engine overheat AUDI A6 2021 Owner´s Manual

Instrument cluster

Adjusting the display
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Applies to: Audi virtual cockpit
Fig. 6 Upper display: adjusting the display
Switching the view
Applies to: Audi virtual cockpit
> Press the VIEW button to switch between the
default view @ and the enhanced view (2).
Adjusting the layout
Applies to: Audi virtual cockpit
Depending on the vehicle equipment, various lay-
outs may be available.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Display & brightness > Audi virtu-
al cockpit.
> To adjust the desired layout, press @).
Setting the automatic layout change
Applies to: RS models
Requirement: depending on vehicle equipment,
the RS Performance or RS Runway layout must
be set.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Display & brightness > Audi virtu-
al cockpit > Configure > Automatic activation
of RS layout.
Depending on vehicle equipment, the RS Per-
formance or RS Runway layout will be automati-
cally set when switching into the RS modes
=> page 112.
Adjusting the additional display
Applies to: Audi virtual cockpit
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the addi-
tional displays that can be selected may vary.
» Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Display & brightness > Audi virtu-
al cockpit > Configure.
14
> Select the desired additional display.
Reducing the display
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can
hide the central area in the instrument cluster.
» Applies to: analog instrument cluster: Press the
VIEW button on the multifunction steering
wheel.
> Applies to: Audi virtual cockpit: Select on the
instrument cluster: vehicle functions tab >
button > Reduced display.
Coolant temperature
display
The coolant temperature display @) > page 12
only functions when the ignition is switched on.
To reduce the risk of engine damage, please ob-
serve the following notes about the temperature
ranges.
Cold range
If only the LEDs at the bottom of the gauge turn
on, the engine has not reached operating tem-
perature yet. Avoid high engine speeds, full accel-
eration, and heavy engine loads.
Normal range
The engine has reached its operating tempera-
ture once the LEDs up to the center of the gauge
turn on. If the Bg indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster display turns on, the coolant tem-
perature is too high > page 249.
@) Note
— Auxiliary headlights and other accessories in
front of the air intake impair the cooling ef-
fect of the coolant. This increases the risk of
the engine overheating during high outside
temperatures and heavy engine load.
— The front spoiler also helps to distribute
cooling air correctly while driving. If the
spoiler is damaged, the cooling effect will
be impaired and the risk of the engine over-
heating will increase. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility for assistance.

4K0012721BE
Instrument cluster

Tachometer
The tachometer (2) 9 page 12 displays the engine
speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). The be-
ginning of the red zone in the tachometer indi-
cates the maximum permissible engine speed for
all gears once the engine has been broken in. Be-
fore reaching the red zone, you should shift into
the next higher gear, select the "D" or "S" selec-
tor lever position, or remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
Engine speed limitation
If the By indicator light turns on, the engine will
be automatically limited to the RPM displayed in
the instrument cluster. This will protect the en-
gine components, for example during a cold start
or from overheating.
The engine speed limitation is deactivated if you
release the accelerator pedal while the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
If the engine speed limitation was activated by
an engine control malfunction, the B indicator
light also turns on. Make sure the engine speed
does not go above the speed displayed, for exam-
ple when downshifting. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have the malfunction corrected.
@) Note
The needle in the tachometer may only be in
the red area of the gauge for a short period of
time before there is a risk of damaging the
engine. The location where the red zone be-
gins varies depending on the engine.
Odometer
The trip odometer and odometer are displayed in
the status bar G) > page 12.
The trip odometer shows the distance driven
since it was last reset. It can be used to measure
short distances. The odometer shows the total
distance that the vehicle has been driven.
Resetting the trip odometer
> Select on the instrument cluster: vehicle func-
tions tab > E] button > Reset mi.
(i) Tips
Distances are displayed in mi (miles) or km
(kilometers).
Outside temperature
display
The outside temperature is displayed in the sta-
tus bar ©) > page 12.
If your vehicle is stationary or if you are driving at
very low speeds, the temperature displayed in
the instrument cluster may be slightly higher
than the actual temperature outside due to heat
radiating from the engine.
At temperatures below 41 °F (+5 °C), a snowflake
symbol appears in front of the temperature dis-
play > A\.

ZA\ WARNING
Do not assume the roads are free of ice based
on the outside temperature display. Be aware
that there may be ice on roads even when the
outside temperature is around 41 °F (+5 °C)
and that ice can increase the risk of accidents.

Engine oil temperature
indicator
Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the engine
oil temperature %7 may be indicated by a bar in
the instrument cluster.
> Open the vehicle functions tab and switch to
the enhanced view > page 14.
When engine oil temperatures are low, the dis-
play --- °F (--- °C) appears in the instrument clus-
ter. The engine has reached its operating temper-
ature when the engine oil temperature is be-
tween 176 °F (80 °C) and 248 °F (120 °C) under
normal driving conditions. The engine oil temper-
ature may be higher if there is heavy engine load >
15

Driving


time. If the parking brake is not set, the ve-
hicle could roll away, increasing the risk of
an accident.
— Do not leave your vehicle unattended while
the engine is running, because this increases
the risk of an accident.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If you leave the vehicle, switch the ignition
off and take the key with you. This is espe-
cially important when leaving persons or an-
imals in the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle
could start unintentionally, the parking
brake could release, or electronic equipment
could activate, which increases the risk of an
accident.
— No persons or animals should be left in a
locked vehicle. Locked doors make it more
difficult for emergency workers to enter the
vehicle, which puts lives at risk.
— If you do not begin driving immediately af-
ter releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle
may begin to roll backward. Press the brake
pedal or set the parking brake immediately.
CG) Note
If you have to stop on an incline, always press
the brake pedal to hold the vehicle in place to
reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling back-
ward. Do not try to hold the vehicle in place
by pressing and holding the accelerator pedal.
The transmission can overheat, which increas-
es the risk of damage.
Hill hold assist
If you take your foot off of the brake pedal when
driving on hills, the braking force will be held for
several seconds. At that time, you can start driv-
ing without the vehicle rolling backward.

Requirement: the driver's door must be closed,
the engine must be on, and the vehicle must be
traveling uphill.
98
> To activate hill hold assist, press and hold the
brake pedal for several seconds while the vehi-
cle is stationary.

ZA WARNING
— If you do not begin driving immediately af-
ter releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle
may begin to roll backward. Press the brake
pedal
or set the parking brake immediately.
— The hill hold assist cannot hold the vehicle
on inclines in every scenario (for example,
on slippery or icy ground).
Gears and driving programs
QS
(2


[RAZ-0410)


R
t
N
t.
Fig. 85 Center console: selector lever



The automatic transmission shifts automatically
depending on the selected gear and the current
driving style. When driving with a moderate driv-
ing style, upshifting early and downshifting late
will help to improve fuel economy. When driving
with a sporty driving style, the transmission per-
mits higher RPMs.
The gears are displayed next to the selector lever.
—P (Park)
—R (Reverse): driving in reverse
—N (Neutral): idle
— D (Drive)
Selecting a gear
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
— Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the
brake pedal.
— Press the release button () on the selector lev-
er.

Driving

— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en
frequently or for long distances. In this case,
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. Due to the properties of the material,
they may cause noises at lower speeds. Ceramic
brakes also absorb more moisture in wet condi-
tions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less
braking force than when the brakes are dry. You
can compensate for this by pressing the brake
pedal harder.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
106
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
— The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

ZX WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
place your foot under the brake pedal.

() Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 109. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
(i) Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that
the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 251.

4K0012721BE
Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


() Note
Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of the engine brak-
ing effect and reduces the load placed on the
brakes.
@ Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 97 Operating lever: switching the system on
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @.
The Gia or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

ZA\ WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, the regulating functions may


shut off automatically.


estate Rem lad lite: Rag ena)
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 135, fig. 97.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever
toward position @ while driving.
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gg or kl indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
135
>

Checking and Filling

can cause engine misfires. Uncombusted fuel
could enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
If the 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
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 2391).
Engine compartment
General information
Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
For work in the engine compartment, such as
checking and filling fluids, there is a risk of in-
jury, scalding, accidents, and burns. For this
reason, follow all the warnings and general
safety precautions provided in the following in-
formation. The engine compartment is a dan-
gerous area in the vehicle. > A\.
Explanation of warnings (sticker in the engine
compartment):

Hot engine components!
@® Rotating parts!

The radiator fan can switch on at any
LS, time!

High voltage! Switch off the engine be-
5 fore coming into contact with any igni-
tion system components!




The catalytic converter can be damaged
"271 if the oil level is too high!

Always follow the instructions in the op-
erating manual.


)) Depending on the engine and country
242

ZA WARNING
— Turn the engine off.
— Switch the ignition off.
— Set the parking brake.
— Select the “P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Allow the engine to cool.
— 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.
— The cap on the coolant expansion tank must
never be opened when the coolant is hot.
The cooling system is under pressure. There
is a risk of burns
—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.
— Ifa 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.

Checking and Filling

— 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.
ecking coolant

= Fe [RAZ-0540]

MIN


Fig. 162 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 243.
The coolant expansion tank for some engines is
located in the water drip tray under a cover. Slide
the
cover that is located below the windshield
wiper on the front passenger's side toward the
windshield and remove the cover.
> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 245, fig. 160 using the outer
markings @) > fig. 162. The coolant level must
be between the markings @) when the engine is
cold. When the engine is warm it can be slight-
ly above the upper marking.
>» When you add coolant to the expansion tank,
please refer to > page 249, Cooling system.
250
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. 162 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 mixed in the correct ratio
=> page 249 up to the MAX marking.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Turn the cap to the right to tighten it until you
feel resistance a second time.
Coolant loss usually indicates that there is a leak.
Immediately drive your vehicle to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the cooling system inspected. If the
cooling system is not leaking, coolant loss can re-
sult from the coolant boiling due overheating
and then being forced out of the cooling system.

ZA WARNING
— The engine compartment in any vehicle is a
potentially dangerous area. Stop the engine,
switch the ignition off, and allow the engine
to cool before working in the engine com-
partment. Always follow the information
found in > page 242, General information.
— Never open the hood if you can see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. This increases the risk of
burns. The cooling system is under pressure.
When you no longer see or hear steam or
coolant escaping, you may open the engine
compartment with caution.
— When working in the engine compartment,
remember that the radiator fan can switch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of injury.

4K0012721BE
Emergency assistance

> Connect the compressor hose to a vehicle sock-
et and switch it on.
> Let the compressor run until the specified value
on the tire pressure sticker is reached
> page 266, fig. 169>@.
> Screw the valve cap back onto the valve.
Returning to storage
> To release air, turn the valve insert. See an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
> Turn the valve insert back once the air has been
released.
> Wait several hours before placing the collapsi-
ble spare tire in the spare wheel well. Only then
will it fold down completely so that you can
store it securely.
> Then screw the valve cap back onto the valve.
> Secure the collapsible spare tire with the hand-
wheel.
> Fold the cargo floor cover back into place.
Snow chains
Using snow chains on the collapsible spare tire is
not permitted for technical reasons.
If you have to drive with snow chains and a front
tire fails, mount the collapsible spare tire in place
of a rear tire. Install the snow chains on the rear
tire that you removed, and install that in place of
the front tire that failed.

Z\ WARNING
— Only use the collapsible spare tire in emer-
gencies and drive very carefully, especially if
it is more than six years old.
— The compressor and the hose can become
very hot during operation which increases
the risk of burn injuries.
— After installing a collapsible spare tire, the
tire pressure must be checked as quickly as
possible to reduce the risk of an accident.
— Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)
with the collapsible spare tire. Driving faster
than that increases the risk of an accident.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, avoid hard
acceleration or braking and driving fast
around curves with the collapsible spare

tire.

— Never drive using more than one collapsible
spare tire, because this increases the risk of
an accident.
— Normal tires or winter tires must not be
mounted on the collapsible spare tire rim.
C) Note
The compressor must be switched off after six
minutes at the most to reduce the risk of
overheating. Let the compressor cool down
for several minutes before using it again.


Jump starting
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
If the engine does not start because the vehicle
battery is drained, you can jump start your vehi-
cle using another vehicle. Jump start cables are
needed to do this.
Both vehicle batteries must have 12 V nominal
voltage. The voltage capacity (Ah) of the vehicle
battery that is giving power must not be less
than the capacity of the drained vehicle battery.
Jump start cable
Only use a jump start cable with a large enough
diameter. Note the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
Only use a jump start cable with insulated termi-
nal clamps.
Positive cable - usually red.
Negative cable - usually black.

Z\ 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, >

293