2021 AUDI A8 maintenance

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

Opening and closing


PANIC —To turn the alarm off, press the button
again.

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 41.

@) Note
Protect the key against high temperatures
and direct sunlight.
@ For the sake of the environment
XE 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.
@) 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-
dio equipment). Always check if your vehicle
is locked.
46
— 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 341.
Unlocking and locking the vehicle

[RAZ-0025]
my

Fig. 32 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 42.
Unlocking or locking using the vehicle key
buttons
> To unlock the vehicle, press the & button
=> page 45, fig. 31.
> 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. 32.
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. >

4N0012721BF
Driving

— 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.
eh Me lele 4
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent ener-
gy management system for distributing electrici-
ty. This significantly improves the starting ability
and increases the vehicle battery life.
@ Tips
— If you drive short distances frequently, the
vehicle battery may not charge enough
while driving. As a result, convenience func-
tions for electrical equipment may be tem-
porarily unavailable.
— The vehicle battery will gradually drain if
the vehicle is not driven for long periods of
time, or if electrical equipment is used
when the engine is not running. To ensure
that the vehicle can still be started, the
electrical equipment will be limited or
switched off.
Messages
B Drive system: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle
There is a malfunction in the drive system. The
brake booster and the power steering may stop
working. Stop the vehicle immediately or as soon
as possible and do not continue driving. Secure
the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehi-
cle > page 108. Have the problem corrected by
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
B Drive system: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the drive system. Drive
slowly to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
B Vehicle sound: malfunction! Pedestrians
cannot hear vehicle. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the vehicle sound func-
tion. Drive extremely carefully, since other road
users may not be able to hear your electric vehi-
cle. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Other indicator lights
rg turns on, vehicle performance is limited,
for example because the combustion engine may
not be available. Also note the additional instruc-
tions in the instrument cluster.
Start/Stop system
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
The Start/Stop system can help increase fuel
economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
In Start/Stop mode, the engine shuts off auto-
matically when stopped, for example at a traffic
light. If certain conditions are met, the engine
may stop before the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop. If you press the accelerator pedal
when this happens, the engine will start and driv-
ing power will be transmitted.
The ignition and important assist systems such
as the brake booster will remain available during
the Stop phase. The engine will restart automati-
cally when needed.
117
>

4N0012721BF
High-voltage system

High-voltage system
General information
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
All work done on the high-voltage system must
only be performed by certified high-voltage tech-
nicians at authorized Audi dealers or authorized
Audi Service Facilities in accordance with Audi
guidelines.
The high-voltage system is composed of the fol-
lowing high-voltage components, among other
things: the high-voltage battery, the power elec-
tronics, the electric motor, the high-voltage A/C
compressor, the high-voltage heater, the charg-
ing system and charging port, and the orange
high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the cargo floor and
does not require any maintenance from the driv-
er.


ZX WARNING
The voltage in the high-voltage system is high
enough to cause fatal injuries. Touching a
damaged high-voltage component can result
in a fatal electric shock. The components in
the high-voltage system are marked with a
warning label which warns against the high-
voltage.
— The voltage level in the high-voltage system
is still dangerous and potentially life-threat-
ening when the ignition is switched off.
— Never perform work on the orange high-

components. Only authorized repair facili-
ties that are certified may perform work on
the high-voltage system.
— Never damage, alter or remove the orange
high-voltage cable or disconnect it from the
high-voltage system.
— Never perform any work using cutting, shap-
ing or sharp-edged tools or heat sources
near the high-voltage system and high-volt-
age cables.
— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.
— Damage to the high-voltage battery could
cause the high-voltage battery to leak im-
mediately or in the future, and poisonous or
flammable gases could escape. Do not in-
hale the gases!
— Do not expose yourself to any leaking fluids
and do not come into contact with them.
— The high-voltage battery electrolyte fluid is
caustic. If electrolyte fluid comes into con-
tact with the skin, flush the affected area for
at least 15 minutes with clean water. Then
wash the affected area with soap. Have the
affected area examined by a medical profes-
sional.
— In the event of a technical emergency, in-
form the responders that the vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage battery.



voltage cables or on other high-voltage

() Note
The high-voltage system can be damaged if
the vehicle underbody comes into contact
with the ground. Immediately drive your vehi-
cle to an authorized repair facility and have it
inspected.
Charging the high-voltage battery
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The following options are available to charge the
high-voltage battery:
131

Additional settings

G) Tips
The volume is automatically adjusted to a pre-
set level when the MMI is switched on.
Bluetooth
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Connection settings > Bluetooth
» Applies to: Rear Seat Remote: Select on the
home screen: SETTINGS > Connection > Blue-
tooth.
Bluetooth
Applies to: MMI: You can select a setting for visi-
bility of the MMI to other Bluetooth devices. To
connect a new Bluetooth device, the Visible set-
ting must be selected. If Invisible is selected, a
Bluetooth connection will only be possible with
Paired devices. If Off is selected, no Bluetooth
device can be connected.
Bluetooth audio player
Applies to: MMI: When this function is switched
on, the profile will load automatically when your
Bluetooth audio player is within range.
Bluetooth name
Applies to: MMI: The MMI’s Bluetooth name is
displayed and can be changed.
Applies to: Rear Seat Remote: The MMI’s Blue-
tooth name is displayed.
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.
G) Tips
Make sure that not only the settings were de-
leted but also the stored data, if necessary.
264
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 264.
— Map material update for the navigation system
> page 238.
— Have the software update performed by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility. This can result in additional costs.

ZX 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 222, 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.

4N0012721BF
Checking and Filling

> 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 279.
@) Note
If the engine oil level is too low or too high,
there is a risk of engine damage.
@) Tips
The oil level indicator in the display is only an
informational display. If the oil level is too
low, a minimum oil warning appears in the in-
strument cluster. Add oil and close the hood.
The current oil level will be displayed on the
MMI the next time the ignition is switched on.
@) Tips
The engine oil consumption may be up to
0.5 quart/600 miles (0.5 liter/1,000 km), de-
pending on driving style and operating condi-
tions. Consumption 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
service life of the engine. Engines generally
consume more oil at the beginning during
the break-in period. Then oil consumption
stabilizes after the break-in period.
— Under normal conditions, oil consumption
depends on the quality and viscosity of the
oil, the engine RPM, the climate conditions,
and the road conditions. The dilution of oil
from condensation or fuel residue as well as
the age of the oil also play a role. Because
engine wear increases with mileage, oil con-
sumption will increase again over time until
it may be necessary to replace worn compo-
nents.
— Because all these variables play a role, it is
not possible to define an oil consumption
standard. Therefore, the oil level must be
checked regularly.
— If you believe that your engine has in-
creased its oil consumption, contact an au-
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-
sary care and accuracy and may take time.
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility is trained in accurately
measuring the oil consumption.
— You can find information on engine oil and
engine oil capacities for the USA at www.
audiusa.com/help/maintenance, or for Can-
ada at www.audi.ca/ca/web/en/
customer-area/care-and-maintenance/
audi-service-schedules.html, or call
800-822-2834.
Adding engine oil

RAZ-0013|


Fig. 182 Engine compartment: engine oil filling opening
cover (example)
Observe the safety precautions > page 274, Gen-
eral information.
> Turn the engine off.
> Open the hood > page 276.
>» Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 182.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
oil > page 277.
> Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
> Close the hood > page 276.
> Restart the ignition after two minutes and read
the current oil level in the MMI > page 278,
Checking the engine oil level.
279

Checking and Filling

» Applies to: using engine oil that meets the rec-
ommended specification: Add some more en-
gine oil again if necessary.

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.
280
Changing engine oil
Audi recommends having the oil changed at an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Serv-
ice Facility.
Observe the safety precautions > page 274, Gen-
eral information.
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:

Z\ 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. >

4N0012721BF
Wheels

heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the mate-
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure > A\.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-
der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher Levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.

ZA\ WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics.

ZA WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

ZA WARNING
Temperature grades apply to tires that are
properly inflated and not over or underinflat-
ed.


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
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.
307