tow AUDI A8 2020 Workshop Manual

4N0012721BD
Audi connect

services. The cell phone network, for exam-
ple, must be available to use these services.
Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect vehicle control
> Register at my.audi.com.
> Set the key user > page 42.
> Install the myAudi app on your mobile device
and log in with your access information.
G@) Tips
It may also be necessary to enter your 4-digit
PIN set at my.audi.com when accessing some
Audi connect vehicle control services.
Yate]
Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect vehicle control
Depending on the country and the vehicle equip-
ment, the following services may be available:
Locking and unlocking the vehicle by remote
control
Requirement: the vehicle must be parked and the
ignition must be switched off.
This service allows you to unlock or lock your ve-
hicle.
Vehicle status report
This service transfers driver information system
data to a server. Depending on the vehicle equip-
ment, certain data may be accessed, such as the
remaining range or mileage. The values may dif-
fer from the values displayed in the vehicle.
Car Finder
This service transmits the parking location to a
server when the ignition is switched off. The vehi-
cle location, your location, or the route to your
vehicle can be displayed. The new parking loca-
tion cannot be determined with this service if the
vehicle is moved after shutting the vehicle off
and without switching the ignition on and off
again, for example if the vehicle is towed or sto-
len.
Online Audi service request
Requirement: the service must be activated on-
line at my.audi.com and an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi service facility must be se-
lected.
This service transmits service-relevant data to
your selected authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi service facility. They will contact you
before your next service appointment.
Stolen Vehicle Locator
This service assists you in locating your vehicle if
it is stolen.
— Contact the police. You receive a Case ID.
— Call the service hotline and give your Case ID.
The service hotline will forward the established
data to the police. You receive the Audi Service
hotline number when you purchase your vehicle.
Trip data
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Depending on the vehicle equipment, certain
driver information system data is transmitted to
a server. An overview of your trips with the values
from the short-term memory/long-term memory
can be displayed, for example, the driving dura-
tion. The values may differ from the values dis-
played in the vehicle.
Remote charging
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Requirement: When changing the charging mode
the ignition is switched off.
You can control and monitor the charging process
remotely with the service.
— Charging mode: immediate charging or delayed
charging (timer)
— Program the timer
— Deactivate or activate the timer
For additional information, see > page 137.
Auxiliary climate control
Applies to: vehicles with auxiliary climate control
Requirement: the ignition must be switched off
when starting or stopping climate control. >
219

Checking and Filling

> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316.
> Carefully insert the flat side of the screwdriver
from below into the center of the top slot in the
cover > fig. 179.
> Use the screwdriver to pull the cover toward the
center of the vehicle and remove the cover.
> To unlock the fuel filler door, loosen the red
loop from the retainer and then pull on the
loop carefully > fig. 1802 ©.
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 271, fig. 177.
@ 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.
@ Tips
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
— The tank will not be vented if the emergency
release function was used on the fuel filler
door. You can only fill a small amount of
fuel in the tank. Fill only until the fuel pump
nozzle turns off for the first time. Drive to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
— Pressure can escape if you open the tank cap
after using the emergency release. This can
create noises.
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.



1) Depending on the engine and country
274

— 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
Follow the safety precautions > page 274, Gener-
al 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 [J 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 271).
Engine compartment
General information
Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
For work in the engine 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 >

Checking and Filling





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 winter weather begins, have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility check if the coolant additive
in your vehicle matches the percentage ap-
propriate for the climate. This is especially
important when driving in colder climates.
— If the appropriate coolant additive is not
available in an emergency, do not add any
other additive. You could damage the en-
gine. If this happens, only use water and re-
store 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.
— 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.
Checking coolant

= % [RAZ-0540]


MIN

Fig. 185 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Follow the safety precautions > page 274, Gener-
al information.
282
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive Your
vehicle has two coolant expansion tanks that are
separate from each other > page 277, fig. 183.
One expansion tank for the combustion engine
and one tank for the high-voltage system. The
coolant expansion tank for the high-voltage sys-
tem is sealed and must not be opened > /\ and
of.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 276.
> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 277, fig. 183 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 185. 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.
> If you add coolant to the coolant expansion
tank for the combustion engine, see
= page 281, 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. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick towel on the coolant expan-
sion tank cap.
> Push the release button @ © fig. 185 on the
cap and carefully turn it to the left until you
feel resistance > /\.
> Push the release button again and remove the
cap completely.

4N0012721BD
Checking and Filling

> Add coolant mixed in the correct ratio
=> page 281 up to the MAX marking.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> 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.

voltage system is not sealed, please contact
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.


Z\ WARNING
— The engine compartment in any vehicle can
be a dangerous area. Stop the engine and al-
low it to cool before working in the engine
compartment. Always follow the informa-
tion found in > page 274, General informa-
tion.
— 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 add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could enter the cooling system and
damage the engine. If this is the case, do not
continue driving. See an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229|




ZA WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
— The coolant expansion tank for the high-
voltage system may only be opened or 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 277, fig. 183.
If the coolant expansion tank for the high-


Fig. 186 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Follow the safety precautions > page 274, Gener-
al 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 277, fig. 183. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
oA.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Message
GG / @ Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level >
283

Wheels

loss of vehicle control, but can al-
so damage important parts of the
vehicle and can lead to sudden
tire failure, including a blowout
and sudden deflation that can
cause the vehicle to crash.
Your safety and that of your pas-
sengers also depends on making
sure that load limits are not ex-
ceeded. Vehicle load includes ev-
erybody and everything in and on
the vehicle. These load limits are
technically referred to as the vehi-
cle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(“GVWR”).
The “GVWR” includes the weight
of the basic vehicle, all factory in-
stalled accessories, a full tank of
fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids
plus maximum load. The maxi-
mum load includes the number of
passengers that the vehicle is in-
tended to carry (“seating capaci-
ty”) with an assumed weight of
150 lbs. (68 kg) for each passen-
ger at a designated seating posi-
tion and the total weight of any
luggage in the vehicle. If you tow
a trailer, the weight of the trailer
hitch and the tongue weight of
the loaded trailer must be includ-
ed as part of the vehicle load.
302
The Gross Axle Weight Rating
(“GAWR”) is the maximum load
that can be applied at each of the
vehicle’s two axles.
The fact that there is an upper
limit to your vehicle’s Gross Vehi-
cle Weight Rating means that the
total
weight of whatever is being
carried in the vehicle (including
the weight of a trailer hitch and
the tongue weight of the loaded
trailer) is limited. The more pas-
sengers in the vehicle or passen-
gers who are heavier than the
standard weights assumed mean
that less weight can be carried as
luggage.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating
are listed on the safety compli-
ance sticker label located on the
driver’s side B-pillar.

Z\, WARNING
Overloading a vehicle can cause
loss of vehicle control, a crash
or other accident, serious per-
sonal injury, and even death.
—Carrying more weight than
your
vehicle was designed to
carry will prevent the vehicle [>

Wheels

exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculat-
ed in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to de-
termine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
> Check the tire sidewall
(=> page 290, fig. 189) to deter-
mine the designated load rating
for a specific tire.
Wheel bolts and rims
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be clean and loosen/tighten
easily. You will need a special adapter to loosen
the anti-theft wheel bolts* > page 319.
Rims
Rims with a bolted rim ring* or with bolted wheel
covers* consist of multiple pieces. These compo-
nents were bolted together using special bolts
and a special procedure. You must not repair or
disassemble them > A\.

ZA WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-
correctly can become loose and result in loss
of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-
cation, see > page 322, Finishing.
— Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads
in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
— Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
— Always have damaged rims repaired by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble

304

rims yourself, because this increases the risk
of
an accident.
Loose wheel warning
Applies to: vehicles with loose wheel warning

Within the limits of the system, the loose wheel
warning in the instrument cluster warns you if
one or more wheels are loose.
Using the ABS sensors, the loose wheel warning
system compares the vibration characteristics of
the individual tires. If one or more wheels are
loose, it will be indicated in the instrument clus-
ter display with the fi indicator light and a mes-
sage. If only one wheel is affected, the location
of that wheel will be indicated.
Messages
fi Wheel bolts loose. Please safely stop the ve-
hicle and check all wheel bolts!
Loose wheel warning for at least one wheel > A\.
Check the wheel bolts on all wheels with the
wheel wrench (vehicle tool kit). Have the tighten-
ing specification checked as soon as possible with
a torque wrench. Drive carefully until then. For
the correct tightening specification, see
=> page 322, Finishing.
fi Wheel assessment active. Please continue
driving carefully
After this message appears and you have checked
the wheel bolts, the assessment phase begins
when the vehicle is in motion. This may take sev-
eral minutes.
& Loose wheel warning: malfunction! See
owner's manual
There is a system malfunction. Drive immediately
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

ZA\ WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly can
become loose and result in loss of vehicle con-
trol, which increases the risk of an accident.
— If a message appears, reduce your speed im-
mediately and avoid any hard steering or >

4N0012721BD
Care and cleaning

Care and cleaning
General information
Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehi-
cle's value. It can also be a requirement when
submitting warranty claims for corrosion damage
and paint defects on the body.
The required cleaning and care products can be
obtained from an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Service Facility. Read and follow the in-
structions for use on the packaging.

ZA WARNING
— Using cleaning and care products incorrectly
can be dangerous to your health.
— Always store cleaning and care products out
of reach of children to reduce the risk of poi-
soning.

@ For the sake of the environment
— Purchase environmentally-friendly cleaning
products if possible.
— Do not dispose of cleaning and care prod-
ucts with household trash.
Car washes
The longer that deposits such as insects, bird
droppings, tree sap or road salt remain on the ve-
hicle, the more the surface can be damaged. High
temperatures such as those caused by sunlight
increase the damaging effect.
Before washing, rinse off heavy deposits with
plenty of water.
Stubborn deposits such as bird droppings or tree
sap are best removed with plenty of water anda
microfiber cloth.
Also, wash the underside of your vehicle once
road salt stops being used for the season.
Pressure washers
When washing your vehicle with a pressure wash-
er, always follow the operating instructions pro-
vided with the pressure washer. This is especially
important in regard to the pressure and spraying
distance. Do not aim the spray directly at the
seals on the side windows, doors, hood, luggage
compartment lid, or sunroof*, or at tires, rubber
hoses, insulating material, sensors*, camera
lenses*, or the laser scanner*. Keep a distance of
at least 16 in (40 cm).
Plug-in hybrid drive: Do not direct the washer
stream toward the wall mount clip*.
Do not remove snow and ice with a pressure
washer.
Never use cone nozzles or high pressure nozzles.
The water temperature must not be above 140 °F
(60 °C).
Automatic car wash
Spray off the vehicle before washing.
Make sure that the windows and roof* are closed
and the windshield wipers are off. Follow instruc-
tions from the car wash operator, especially if
there are accessories attached to your vehicle.
If possible, use car washes that do not have
brushes.
Washing by hand
Clean the vehicle starting from the top and work-
ing downward using a soft sponge or cleaning
brush. Use solvent-free cleaning products.
Washing vehicles with matte finish paint by
hand
To reduce the risk of damaging the paint when
washing, first remove dust and large particles
from your vehicle. Insects, grease spots, and fin-
gerprints are best removed with a special cleaner
for matte finish paint.
Apply the product using a microfiber cloth. To re-
duce the risk of damaging the paint surface, do
not use too much pressure.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water. Then
clean using a neutral shampoo and a soft micro-
fiber cloth.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly again and let it air
dry. Remove any water residue using a chamois.
309
>

4N0012721BD
Care and cleaning




Component Situation Solution
Laser scanner Deposits Soft sponge with a mild soap solution®
Wheels Road salt Water
Brake dust Acid-free special cleaning solution
Exhaust tail Road salt Water, cleaning solution suitable for stainless steel, if nec-
pipes essary
Decorative parts/ | Deposits Mild soap solution ®, a cleaning solution suitable for stain-
trim less steel, if necessary

Paint Paint damage Repair with touch-up paint

Spilled fuel Rinse with water immediately

Surface rust Rust remover, then treat with hard wax; for questions, con-
sult an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.

Corrosion Have it removed by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.

Water no longer
beads on the surface
of clean paint
Treat with hard wax (at least twice per year)

No shine even though
paint has been pro-
tected/paint looks
poor
Treat with suitable polish; then apply paint protectant if
the polish that was used does not contain any protectant

Deposits such as in-
sects, bird droppings,
tree sap, and road
salt
Dampen with water immediately and remove with a micro-
fiber cloth

Grease-based con-
taminants such as
cosmetics or sunblock
Remove immediately with a mild soap solution ® and a soft
cloth



Carbon compo-__| Deposits Clean the same way as painted components > page 309
nents
Decorative decals | Deposits Soft sponge with a mild soap solution®
Audi e-tron Deposits Soft, dry towel
charging system
Wall mount clip | Deposits Soft towel with alcohol-free cleaning solution

a) Mild soap solution: maximum two tablespoons of
Interior cleaning
neutral soap in 1 quart (1 liter) of water



Component Situation Solution
Window glass Deposits Glass cleaner, then wipe dry
Decorative parts/ | Deposits Mild soap solution®
trim

311

4N0012721BD
Emergency assistance

Replacing wheels
You must complete the preparation before
changing a tire.
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions > page 316.
> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” position.
> When towing a trailer: disconnect the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Lay out the vehicle tool kit > page 316 and the
spare tire > page 322.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspen-
sion: wheel change.
> Switch the ignition off.

Z\ WARNING
The vehicle must also be secured to prevent it
from rolling when using the vehicle jack”. Use
suitable objects to block the front and back of
the wheel that is diagonal from the wheel
Removing the caps
with the flat tire.



B4L-1337

&




[
Fig. 198 Wheel: wheel bolts with caps
> Slide the plastic clip from the vehicle tool kit
onto the cap until it engages > fig. 198.
> Remove the cap with the plastic clip.

Anti-theft wheel bolts
Applies to: vehicles with anti-theft wheel bolts
i
> all
Fig. 199 Anti-theft wheel bolt with cap and adapter


B4H-0470
v

You need a special adapter in the vehicle tool kit
to remove the anti-theft wheel bolts.
>» Remove the cap @).
> Slide the adapter @) all the way onto the anti-
theft wheel bolt @.
» Slide the wheel wrench from the vehicle tool kit
all the way onto the adapter @).
> Loosen the wheel bolt > page 319.
@) Tips
Note the code number for the wheel bolt
adapter and store it in a safe place separate
from the vehicle. If you need a replacement
adapter, contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility and give them
the code number.
Loosening the wheel bolts

B4S-0221

Fig. 200 Wheel: loosening the wheel bolt
319

Emergency assistance

4. Attach the other end of the negative cable
(black) to the jump-start pin @) on the vehi-
cle.
Starting the engine
> Start the engine in the vehicle giving the charge
and let it run at idle.
> Now start the engine in your vehicle, which has
the
drained battery.
> If the engine does not start, stop the starting
procedure after 10 seconds and then repeat it
after approximately 30 seconds.
> Turn on the rear window defogger in your vehi-
cle in order to reduce any voltage peaks that
may occur when disconnecting the jump start
cables. The headlights must be switched off.
> With the engines running, remove the cables in
reverse order of the way they were installed.
> Close the red cover on the positive terminal.

ZA WARNING
— Never connect the jump start cable directly
to your vehicle battery. Only use the connec-
tions in the engine compartment.
— Do not touch the non-insulated parts of the
terminal clamps. The cable must also not
come into contact with vehicle components
that conduct electricity when it is connected
to the positive vehicle battery terminal. This
can cause a short circuit.
— The plugs on the battery cells must not be
opened.
— Keep ignition sources (such as open flames,
burning cigarettes, etc.) away from the vehi-
cle batteries to reduce the risk of an explo-
sion.
— Route the jump start cables so they cannot
get caught in the moving parts in the other
vehicle's engine compartment.

@ Note
Please note that the connecting process previ-
ously described for the jump start cables is in-
tended for when your vehicle is being jump
started.
324
G) Tips
Make sure that the connected jump start ca-
bles have sufficient contact with metal.
Towing
General information
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
When the engine is stopped, the transmission
will not be sufficiently lubricated if traveling at
high speeds and long distances:
— The maximum permitted towing speed is 30
mph (50 km/h).
— 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 ifatow >