cap must
only be opened by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility.
—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.

4N0012721BF
Checking and Filling


— 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.
— Never work near open flames.
— Always have a working fire extinguisher
nearby.
— All work on the battery or electrical system
in your vehicle can result in injuries, chemi-
cal burns, accidents, or burns. Because of
this, all work must be performed only by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— Limit your exposure to exhaust and chemi-
cals to as short a time as possible.

emit chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
— Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harms.
Wash hands after handling.



ZA WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
— Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or

@) Note
When filling fluids, be sure not to add any flu-
ids to the wrong reservoirs. Otherwise severe
malfunctions and engine damage will occur.
@) For the sake of the environment
You should regularly check the ground under
your vehicle in order to detect leaks quickly. If
there are visible spots from oil or other fluids,
bring your vehicle to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to be
checked.
275

4N0012721BF
Checking and Filling


Engine compartment overview
The most important check points.



Fig. 181 Typical location of the reservoir and the engine oil filler opening (example)
Observe the safety precautions > page 274, Gen-
eral information.
@ Washer fluid reservoir (>) > page 287
@ Jump start point (+) under a cover, (-) with
hex head screw > page 286, Charging the 12
Volt vehicle battery > page 323, Jump start-
ing
Engine oil filler opening (7) > page 279
Brake fluid reservoir (OC) under a cover
=> page 283
Coolant expansion tank for combustion en-
gine (£) > page 282
© Plug-in hybrid drive: coolant expansion tank
for the high-voltage system (-) > page 282
©
©®&
@ Sticker* for engine oil specifications
=> page 277
The engine oil filler opening may be located ina
different area depending on the specific engine.
@ Tips
Plug-in hybrid drive*: read the information re-
garding the coolant expansion tank under
= page 282 and the jump start under >@ in
Preparation on page 324.
Engine oil
If the engine oil level is too low
If you need to add engine oil, use an oil that is
listed on the sticker. The sticker is located at the
front
of the engine compartment > page 277,
fig. 181. When using the engine oil listed on the
sticker, you can adjust the oil level as often as
needed.
If engine oil that meets the recommended speci-
fication is not available, in an emergency you
may add a maximum of 1 quart (1 liter) of
ACEA C3 or API SN engine oil one time until the
next oil change.
277

>

4N0012721BF
Checking and Filling

> Push the release button again and remove the
cap completely.
> Add coolant mixed in the correct ratio
=> page 281 up to the MAX marking.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Turn the cap to the right to tighten it until you
feel resistance a second time.
Coolant loss usually indicates that there is a leak.
Immediately drive your vehicle to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the cooling system inspected. If the
cooling system is not leaking, coolant loss can re-
sult from the coolant boiling due overheating
and then being forced out of the cooling system.

der any circumstances > page 277, fig. 181.
If the coolant expansion tank for the high-
voltage system is not sealed, please contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— When adding coolant, it may leak into the
inside of high-voltage components and
cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of

fire.


ZA WARNING
— The engine compartment in any vehicle is a
potentially dangerous area. Stop the engine,
switch the ignition off, and allow the engine
to cool before working in the engine com-
partment. Always follow the information
found in > page 274, General information.
— Never open the hood if you can see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. This increases the risk of
burns. The cooling system is under pressure.
When you no longer see or hear steam or
coolant escaping, you may open the engine
compartment with caution.
— When working in the engine compartment,
remember that the radiator fan can switch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of injury.
— Coolant additive and coolant can be danger-
ous to your health. For this reason, store the
coolant in the original container and away
from children. There is a risk of poisoning.
CG) 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|




ZA WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The coolant expansion tank for the high-volt-
age system may only be opened or filled by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— The coolant expansion tank cap is equipped
with a seal that must never be removed un-


Fig. 184 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Observe the safety precautions > page 274, 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 277, fig. 181. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
oA.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Messages
EG 7 @ Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level
283
>

Checking and Filling

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.

ZA\ 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 = / B or = indicator light turns on,
there is a malfunction in the power supply, the
battery, or the vehicle electrical system.
284
= / B Electrical system: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle
Do not continue driving and switch the ignition
off > A\. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
= Electrical system: malfunction! Restart not
possible. Please contact Service
If you switch the ignition off, you will not be able
to restart the vehicle. Vehicle functions or driving
stability may be limited. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately.
=} Electrical system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Switch off all electrical equipment that is not
needed. If necessary, some equipment will be
switched off automatically. Vehicle functions or
driving stability may be limited. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately.
= Electrical system: low battery charge. Bat-
tery
will be charged while driving
The starting ability may be impaired.
If this message turns off after a little while, the
vehicle battery has charged enough while driving.
If this message does not turn off, drive immedi-
ately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.

ZA\ WARNING
When there is an electrical system malfunc-
tion, vehicle functions may not work and driv-
ing stability may be limited, which increases
the risk of an accident. Do not continue driv-
ing and switch the ignition off. See an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-

cility for assistance.

Battery
Battery general information
Because of the complex power supply, all work on
batteries such as disconnecting, replacing, etc., >