2021 AUDI Q8 service

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Checking and Filling

corrosion damage and damage to plastic or
rubber components in the fuel system.
— Do not use gasoline that does not meet the
specifications.
— If you are unable to find out if a specific gas-
oline mixture meets the specifications, ask
the gas station operator or their fuel suppli-
er.
— Do not use any gasoline mixture whose
composition cannot be identified.
— Audi does not assume any responsibility for
damage to the fuel system or for perform-
ance problems caused by using gasoline
mixtures different from those specified.
This type of damage also does not fall under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or under
the emissions control system warranty.
— If you notice a higher fuel consumption or
poor handling or performance problems due
to such gasoline mixtures, Audi recom-
mends fueling with unblended gasoline.
Gasoline additives
An important issue for many automobile manu-
facturers is combustion residue in the engine
that results from the use of certain fuels.
Although types of gasoline differ depending on
the manufacturer, there are similarities. Certain
substances in the gasoline may cause deposits in
the engine. Additives in the gasoline that should
keep the engine and fuel system clean do not all
function equally.
Audi recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gas-
oline. For additional information on TOP TIER De-
tergent Gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
If you use incorrect fuels over a long period of
time, the maximum engine performance may be
impaired by combustion residue.
@) Note
— Damage or malfunctions caused by the use
of incorrect types of gasoline are not cov-
ered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
— Only gasoline additives that have been ap-
proved by Audi may be used.
Refueling
Messages
A Tank system: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the fuel tank system.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Fueling procedure


Fig. 154 Right rear side of the vehicle: opening the fuel
filler door



Fig. 155 Fuel filler door with attached fuel cap
The fuel filler door is unlocked or locked by the
central locking system.
> Unlock the vehicle if necessary.
> Press on the Left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > fig. 154.
> Unscrew the tank cap counterclockwise.
> Place the cap from above on the open fuel filler
door > fig. 155.
> Insert the fuel pump nozzle all the way into the
fuel filler neck.
> Begin fueling. Once the fuel pump nozzle turns
off the first time, the fuel tank is full. Do not
239
>

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Checking and Filling

Gi) Tips
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.

Fig. 156 Right side trim in the luggage compartment: fuel
filler door emergency release
The emergency release mechanism is located be-
hind the right side trim panel in the luggage
compartment (4) > fig. 156.
> To release the fuel filler door, loosen the red
loop from the retainer @). Carefully pull on the
red loop@>©.
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 2339, fig. 154.
@) Note
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.

1) Depending on the engine and country
Emissions control
system
General information
Z\ WARNING
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 241, 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
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 239).
241

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Checking and Filling


authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— Limit your exposure to exhaust and chemi-
cals to as short a time as possible.

ZA 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
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.


Opening and closing the hood

The hood is released from inside the vehicle.



RAZ-0016|

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

2) The &> symbol is not available in all countries.
Fig. 158 Unlocked hood: lever
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 2 below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 157.
>» Raise the hood slightly > page 242.
> Press the lever > fig. 158 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
B Warning! Hood is not locked. Stop vehicle
and check the lock
243

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Checking and Filling

Engine oil
If the engine oil level is too low
If you need to add engine oil, use an oil that is
listed on the sticker. The sticker is located at the
front of the engine compartment > page 244,
fig. 159. When using the engine oil listed on the
sticker, you can adjust the oil level as often as
needed.
If engine oil that meets the recommended speci-
fication is not available, in an emergency you
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.
G) Tips
Audi recommends using engine oils provided
by Audi Genuine Parts.
Messages
Engine oil pressure
2 Turn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 246.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 247. 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.
Engine oil level
E Please add oil immediately.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 246 and add engine oil
immediately > page 247.
Eada max. x qt (x l) oil. You can continue
driving
Add the amount of oil shown immediately
=> page 247.
Reducing the oil level
=) 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.
Engine oil sensor
& 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.
Bs 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.
Engine warm-up request
i 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
245
>

Checking and Filling

speeds, full accelerating, and heavy engine loads
when doing this.
@) Tips
The oil pressure warning = 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 > page 242, Gen-
eral information.
>» 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.
> Read the oil level in the display. Add engine oil
if the bar in the oil level indicator is just below
“min” > page 247.
@) Note
If the engine oil level is too low or too high,
there is a risk of engine damage.
G) 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. In RS models, the oil consumption may
be up to 1 qt/600 mi (0.8 L/1,000 km). Con-
sumption 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
246
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.

Checking and Filling

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:

ZA\ 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.
— Drain the oil into a container designed for
this purpose that is large enough to hold the
full amount of oil in your engine.
— Engine oil is poisonous. Always store out of
reach of children.
— Prolonged contact of used engine oil with
the skin may cause skin damage. Always
wash oil off immediately with soap and wa-
ter to protect your skin.

©) 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.
248
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 g indi-
cator light. However, occasionally checking the
coolant level is recommended.
Messages
g Turn 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 249.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 249. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
/E| 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.
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

Gl12evo TL774L

The amount of coolant additive that needs to be
mixed with water depends on the climate where >

4M8012721BF
Checking and Filling

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
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.
= 5 [RAZ-0540

MIN


Fig. 161 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 243.
» Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 244, fig. 159 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 161. 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.
>» When you add coolant to the expansion tank,
please refer to > page 248, Cooling system.
Adding coolant
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. 161 on the
cap and carefully turn it to the left until you
feel resistance > A\.
> Push the release button again and remove the
cap completely.
> Add coolant mixed in the correct ratio
=> page 248 up to the MAX marking.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
249

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.

ZX 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 242, 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.
250
Brake fluid

BFV-0229]


Fig. 162 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, 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.
> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 244, fig. 159. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
ANG
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Messages
GG fi @® 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.

A 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