AUDI A4 2008 B8 / 4.G Owners Manual

Care of vehicle and cleaning249
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and remove fresh dirt as
necessary.
•
Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe
cream and similar stains as soon as possible.
•
Preserve the colour of the leather. A special coloured cream will
renew the colour of the leather when required and will eliminate
differences in colour.
Applies to vehicles: with leather upholsteryCleaning and care of leather upholstery
Natural leather requires an extra degree of attention and
care.Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe
over the leather surfaces.
More stubborn dirt
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap
solution (pure liquid soap: two tablespoons dissolved in
one litre of water).
– It is very important not to let the water soak through the
leather or penetrate into the seams.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Removal of stains
– Remove fresh water-based stains such as coffee, tea,
juices, blood etc. with an absorbent cloth or kitchen roll,
dried-on stains with the cleaning agent from the care set.– Remove fresh fat-based stains on the surface such as
butter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc. with an absorbent
cloth or kitchen roll or with the cleaning agent from the
care set.
–Treat fat-based, dried-in stains with grease-dissolving
spray.
–Treat less common stains such as ball-pen and other
inks, felt-tip pens, nail polish, dispersion paint, shoe
cream etc. with a special leather stain remover.
Leather care products
– The leather should be treated regularly (about twice a
year) with a special leather-care product.
– Apply the cream very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Should you have any questions regarding the care and cleaning of
the leather upholstery in your vehicle, we recommend that you
contact your Audi dealer. The staff there will gladly provide you with
further information on cleaning and care of your upholstery and on
our complete range of leather care products:•
Cleaning and care set
•
Coloured leather-care cream
•
Stain remover for ball-pen inks, shoe cream etc.
•
Grease dissolving spray
•
New products and further developmentsCaution
On no account use solvents (such as petrol, turpentine), wax polish,
shoe cream or similar materials.
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Care of vehicle and cleaning 250Applies to vehicles: with Alcantara seat coversCleaning AlcantaraRemoving dust and dirt
– Moisten a cloth just a little and wipe down the seat
covers.
Removing stains
– Moisten a cloth with lukewarm water or diluted methyl-
ated spirits.
– Dab at the stain. Start at the outside and work inwards.
– Dry the area you have cleaned with a soft cloth.Do not use leather cleaning products on Alcantara seat covers.
You may use a suitable shampoo on dust and dirt.
Dust and grit in the pores and seams can have an abrasive effect
and damage the surface of the leather. If the car is left standing in
the sun for long periods, the leather should be protected against
direct sunlight to prevent it from fading. However, slight colour vari-
ations will arise in normal use.
Caution
•
Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers,
leather cleaning products or any similar products on Alcantara.
•
To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a qual-
ified workshop.
•
On no account use brushes, hard sponges or similar utensils.
Seat belts
Seat belts should be looked after properly to ensure that
they give the full protection.– Keep the seat belts clean.
– For cleaning, use a mild soap solution.
– Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals.Very dirty belts may not retract properly.
Make sure that the inertia reel seat belts are completely dry before
allowing them to retract.
Caution
•
Do not remove the seat belts from the vehicle to clean them.
•
Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this
can damage the webbing. Ensure that the belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.
•
If you find any damage to the belt webbing, belt fittings, the belt
retractor or the buckle, the belt in question must be replaced by a
qualified workshop.
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Fuel and filling the tank251
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Fuel and filling the tankPetrolApplies to vehicles: with petrol enginePetrol grade
The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the fuel tank
flap.The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter and must only be
run on unleaded petrol. Unleaded petrol must comply with the
European EN 228 standard. The petrol grades have different octane
ratings (RON). If, in exceptional circumstances, the correct octane
rating is not available, please note the following:•
For engines which require Premium unleaded petrol (95 RON)
according to ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimensions”:
Regular unleaded fuel with 91 RON can also be used. This will,
however, result in a slight loss of power.
•
For engines which require Super Plus unleaded petrol (98 RON)
according to ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimensions”:
Premium unleaded fuel with 95 RON can also be used. This can,
however, result in a slight loss of power under certain driving condi-
tions. – If premium unleaded petrol is not available, the engine can
be run on regular unleaded petrol with 91 RON as an emergency
measure. In this case only use moderate engine speeds and a light
throttle. Fill up with premium or Super Plus petrol as soon as
possible.Caution
•
Petrol complying with the EN 228 standard can contain small
quantities of ethanol. However, “bioethanol fuels”, which are
retailed under various different names such as E50 and E85, and
which contain a large proportion of ethanol, must not be put into
the vehicle, as this would damage the fuel system.
•
Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the
efficiency of the catalytic converter.
•
High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when
using petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for
the engine.
DieselApplies to vehicles: with diesel engineDiesel fuel
Please note the information on the inside of the fuel tank
flap.Diesel fuel must comply with the European EN 590 standard. It must
have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indi-
cates the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
Diesel fuel can thicken in winter. For this reason petrol stations in
some countries also offer winter diesel.
Caution
•
The vehicle is not designed for the use of biodiesel (FAME fuel).
The fuel system would be damaged if you used biodiesel.
•
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, petrol or similar additives)
with the diesel fuel.
•
If poor-quality diesel fuel is used, it may be necessary to drain
the water separator on the fuel filter more frequently than is speci-
fied in the Service Schedule. We recommend having this done by a
specialist workshop. If water is allowed to collect in the filter, this
can cause engine performance problems.
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Fuel and filling the tank 252Filling the tankFilling the tankThe flap that covers the tank cap is unlocked and locked
automatically by the central locking.
Unscrewing the tank cap
– Press the left side of the flap to open it ⇒fig. 247 -arrow-.
– Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise.
– Hook the cap onto the open flap ⇒fig. 248.Closing the tank cap
– Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it cannot be turned
further.
– Press the left side of the flap to close it (you should hear
it click into place).
When the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly it will switch
itself off as soon as the tank is “full”. Do not try to put in more fuel
after the nozzle cuts out, as this will fill the expansion chamber in
the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the
inside of the tank flap. Further notes on fuel ⇒page 251.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data
section ⇒page 321.
WARNING
Fuel is highly inflammable and can cause serious burns and other
injuries.•
For safety reasons always switch off the auxiliary heating*
before refuelling the vehicle.
•
For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel
canister in the vehicle. The canister could become damaged in an
accident and leak.
•
Observe all relevant statutory regulations on using, storing and
transporting spare fuel canisters.
•
When filling your tank or a spare fuel canister with fuel, do not
smoke and keep away from naked flames. Risk of explosion!
•
If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel
canister, please observe the following warnings:
−Never fill fuel into the spare fuel canister with the canister
placed in or on top of the vehicle. An electrostatic charge could
build up during filling, causing the fuel vapour to ignite. Danger
of explosion. Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
Fig. 247 Vehicle as
seen from the rear
right: Opening fuel
tank flapFig. 248 Fuel tank flap
with tank cap attached
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Fuel and filling the tank253
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data −Insert the filler nozzle as far as possible into the spare fuel
canister.
−If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle
must be in contact with the canister during filling. This helps
prevent an electrostatic charge building up.
−Make sure you never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage
compartment. Fuel vapour is explosive. Risk of fatal accident!
Caution
•
If any fuel is spilt onto the vehicle, it should be removed immedi-
ately, as it could otherwise damage the paintwork.
•
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel
supply, misfiring can occur. As a result unburnt fuel can enter the
exhaust system and cause damage to the catalytic converter(s).
•
When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a
vehicle with a diesel engine the ignition must be switched on for at
least 30 seconds without starting the engine. When you then start
the engine it may take longer than normal (up to one minute) for the
engine to start firing. This is because air needs to be bled from the
fuel system while starting.For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has
switched off; this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.
Note
The tank flap is not locked when you lock the vehicle from the
inside.
Releasing the tank flap manually
The tank flap can be released manually if the central
locking system should fail to operate.The manual release mechanism is located behind the side
trim on the right of the luggage compartment.
– Open the right-hand side trim.
– Release the ring from its holder and pull the ring
⇒fig. 249. You should now be able to open the tank flap
in the usual way ⇒page 252.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 249 Luggage
compartment:
Releasing the fuel tank
flap manually
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Checking and topping up fluids 254Checking and topping up fluidsBonnetReleasing the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.– Open the driver's door.
– Pull the lever under the dashboard in the direction indi-
cated (arrow) ⇒fig. 250.The bonnet springs out of its lock.
Opening the bonnetBefore opening the bonnet make sure that the windscreen
wiper arms are not lifted away from the glass. Otherwise the
paint may get damaged.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards
⇒fig. 251. This will release the arrester hook.
– Open the bonnet.The bonnet is held open by two gas-filled struts.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of being scalded, never open the bonnet if you see
steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Wait
until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.
Fig. 250 Detail of foot-
well on driver's side:
Release lever
Fig. 251 Release catch
under the bonnet
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Checking and topping up fluids255
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components
in the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working in the engine compartment
(e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warn-
ings listed below and follow all normal safety precautions. The
engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially
hazardous area. ⇒.
WARNING
•
Switch off the engine.
•
Remove the ignition key.
•
Apply the parking brake.
•
Put the gear lever in neutral or selector in P.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Keep children away from engine compartment.
•
Never spill fluids on hot engine components. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).
•
Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system,
especially when working on the battery.
•
Do not touch the radiator fan when the engine is hot. The fan
may start running suddenly.
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine
is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large,
thick rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
If any tests have to be performed with the engine running,
there is an extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
drive belts, alternator and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-
voltage ignition system.
•
Vehicles with automatic gearbox: Never open the throttle inad-
vertently (for instance by hand from the engine compartment) if a
gear is engaged while the vehicle is stationary with the engine
running. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
and possibly cause an accident.
•
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery.
−Do not smoke.
−Never work near naked flames.
−Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers / reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and topping up fluids 256Closing the bonnet– To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the spring
pressure.
– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒.
WARNING
•
For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely
closed when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check
that it is properly secured. The bonnet must be flush with the adja-
cent body panels.
•
Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when
the vehicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet properly, otherwise it could cause an accident.
Engine compartment layoutEngine compartment layout
Main components for checking and refillingFig. 252 Typical locations of fluid containers, engine oil dipstick and engine oil
filler cap
Jump-start terminal (+) under a cover . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir (
) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler cap (

) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick* (orange) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator expansion tank () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-start terminal (-) with hexagon head . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washer container (
) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering . . . . . . . .
A1
265, 294
A2
262
A3
259
A4
258
A5
261
A6
265, 294
A7
267
A8
225
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Checking and topping up fluids257
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The positions of the engine oil filler cap and the engine oil dipstick
⇒page 256, fig. 252 (items and ) may be different on some
engine versions.
Engine oilGeneral notesWe recommend that you have the oil change carried out by an Audi
dealership / qualified workshop according to the intervals stated in
the Service Schedule or according to the service interval display in
the instrument cluster.
Whether your vehicle is serviced at flexible service intervals or fixed
service intervals is shown in the Service Schedule.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in the Te c h -
nical data section ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions”.
Check that the specifications quoted (VW standards) appear on the
container either singly or in combination with other specifications.
Flexible service intervals (Audi LongLife Service*)
Special engine oils ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions” have been developed as part of the Audi LongLife Service
(⇒“Service Schedule”).
This type of oil must be used if you intend to take advantage of the
extended maintenance intervals allowed by the Audi LongLife
Service.•
Do not mix the LongLife oil with oil intended for fixed service
intervals, as the requirements for the extended service intervals are
then no longer guaranteed.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 258 and you cannot obtain the specified LongLife oil, you
can put in a small quantity of oil for fixed service intervals -
⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimensions”. This should not be done more than once and no more than 0.5 litres should be
used.
Fixed service intervals (Inspection Service)*
If you do not take advantage of the LongLife service for your car, you
can use the oils for fixed service intervals - ⇒page 323, “Perform-
ance, weights and dimensions”. In this case, your car must be serv-
iced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (9,000 miles) – see
Service Schedule.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 258 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification
ACEA A2 or ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel
engines). This should not be done more than once and no more than
0.5 litres should be used.
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The Service Schedule states whether your vehicle is fitted with a
diesel particulate filter.
•
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter must only be filled with
engine oil VW 507 00. This oil can be used regardless of whether the
vehicle is serviced at flexible service intervals (Audi LongLife
Service) or fixed service intervals.
•
Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 258 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification
VW 506 00 / VW 506 01 or VW 505 00 / VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 /
ACEA B4. This should not be done more than once and no more than
0.5 litres should be used.
A3
A4
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Checking and topping up fluids 258Checking the oil level (with dipstick)Checking the oil level
– Park your vehicle on a level surface.
– Allow the warm engine to run briefly at idling speed and
then switch off the ignition.
– Wait approx. 2 minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth
and insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level
⇒fig. 253 or ⇒fig. 254. If the oil level is too low, add
more engine oil ⇒page 259.
Oil level in area
–Do not top up oil.
Oil level in area
–Oil can be topped up. After topping up the oil level should
be in area .
Oil level in area
–Oil must be topped up. After topping up the oil level
should be in area .
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is
used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 ltr./1000 km. Oil consump-
tion is likely to be higher for the first 5000 km. You should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, ideally every time you fill the
tank, and also before setting off on a long trip.
Fig. 253 Variant 1:
Markings on oil
dipstickFig. 254 Variant 2:
Markings on oil
dipstick
AaAb
Aa
AcAa
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