light AUDI A8 2021 Owners Manual

Additional information

Additional information
Brands and licenses
This manual does not contain any symbols, such
as ® or ™, to identify trademarks or registered
trademarks. However, the absence of these sym-
bols does not constitute a waiver of any rights as-
sociated with these names.
Apple, iPhone, iPod touch, Apple CarPlay, Light-
ning, and iTunes Radio are trademarks of Apple
Inc.
10S is a trademark or, in the USA and other coun-
tries, a registered trademark of Cisco and is used
under license.
Other product and manufacturer names may be
trademarks of their respective owners.
268

4N0012721BF
Checking and Filling

Checking and Filling
Fuel
Types of gasoline
The correct gasoline grade is stated on the inside
of the fuel filler door.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter
and must only be driven with unleaded gasoline.
Audi recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gas-
oline. For additional information on TOP TIER De-
tergent Gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
The individual gasoline grades are differentiated
by octane ratings. This value is given with (R
+M)/2 equating to AKI or in RON.
The headings below match the sticker in the fuel
filler door (examples):
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY MIN. (R+M)/2 87
Regular / MIN. RON 91 Regular
Use regular gasoline with minimum 87 AKI /
91 RON > ©.
Audi recommends using premium gasoline with
minimum 91 AKI/ 95 RON to achieve the rated
horsepower and torque.
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY PREMIUM MIN. (R
+M)/2 91 / SUPER MIN. RON 95
Using premium gasoline with minimum 91 AKI /
95 RON is recommended.
If premium gasoline is not available, you can also
use regular gasoline 87 AKI / 91 RON. However
this does reduce the engine power slightly.
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY PREMIUM MIN. (R
+M)/2 93 / SUPER PLUS MIN. RON 98
Using premium plus gasoline with at least 93
AKI / 98 RON is recommended.
If no premium plus gasoline is available, you can
also use premium gasoline with 91 AKI /95 RON.
However this does reduce the engine power
slightly.
CG) Note
— Filling the tank just one time with leaded
fuel or other metallic additives will cause
permanent deterioration to the catalytic
converter function.
— When gasoline with an octane rating that is
too low is used, high speeds or heavy engine
load can lead to engine damage.
@ Tips
The vehicle may be filled with fuel that has a
higher octane rating than what is required by
the engine.
Gasoline mixture
Gasoline with alcohol or MTBE (Methyl-Tert-
Butyl-Ether)
You can use unleaded gasoline mixed with alco-
hol or MTBE (generally labeled as oxygenated
compounds) as long as the fuel meets the follow-
ing conditions:
Gasoline with methanol content (methyl alco-
hol or methanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 3% methanol
— More than 2% solvent
Gasoline with ethanol content (ethyl alcohol or
ethanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% ethanol
Gasoline with MTBE content
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% MTBE
Gasoline adapted to the season
Many gasoline fuels are adapted to the seasons.
When the season changes, refueling at high-traf-
fic gas stations is recommended. It is more likely
that the gasoline will be suitable for the season
there.
@) Note
— Gasoline with methanol content that does
not meet the specified conditions may cause >
269

Checking and Filling

corrosion damage and damage to plastic or
rubber components in the fuel system.
— Do not use gasoline that does not meet the
specifications.
— If you are unable to find out if a specific gas-
oline mixture meets the specifications, ask
the gas station operator or their fuel suppli-
er.
— Do not use any gasoline mixture whose
composition cannot be identified.
— Audi does not assume any responsibility for
damage to the fuel system or for perform-
ance problems caused by using gasoline
mixtures different from those specified.
This type of damage also does not fall under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or under
the emissions control system warranty.
— If you notice a higher fuel consumption or
poor handling or performance problems due
to such gasoline mixtures, Audi recom-
mends fueling with unblended gasoline.
Gasoline additives
An important issue for many automobile manu-
facturers is combustion residue in the engine
that results from the use of certain fuels.
Although types of gasoline differ depending on
the manufacturer, there are similarities. Certain
substances in the gasoline may cause deposits in
the engine. Additives in the gasoline that should
keep the engine and fuel system clean do not all
function equally.
Audi recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gas-
oline. For additional information on TOP TIER De-
tergent Gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
If you use incorrect fuels over a long period of
time, the maximum engine performance may be
impaired by combustion residue.
@) Note
— Damage or malfunctions caused by the use
of incorrect types of gasoline are not cov-
ered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
— Only gasoline additives that have been ap-
proved by Audi may be used.
270
Refueling
Messages
A Tank system: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the fuel tank system.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
A Fuel filler door: malfunction! Unlock fuel
filler door manually. See owner's manual
There is a malfunction. You must manually un-
lock the fuel filler door > page 273.
Al Warning! Vehicle performance may be limit-
ed
The fuel tank is almost empty. You must antici-
pate a significant power loss. Refuel immediate-
ly.
& Please refuel and charge battery. Total
range: x mi (km)
or
f& Tank system: please refuel immediately and
charge battery. Total range: x mi (km)
If this indicator light turns on and this message
appears, refuel as soon as possible. Otherwise,
the high-voltage battery is drained > page 131.
AY Fuel filler door open. Please press button
again to refuel
Fueling is possible for a little while after pressing
the G) button. You must press the A button
again if the time limit is exceeded.

4N0012721BF
Checking and Filling

Fueling procedure

RAZ-0013


Fig. 175 Right rear side of the vehicle: opening the fuel
filler door

[RAZ-1124

Fig. 176 Fuel filler door with attached fuel cap
The fuel filler door is unlocked or locked by the
central locking system.
>» Unlock the vehicle if necessary.
> Conventional drive system: Press on the left
side of the fuel filler door to open it > fig. 175.
> Plug-in hybrid drive: Pull on the EV switch in the
driver's door. The fuel filler door will open auto-
matically after venting is complete.
> Unscrew the tank cap counterclockwise.
> Place the cap from above on the open fuel filler
door > fig. 176.
> Plug-in hybrid drive: Note the information for
refueling at the end of this chapter.
> Insert the fuel pump nozzle all the way into the
fuel filler neck.
> Begin fueling. Once the fuel pump nozzle turns
off the first time, the fuel tank is full. Do not
continue fueling, or else the expansion space in
the tank will be filled with fuel.
> After the fuel pump has switched off, wait five
seconds before removing the nozzle to allow

1) Depending on the engine and country

the rest of the fuel to finish dripping into the
fuel tank.
> Turn the fuel cap clockwise until it clicks into
place.
> Close the fuel filler door and then press on the
left side until it latches.
The correct fuel type for your vehicle can be
found ona label located on the inside of the fuel
filler door. For additional information on fuel, see
=> page 269.
For the tank capacity in your vehicle, refer to the
Technical Data > page 344.
To reduce the risk of fuel leaking out or vapors
escaping, make sure that the fuel tank is closed
correctly. Otherwise the ES indicator light will
turn on.

Z\ WARNING
Improper fueling procedures and improper
handling of fuel can lead to explosions, fires,
severe burns, and other injuries.
— Do not smoke. Keep away from open flames.
— The ignition must be switched off when re-
fueling.
— Mobile devices, radio devices, and other ra-
dio equipment should always be switched
off when refueling. Electromagnetic rays
could cause sparks and start a fire.
— If you do not insert the fuel pump nozzle all
the way into the filler tube, then fuel can
leak out. Spilled fuel can ignite and start a
fire.
— Never get into the vehicle when refueling. If
there is an exceptional situation where you
must enter the vehicle, close the door and
touch a metal surface before touching the
fuel pump nozzle again. This will reduce the
risk of electrostatic discharge that can cause
flying sparks. Sparks can start a fire when
refueling.

Z\ WARNING
Audi does not recommend transporting fuel

containers inside the vehicle. Fuel could leak

271

Checking and Filling

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 271).
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 catalytic converter can be damaged
"127i if the oil level is too high!

Always follow the instructions in the op-
oA erating manual.



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

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



Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid
drive: High voltage! The voltage in the
high-voltage system is high enough to
EN cause fatal injuries. Touching a damaged
high-voltage component can result in a
fatal electric shock.


D_ Depending on the engine and country
274

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.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: The coolant expansion
tank cap is equipped with a seal that must
never be removed under any circumstances
= page 277, fig. 181. If the coolant expan-
sion tank for the high-voltage system is not
sealed, please contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: The sealed cap must
only be opened by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility.
—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.

Checking and Filling


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



RAZ-0016|


Fig. 180 Unlocked hood: lever
Make sure the wiper arms are not raised up from
the windshield. Otherwise the paint could be
damaged.
Opening the hood
> Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Switch the ignition off before releasing the
hood so that the gasoline engine does not start
automatically.
> With the door open, pull the lever <> below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 179.


D_ The & symbol is not available in all countries.
276
>» Raise the hood slightly > page 274.
> Press the lever > fig. 180 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 strut.
> 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
The hood latch is not locked correctly. Stop im-
mediately and close the hood.

Z\ WARNING
— 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.
— For safety reasons, the hood must always be
latched securely while driving. Because of
this, always check the hood after closing it
to make sure it is latched correctly. The hood
is latched if the front corners cannot be lift-
ed.
— If you notice that the hood is not latched
while you are driving, stop immediately and
close it, because driving when the hood is
not latched increases the risk of an accident.

Checking and Filling

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.
Gi) Tips
Audi recommends using engine oils provided
by Audi Genuine Parts.
Messages
Engine oil pressure
= Turn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 278.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 279. 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
2 Please add oil immediately.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 278 and add engine oil
immediately > page 279.
3 Add max. x qt (x J) oil. You can continue
driving
Add the amount of oil shown immediately
=> page 279.
Reducing the oil level
= 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.
278
Engine oil sensor
=) 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.
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.
@) Tips
The oil pressure warning B 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.
Observe the safety precautions > page 274, Gen-
eral information.
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Shut the engine off when it is warm.
>» Switch only the ignition back on.

4N0012721BF
Checking and Filling


— 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 Bg indi-
cator light. However, occasionally checking the
coolant level is recommended.
Messages
g& Turn off engine and check coolant level. See
owner's manual
The coolant level is too low.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
coolant level > page 282.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 282. 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.
if 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.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
B Electric drive: malfunction! Cooling system.
Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the cooling system.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately.
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
Gl12evo
Specification
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 °C)
Cold min. 50% max. -40 °F
regions max. 55% (-40 °C) >

281

Checking and Filling

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

RAZ-0540

MIN


Fig. 183 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Observe the safety precautions > page 274, Gen-
eral information.
282
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Your vehicle has two coolant expansion tanks
that are separate from each other > page 277,
fig. 181. One expansion tank for the combustion
engine and one tank for the high-voltage system.
The coolant expansion tank for the high-voltage
system is sealed and must not be opened > /\
and> A\.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 276.
> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 277, fig. 181 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 183. 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.
> Conventional drive system: When you add cool-
ant to the expansion tank, please refer to
=> page 281, Cooling system.
>» Plug-in hybrid drive: If you add coolant to the
coolant expansion tank for the combustion en-
gine, see > page 281, Cooling system.
» Plug-in hybrid drive: If coolant is missing from
the high-voltage system coolant expansion
tank, do not continue driving. Contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately > A\.
Adding coolant
Applies to: coolant expansion tank for combustion engine
When adding coolant to the combustion engine
expansion tank, please observe the following in-
structions.
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. 183 on the
cap and carefully turn it to the left until you
feel resistance > /\.

Checking and Filling

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.

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 = / B or = indicator light turns on,
there is a malfunction in the power supply, the
battery, or the vehicle electrical system.
284
= / 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
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.

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.

Battery
Battery general information
Because of the complex power supply, all work on
batteries such as disconnecting, replacing, etc., >