2021 AUDI E-TRON Battery

4KE012721BF
Checking and Filling

Checking and Filling
Motor compartment
(eT e @eleurlsela)
Special care is required if you are working in the
motor compartment
For work in the motor 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 vehicle's motor compartment is
a dangerous area. > /\.
Explanation of warnings (sticker in the motor
compartment):
©
Bs
Ay
Always follow the instructions in the op-
OA erating manual.

Hot motor components!
Rotating parts!

The radiator fan can switch on at any
time!

High voltage! 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 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.
— The cap on the coolant expansion tank must
never be opened when the coolant is hot.
The cooling system is under pressure.
—To protect your face, hands, and arms from
hot steam or coolant, cover the cap with a
thick cloth when opening.
— 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 chemicals to as short
atime as possible.


Z\ WARNING
— Switch the ignition off.
— Set the parking brake.
— Select the “P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Keep children away from the motor com-
partment.
— Never spill operating fluids in the motor
compartment.
— Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.
— Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the motor compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— The cap on the coolant expansion tank may
only be opened by an authorized Audi dealer

ZA 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 of the high-volt-
age.
— 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 orange high-voltage
cables or on high-voltage components. Only
authorized repair facilities that are certified
may perform work on the high-voltage sys-
tem.


or authorized Audi Service Facility.


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

233

Checking and Filling


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.
® Note
When filling fluids, be sure not to add any flu-
ids to the wrong reservoirs. Otherwise, severe
malfunctions and 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.
Opening and closing the hood

The hood is released from inside the vehicle.



RAZ-0606

Fig. 150 Unlocked hood: lever

D_ The & symbol is not available in all countries.
234
Make sure the wiper arms are not raised up from
the windshield. Otherwise the paint could be
damaged.
Opening the hood
> With the door open, pull the lever <> below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 149.
>» Raise the hood slightly > page 233.
> Press the lever > fig. 150 in the direction of the
arrow. This releases the hooks.
> Open the hood.
Closing the hood
> Push the hood down until you override the
force of the strut.
> Let the hood fall lightly into the latch. Do not
press it in. > /\.
Messages
EB warning! Hood is not locked. Stop vehicle
and check the lock
The hood latch is not locked correctly. Stop im-
mediately and close the hood.

ZA\ WARNING
— Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the motor compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— For safety reasons, the hood must always be
latched securely while driving. Because of
this, always check the hood after closing it
to make sure it is latched correctly. The hood
is latched if the front corners cannot be lift-
ed.
— If you notice that the hood is not latched
while you are driving, stop immediately and
close it, because driving when the hood is
not latched increases the risk of an accident.

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. >

4KE012721BF
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
>

Wheels

Production options weight
means the combined weight of
those installed regular production
options weighing over 5 lbs.
(2.3 kg) in excess of those stand-
ard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb
weight or accessory weight, in-
cluding heavy duty brakes, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
Radial ply tire
means a pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at substantially
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Recommended inflation
pressure
see > page 244, Cold tire infla-
tion pressure.
Reinforced tire
means a tire designed to operate
at higher loads and at higher in-
flation pressures than the corre-
sponding standard tire. Rein-
forced tires may be identified as
“XL”, “xl”, “EXTRA LOAD”, or “RF”
on the sidewall.
246
Rim
means a metal support for a tire
or a tire and tube assembly upon
which the tire beads are seated.
Rim diameter
means nominal diameter of the
bead seat. If you change your
wheel size, you will have to pur-
chase new tires to match the new
rim diameter.
Rim size designation
means rim diameter and width.
Rim width
means nominal distance between
rim flanges.
Sidewall
means that portion of a tire be-
tween the tread and bead.
Speed rating (letter code)
means the speed at which a tire is
designed to be driven for extend-
ed periods of time. The ratings
range from 93 mph (150 km/h)
to 186 mph (298 km/h) > table
on page 242. You may not find
this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
The speed rating letter code,
where applicable, is molded on
the tire sidewall and indicates the >

Emergency assistance

@) Note
The compressor must be switched off after six
minutes at the most to reduce the risk of
overheating. Let the compressor cool down
for several minutes before using it again.
G) Tips
The ESC must not be limited or switched off
when driving with the collapsible spare tire
=> page 106.
Jump starting
The vehicle cannot be operated when the 12 Volt
vehicle battery is drained. Your vehicle must not
be jump started in this case. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty.
@) Note
The vehicle battery must not be bridged using
conventional jump start methods.
— You may neither give nor receive a jump
start. Otherwise, the electronic systems in
the vehicle may be severely damaged.
— The jump start pins in the motor compart-
ment are designed specifically for qualified
technicians.
Towing
Teele ela)
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
Towing requires a certain amount of practice.
Audi recommends contacting a towing company
to have the vehicle transported.
You should only have your vehicle towed by an-
other vehicle when disabled in exceptional cir-
cumstances. Inexperienced drivers should not
tow.
Notes on towing
— The maximum permitted towing speed is 30
mph (50 km/h).
274
— The maximum permitted towing distance is 30
miles (50 km).
Additional information on towing with a tow
truck
The vehicle may only be towed with the front axle
raised. Do not wrap any chains or cables around
the brake lines.
Tow bar and towing cable
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or tow-
ing cable. Both drivers should be familiar with
the special considerations when towing, especial-
ly when using a towing cable.
Always make sure the traction force does not ex-
ceed the permitted level and there are no shock
loading conditions. There is always the risk of the
coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-
road.
For the most safety and security, drive with a tow
bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow
bar is not available. Use a towing cable made of
synthetic elastic cable similar elastic material.

ZA\ WARNING
— Towing highly increases the risk of an acci-
dent, for example from colliding with the
towing vehicle.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, do not al-
low anyone to remain inside the vehicle
when it is being transported by a tow truck
or a special transporter.

@) Note
—Ifthe |e} indicator light turns on, there is a
fault in the cooling circuit. The vehicle must
not be towed. The drive system can be se-
verely damaged.
— If normal towing is not possible, for exam-
ple if the transmission is faulty or if the
towing distance is greater than 30 miles
(50 km), then transport the vehicle on a
special carrier.
— If the vehicle is towed by a tow truck at the
axle that is not permitted, this can cause se-
vere damage to the transmission.

4KE012721BF
Emergency assistance

— When the parking lock is engaged, neither
the front nor rear axle may be lowered or
raised more than 10. The driveshafts or
tires could be seriously damaged.
— Towing must not be used to charge the
high-voltage battery (recuperation), be-
cause this could result in major damages to
the tow vehicle or the vehicle being towed.
— The vehicle must not be tow started for
technical reasons.
G) Tips
— Switch Audi pre sense* off > page 160 when
loading the vehicle onto a vehicle carrier,
train, ship, or other type of transportation,
or when towing the vehicle. This can prevent
an undesired intervention from the pre
sense* system.
— Follow the local legal regulations for tow-
ing.
Read and follow the important information under
=> page 274.
Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loops > page 275,
=> page 276.
> Make sure the towing cable is not twisted. Oth-
erwise it could disconnect from the towing loop
while towing.
> Switch the emergency flashers on in both
vehicles > page 50. However, do not do this if it
prohibited by law.
Towing vehicle (front)
> Only start to drive when the towing cable is
taut.
> Press the brake pedal very carefully.
> Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
Vehicle being towed (rear)
> Make sure the ignition is switched on so that
the steering wheel is not locked and so that you
can use the turn signals, the horn, and the
windshield wipers if needed > A\.

> Switching it off before the vehicle has stopped
may impair the function of the brake booster
and power steering. You would then need to
use more force to steer and brake the vehicle.
> Release the parking brake > page 98.
> Select the “N” selector lever position.
>» Switch the ESC off to avoid error messages
=> page 106.
> Make sure the towing cable is always taut.

ZA WARNING
— Never tow a vehicle using a tow bar or tow-
ing cable if the vehicle does not have electri-
cal power.
— If the vehicle runs out of power while it is
being towed, stop towing the vehicle imme-
diately and consult an authorized Audi deal-
er or qualified repair facility.

t towing loop


Fig. 170 Front bumper: installing the towing loop
The threaded opening for the towing loop is lo-
cated on the right side of the front bumper.
> Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 267.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
=> fig. 170. The cap will loosen from the bump-
er.
> Tighten the towing eye as far as it will go into
the mount. Use a suitable object to tighten the
towing eye completely and securely in the
mount.
» After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit. >
275