2021 AUDI Q5 check engine light

Checking and Filling

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 2431).
Motor compartment
General information
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 engine/motor compartment is a
dangerous area in the vehicle. > A\.
Explanation of warnings (sticker in the motor
compartment):

Hot motor components!
@ Rotating parts!

The radiator fan can switch on at any
a 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
cause fatal injuries. Touching a damaged
high-voltage component can result ina
fatal electric shock.


The catalytic converter can be damaged

Always follow the instructions in the op-
erating manual.

"127i if the oil level is too high!


D_ Depending on the engine and country
246

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 motor 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 motor 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 249, fig. 171. 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.
— 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.

Checking and Filling

Make sure the wiper arms are not raised up from
the windshield. Otherwise the paint could be
damaged.
Opening the hood
> Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Switch the ignition off before releasing the
hood so that the gasoline engine does not start
automatically.
> With the door open, pull the lever <> below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 169.
>» Raise the hood slightly > page 246.
> Press the lever > fig. 170 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 struts.
> Let the hood fall lightly into the latch. Do not
press it in. > A\.
Message
B Warning! Hood is not locked. Stop vehicle
and check the lock

D_ The & symbol is not available in all countries.
248
The hood latch is not locked correctly. Stop im-
mediately and close the hood.

Z\ 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.

Checking and Filling

may add a maximum of 1 quart (1 liter) of
ACEA C3 or API SN engine oil one time until the
next oil change.
For more information on the correct engine oil
for your vehicle, contact an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility. Have the oil
changed by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Service Facility.
@ Tips
Audi recommends using engine oils provided
by Audi Genuine Parts.
Messages
Ei Turn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 250.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 251. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
—If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, turn the engine off and
do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Applies to: vehicles with oil level warning
2 Please add oil immediately.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 250 and add engine oil
immediately > page 251.
E& Add max. x qt (x 0) oil. You can continue
driving
Add the amount of oil shown immediately
=> page 251.
Es Please reduce oil level
There is too much oil in the engine and there is a
risk of damaging the catalytic converter or en-
gine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
engine oil extracted if necessary. Avoid high en-
gine speeds, full acceleration, and heavy engine
loads.
250
BB Oil level sensor: oil change necessary. Please
contact Service
Fuel has entered the engine oil. This will cause
the engine oil level to rise slowly and the engine
oil quality to decrease. Do not extract engine oil
to reduce the level, because this will increase the
risk of engine damage. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have engine oil extracted.
==.) Oil level system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil level has
malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty to have the malfunction repaired.
& Oil pressure sensor: malfunction! Please
contact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil pressure
has malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired.
FI Please drive to warm up engine
Fuel has entered the engine oil, either due to low
outside temperatures or frequent short drives.
Drive until the engine is warm so that the fuel in
the engine oil will evaporate. Avoid high engine
speeds, full accelerating, and heavy engine loads
when doing this.
Gi) Tips
The oil pressure warning BB is not an oil level
indicator. Always check the oil level regularly.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil level can be checked in the MMI.
Observe the safety precautions > /A\ in General
information on page 246.
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
>» Shut the engine off when it is warm.
> Switch only the ignition back on.
> Wait approximately two minutes.
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Oil level.

80B012721BA
Checking and Filling

@) Note
Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
@) For the sake of the environment
— Before changing the engine oil, make sure
you can dispose of the used engine oil cor-
rectly.
— Engine oil must always be disposed of cor-
rectly. Do not dump it in the yard, in the for-
est, or in open water, river channels, or sew-
ers.
— Have your used engine oil recycled by bring-
ing it to a used oil collection site or contact
a gas station.
Cooling system
The engine cooling system is filled with a mixture
of purified water and coolant additive at the fac-
tory. This coolant must not be not changed.
The coolant level is monitored using the |_| indi-
cator light. However, occasionally checking the
coolant level is recommended.
Messages
HAturn off engine and check coolant level. See
owner's manual
The coolant level is too low.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
coolant level > page 254.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 254. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
& Coolant temperature: too high. Please let
engine run while vehicle is stationary
Let the engine run at idle for a few minutes to
cool off, until the indicator light turns off.
— If the indicator light does not turn off, do not
continue driving the vehicle. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
|} Coolant system: malfunction! Please turn
off engine
Do not continue driving, shut the engine off, and
switch the ignition off.
— See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
B Electric drive: malfunction! Cooling system.
Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the cooling system.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately.
Coolant additive
The coolant additive is made of anti-freezing and
corrosion protection agents. Only add the follow-
ing coolant additives mixed with distilled water.

Coolant additive Specification

Gl2evo TL774L

The amount of coolant additive that needs to be
mixed with water depends on the climate where
the vehicle will be operated. If the coolant addi-
tive percentage is too low, the coolant can freeze
and damage the engine.



Coolant Freeze protec-
additive tion
Warm min. 40% min. -13 °F
regions max. 45% (25 ®C)
Cold min. 50% max. -40 °F
regions max. 55% (-40 °C)

@) Note
— Before the start of winter, have an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility check if the coolant additive in your
vehicle matches the percentage appropriate
for the climate. This is especially important
when driving in colder climates.
— If the G12evo coolant additive is not availa-
ble in an emergency, do not add any other
additive. You could damage the engine. If
253
>

Checking and Filling

this happens, only use distilled water and
restore the correct mixture ratio with the
specified coolant additive as soon as possi-
ble.
— Only refill with new coolant.
— Radiator sealant must not be mixed with
the coolant.
— You can continue driving if the permitted
G12evo coolant additive was not added.
However, go to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately
to have the coolant replaced to reduce the
risk of engine damage.
— Due to the risk of engine damage, the cool-
ing system should only be refilled by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. An authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility can also pro-
vide you with important information about
the recommended coolant additive.
eta dU mets


z
@ MAX 2
a
AK


Fig. 173 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Observe the safety precautions > page 246, Gen-
eral information.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Your vehicle has two coolant expansion tanks
that are separate from each other > page 249,
fig. 171. One expansion tank for the combustion
engine and one tank for the high-voltage system.
The coolant expansion tank for the high-voltage
system is sealed and must not be opened > /\
and> A\.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
254
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 247.
The coolant expansion tank for some engines is
located in the water drip tray under a cover. If
necessary, remove the cover that is located under
the windshield wiper on the front passenger's
side.
» Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 249, fig. 171 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 173. The coolant level must
be between the markings (2) when the engine is
cold. When the engine is warm it can be slight-
ly above the upper marking.
> Conventional drive system: When you add cool-
ant to the expansion tank, please refer to
=> page 253, Cooling system.
> Plug-in hybrid drive: If you add coolant to the
coolant expansion tank for the combustion en-
gine, see > page 253, Cooling system.
> Plug-in hybrid drive: If coolant is missing from
the high-voltage system coolant expansion
tank, do not continue driving. Contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately > A\.
Adding coolant
Applies to: coolant expansion tank for combustion engine
When adding coolant to the combustion engine
expansion tank, please observe the following in-
structions.
Requirement: there must be a residual amount of
coolant in the expansion tank >@).
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Audi recommends mixing
the coolant additive with distilled water.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick towel on the coolant expan-
sion tank cap.
> Push the release button @ > fig. 173 on the
cap and carefully turn it to the left until you
feel resistance > /\.
> Push the release button again and remove the
cap completely.
> Add coolant mixed in the correct ratio
= page 253 up to the MAX marking.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.

80B012721BA
Checking and Filling

Multiple batteries with different technologies
may be installed in your vehicle:
— Vehicle battery (for example, for starting the
engine, basic power supply) > page 257, 12
Volt vehicle battery or > page 258, Other bat-
tery types
— Auxiliary battery (for example, for recuperation
or optional equipment) > page 258, Other bat-
tery types
— Plug-in hybrid drive: High-voltage battery (for
example, for electric driving) > page 122, In-
troduction.
Not running the vehicle for long periods of
time
The battery will gradually drain if the vehicle
does not run for long periods of time. 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 convenience
functions will be available again when you start
the
engine.
Even when electrical equipment is switched off,
the equipment can still drain the battery if the
vehicle is not driven for long periods of time.
Deep draining results in a chemical reaction that
destroys the inside of the battery. The battery
must be charged every month to prevent this
= page 258. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for more infor-
mation.
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-
ized Audi Service Facility before cold weather be-
gins.

authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— Never connect a charging cable or jump
start cable directly to the 12 Volt vehicle
battery. Only use the connections in the en-
gine compartment > page 258.


Z\ 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 battery against the cold
so that it will not be destroyed by “freezing”
=> page 258, Charging the 12 Volt vehicle
battery.
— There are electrical components under the
cargo floor behind a trim panel that warm
up during operation. To reduce the risk of
the components overheating, do not store
objects such as blankets under the cargo
floor. If the components overheat, they will
switch off temporarily. This will be indicated
by a message that will be displayed in the
instrument cluster until the temperature re-
turns to normal.
12 Volt vehicle battery
Explanation of warnings:
Always wear eye protection.



ZA\ WARNING
— 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

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


Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always
wear protective gloves and eye protection.
A highly explosive mixture of gases can
form when charging batteries. >


257

Fuses and bulbs

@) Note
If a new fuse burns out again shortly after you
have installed it, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty.
G@) Tips
— The following table does not list fuse loca-
tions that are not used.
— Some of the equipment listed in the follow-
ing tables applies only to certain model ver-
sions or certain optional equipment.

Fig. 198 Driver's footwell (left-hand drive vehicle): fuse
panel with plastic clip
300
3 2
= & a

a
Ss $
2 8

Fig. 199 Front passenger's footwell (right-hand drive vehi-
cle): fuse panel with plastic clip

Fuse panel


No. | Equipment

Catalytic converter heating

2 |Engine components

Exhaust doors, fuel injectors, radiator in-
let, crankcase housing heating

Vacuum pump, hot water pump, NOx sen-
4 |sor, particulate sensor, biodiesel sensor,
exhaust doors

Brake light sensor

6 | Engine valves, camshaft adjustment

Heated oxygen sensors, mass airflow sen-
sor, water pump

Water pump, high pressure pump, high
8 | pressure regulator valve, temperature
valve, engine mount

Hot water pump, motor relay, 48 V drive-
train generator, 48 V water pump

10 | Oil pressure sensor, oil temperature sensor

Clutch position sensor, 48 V drivetrain
11 | generator, water pump, 12 V drivetrain
generator

12 | Engine valves, engine mount


13 | Engine cooling

80B012721BA

Cleaning:controls « sacs < vse wv een ee eee 285
Cleaning decorative parts andtrim........ 284
Cleaning exhaust tail pipes.............. 284
Cleaning microfiber.................005 285
Cleaning plastic parts.................. 285
Cleaning textiles..................000, 285
Climate control system ............00000. 91
also refer to Automatic climate control sys-
HEIN s & cvescs 5 Sewanee os soamase vam wwe oo ore 91
Climate control system controls in the rear
Child safety lock... 0.0.0... cece ee eee 44
Climatized cup holders.................. 83
Closing
Automatic luggage compartment lid...... 42
Convenience closing..............-.45. 46
HOO « wssw a % mec oo me aw awe ww eS we 247
Luggage compartment lid............... 42
Luggage compartment lid with foot motion . 43
Panoramic glass roof................0-. 46
Sunshade (roof) ............000 ce eee eee 46
Windows........ 0.00 45
Cockpit dimming..............00e esas 54
Cockpit (overview)... 0.0.0.0 0 cece eee eee 6
Collapsible sparetire................00. 293
Collapsible tire
refer to Collapsible spare tire........... 293
Color code... 2... eee ec eee eee eee eee 313
Combustion engine startup.............. 102
Comfort auxiliary climate control.......... 95
Compartments: 6 vss xo wens so eee & ¥ ewe 83
Compassinthe mirror’. « wows s esx ss ween as 60
Compliance’: s sews » » seme se mewe ge ewe eee 311
Conference Callen: « » wus ss ween ss omen gee 193
Configuration wizard...............-.04. 20
CONNECE. 1... eee 197
Data plans: « cuss ss cee se coma seme gee 201
Data Privaeylicns x + swe + x acne v texan ¥ theme 306
Emergency call...............00.0 00 202
Infotaininietitis » s wan ss mewn a ¢ waven 2 2 oem 197
Infotainment services..............004 198
Online roadside assistance............. 203
Vehicle control services..............0. 199
Connected devices
DEVICE OVERVIEW vases 2 4 wesmu a 4 earwe a x caves 238
Connections
referto Medians «6 ves. ¢ acces 6 swe 225,227
Consumer information.................5 308
Consumption
Reducing........... eee eee eee eee eee 107
Consumption (fuel) . . srerice © cssese ws secs ws we L?
Contacts
Importing ......... 0.0 e cece eee eee ee 194
Updating inthe MMI.................. 194
also refer to Directory...............4. 191
Convenience keyls «sie ss wa o 6 seve so woes 34
Convenience closing.............000005 46
also refer to Vehicle key..............-. 38
Convenience opening and closing
Windows or panoramic glass roof........ 46
Coolant temperature display.............. 14
Cooling system
Adding
coolant’: cess 2s ews ss eeces crew 254
Checking the coolant level............. 254
Coolant... 1.2... eee eee eee 253
Cornering light. .... 0... cee eee eee eee ee 50
Cruise control system...............00. 151
GupHholdensrcnins + ssn x 0 manene « oi mpeneve « o cteeene « 82
Climatized... 2.20... 0. eee eee eee eee 83
Current consumption..............000005 17
D
Data module
Serial number (IMED) ¢ esc. ss scans scene 194
Data plans... 6.2... eee eee eee 201
Data Privacy. ...... cee eee eee eee eee 306
Date... eee eee 17
Setting..............0 0.0. . eee eee 236
Daytime running lights................-. 50
Declaration of compliance............... 311
DEF (instrument cluster) ..............005 12
Demo mode
refer to Presentation mode............. 215
Destination onthe map...............4. 208
Details, . resco « sxanene os stineous io smnine mo auncems 208
Determining correct load limit........... 275
Digitalicompass sass «seas oo save oo same 2 60
DIMENSIONS's « « scans = ¢ wisee 5 ¢ eaes s E eovER 5 2 313
Dimming the exterior mirrors............. 56
Dimming the rearview mirror............. 56
317