2021 AUDI E-TRON service

Checking and Filling

for the climate. This is especially important
when driving in colder climates.
Coolant level

Fig. 152 Motor compartment: coolant expansion tank
Observe the safety precautions > page 233, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the coolant level
>» Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood = page 234.
The coolant expansion tank is located in the ple-
num chamber under a cover. Slide the cover that
is located below the windshield wipers on the
front passenger's side toward the windshield and
remove the cover > page 235, fig. 151.
> Read the coolant level on the floating gauge for
the expansion tank without opening the cap.
The coolant level must be between the Min and
Max markings when the coolant is cold
> fig. 152
> vi turns on, do not continue driving
=> page 235.
> If the coolant level is just over the Min marking,
drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately.
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.

ZA WARNING
— The motor compartment in any vehicle is a
potentially dangerous area. Before perform-
ing work in the motor compartment, switch

236

the ignition off and allow the cooling system
to cool down. Always follow the information
found in > page 233, General information.
— Never open the hood if you can see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the motor
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 motor
compartment with caution.
— The coolant expansion tank may only be
opened and 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-
der any circumstances > page 236. If the
coolant expansion tank is not sealed, con-
tact 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.
— 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.

Brake fluid

BFV-0229|


Fig. 153 Motor compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Observe the safety precautions > page 233, 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.

4KE012721BF
Checking and Filling

> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 235, fig. 151. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
>A.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Messages
Ga i @ 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.

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 [am] 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
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
If this message turns off after a little while, the
vehicle battery has been charged enough by the
high-voltage battery while driving.
If this message does not turn off, drive immedi-
ately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.

Z\ 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

237

Checking and Filling


authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.

Battery
eae elec acl)
Because of the complex power supply, all work on
batteries such as disconnecting, replacing, etc.,
should only be performed by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility > A\.
Batteries with different technologies are instal-
led in your vehicle:
— 12 volt vehicle battery (for example, for basic
power supply) > page 238, 12 Volt vehicle bat-
tery
— High-voltage battery (for example, for electric
drive system, climate control) > page 108, In-
troduction
Not running the vehicle for long periods of
time
When the vehicle is not used for long periods, the
12 Volt vehicle battery will drain little by little. To
ensure that the vehicle can still be started, the
electrical equipment will be limited or switched
off. Some convenience functions, such as interior
lighting or power seat adjustment, may not be
available under certain circumstances. The con-
venience functions will be available again when
you establish drive ready mode.
Even when electrical equipment is switched off,
the equipment can still drain the 12 Volt vehicle
battery if the vehicle is not driven for long peri-
ods of time. Deep draining results in a chemical
reaction that destroys the inside of the battery.
To reduce the risk of this, the battery must be
charged monthly by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility > page 239. Con-
tact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for more information.
Winter operation
Cold weather places an especially high load on
the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Have the battery
checked by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
238
ized Audi Service Facility before cold weather be-
gins.

ZA WARNING
All work on the battery or electrical system in
your vehicle can result in injuries, chemical
burns, accidents, or burns. Because of this, all
work must be performed only by an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility.

ZA WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
— 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.
@) Note
If the vehicle will be parked for long periods
of time, protect the 12 Volt vehicle battery
against the cold so that it will not “freeze”
and become damaged. Have the battery
charged by an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility > page 239,
Charging the 12 Volt vehicle battery.
AAO) CM alate ey pan-18 7
Explanation of warnings:


Always wear eye protection.

Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always
wear protective gloves and eye protection.

Fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking are
forbidden.

A highly explosive mixture of gases can
form when charging batteries.

Always keep children away from battery
acid and the battery.

Always follow the instructions in the oper-
se
@
> @
PE
©

ating manual. >

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Checking and Filling

@ For the sake of the environment
© ¥ Lead-acid batteries must be disposed of
using methods that will not harm the environ-
ment. Do not dispose of them in household
trash. They contain harmful substances, such
as sulfuric acid and lead, and also recyclable
raw materials. Contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
more information.

Charging the 12 Volt vehicle battery
The vehicle cannot be operated when the 12 Volt
vehicle battery is drained. The vehicle battery
must not be charged under any circumstances.
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
@) Note
The charging of the vehicle battery requires
specialized knowledge and technology.
— The vehicle battery may only be charged by
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility. Otherwise, the elec-
tronic systems in the vehicle may be severe-
ly damaged.
— The jump start pins in the motor compart-
ment are designed specifically for qualified
technicians.
Windshield washer
system

B4M-0135|


Fig. 154 Motor compartment: washer fluid reservoir cap
Observe the safety precautions > page 233, Gen-
eral information.
The windshield washer reservoir © contains the
cleaning solution for the windshield/rear window
and the headlight washer system* > fig. 154,
=> page 235. The reservoir capacity can be found
in > page 291.
To reduce the risk of lime scale deposits on the
spray nozzles, use clean water with low amounts
of calcium. Always add window cleaner to the wa-
ter. When the outside temperatures are cold, an
anti-freezing agent should be added to the water
so that it does not freeze.
Messages
3 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 reminder: after driving a certain
distance, a message appears in the instrument
cluster display each time the ignition is switch-
ed on or off. The remaining distance or time is
displayed briefly.
— Inspection due: if your vehicle has reached an
inspection interval, the message Inspection
due! appears briefly after the ignition is switch-
ed on and off.
Checking service intervals
You can check the remaining distance or time un-
til the next service.
239
>

Checking and Filling

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.
@) Note
Adhering to the service intervals is critical to
maintaining the service life and value of your
vehicle. Even if the mileage on the vehicle is
low, do not exceed the time for the next serv-
ice.
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Wheels

@ US DOT number (TIN) and
manufacture date
The manufacture date is listed on
the tire sidewall (it may only ap-
pear on the inner side of the tire):
DOT... 2220...
means, for example, that the tire
was produced in the 22nd week of
the year 2020.
Audi Original Tires
Audi Original equipment tires
with the designation “AO” have
been specially matched to your
Audi. When used correctly, these
tires meet the highest standards
for safety and handling. An au-
thorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility will be
able to provide you with more in-
formation.
@) Mud and snow capability
“M/S” or “M+S” indicates the tire
is suitable for driving on mud and
snow. /4\ indicates a winter tire.
Composition of the tire cord
and materials
The number of plies indicates the
number of rubberized fabric lay-
ers in the tire. In general: the
more layers, the more weight a
tire can carry. Tire manufacturers
must also specify the materials
used in the tire. These include
steel, nylon, polyester and other
materials.
@) Maximum permitted load
This number indicates the maxi-
mum load in kilograms and
pounds that the tire can carry.
@ Uniform tire quality grade
standards for treadwear,
traction and temperature
resistance
Treadwear, traction, and tempera-
ture ranges > page 258.
@ Running direction
The arrows indicate the running
direction of unidirectional tires.
You must always follow the speci-
fied running direction
=> page 272.
Maximum permitted
inflation pressure
This number indicates the maxi-
mum pressure to which a tire can
be inflated under normal operat-
ing conditions.
243

Wheels

by the tire manufacturer. This in-
formation is used to contact con-
sumers if a tire defect requires a
recall.
Vehicle capacity weight
means the rated cargo and lug-
gage load plus 150 lbs. (68 kilo-
grams) times the vehicle's desig-
nated seating capacity.
Vehicle maximum load on the
tire
means that load on an individual
tire that is determined by distrib-
uting to each axle its share of the
maximum loaded vehicle weight
and dividing by two.
Vehicle normal load on the tire
means that load on an individual
tire that is determined by distrib-
uting to each axle its share of the
curb weight, accessory weight,
and normal occupant weight (dis-
tributed in accordance with > ta-
ble on page 253) and dividing by
two.
Occupant loading and distri-
bution for vehicle normal load
for various designated seating
capacities
Refer to the tire inflation pressure
label > page 251, fig. 158 for the
248
number of seating positions. Re-
fer to the table > table on
page 253 for the number of peo-
ple that correspond to the vehicle
normal load.
New tires or wheels
Audi recommends having all work
on tires or wheels performed by
an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility.
These facilities have the proper
knowledge and are equipped with
the required tools and replace-
ment parts.
>New tires do not yet have the
optimal gripping properties.
Drive carefully and at moderate
speeds for the first 350 miles
(500 km) with new tires.
> Only use tires with the same de-
sign, size (rolling circumfer-
ence), and as close to the same
tread pattern as possible on all
four wheels.
>Do not replace tires individually.
At least replace both tires on the
same axle at the same time.
> Audi recommends using Audi
Genuine Tires. If you would like
to use different tires, please
note that the tires may perform >

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Wheels

differently even if they are the
same size > A.
>If you would like to equip your
vehicle with a tire and rim com-
bination that is different from
what was installed at the facto-
ry, consult with an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility before making a
purchase > A.
Because the spare tire® is differ-
ent from the regular tires instal-
led on the vehicle (such as winter
tires or wide tires), only use the
spare tire* temporarily in case of
emergency and drive carefully
while it is in use. It should be re-
placed with a regular tire as soon
as possible.
All four wheels must be equipped
with tires that are the same brand
and have the same construction
and tread pattern so that the
drive system is not damaged by
different tire speeds. For this rea-
son, in case of emergency, only
use a Spare tire* that is the same
circumference as the regular tires.


Z\ WARNING
—Do not use steel rims that are
17 inches or larger. Otherwise,


damage to the vehicle and an
accident could result.
—Only use tire/rim combina-
tions and suitable wheel bolts
that have been approved by
Audi. Otherwise, damage to
the vehicle and an accident
could result.
—For technical reasons, it is not
possible to use tires from oth-
er vehicles. In some cases, you
cannot even use tires from the
same vehicle model.
—Make sure that the tires you
select have enough clearance
to the vehicle. Replacement
tires should not be chosen
simply based on the nominal
size, because tires with a dif-
ferent construction can differ
greatly even if they are the
same size. If there is not
enough clearance, the tires or
the vehicle can be damaged
and this can reduce driving
safety and increase the risk of
an accident.
—Only use tires that are more
than six years old when abso-
lutely necessary and drive
carefully when doing so.
—Do not use run-flat tires on
your vehicle. Using them when

249