Arm AUDI A4 2008 B8 / 4.G Owner's Guide

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 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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Checking and topping up fluids259
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: without oil dipstickChecking the oil level (without dipstick)
You can check the engine oil level via the sound system or
MMI*.– Select: Function selector button > 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.
– Read off the oil level on the display ⇒fig. 255. Top up the
engine oil if the bar in the oil level display is near the
“min” mark ⇒page 259.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.
Note
The oil level display is intended solely for information purposes. An
oil level warning will appear in the instrument cluster if the oil level
is too low. Add more oil ⇒page 259. If the bonnet has been opened, the current oil level will be shown in the instrument cluster the next
time the ignition is switched on.
Topping up the engine oil

–Unscrew cap

from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 256.
– Carefully put in the specified grade of oil ⇒page 323
0.5 litres at a time.
– Check the oil level again after two minutes by calling up
the sound system or MMI* display or using the oil
dipstick ⇒page 258.
– If the oil level is too low, add more engine oil.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick
all the way in (on vehicles with dipstick).
WARNING
•
Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up: this could cause a fire.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine
oil.
Fig. 255 Display: Oil
level
CAR
Fig. 256 Engine
compartment: Engine
oil filler cap
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Checking and topping up fluids 260
Caution•
The oil level must never be above area ⇒page 258, fig. 254,
as this may result in damage to the catalytic converter or to the
engine. On vehicles without an oil dipstick, you can check the oil
level via the sound system or MMI*. Contact a qualified workshop to
extract the engine oil if necessary.
•
No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused
by the use of such additives would not be covered by the factory
warranty.For the sake of the environment
•
Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
•
Always observe statutory requirements when disposing of
empty oil canisters.
Cooling systemCoolant
The purpose of the coolant is to carry heat away from the
engine. The correct amount of anti-freeze is important to
prevent the cooling system from freezing in winter.The cooling system is filled for life at the factory, so the coolant does
not need to be changed. The coolant consists of a mixture of water
and anti-freeze additive G12++. This is a glycol-based anti-freeze
with anti-corrosion additives.
Anti-freeze additive
The amount of anti-freeze additive required depends on the temper-
atures to be expected in the winter season. If the anti-freeze concen-
tration is too low the coolant can freeze, resulting in failure of the
cooling system and heater.The cooling system is filled at the factory with the correct amount of
anti-freeze for the country concerned.
In most cases the mixture consists of 60% water and 40% additive.
This mixture gives the required anti-freeze protection at tempera-
tures down to -25 °C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling
system against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and raises the
boiling point of the coolant.
Countries with warm climate
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding plain
water, even in the summer or in warm climates. The concentration
of the anti-freeze additive must always be at least 40%.
Countries with cold climate
If greater anti-freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the
proportion of the anti-freeze additive G12++ can be increased. A
concentration of 60% offers protection down to about - 40 °C. The
concentration of the anti-freeze additive must not be more than
60%, otherwise this would reduce the anti-freeze protection. In addi-
tion, the cooling effect will be adversely affected.
Vehicles for export to countries with a cold climate (such as Sweden,
Norway and Finland) are supplied with antifreeze protection down
to about -35 °C. The concentration of the antifreeze additive for
these countries should always be at least 50%.
Caution
•
It is advisable to have the cooling system checked before the
winter season to make sure that the antifreeze concentration is
adequate for the conditions to be expected. This applies particularly
if you intend to take the car into a colder climate zone. If necessary,
have the anti-freeze concentration increased to 50 - 60% as required.
•
Use only anti-freeze additive G12++, an additive meeting the
specification “TL 774 G”. Other additives may give considerably
inferior corrosion protection. The resulting corrosion in the cooling
system can lead to a loss of coolant, causing serious damage to the
engine.
Aa
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Checking and topping up fluids265
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data charges) when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never
cross the battery poles. The resulting high-energy sparks can
cause injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge. Only charge battery in a well ventilated
area.
•
Keep children away from the battery and battery acid.
•
Switch off all electrical equipment before starting any work on
the vehicle electrical system. Remove the ignition key. The minus
cable of the battery must be disconnected. When changing a light
bulb, it is sufficient to only turn off the light.
•
Before disconnecting the battery, turn off the anti-theft
system! Otherwise, the alarm will sound.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle's electrical
system, first disconnect the minus cable and then the plus cable.
•
Before reconnecting the battery, turn off all electrical equip-
ment. First connect the plus cable, then the minus cable. The
battery cables must not be connected to the wrong battery poles
- serious risk of cable fire.
•
Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery - risk of explosion
and chemical burns! A battery must be replaced once it has been
frozen. When it is discharged the battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 0°C.
•
Make sure that the vapour hose is always attached to the
battery.
•
Never use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the car's battery with the engine running or
with the ignition turned on, otherwise the electrical system or elec-
trical components will be damaged.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of
time, as the intense ultraviolet radiation can affect the battery
housing.
•
If the car is left standing for long periods, protect the battery
from extreme cold temperature so that it does not “freeze up” and
become damaged.
Charging the battery
Terminals for charging the battery are fitted in the engine
compartment.– Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings
for handling a car battery” on page 264 and ⇒.
– Switch off all electrical equipment. Remove the ignition
key.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 254.
– Open the red cap on the positive terminal ⇒fig. 259.
– Follow the correct procedure for connecting the charger
cables to the jump-start terminals (terminal with red cap
= “positive”, terminal with hexagon = “negative”).
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 259 Engine
compartment: Termi-
nals for jump leads and
battery charger
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Wheels and tyres269
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– The tyre pressures should only be checked when the
tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres
must not be reduced.
– The pressures must be altered to suit major changes in
the load being carried.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from time to time.Tyre pressure and vehicle loading
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according to the load the vehicle
is carrying. We recommend adhering to the tyre pressure specifica-
tions for a maximum load. The tyre inflation pressures are listed on
a sticker on the end face of the driver's door ⇒page 268, fig. 261.
However, if you prefer an extra-smooth ride and the vehicle is not
fully loaded, you can select the tyre pressure for a normal load (no
more than three people travelling in the vehicle). However, should
you wish to drive with a full load you must increase the tyre pressure
to the specified maximum.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres
considerably and also impair the car's handling. Correct inflation
pressures are very important, especially at high speeds. The pres-
sures should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting a journey.
Do not forget the spare wheel* when checking the tyre pressures.
Keep the spare tyre inflated to the highest pressure required for the
road wheels.
Driving habits
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking (squealing
tyres) all increase tyre wear.Wheel balancing
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors
encountered in normal driving can cause them to become unbal-
anced, which results in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause
excessive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the
safety of the vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, contact your
Audi dealer.
WARNING
•
Always adapt the tyre pressure accordingly when the vehicle
load changes.
•
Under-inflated tyres flex more and can overheat at continuous
high speeds. This can cause tread separation and tyre blow-out,
which could result in an accident.For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption.
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Self-help 282Self-helpApplies to vehicles: with warning triangleWarning triangleThe factory-supplied warning triangle is attached to the
inside of the boot lid.– To remove the warning triangle, push the tab in the direc-
tion indicated by the arrow ⇒fig. 264 and pull the
retainer down.The retainer on the boot lid is specifically designed to hold the
warning triangle supplied as an Audi Genuine Accessory. This
accessory is available from Audi dealers.
Applies to vehicles: with first-aid kitFirst-aid kitThe first-aid kit is accommodated in the compartment
behind the rear centre armrest.– Pull up the catch to open the storage compartment
⇒fig. 265.On vehicles with a load-through hatch*, the first-aid kit is kept in the
rear centre armrest. The centre armrest has to be folded down in
order to access the compartment.
The storage compartment will hold a maximum weight of 0.5 kg.
Note
Before folding the centre armrest back up into the rear seat backrest
make sure the lid of the storage compartment is properly closed.
Fig. 264 Warning
triangle fitted inside
boot lid
Fig. 265 Rear centre
armrest: First-aid kit
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Self-help 284If you need the tools, the Tyre Mobility System or the jack*, you will
have to open the floor panel and take out the spare wheel*
⇒page 284.
The tool kit includes:•
A hook for removing hub caps
•
Pin for mounting a wheel
•
Screwdriver with reversible blade
•
Tool for changing bulbs
•
Interchangeable socket (Torx socket for changing bulbs)
•
Crank handle for jack
•
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts*
•
Jack*
•
Box spanner for wheel bolts
•
Towline anchorage
Some of the parts listed are only fitted on certain models or are
optional extras.
Before stowing the jack* again, wind down the arm of the jack as far
as it will go.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to
tighten the wheel bolts. It is not possible to tighten the bolts with
the required torque – risk of accident.
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing
wheels on this model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting
heavier vehicles or other loads – risk of injury.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack - risk of
accident.
•
If work has to be done under the veh i cl e , e n su re t h a t i t is sa fe l y
supported on stands designed for the purpose, otherwise there is
a risk of injury.
Applies to vehicles: with compact temporary spare wheelCompact temporary spare wheel*The spare wheel is carried in the wheel well under the
floor panel in the luggage compartment. It is only
intended for temporary use over short distances.Taking out the spare wheel
– Lift the floor panel by the plastic handle ⇒fig. 268.
– Hook the handle onto the luggage compartment weath-
erstrip.
– Turn the centre plastic knob ⇒fig. 268 anti-clockwise.
– Take out the spare wheel.
– Unhook the floor panel before closing the boot lid.
Securing the defective wheel in the spare wheel
well
– Place the wheel in the spare wheel well and secure it with
the plastic knob.
– Unhook the floor panel before closing the boot lid.
Fig. 268 Spare wheel
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Fuses and bulbs305
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
•
Take particular care when working on components in the
engine compartment if the engine is warm - risk of burns!
•
Bulbs are sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.
•
Incorrect handling of the high-voltage element of xenon gas-
discharge bulbs* can have potentially fatal consequences.
•
When changing bulbs, please take care not to injure yourself on
sharp edges, in particular on the headlight housing.Caution
•
Always remove the ignition key before carrying out any work on
the electrical system - danger of short circuiting!
•
Switch off the lights or parking lights before you change a bulb.
•
Take good care to avoid damaging any components.
•
Removing the lights in particular can lead to the paintwork
becoming damaged. This is another reason why we recommend
having the bulbs changed by a qualified workshop.For the sake of the environment
Please ask your specialist retailer how to dispose of used bulbs in
the proper manner.
Note
Place the parts you have removed on a soft cloth so that they do not
become scratched.•
Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the
exterior lighting) on your vehicle is functioning properly. This is not
only in the interest of your own safety, but also in that of all other
road users.
•
Before changing a bulb, make sure you have the correct new
bulb.
•
Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands, use
a cloth or paper towel instead. Otherwise, the fingerprints left on
the glass will vaporise as a result of the heat generated by the bulb,
be deposited on the reflector and impair its surface.
Bulbs with a bayonet fastenerBulbs with a bayonet fastener must be changed as follows:
Removing the bulb
– Lightly press the defective bulb into the bulb holder, then
turn it anti-clockwise and remove it.
– Do not touch the glass part of the new bulb with your
bare hands, use a cloth or paper towel instead.
Fitting the bulb
– Fit the new bulb, pressing it into the bulb holder, and turn
it clockwise as far as it will go.
– If necessary, use a cloth to remove any fingerprints from
the glass part of the bulb.
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