warning light AUDI A7 2020 Manual Online

4K8012721BC
Checking and Filling


Audi recommends
Sbastrol | ZIDIGE Prarzssional
Audi recommends using the LongLife high-per-
formance engine oil from Audi Genuine Parts.
I Tet
Engine oil pressure


i Turn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 231.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 232. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
— If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, turn the engine off and
do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Engine oil level
& Please add oil immediately.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 231 and add engine oil
immediately > page 232.
El ada max. x qt (x l) oil. You can continue
driving
Add the amount of oil shown immediately
=> page 232.
Reducing the oil level
A 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.
Engine oil sensor
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.
& Oil pressure sensor: malfunction! Please
contact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil pressure
has malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired.
Engine warm-up request
i Please drive to warm up engine
Fuel has entered the engine oil, either due to low
outside temperatures or frequent short drives.
Drive until the engine is warm so that the fuel in
the engine oil will evaporate. Avoid high engine
speeds, full accelerating, and heavy engine loads
when doing this.
G) Tips
The oil pressure warning =} is not an oil level
indicator. Always check the oil level regularly.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil level can be checked in the MMI.
Follow the safety precautions > A\ in General in-
formation on page 227.
>» Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Shut the engine off when it is warm.
> Switch only the ignition back on.
> Wait approximately two minutes.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Oil level.
> Read the oil level in the display. Add engine oil
if the bar in the oil level indicator is just below
“min” > page 232.
231
>

4K8012721BC
Checking and Filling

authorized Audi Service Facility can also pro-
vide you with important information about
the recommended coolant additive.
Checking coolant

RAZ-0540 © =

MIN

Fig. 149 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Follow the safety precautions > page 227, Gener-
al information.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 229.
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 230, fig. 147 using the outer
markings @) > fig. 149. 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.
> If you add coolant to the coolant expansion
tank for the combustion engine, see
=> page 234, 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. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick towel on the coolant expan-
sion tank cap.
> Push the release button @) > fig. 149 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 234 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 can
be a dangerous area. Stop the engine and al-
low it to cool before working in the engine
compartment. Always follow the informa-
tion found in > page 227, General informa-
tion.
— 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.
— Coolant additive and coolant can be danger-
ous to your health. For this reason, store the
coolant in the original container and away
from children. There is a risk of poisoning.

C) Note
Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could enter the cooling system and >
235

Checking and Filling

damage the engine. If this is the case, do not
continue driving. See an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229|


Fig. 150 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Follow the safety precautions > page 227, Gener-
al information.
Checking the brake fluid level
> Slide the cover that is located below the wind-
shield wipers on the driver's side toward the
windshield and remove the cover.
> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 230, fig. 147. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
of.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Message
Ga / © Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level
Stop the vehicle and check the brake fluid level.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Changing the brake fluid
Brake fluid should be changed at regular inter-
vals. Have the brake fluid changed by an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty. The authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will inform you of the replace-
ment intervals.
236

ZA WARNING
— If the brake fluid level is below the MIN
marking, it can impair the braking effect and
driving safety, which increase the risk of an
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.

@) 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 = i. B or fm] indicator light turns on,
there is a malfunction in the power supply, the
battery, or the vehicle electrical system.
/ BB 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/driving
stability may be limited. Drive to an authorized >

4K8012721BC
Checking and Filling

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately.
= Electrical system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Switch off all electrical equipment that is not
needed. Vehicle functions/driving stability may
be limited. Drive to an authorized 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.

ZA 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.

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
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 239. 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.

Battery
Peale mee alerted)
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 238, 12
Volt vehicle battery or > page 238, Other bat-
tery types
— Auxiliary battery (for example, for recuperation
or optional equipment) = page 238, Other bat-
tery types
ZA\ 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 239.

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.

237

4K8012721BC
Checking and Filling

Charging the 12 Volt vehicle battery

Fig. 151 Engine compartment: connectors for a charger or
jump start cables
Note the safety precautions > page 227, General
information, > A\ in Battery general informa-
tion on page 237 and > /\.
Requirement: only use chargers with a maximum
charging current of 14.8 volts. The battery ca-
bles remain connected.
> Switch off the ignition and all electrical equip-
ment.
> Open the hood > page 229.
> Open the cover on the positive terminal
> fig. 151.
> Clamp the charger terminal clamps to the jump
start pins according to the instructions. (Hex
head bolt under a cover ©, hex head bolt on
the vehicle body ©).
> Insert the power cable for the charging device
into the socket and switch the device on.
> At the end of the charging process, switch the
charger off and pull the power cable out of the
socket.
> Remove the charging device terminal clamps.
> Close the cover on the positive terminal.
> Close the hood > page 229.

Z\ WARNING
— 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 239.
— Ahighly 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

B4M-0135)


Fig. 152 Engine compartment: washer fluid reservoir cap
Follow the safety precautions > page 227, Gener-
al information.
The windshield washer reservoir © contains the
cleaning solution for the windshield and the
headlight washer system > fig. 152, > page 230.
The reservoir capacity can be found in
=> page 291.
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.
Message
& Please add washer fluid
239

4K8012721BC
Wheels

Wheels Wheels
and Tires
General information
> Check your tires regularly for
damage, such as punctures,
cuts, cracks, and bulges. Remove
foreign objects from the tire
tread.
>If driving over curbs or similar
obstacles, drive slowly and ap-
proach the curb at an angle.
>Have faulty tires or rims re-
placed immediately.
>Protect your tires from oil,
grease, and fuel.
>Mark tires before removing
them so that the same running
direction can be maintained if
they are reinstalled.
>Lay tires flat when storing and
store them ina cool, dry location
with as little exposure to light as
possible.

A WARNING
—Never drive faster than the
maximum permitted speed for
your tires. This could cause the
tires to heat up too much. This
increases the risk of an acci-
dent because it can cause the
tire to burst.


—Always adapt your driving to
the road and traffic condi-
tions. Drive carefully and re-
duce your speed on icy or slip-
pery roads. Even winter tires
can lose traction on black ice.

() Note
—Please note that summer and
winter tires are designed for
the conditions that are typical
in those seasons. Audi recom-
mends using winter tires dur-
ing the winter months. Low
temperatures significantly de-
crease the elasticity of summ-
er tires, which affects traction
and braking ability. If summer
tires are used in very cold tem-
peratures, cracks can form on
the tread bars, resulting in
permanent tire damage that
can cause loud driving noise
and unbalanced tires.
—Burnished, polished or
chromed rims must not be
used in winter driving condi-
tions. The surface of the rims
does not have sufficient corro-
sion protection for this and
could be permanently dam-
aged by road salt or similar
substances.
241

Wheels


ZA WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-
correctly can become loose and result in loss
of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-
cation, see > page 272, Finishing.
— Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads
in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
— Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
— Always have damaged rims repaired by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble
rims yourself, because this increases the risk
of an accident.
Loose wheel warning
Applies to: vehicles with loose wheel warning

Within the limits of the system, the loose wheel
warning in the instrument cluster warns you if
one or more wheels are loose.
Using the ABS sensors, the loose wheel warning
system compares the vibration characteristics of
the individual tires. If one or more wheels are
loose, it will be indicated in the instrument clus-
ter display with the fi indicator light and a mes-
sage. If only one wheel is affected, the location
of that wheel will be indicated.
Messages
fi Wheel bolts loose. Please safely stop the ve-
hicle and check all wheel bolts!
Loose wheel warning for at least one wheel > A\.
Check the wheel bolts on all wheels with the
wheel wrench (vehicle tool kit). Have the tighten-
ing specification checked as soon as possible with
a torque wrench. Drive carefully until then. For
the correct tightening specification, see
=> page 272, Finishing.
fl Wheel assessment active. Please continue
driving carefully
After this message appears and you have checked
the wheel bolts, the assessment phase begins
when the vehicle is in motion. This may take sev-
eral minutes.
256
fi Loose wheel warning: malfunction! See
owner's manual
There is a system malfunction. Drive immediately
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

Z\ WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly can
become loose and result in loss of vehicle con-
trol, which increases the risk of an accident.
— If a message appears, reduce your speed im-
mediately and avoid any hard steering or
braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as possible
and check the wheel bolts.
— Check your wheels for damage. Have the
damaged wheels checked and/or replaced
immediately by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the message may be delayed.
— The driver is responsible for ensuring that
the wheels are attached correctly.
G) Tips
— The loose wheel warning system can also
stop working when there is an ESC malfunc-
tion.

— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
Winter tires significantly improve the vehicle's
handling when driving in winter conditions. Be-
cause of their construction (width, compound,
tread pattern), summer tires provide less traction
on ice and snow.
> Use winter tires on all four wheels.
> Only use winter tires that are approved for your
vehicle.
>» Please note that the maximum permitted
speed may be lower with winter tires > A\ in
General information on page 241. An author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility can inform you about the maximum per-
mitted speed for your tires.

Wheels

= page 260. In some cases, you must drive for
several minutes after storing the pressures until
the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light
does turn off or turns on again after a short peri-
od of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZA WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking maneu-
vers. Stop as soon as possible and check the
tires and their pressure.
— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressure. You must check the
tire pressure regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the tire pressure monitoring system

indicator may be delayed.

@) Tips
— The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC mal-
function.
— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
— The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 248. Using these tires is rec-
ommended.
Storing tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
If the tire pressure changes or a tire is replaced,
it must be confirmed in the MMI.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=>page 251.
> Switch the ignition on.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Tire pressure
monitoring > Store tire pressure > Yes, store
now.
260
G) Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.

4K8012721BC
Care and cleaning

Care and cleaning
General information
Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehi-
cle's value. It can also be a requirement when
submitting warranty claims for corrosion damage
and paint defects on the body.
The required cleaning and care products can be
obtained from an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Service Facility. Read and follow the in-
structions for use on the packaging.

ZA WARNING
— Using cleaning and care products incorrectly
can be dangerous to your health.
— Always store cleaning and care products out
of reach of children to reduce the risk of poi-
soning.

@ For the sake of the environment
— Purchase environmentally-friendly cleaning
products if possible.
— Do not dispose of cleaning and care prod-
ucts with household trash.
Car washes
The longer that deposits such as insects, bird
droppings, tree sap or road salt remain on the ve-
hicle, the more the surface can be damaged. High
temperatures such as those caused by sunlight
increase the damaging effect.
Before washing, rinse off heavy deposits with
plenty of water.
Stubborn deposits such as bird droppings or tree
sap are best removed with plenty of water anda
microfiber cloth.
Also, wash the underside of your vehicle once
road salt stops being used for the season.
Pressure washers
When washing your vehicle with a pressure wash-
er, always follow the operating instructions pro-
vided with the pressure washer. This is especially
important in regard to the pressure and spraying
distance. Do not aim the spray directly at the
seals on the side windows, doors, hood, luggage
compartment lid, or sunroof*, or at tires, rubber
hoses, insulating material, sensors*, camera
lenses*, or the laser scanner*. Keep a distance of
at least 16 in (40 cm).
Do not remove snow and ice with a pressure
washer.
Never use cone nozzles or high pressure nozzles.
The water temperature must not be above 140 °F
(60 °C).
Automatic car wash
Spray off the vehicle before washing.
Make sure that the windows and roof* are closed
and the windshield wipers are off. Follow instruc-
tions from the car wash operator, especially if
there are accessories attached to your vehicle.
If possible, use car washes that do not have
brushes.
Washing by hand
Clean the vehicle starting from the top and work-
ing downward using a soft sponge or cleaning
brush. Use solvent-free cleaning products.
Washing vehicles with matte finish paint by
hand
To reduce the risk of damaging the paint when
washing, first remove dust and large particles
from your vehicle. Insects, grease spots, and fin-
gerprints are best removed with a special cleaner
for matte finish paint.
Apply the product using a microfiber cloth. To re-
duce the risk of damaging the paint surface, do
not use too much pressure.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water. Then
clean using a neutral shampoo and a soft micro-
fiber cloth.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly again and let it air
dry. Remove any water residue using a chamois.
261
>

Care and cleaning


height and width of the inside of the car
wash.
—To reduce the risk of paint damage, do not
wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
—To reduce the risk of damage, do not wash
decorative decals* with a pressure washer.
—To reduce the risk of damage to the surface,
do not use insect removing sponges, kitchen
sponges, or similar items.
— When washing matte finish painted vehicle
components:
ZA WARNING
—To reduce the risk of accidents, only wash
the vehicle when the ignition is off and fol-
low the instructions from the car wash
operator.
—To reduce the risk of cuts, protect yourself
from sharp metal components when wash-
ing the underbody or the inside of the wheel
housings.
— After washing the vehicle, the braking effect
may be delayed due to moisture on the
brake rotors or ice in the winter. This in-
creases the risk of an accident. The brakes
must be dried with a few careful brake appli-
— To reduce the risk of damage to the sur-
face, do not use polishing agents or hard
wax.
— Never use protective wax. It can destroy
ao the matte finish effect.
@) Note — Do not place any stickers or magnetic
signs on vehicle components painted with
— If you wash the vehicle in an automatic car matte finish paint. The paint could be
wash, you must retract the rear spoiler if damaged when the stickers or magnets
necessary, and fold the exterior mirrors in to
reduce the risk of damage. Power folding
exterior mirrors* must only be folded in and @) For the sake of the environment
out using the power folding function.
—To reduce the risk of damage to the rims
and tires, compare the width between the
wheels on your vehicle with the distance be-
tween the guide rails in the car wash.
—To reduce the risk of damage, compare the
height and width of your vehicle with the
are removed.
Only wash the vehicle in facilities specially de-
signed for that purpose. This will reduce the
risk of dirty water contaminated with oil from
entering the sewer system.
Cleaning and care information
When cleaning and caring for individual vehicle are not listed, consult an authorized Audi dealer
components, refer to the following tables. The or authorized Audi Service Facility. Also follow
information contained there is simply recommen- __ the information found in > A.
dations. For questions or for components that
Exterior cleaning





Component Situation Solution
Windshield wiper | Deposits Soft cloth with glass cleaner > page 57
blades
Headlights/ Deposits Soft sponge with a mild soap solution®
Tail lights
Sensors/ Deposits Sensors: soft cloth with a solvent-free cleaning solution
camera lenses Camera lenses: soft cloth with an alcohol-free cleaning sol-
ution
Snow/ice Hand brush/solvent-free de-icing spray >

262