check engine light AUDI A5 2021 User Guide

8W7012721BB
Checking and Filling


— 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.


ZX 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.

0) Note
When filling fluids, be sure not to add any flu-
ids to the wrong reservoirs. Otherwise severe
malfunctions and engine damage will occur.
@ For the sake of the environment
You should regularly check the ground under
your vehicle in order to detect leaks quickly. If
there are visible spots from oil or other fluids,
bring your vehicle to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to be
checked.

2) The &> symbol is not available in all countries.

Opening and closing the hood
The hood is released from inside the vehicle.


ig. 166 Unlocked hood: lever
Make sure the wiper arms are not raised up from
the windshield. Otherwise the paint could be
damaged.
Opening the hood
> With the door open, pull the lever 2 below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 165.
> Raise the hood slightly > page 230.
» Press the lever > fig. 166 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 struts.
> Let the hood fall lightly into the latch. Do not
press it in. > /\.
Messages
B Warning! Hood is not locked. Stop vehicle
and check the lock
231

8W7012721BB
Checking and Filling

Engine oil
If the engine oil level is too low
If you need to add engine oil, use an oil that is
listed on the sticker. The sticker is located at the
front of the engine compartment > page 232,
fig. 167. When using the engine oil listed on the
sticker, you can adjust the oil level as often as
needed.
If engine oil that meets the recommended speci-
fication is not available, in an emergency you
may add a maximum of 1 quart (1 liter) of
ACEA C3 or API SN engine oil one time until the
next oil change.
For more information on the correct engine oil
for your vehicle, contact an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility. Have the oil
changed by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Service Facility.
G) Tips
Audi recommends using engine oils provided
by Audi Genuine Parts.
Messages
Biturn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 234.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 234. 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.
Applies to: vehicles with oil level warning
2 Please add oil immediately.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 234 and add engine oil
immediately > page 234.
3 Add max. x qt (x J) oil. You can continue
driving
Add the amount of oil shown immediately
=> page 234.
=) Please reduce oil level
There is too much oil in the engine and there is a
risk of damaging the catalytic converter or en-
gine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
engine oil extracted if necessary. Avoid high en-
gine speeds, full acceleration, and heavy engine
loads.
Bs Oil level sensor: oil change necessary. Please
contact Service
Fuel has entered the engine oil. This will cause
the engine oil level to rise slowly and the engine
oil quality to decrease. Do not extract engine oil
to reduce the level, because this will increase the
risk of engine damage. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have engine oil extracted.
& Oil level system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil level has
malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty to have the malfunction repaired.
2 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.
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.
(i) Tips
The oil pressure warning B is not an oil level
indicator. Always check the oil level regularly.
233

Checking and Filling


— Maintain enough distance when you are re-
moving the oil drain plug. While doing this,
keep your forearm parallel to the ground to
reduce the risk of hot oil dripping down your
arm.
— Drain the oil into a container designed for
this purpose that is large enough to hold the
full amount of oil in your engine.
— Engine oil is poisonous. Always store out of
reach of children.
— Prolonged contact of used engine oil with
the skin may cause skin damage. Always
wash oil off immediately with soap and wa-
ter to protect your skin.
@) Note
Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.

@ For the sake of the environment
— Before changing the engine oil, make sure
you can dispose of the used engine oil cor-
rectly.
— Engine oil must always be disposed of cor-
rectly. Do not dump it in the yard, in the for-
est, or in open water, river channels, or sew-
ers.
— Have your used engine oil recycled by bring-
ing it to a used oil collection site or contact
a gas station.
Cooling system
The engine cooling system is filled with a mixture
of purified water and coolant additive at the fac-
tory. This coolant must not be not changed.
The coolant level is monitored using the g indi-
cator light. However, occasionally checking the
coolant level is recommended.
Messages
& Turn off engine and check coolant level. See
owner's manual
236
The coolant level is too low.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
coolant level > page 237.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 237. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
|_| Coolant temperature: too high. Please let
engine run while vehicle is stationary
Let the engine run at idle for a few minutes to
cool off, until the indicator light turns off.
— If the indicator light does not turn off, do not
continue driving the vehicle. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
|| Coolant system: malfunction! Please turn
off engine
Do not continue driving, shut the engine off, and
switch the ignition off.
— See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
Coolant additive
The coolant additive is made of anti-freezing and
corrosion protection agents. Only add the follow-
ing coolant additives mixed with distilled water.

Coolant additive Specification


Gl12evo TL774L

The amount of coolant additive that needs to be
mixed with water depends on the climate where
the vehicle will be operated. If the coolant addi-
tive percentage is too low, the coolant can freeze
and damage the engine.


Coolant Freeze protec-
additive tion
Warm min. 40% min. -13 °F
regions max. 45% (25°)
Cold min. 50% max. -40 °F
regions max. 55% (-40 °C)

@) Note
— Before the start of winter, have an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

8W7012721BB
Checking and Filling

Facility check if the coolant additive in your
vehicle matches the percentage appropriate
for the climate. This is especially important
when driving in colder climates.
— If the G12evo coolant additive is not availa-
ble in an emergency, do not add any other
additive. You could damage the engine. If
this happens, only use distilled water and
restore the correct mixture ratio with the
specified coolant additive as soon as possi-
ble.
— Only refill with new coolant.
— Radiator sealant must not be mixed with
the coolant.
— You can continue driving if the permitted
G12evo coolant additive was not added.
However, go to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately
to have the coolant replaced to reduce the
risk of engine damage.
— Due to the risk of engine damage, the cool-
ing system should only be refilled by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. An authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility can also pro-
vide you with important information about
the recommended coolant additive.
Checking coolant

RAZ-0540,

MIN


Fig. 169 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Observe the safety precautions > page 230, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 231.
The coolant expansion tank for some engines is
located in the water drip tray under a cover. If
necessary, remove the cover that is located under
the windshield wiper on the front passenger's
side.
> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 232, fig. 167 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 169. 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.
> Applies to: vehicles with 6-cylinder engine:
There is a float located in the coolant expansion
tank. Read the coolant level using the coolant
level float. When the engine is cold, the float
must be located between the MIN marking and
the edge of the filler opening on the coolant ex-
pansion tank.
> When you add coolant to the expansion tank,
please refer to > page 236, Cooling system.
Adding coolant
Requirement: there must be a residual amount of
coolant in the expansion tank >@).
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Audi recommends mixing
the coolant additive with distilled water.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick towel on the coolant expan-
sion tank cap.
> Push the release button @) > fig. 169 on the
cap and carefully turn it to the left until you
feel resistance > /\.
> Push the release button again and remove the
cap completely.
» Add coolant in the correct mixture ratio
=> page 236 up to the MAX marking. Or, in
vehicles with a 6-cylinder gasoline engine, the
float must be located between the MIN mark-
ing and the edge of the filler opening on the
coolant expansion tank.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Vehicles with 6-cylinder engine: if necessary,
press the float into the coolant expansion tank
using the cover.
> Turn the cap to the right to tighten it until you
feel resistance a second time.
237

8W7012721BB
Checking and Filling


accident. Do not continue driving. See an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
— If the brake fluid is old, bubbles may form in
the brake system during heavy braking. This
could impair braking performance and driv-
ing safety, which increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— The brake fluid in your vehicle must meet
the standard VW 501 14 and is available at
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility. If this brake fluid is not
available, another high-grade brake fluid of
equivalent quality may be used, and it must
meet
the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Stand-
ard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4, Class 6.

Switch off all electrical equipment that is not
needed. If necessary, some equipment will be
switched off automatically. Vehicle functions or
driving stability may be limited. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately.
= Electrical system: low battery charge. Bat-
tery
will be charged while driving
The starting ability may be impaired.
If this message turns off after a little while, the
vehicle battery has charged enough while driving.
If this message does not turn off, drive immedi-
ately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.

@) Note
— If the brake fluid level is above the MAX
marking, brake fluid may leak out over the
edge of the reservoir and result in damage
to the vehicle.
— Do not allow any brake fluid to come into
contact with the vehicle paint, because it
will corrode the paint.
Electrical system
If the = f B or = indicator light turns on,
there is a malfunction in the power supply, the
battery, or the vehicle electrical system.
= f B Electrical system: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle
Do not continue driving and switch the ignition
off > A\. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
= Electrical system: malfunction! Restart not
possible. Please contact Service
If you switch the ignition off, you will not be able
to restart the vehicle. Vehicle functions or driving
stability may be limited. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately.
= Electrical system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Z\ WARNING
When there is an electrical system malfunc-
tion, vehicle functions may not work and driv-
ing stability may be limited, which increases
the risk of an accident. Do not continue driv-
ing and switch the ignition off. See an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility for assistance.


Battery
lala Meme cd)
Because of the complex power supply, all work on
batteries such as disconnecting, replacing, etc.,
should only be performed by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility > A\.
Multiple batteries with different technologies
may be installed in your vehicle:
— Vehicle battery (for example, for starting the
engine, basic power supply) > page 240, 12
Volt vehicle battery or > page 241, Other bat-
tery types
— Auxiliary battery (for example, for recuperation
or optional equipment) > page 241, Other bat-
tery types
Not running the vehicle for long periods of
time
The battery will gradually drain if the vehicle
does not run for long periods of time. To ensure
239
>

Checking and Filling

that the vehicle can still be started, the electrical
equipment will be limited or switched off. Some
convenience functions, such as interior lighting
or power seat adjustment, may not be available
under certain circumstances. The convenience
functions will be available again when you start
the engine.
Even when electrical equipment is switched off,
the equipment can still drain the battery if the
vehicle is not driven for Long periods of time.
Deep draining results in a chemical reaction that
destroys the inside of the battery. The battery
must be charged every month to prevent this
= page 241. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for more infor-
mation.
Winter operation
Cold weather places an especially high load on
the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Have the battery
checked by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility before cold weather be-
gins.
so that it will not be destroyed by “freezing”
= page 241, Charging the 12 Volt vehicle
battery.
— There are electrical components under the
cargo floor behind a trim panel that warm
up during operation. To reduce the risk of
the components overheating, do not store
objects such as blankets under the cargo
floor. If the components overheat, they will
switch off temporarily. This will be indicated
by a message that will be displayed in the
instrument cluster until the temperature re-
turns to normal.
12 Volt vehicle battery
Explanation of warnings:
Always wear eye protection.

forbidden.

ZX WARNING
— 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.
— Never connect a charging cable or jump
start cable directly to the 12 Volt vehicle
battery. Only use the connections in the en-
gine compartment > page 241.

Z\ WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
— 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
— If the vehicle will be parked for long periods
of time, protect the battery against the cold
240
A highly explosive mixture of gases can
form when charging batteries.

Always keep children away from battery
acid and the battery.
Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always
wear protective gloves and eye protection.
® Fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking are

@/ | Always follow the instructions in the oper-
(Q | ating manual.

@) For the sake of the environment

% Lead-acid batteries must be disposed of
using methods that will not harm the environ-
ment. Do not dispose of them in household
trash. They contain harmful substances, such
as sulfuric acid and lead, and also recyclable
raw materials. Contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
more information.

Checking and Filling


— A highly explosive mixture of gases can form
when charging batteries. Only charge the
battery in well-ventilated areas.
— A drained battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 32 °F (0 °C). Do not charge or
use a frozen or thawed battery. If ice forms,
the battery housing can crack and battery
electrolyte can leak out, which increases the
risk of an explosion and chemical burns.
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for more informa-
tion.
— Do not connect or disconnect the charging
cable while charging because this increases

the risk of an explosion.

G) Tips
Read all of the manufacturer's instructions
for the charger before charging the battery.
Windshield washer
system

B8W-0125


Fig. 172 Engine compartment: washer fluid reservoir cap
Observe the safety precautions > page 230, Gen-
eral information.
The windshield washer reservoir © contains the
cleaning solution for the windshield/rear win-
dow* and the headlight washer system*
> fig. 172, > page 232. The reservoir capacity
can be found in > page 300.
To reduce the risk of lime scale deposits on the
spray nozzles, use clean water with low amounts
of calcium. Always add window cleaner to the wa-
ter. When the outside temperatures are cold, an
anti-freezing agent should be added to the water
so that it does not freeze.
242
Messages
gs Please add washer fluid
Fill the washer fluid for the windshield washer
system and the headlight washer system* when
the ignition is switched off.
C) Note
— The concentration of anti-freezing agent
must be adjusted to the vehicle operating
conditions and the climate. A concentration
that is too high can lead to vehicle damage.
— Never add radiator anti-freeze or other addi-
tives to the washer fluid.
— Do not use a glass cleaner that contains
paint solvents, because this could damage
the paint.
Service interval display
The service interval display detects when your ve-
hicle is due for service.
The service interval display works in two stages:
— Inspection or oil change reminder: after driv-
ing a certain distance, a message appears in the
instrument cluster display each time the igni-
tion is switched on or off. The remaining dis-
tance or time is displayed briefly.
— Inspection or oil change due: if your vehicle
has reached an inspection or oil change interval
or both intervals at the same time, the mes-
sage Inspection due! or Oil change due! or Oil
change and inspection due! appears briefly af-
ter switching the ignition on or off.
Checking service intervals
You can check the remaining distance or time un-
til the next oil change or next inspection in the
Infotainment system.
Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Service intervals.
Resetting the indicator
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will reset the service interval dis-
play after performing service.

8W7012721BB
Wheels

@) Tips
—If tires are replaced, the sensors and valves
do not need to be removed or replaced. Only
replace the valve stem and, if necessary, the
valve and the wheel electronics. If you have
questions, see an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— An incorrect display or a malfunction in the
tire pressure monitoring system can occur
after using the tire mobility kit*. Have the
sensors replaced by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
=> page 297.
Disp Rte eee See ed
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
Requirement: you must be driving the vehicle.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Tire pressure
monitoring > Display tire pressure.
The current tire pressures are shown in green,
yellow, or red numbers:
— Green: the current tire pressure and the speci-
fied tire pressure are approximately the same.
— Yellow: the current tire pressure is lower than
the specified tire pressure.
— Red: the current tire pressure is much lower
than the specified tire pressure.
The specified tire pressure is the last tire pressure
that was stored > page 265.
Note that the tire pressure also depends on the
temperature of the tire. The tire pressure increas-
es as the engine becomes warmer while driving.

Z\ WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes > page 264.
@ Tips
The tire pressure or temperature is not dis-
played while the vehicle is stationary and in

adaptation mode. Dashes --.-- are shown in
place of the pressure and temperature.
(1) Tire pressure loss
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
If the @ indicator light turns on, the tire pres-
sure is too low compared to the specified pres-
sure. Check and store the tire pressure(s) the
next time it is possible > page 265.
@® Flat tire! Safely stop vehicle. Please check all
tires and store pressures in MMI
If the indicator light turns on and the message
appears, the tire pressure has reached a critical
level compared to the specified pressure. Avoid
unnecessary steering and braking maneuvers.
Adapt your driving style to the situation. Stop as
soon as possible and check the tire(s). If it is pos-
sible to continue driving, see an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately and have your tire(s) repaired or replaced.

ZA WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes > page 264.
Storing new tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system

The tire pressure specifications must be stored
correctly for the tire pressure monitoring system
to function reliably.
It is always necessary to store the tire pressures
when the tire pressures are modified, for exam-
ple due to a change in load or when new sensors
are installed.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures of all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=> page 254, fig. 176. Only correct and store
the pressure in tires whose temperature is ap-
proximately the same as the ambient tempera-
ture. If the temperature of the tire is higher
than the ambient air temperature, the tire
pressure must be increased approximately
3 PSI (0,2 bar) above the value on the sticker.
> Switch the ignition on.
265

8W7012721BB
Emergency assistance


ZA WARNING
— A drained battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 32 °F (0 °C). If the vehicle bat-
tery is frozen, it must be thawed before con-
necting the jump start cables. If it is not,
the risk of an explosion and chemical burns
increases. After jump starting the vehicle,
drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the vehicle battery checked.
— Read the warnings when working in the en-
gine compartment > page 230.
— Handling the jump start cables incorrectly
may cause the vehicle battery to explode
and lead to serious injuries.

() Note
Jump start cables can cause considerable
damage to the vehicle electrical system if
they are connected incorrectly.
@ Tips
— There must be no contact between the
vehicles, or else voltage could flow when
connecting the positive terminal and drain
the vehicle battery of the vehicle providing
the jump start.
— The drained vehicle battery must be con-
nected correctly to the electrical system.
— Switch off electrical equipment that is not
needed.
Both jump start cables must be connected in the
correct order.

Fig. 187 Engine compartment: connectors for jump start
cables or a charger


Fig. 188 Engine compartment: connectors for jump start
cables or a charger
The jump start cable connections are located in
the engine compartment.
Follow the information about the vehicle battery
=> page 239.
Connecting the positive cable (red) to the
positive terminal
> Open the cover on the positive terminal
> fig. 187.
1. Attach one end of the positive cable (red) to
the jump-start pin @ © fig. 188 on your vehi-
cle.
2. Attach the other end of the positive cable
(red) to the positive terminal @) on the pow-
er source.
Connecting the negative cable (black) to the
negative terminal
3. Attach one end of the negative cable (black)
to the negative terminal @) on the power
source.
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. = >
281

Fuses and bulbs

@) Note
If a new fuse burns out again shortly after you
have installed it, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty.
G@) Tips
— The following table does not list fuse loca-
tions that are not used.
— Some of the equipment listed in the follow-
ing tables applies only to certain model ver-
sions or certain optional equipment.

Fig. 193 Driver's footwell (left-hand drive vehicle): fuse
panel with plastic clip
286
3 2
= & a

a
Ss $
2 8

Fig. 194 Front passenger's footwell (right-hand drive vehi-
cle): fuse panel with plastic clip

Fuse panel


No. | Equipment

Catalytic converter heating

2 |Engine components

Exhaust doors, fuel injectors, radiator in-
let, crankcase housing heating

Vacuum pump, hot water pump, NOx sen-
4 |sor, particulate sensor, biodiesel sensor,
exhaust doors

Brake light sensor

6 | Engine valves, camshaft adjustment

Heated oxygen sensors, mass airflow sen-
sor, water pump

Water pump, high pressure pump, high
8 | pressure regulator valve, temperature
valve, engine mount

Hot water pump, motor relay, 48 V drive-
train generator, 48 V water pump

10 | Oil pressure sensor, oil temperature sensor

Clutch position sensor, 48 V drivetrain
11 | generator, water pump, 12 V drivetrain
generator

12 | Engine valves, engine mount


13 | Engine cooling