2021 AUDI Q7 overheating

Instrument cluster

Reducing the display
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can
hide the central area in the instrument cluster.
> Select on the instrument cluster: vehicle func-
tions tab > E] button > Reduced display.
Coolant temperature
display
The coolant temperature display @ > page 12
only functions when the ignition is switched on.
To reduce the risk of engine damage, please ob-
serve the following notes about the temperature
ranges.
Cold range
If only the LEDs at the bottom of the gauge turn
on, the engine has not reached operating tem-
perature yet. Avoid high engine speeds, full accel-
eration, and heavy engine loads.
Normal range
The engine has reached its operating tempera-
ture once the LEDs up to the center of the gauge
turn on. If the | indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster display turns on, the coolant tem-
perature is too high > page 251.
@ Note
— Auxiliary headlights and other accessories in
front of the air intake impair the cooling ef-
fect of the coolant. This increases the risk of
the engine overheating during high outside
temperatures and heavy engine load.
— The front spoiler also helps to distribute
cooling air correctly while driving. If the
spoiler is damaged, the cooling effect will
be impaired and the risk of the engine over-
heating will increase. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility for assistance.
Tachometer
The tachometer @) 9 page 12 displays the engine
speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). The be-
ginning of the red zone in the tachometer indi-
cates the maximum permissible engine speed for
14
all gears once the engine has been broken in. Be-
fore reaching the red zone, you should shift into
the next higher gear, select the "D" or "S" selec-
tor lever position, or remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
Engine speed limitation
If the Bw indicator light turns on, the engine will
be automatically limited to the RPM displayed in
the instrument cluster. This will protect the en-
gine components, for example during a cold start
or from overheating.
The engine speed limitation is deactivated if you
release the accelerator pedal while the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
If the engine speed limitation was activated by
an engine control malfunction, the By indicator
light also turns on. Make sure the engine speed
does not go above the speed displayed, for exam-
ple when downshifting. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have the malfunction corrected.
C) Note
The needle in the tachometer may only be in
the red area of the gauge for a short period of
time before there is a risk of damaging the
engine. The location where the red zone be-
gins varies depending on the engine.
Odometer
The trip odometer and odometer are displayed in
the status bar ©) > page 12.
The trip odometer shows the distance driven
since it was last reset. It can be used to measure
short distances. The odometer shows the total
distance that the vehicle has been driven.
Resetting the trip odometer
> Select on the instrument cluster: vehicle func-
tions tab > =] button > Reset mi.
G) Tips
Distances are displayed in mi (miles) or km
(kilometers).

Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA\ WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


C) Note
Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of the engine brak-
ing effect and reduces the load placed on the
brakes.
@) Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
136
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system


BFV-0220



Fig. 101 Operating lever: switching the system on
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position (@).
The Ga or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

A WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, the regulating functions may
shut off automatically.
acyl (ladies Meme Laelia me Mem elaldace) |
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system


When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/G)
> page 136, fig. 101.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever toward position (@ while driving.
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the ICRUISE| or indicator light in the instrument
cluster.

4M1012721BC
Driver assistance

An additional indicator will appear in the head-up
display*.
Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in small increments, tap the lever up to the
first level toward @)/G) > page 136, fig. 101.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in larger increments, tap the lever up to the
second level toward ()/C).
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, tap and hold the lever at the first
or second level toward @)/G).
Overriding or deactivating the cruise
control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
You can override or deactivate the cruise control
system. When you deactivate the system, your
cruise control speed will be stored and you can
resume that speed.
Requirement: the system must be switched on
and the regulated speed must be activated.
Overriding
> To temporarily override the cruise control
speed, press the accelerator pedal.
> To resume the stored regulated speed, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal.
If you override the cruise control system for a
long period of time, the cruise control system
will be deactivated. The (Usd or [RM indicator
light will be displayed and the cruise control
speed will be saved.
Deactivating
> To deactivate the cruise control speed, press
the lever toward (2) (not locked into place)
=> page 136, fig. 101, or
> Press the brake pedal.

ZX WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-
vent braking interventions by the system.
Seem NLU ai
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

When you switch the system off, the cruise con-
trol speed will be erased.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To switch the system off, press the lever toward
@ (locked into place) > page 136, fig. 101, or
>» Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Gs / 3) Speed control system: currently un-
available. See owner's manual
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the cruise control system has been deac-
tivated. There is a temporary malfunction, for ex-
ample the brakes are overheating. Switch the
cruise control system on again later.
Efficiency assist
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
Efficiency assist can assist the driver with predic-
tive information in order to reduce fuel consump-
tion. Depending on vehicle equipment, the sys-
tem may access data from the navigation system,
the camera behind the windshield, and the radar
sensors.
Adjusting the efficiency assist
You can adjust efficiency assist functions individ-
ually. The settings depend on the vehicle equip-
ment.
— Predictive messages > page 138.
— Predictive control > page 147, Adjusting the
adaptive cruise assist.
137

Checking and Filling


The fuel filler door on your vehicle does not
lock if you lock the vehicle from the inside us-
ing
the central locking switch.
Fuel filler door emergency release
Applies to: vehicles with manual fuel filler door release

If the central locking system malfunctions, the
fuel filler door can be unlocked manually.

a sity
Fig. 165 Luggage compartment: fuel filler door emergency
release
The emergency release mechanism is located be-
hind the right light cover in the luggage compart-
ment.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 286.
> Use the screwdriver to remove the light cover
> fig. 164.
> To unlock the fuel filler door, loosen the red
loop from the retainer and then pull on the
loop carefully > fig. 165 >@).
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 242, fig. 162.
244
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You
will not hear it release. If you continue to
pull, you could damage the emergency re-
lease mechanism.
Emissions control
system
General information

The temperature of the exhaust system is
high, both when driving and after stopping
the engine.
— Never touch the exhaust tail pipes once they
have become hot. This could result in burns.
— Do not park your vehicle over flammable
materials such as grass or leaves because
the high temperature of the emissions sys-
tem could start a fire.
— Do not apply underbody protectant in the
exhaust system area, because this increases
the risk of fire.
Catalytic converter
Observe the safety precautions > page 244, Gen-
eral information.


The vehicle may only be driven with unleaded
gasoline, or the catalytic converter will be de-
stroyed.
Never drive until the tank is completely empty.
The irregular supply of fuel that results from that
can cause engine misfires. Uncombusted fuel
could enter the exhaust system, which could
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 >

4M1012721BC
Checking and Filling

> 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.

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 245, 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.

@) 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]


Fig. 171 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Observe the safety precautions > page 245, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located under a cover
on the driver’s side.
> Lift the cover > page 247, fig. 168 at both
openings and remove it.
> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 247, fig. 168. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
of.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Messages
EG / @ 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.

Z\ 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

253

4M1012721BC
Checking and Filling

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 256. 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.
so that it will not be destroyed by “freezing”
=> page 256, 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.

forbidden.

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
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 256.

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 battery against the cold
A highly explosive mixture of gases can
form when charging batteries.

Always keep children away from battery
acid and the battery.
Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always
wear protective gloves and eye protection.
® Fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking are

@/ | Always follow the instructions in the oper-
(QO | ating manual.

@) 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.
255