AUDI Q3 2019 Owners Manual

83A012721BA
Checking and Filling

Checking and Filling
Fuel
Types of gasoline
The correct gasoline grade is stated on the inside
of the fuel filler door.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter
and must only be driven with unleaded gasoline.
Audi recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gas-
oline. For additional information on TOP TIER De-
tergent Gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
The individual gasoline grades are differentiated
by octane ratings. This value is given with (R
+M)/2 equating to AKI or in RON.
The headings below match the sticker in the fuel
filler door (examples):
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY MIN. (R+M)/2 87
Regular / MIN. RON 91 Regular
Use regular gasoline with minimum 87 AKI /
91 RON > ©.
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY PREMIUM MIN. (R
+M)/2 91 / SUPER MIN. RON 95
Using premium gasoline with minimum 91 AKI /
95 RON is recommended.
If premium gasoline is not available, you can also
use regular gasoline 87 AKI / 91 RON. However
this does reduce the engine power slightly.
@) Note
— Filling the tank just one time with leaded
fuel or other metallic additives will cause
permanent deterioration to the catalytic
converter function.
— When gasoline with an octane rating that is
too low is used, high speeds or heavy engine
load can lead to engine damage.
@ Tips
The vehicle may be filled with fuel that has a
higher octane rating than what is required by
the engine.
Gasoline mixture
Gasoline with alcohol or MTBE (Methyl-Tert-
Butyl-Ether)
You can use unleaded gasoline mixed with alco-
hol or MTBE (generally labeled as oxygenated
compounds) as long as the fuel meets the follow-
ing conditions:
Gasoline with methanol content (methyl alco-
hol or methanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 3% methanol
— More than 2% solvent
Gasoline with ethanol content (ethyl alcohol or
ethanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% ethanol
Gasoline with MTBE content
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% MTBE
Gasoline adapted to the season
Many gasoline fuels are adapted to the seasons.
When the season changes, we recommend refu-
eling at high-traffic gas stations. It is more likely
that the gasoline will be suitable for the season
there.
() Note
— Gasoline with methanol content that does
not meet the specified conditions may cause
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
199
>

Checking and Filling

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, we recommend
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.
200
Refueling
Fueling procedure



Fig. 137 Right rear side of the vehicle: opening the fuel
filler door




Fig. 138 Fuel filler door with attached fuel cap
The fuel filler door is unlocked or locked by the
central locking system.
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open > fig. 137.
» Unscrew the tank cap counterclockwise.
> Place the cap from above on the open fuel filler
door > fig. 138.
> 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
continue fueling, or else the expansion space in
the tank will be filled with fuel.
> After the fuel pump has switched off, wait five
seconds before removing it to allow the rest of
the fuel to finish dripping into the fuel tank.
> Turn the fuel cap clockwise until you hear it
lock.
> Close the fuel filler door and then press on the
left side until it latches.

83A012721BA
Checking and Filling

The correct fuel type for your vehicle can be
found ona label located on the inside of the fuel
filler door. For additional information on fuel, see
=> page 199.
For the tank capacity in your vehicle, refer to the
Technical Data > page 264.
To reduce the risk of fuel leaking out or vapors
escaping, make sure that the fuel tank is closed
correctly. Otherwise the Ey indicator light will
turn on.
If the central locking system malfunctions, the
fuel filler door may emergency release
=> page 202.
Messages
li Please refuel
If the indicator light turns on for the first time
and the message appears, there are about 2.1
gallons (8 liters) of fuel left in the tank.
ly Please refuel immediately
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the fuel tank is almost empty. Refuel
the vehicle immediately.
fi 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.

— If you do not insert the fuel pump nozzle all
the way into the filler tube, then fuel can
leak out. Spilled fuel can ignite and start a
fire.
— Never get into the vehicle when refueling. If
there is an exceptional situation where the
vehicle must be entered, close the door and
touch a metal surface before touching the
fuel pump nozzle again. This will reduce the
risk of electrostatic discharge that can cause
flying sparks. Sparks can start a fire when
refueling.


ZA WARNING
An improper fueling procedure and improper
handling of fuel can lead to explosions, fires,
severe burns and other injuries.
— Do not smoke and keep away from open
flames.
— The ignition must be switched off when re-
fueling.
— Mobile devices, radio devices, and other ra-
dio equipment should always be switched
off when refueling. Electromagnetic rays
could cause sparks and start a fire.


ZA\ WARNING
We recommend that you do not transport any
fuel containers in the vehicle. Fuel could leak
out of the container and ignite, especially dur-
ing an accident. This can cause explosions,
fires and injuries.
—If you must transport fuel in a fuel contain-
er, please note the following:
— Always place a fuel container on the
ground before filling. Never fill the fuel
container with fuel while it is in or on the
vehicle. Electrostatic charge can occur
while refueling and
the fuel vapors could
ignite.
— For fuel containers made of metal, the
fuel pump nozzle must always maintain
contact with the container to reduce the
risk of static charge.
— Insert the fuel pump nozzle as far as pos-
sible into the filler opening while refuel-
ing.
— Follow the applicable legal regulations in
the country where you are driving when
using, storing and transporting fuel con-
tainers.
— Make sure that the fuel container meets
the industry standards, for example ANSI
or ASTM F852-86.



) Depending on the engine and country
201

Checking and Filling

® Note
— Remove fuel that has overflowed onto any
vehicle components immediately to reduce
the risk of damage to the vehicle.
— Never drive until the fuel tank is completely
empty. The irregular supply of fuel that re-
sults from that can cause engine misfires.
Uncombusted fuel will enter the exhaust
system and increase the risk of damage to
the catalytic converter.
@ For the sake of the environment
— Do not overfill the fuel tank, otherwise fuel
can leak out when the vehicle is warming
up.
— Fuel should never enter the sewer system or
come into contact with the ground.
@ 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
If the central locking system is faulty, the fuel
filler door can be unlocked manually.


Fig. 139 Luggage compartment: Fuel filler door emergen-
cy release
The emergency release mechanism is located un-
der the cargo floor in the luggage compartment.
> Lift up the cargo floor until it engages at the
top.
> Lift up the cloth cover.
> To unlock the fuel filler door, loosen the red
loop from the retainer and then pull on the
loop carefully > fig. 139 °@.
202
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 200, fig. 137.
@) Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You will not hear it release. Otherwise you
could damage the emergency release mecha-
nism.
Emissions control
system
General information
ZN 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
Follow the safety precautions > page 202, Gener-
al information.

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

83A012721BA
Checking and Filling

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 200).
Engine compartment
ere eee)
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
safety precautions provided in the following in-
formation. The engine compartment is a dan-
gerous area on the vehicle. > A\.

ZA WARNING
— Turn the engine off.
— Switch the ignition off.
— Set the parking brake.
— Select the “P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Let the engine cool down.
— Keep children away from the engine 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 engine compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— Never open the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is warm. The



cooling system is under pressure.


) Depending on the engine and country

—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.
— If a gear is engaged while the vehicle is sta-
tionary and the engine is running, do not
press the accelerator pedal inadvertently.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will cause the
vehicle to move, and this could result in an
accident.
—If inspections or repairs must be performed
while the engine is running, moving compo-
nents (such as the ribbed belt, generator,
and radiator fan) pose an additional risk.
— Set the parking brake first and select the
“P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Always make sure that no parts of the
body, jewelry, ties, loose clothing, and
long hair can be caught in moving engine
components. Before any work, always re-
move any jewelry and/or ties, tie back long
hair, and make sure all clothing fits close
to the body to reduce the risk of anything
becoming caught in engine components.
— Pay attention to the following warnings list-
ed when work on the fuel system or on the
electrical equipment is required.
— Do not smoke.
— Never work near open flames.
— Always have a working fire extinguisher
nearby.
— 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 exhaust and chemi-
cals to as short a time as possible.

203

Checking and Filling


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
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 mix the flu-
ids up. Otherwise severe malfunctions and en-
gine damage will occur.


iC) 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/closing the hood
The hood is released from inside the vehicle.


Fig. 140 Footwell: release lever

D) The &> symbol on the lever was still being designed at
the time this manual was printed.
204

Fig. 141 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 >) below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 140.
» Raise the hood slightly > /A\.
> Press the lever > fig. 141 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. > AX.
Message
8B 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 engine 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
closed securely while driving. Because of
this, always check the hood after closing it >

83A012721BA
Checking and Filling


to make sure it is latched correctly. The hood
is latched if the front corners cannot be lift-
close it, because driving when the hood is
not latched increases the risk of an accident.
ed.
— If you notice that the hood is not latched
while you are driving, stop immediately and



Engine compartment overview
The most important check points.



Fig. 142 Engine compartment overview: diagram
Follow the safety precautions > page 203.
Coolant expansion tank (£) > page 210
Engine oil dipstick > page 206
Engine oil filler opening (827) > page 207
Brake fluid reservoir (OC) > page 211
Vehicle battery (+) under the battery cover
and ground point (-) > page 213,
=> page 246
Washer fluid reservoir (>) > page 214
Fuse housing > page 251
©O®OOO
©C® Sticker* for engine oil specifications
=> page 205
The engine oil dipstick and the engine oil filling
opening may be located in different places within
the engine compartment, depending on the
gine version.
Engine oil
If the engine oil level is too low
ene
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 205,
fig. 142.
If the recommended engine oil is not available, in
an emergency you may add a maximum of 1
205
>

Checking and Filling

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.

Audi recommends
Sbastrol/ ZIDIBE Frorzssional
Audi recommends using the LongLife high-per-
formance engine oil from Audi Genuine Parts.
Engine oil pressure


2 Turn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 206.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 207. 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
Applies to: vehicles with oil level warning
= Please check oil level
— You may continue driving for the time being.
Check the engine oil level as soon as possible
=> page 206, Checking the engine oil level.
— If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, drive at low engine
speed to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility.
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
206
risk of engine damage. Drive to an authorized Au-
di dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have engine oil extracted.
& Oil level system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
The sensor to check the engine oil level has
failed. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
& 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
speeds, full accelerating, and heavy engine loads
when doing this.
G) Tips
The oil pressure warning EE is not an oil level
indicator. Always check the oil level regularly.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick varies depending on the
engine type.

B8V-0588
&
Fig. 143 Oil dipstick (example): checking the engine oil lev-
el

83A012721BA
Checking and Filling

Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 203.
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Shut the engine off when it is warm.
> Wait approximately two minutes.
> Open the hood > page 204.
> Remove the oil dipstick > page 205, fig. 142,
wipe it off with a clean cloth and insert it all the
way in again.
> Remove the oil dipstick again and then read the
oil level > table on page 207.
> Add engine oil if necessary > page 207.

Areas on the oil dipstick > fig. 143.

@| If the engine oil level is just before the
marking (@), then engine oil must be added.
See>O.


@|Do not add engine oil.

() Note
— The engine oil level must not be below the
marking ©, because this increases the risk
of engine damage.
— After adding engine oil, the oil level must
not be above the marking (2) > fig. 143, be-
cause this increases the risk of catalytic con-
verter and/or engine damage. If the oil level
is above the marking Q), drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have any engine oil
extracted. Avoid high engine speeds, full ac-
celeration, and heavy engine loads.
@ Tips
— The engine oil consumption may be up to
0.5 quart/600 miles (0.5 liter/1,000 km),
depending on driving style and operating
conditions. Consumption may be higher dur-
ing 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
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 Au-
di 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.
Adding engine oil

B8K-2120



Fig. 144 Engine compartment: engine oil filler opening
cover
207

Checking and Filling

Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 203.
> Turn the engine off.
> Open the hood = page 204.
> Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 144.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
oil > page 205.
> Check the oil level again after two minutes
=> page 206, Checking the engine oil level.
> Add more oil if necessary.
> Close the engine oil filler cap and push the dip-
stick
all the way in.
> Close the hood > page 204.

Z\ WARNING
—When adding oil, do not let oil drip onto hot
engine components. This increases the risk
of a fire.
— You must seal the cap on the oil filler open-
ing correctly so that oil does not leak out on-
to the hot engine and exhaust system when
the engine is running, because this is a fire
hazard.
— Always clean skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact with engine oil.
—
Engine oil is poisonous and must be kept out
of reach of children.
— Store the engine oil securely in the original
container.

() Note
— The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
cover damage or malfunctions if the recom-
mended intended use of the vehicle and
maintenance measures listed in the Audi
Owner's Manual and the Warranty & Main-
tenance Booklet were not followed.
— Only use high-grade engine oil that explicit-
ly meets the Audi oil quality standard for
your vehicle. Using another oil may cause
severe vehicle damage.
— Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
208
@) For the sake of the environment
— Oil should never enter the sewer system or
come into contact with the ground.
— Follow the legal regulations in the country
where you are located when disposing of
empty oil containers.
Changing engine oil
We recommend having the oil changed at an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
Follow the safety precautions > page 203, Gener-
al information.
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals
specified in the Warranty & Maintenance Book-
let. This is very important because the lubrication
function of the oil gradually declines during regu-
lar vehicle operation.
The engine oil should be changed more frequent-
ly under certain circumstances. Have the oil
changed more frequently if you often drive short
distances, your vehicle is predominantly in stop-
and-go traffic situations, is in very dusty environ-
ments, or is operated for long periods of time in
temperatures below zero.
Cleansing additives in the oil make fresh oil ap-
pear darker after the engine has run briefly. This
is normal and no reason to change the engine oil
more frequently than recommended.
Because correctly disposing of engine oil is diffi-
cult and special tools and technical knowledge
are needed for an oil change, having your engine
oil changed by an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility is recommended.
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.