AUDI R8 COUPE 2020 Owners Manual

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling


the high temperature of the emissions sys- or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
tem could start a fire. malfunction corrected.

— Do not apply underbody protectant in the
exhaust system area, because this increases AN WARNING
the risk of fire. Incorrect use of the connection port for the
On Board Diagnostic System can cause mal-
eo functions, which can then result in accidents
and serious injuries.

Follow the safety precautions > page 228, Gener- — Only allow an authorized Audi dealer or au-
al information. thorized Audi Service Facility to read out the
engine data.

The vehicle may only be driven with unleaded
gasoline, or the catalytic converter will be de- .
stroyed. Engine compartment
Never drive until the tank is completely empty. General information
The irregular supply of fuel that results from that
can cause engine misfires. Uncombusted fuel
could enter the exhaust system, which could

Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
cause overheating and damage to the catalytic For work in the engine compartment, such as
converter. checking and filling fluids, there is a risk of in-
jury, scalding, accidents, and burns. For this
On Board Diagnostic System (OBD) reason, follow all the warnings and general
safety precautions provided in the following in-
formation. The engine compartment is a dan-
gerous area. > /\.
The On Board Diagnostic System monitors the
engine and transmission components that influ-
ence emissions.
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
Engine data can be read out at the On Board Di- temperature-controlled and can turn on
agnostic System connection port using a special suddenly, even when the ignition is switched
testing device > fig. 175. off.
S S$
z a

port for the On Board Diagnostic System (OBD)
On Board Diagnostic System
Indicator light — Never open the engine compartment lid
when there is steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment, because
there is a risk that you could be burned.
Wait until no steam or coolant is escaping.
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
229

Checking and Filling



— Never open the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is warm. The
cooling system is under pressure.
— 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.
— If a 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.
— Set the parking brake first and select the
“p” (Park) selector lever position.
— Always make sure that no parts of the
body, jewelry, ties, loose clothing, and
long hair can be caught in moving engine
components. Before any work, always re-
move any jewelry and/or ties, tie back long
hair, and make sure all clothing fits close
to the body to reduce the risk of anything
becoming caught in engine components.
— Pay attention to the following warnings list-
ed when work on the fuel system or on the
electrical equipment is required.
— Do not smoke.
— 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.


ZA\ 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.


230
() 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.

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling

Opening and closing the engine
compartment lid
The engine compartment lid is released from in-
side the vehicle.
© s
Ss S
db eS t a

Fig. 176 Driver's side: unlocking the engine compartment
lid
Opening the engine compartment lid
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> Pull the &> switch. The engine compartment
lid opens > A\.
Closing the engine compartment lid
> Push the engine compartment lid down until it
locks into place > A\.



. WARNING
— Never open the engine compartment lid
when there is steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment, because
there is a risk that you could be burned.
Wait until no steam or coolant is escaping.


— For safety reasons, the engine compartment
lid must always be latched securely while
driving. Because of this, always check the
engine compartment lid after closing it to
make sure it is latched correctly. When
latched correctly, the engine compartment
lid will be flush with the other body panels.
@ Tips
An emergency release can be used if the en-
gine compartment lid cannot be released with
the switch > page 231.
Engine compartment lid emergency release
The emergency release loop is located under the
trim panel behind the front passenger's seat.

3 3 s S &
g a
=N
Fig. 177 Front passenger's seat: emergency release loop


> Pull the loop forward to release the engine
compartment lid. The engine compartment lid
opens > A\ in Opening and closing the engine
compartment lid on page 231.
231

Checking and Filling

S S
$ a a

Applies to: vehicles without power top
Fig. 178 Typical location of the reservoir and the engine oil filling opening
B4S-0211

Applies to: vehicles with power top
Fig. 179 Typical location of the engine oil filling opening
Follow the safety precautions > page 229.
2) Engine oil filler opening ......... 234
2) Coolant expansion tank (4) ...... 237
232

4S1012721BA

Checking and Filling

Engine oil
If the engine oil level is too low

B4S-0199

q N 2
QD x oO

Applies to: vehicles with a power top
Fig. 181 engine compartment: engine oil sticker
If you need to add engine oil, use an oil that is
listed on the sticker. The sticker is located on the
side of the engine compartment lid > fig. 180 or
in the engine compartment > fig. 181.
If the recommended engine oil 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.

Audi recommends
CSCastrol/ EDGE Prorzssional

Audi recommends using the LongLife high-per-

formance engine oil from Audi Genuine Parts.

Messages
Engine oil pressure
2 Turn 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 235. 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
Applies to: vehicles with oil level warning
2 Please add oil immediately.
Stop the engine and do not continue driving.
Check the engine oil level > page 234 and add
engine oil immediately > page 235.
2 Please check oil level
— You may continue driving for the time being.
Check the engine oil level as soon as possible
=> page 234, Checking the engine oil level.
— If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, drive at low engine
speed to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility.
Reducing the oil level
3 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
2 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 andthe engine >
233

Checking and Filling

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 Au-
di dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have engine oil extracted.
3 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.
3 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*
fi 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 Info-
tainment system
Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 229.
> Park your vehicle on a level surface.
> Let the engine run at idle.
> Wait approximately two minutes.
> Select in the Infotainment system: the [MENU
button > left control button > Service & checks
> Oil level


234
> Read the oil level in the display. Add engine oil
if the bar in the oil level indicator is just below
“min” > page 235.
C) Note
If the engine oil level is too low or too high,
there is a risk of engine damage.
G) Tips
The oil level indicator in the display is only an
informational display. If the oil level is too
low, a minimum oil warning appears in the in-
strument cluster. Add oil and close the engine
compartment lid. The current oil level is dis-
played in the Infotainment system the next
time the ignition is switched on.
G) Tips
— The engine oil consumption may be up to
1 quart per 600 miles (0.8 liter/1,000 km),
depending on driving style and operating
conditions. Consumption may be higher dur-
ing the first 3,000 miles (5,000 km). The
engine oil level must be checked regularly.
It is best to check each time you refuel your
vehicle and before long drives.
— Because of the lubrication and cooling of
the engine, combustion engines consume
oil. The oil consumption varies depending
on the engine and may change during the
service life of the engine. Engines generally
consume more oil at the beginning during
the break-in period. Then oil consumption
stabilizes after the break-in period.
— Under normal conditions, oil consumption
depends on the quality and viscosity of the
oil, the engine RPM, the climate conditions,
and the road conditions. The dilution of oil
from condensation or fuel residue as well as
the age of the oil also play a role. Because
engine wear increases with mileage, oil con-
sumption will increase again over time until
it may be necessary to replace worn compo-
nents.
— Because all these variables play a role, it is
not possible to define an oil consumption
standard. Therefore, the oil level must be
checked regularly.

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling

— If you believe that your engine has in-
creased its oil consumption, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to determine the cause.
Please note that an exact oil consumption
measurement must be done with the neces-
sary care and accuracy and may take time.
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized Au-
di Service Facility is trained in accurately
measuring the oil consumption.
— You can find information on engine oil and
engine oil capacities for the USA at www.
audiusa.com/help/maintenance, or for Can-
ada at www.audi.ca/ca/web/en/
customer-area/care-and-maintenance/
audi-service-schedules.html, or call
800-822-2834.
Adding engine oil
© = 2
QD + a

Fig. 182 Engine compartment: engine oil filler opening
cover
Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 229.
> Turn the engine off.
> Open the engine compartment lid > page 231.
>» Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 182.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
oil > page 233.
> Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
> Close the engine compartment lid.
> Check the oil level again > page 234, Checking
the engine oil level.
> Add more oil if necessary.

ZX WARNING
— When adding oil, do not let oil drip onto hot
engine components. This increases the risk
of a fire.
— You must close the cap on the oil filler open-
ing correctly so that oil does not leak out on-
to the hot engine and exhaust system when
the engine is running, because this is a fire
hazard.
— Always clean skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact with engine oil.
—
Engine oil is poisonous and must be kept out
of reach of children.
— Store the engine oil securely in the original
container.

@® Note
— The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
cover damage or malfunctions if the recom-
mended intended use of the vehicle and
maintenance measures listed in the Audi
Owner's Manual and the Warranty & Main-
tenance Booklet were not followed.
— Only use high-grade engine oil that explicit-
ly meets the Audi oil quality standard for
your vehicle. Using another oil may cause
severe vehicle damage.
— Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
@ For the sake of the environment
— Oil should never enter the sewer system or
come into contact with the ground.
— Follow the legal regulations in the country
where you are located when disposing of
empty oil containers.
Changing engine oil
We recommend having the oil changed at an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
Follow the safety precautions > page 229, Gener-
al information.
235
>

Checking and Filling

The engine oil must be changed at the intervals
specified in the Warranty & Maintenance Book-
let. This is very important because the lubrication
function of the oil gradually declines during regu-
lar vehicle operation.
The engine oil should be changed more frequent-
ly under certain circumstances. Have the oil
changed more frequently if you often drive short
distances, your vehicle is predominantly in stop-
and-go traffic situations, is in very dusty environ-
ments, or is operated for long periods of time in
temperatures below zero.
Cleansing additives in the oil make fresh oil ap-
pear darker after the engine has run briefly. This
is normal and no reason to change the engine oil
more frequently than recommended.
Because correctly disposing of engine oil is diffi-
cult and special tools and technical knowledge
are needed for an oil change, having your engine
oil changed by an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility is recommended.
If you change the engine oil yourself, please note
the following important information:

ZA WARNING
If you change the engine oil on the vehicle
yourself, the following precautions must be
followed:
— Wear protective eyewear.
— Due to the risk of scalding, allow the engine
to cool down sufficiently.
— 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.

236
@) 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 through the B in-
dicator light > page 17. However, occasionally
checking the coolant level manually is recom-
mended.
Coolant additive
The coolant additive is made of anti-freezing and
corrosion protection agents. Only use the follow-
ing coolant additives. These additives may be
mixed with each other.



Coolant additive Specification
Gl12evo TL774L
G12++ TL774G
G13 TL774])


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.

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling




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)

@) 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 appropriate coolant additive is not
available in an emergency, do not add any
other additive. You could damage the en-
gine. If this happens, only use water and re-
store 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.
@ Tips
In certain weather conditions, water can
evaporate on the radiator and exit the side
vents as steam after stopping the engine.
Adding coolant
Applies to: vehicles without power top

st SN
S QD < a


Fig. 183 Engine compartment: markings on the coolant
expansion tank
Observe the safety precautions > page 229, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the engine coolant level
>» Park the vehicle on a level surface.
>» Switch the ignition off.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick cloth over the coolant ex-
pansion tank cap and unscrew the cap counter-
clockwise > A\.
> Read the coolant level using the coolant level
float. The coolant level float may only stick out
over the edge of the coolant expansion tank a
maximum of 0.39 in (1 cm) when the engine is
cool.
Adding coolant
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Add coolant in the correct mixture ratio
=> page 236 until the dipstick is no more than
0.39 in (1 cm) above the edge of the coolant
expansion tank.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Close the cap securely.
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 229, General informa-
tion.
— Never open the engine compartment lid if
you can see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine compartment. This in-
creases 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. |>

237

Checking and Filling


— 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.
o Note
Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could enter the cooling system and
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.

Adding coolant
Applies to: vehicles with power top


° ©
S a + oO


Fig. 185 Power top storage bay: coolant expansion tank
Observe the safety precautions > page 229, Gen-
eral information.
The coolant expansion tank is located in the pow-
er top storage compartment cover on the right
side under the oval metal cover > fig. 185. To
check the coolant level, the vehicle must be level
238
and the power must be in the service position
> fig. 184.
Bringing the closed power top into the
service position
> Switch the ignition on.
> Pull and hold the power top switch.
> Press and hold the rear window switch as well
until the power top moves into the service posi-
tion > fig. 184.
Bringing the open convertible to into the
service position
> Switch the ignition on.
» Press and hold the power top switch.
> Press and hold the rear window switch as well
until the power top moves into the service posi-
tion > fig. 184.
Opening the coolant expansion tank cover
> Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Carefully remove the bolts in the cover (4) using
a screwdriver and remove the cover. The cool-
ant expansion tank is located underneath
> fig. 185.
Checking the engine coolant level
> Place a cloth over the coolant expansion tank
cap and unscrew the cap counterclockwise
of.
> Read the coolant level using the coolant level
float. The coolant level float may only stick out
over the edge of the coolant expansion tank a
maximum of 0.39 in (1 cm) when the engine is
cool.
Adding coolant
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Add coolant in the correct mixture ratio
=> page 236 until the dipstick is no more than
0.39
in (1 cm) above the edge of the coolant
expansion tank.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Close the cap securely.