maintenance AUDI S4 2008 Owners Manual

243
General maintenance
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Care of vehicle and cleaning245
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Technical data
WARNING
•
Do not wash the vehicle with the ignition switched on – risk of
accident.
•
Do not clean the underside of th e car or inside the wheel arches
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on
sharp metal parts.
•
Take care when washing the car during the winter: moisture
and ice on the brakes may affect braking efficiency – this could
cause an accident.Caution
•
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight – otherwise the paint
can be damaged.
•
Do not use insect sponges or ab rasive household sponges, etc.
– they can damage the surfaces.
•
The headlights should only be washed with water – do not wipe
them with a dry cloth or sponge . It is best to use soapy water.
•
Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the water out in a direct
stream. This could damage the tyres – even if the spray is kept at a
distance and only used for a very short time.For the sake of the environment
The car should only be washed in special wash bays. This prevents
oily water from getting into the pu blic drains. In some districts,
washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.Waxing and polishingWaxing
Waxing protects the paintwork. It is time to apply a good coat of wax
when water no longer forms droplets and rolls off the clean paint-
work. Even if a
wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, it is advis-
able to protect the paint with a coat of wax at least twice a year.
In the summer, you will find it is much easier to remove dead insects
(which accumulate on the bumper an d the front of the bonnet) if the
car has been waxed recently.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the
gloss cannot be brought back by putting on wax.
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not
contain wax compounds to seal the paint.
Caution
Matt painted and plastic parts mu st not be treated with wax or
polish.Ornamental trim and mouldingsThe metal brightwork on the body is made of aluminium rather than
chrome (for environmental reasons).
Dirt or marks on the trim mouldings should be removed with an
acid-free cleaning agent (do not use a chrome cleaner). Body polish
is also unsuitable for use on trim mouldings. The intensive cleaning
fluids often used before the car goes into a car wash may contain
alkaline substances, which can cause dull or milky patches when
they dry out.
Audi dealers carry stocks of cleaning products which have been
tested for use on your vehicle and are not harmful to the
environment.
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Care of vehicle and cleaning247
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Self-help
Technical data
After washing, the wheels should only be cleaned with an "acid-
free" cleaning agent for alloy wheels. This is available from Audi
dealers and specialist retailers. Never leave the cleaning agent on
the rims for any longer than specified in the instructions before
rinsing it off. If the wheel cleaner fluid contains acid it can attack the
surfaces of the wheel bolts.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the
protective paint coating is damaged by stone chips etc., the
damaged area should be touched up immediately.
WARNING
Please note when cleaning the wheel
s that water, ice and road salt
can impair the effectiveness of the brakes – this can cause an
accident.Care of interiorSound system / MMI* display screen and MMI control console*The display screen can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a special
“LCD cleaner” (available from retailers of electrical goods). Moisten
the cloth with a small amou nt of the cleaning fluid.
Clean the MMI control console with a fine brush first to prevent any
dirt from getting in between the control buttons and the housing.
We then recommend wiping the MMI control console using a cloth
moistened with washing-up liquid and water.
Caution
To avoid scratching the screen, do not wipe the display with a dry
cloth.
•
To avoid any possibility of damage, do not let any liquid get
inside the control console.
Plastic parts and leatherettePlastic parts and leatherette can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If
this is not sufficient, plastic parts and leatherette should only be
treated with a special solvent-free plastic cleaner .Textile covers and trim partsTextile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door trim) should be
cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner. This will remove surface
dirt which could otherwise be rubbed into the textile material
during use. Do not use steam cleaners, as the steam could carry the
dirt deeper into the textile material.
Normal cleaning
We recommend that you use a soft sponge or lint-free, micro-fibre
cloth for normal cleaning. Only use brushes on floor coverings and
mats, as other textile surfaces could become damaged.
In the case of normal surface dirt you can use a foam cleaner. Use a
sponge to spread the foam on the textile surface and to work it into
the material lightly. However, make sure that the textile material
does not become soaking wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and
absorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-fibre cloth) and vacuum off any
residue once the surface is completely dry.
Removal of stains
To treat stains caused by spilled drinks (coffee, fruit juice or similar)
make up a solution with a mild detergent for sensitive fabrics and
apply it with a sponge. If the stains are difficult to remove, a
washing paste can be applied directly onto the stain and worked
into the fabric. The surface will then have to be wiped with clear
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Care of vehicle and cleaning249
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•
Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and remove fresh dirt as
necessary.
•
Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe
cream and similar stains as soon as possible.
•
Preserve the colour of the leather. A special coloured cream will
renew the colour of the leather when required and will eliminate
differences in colour.
Applies to vehicles: with leather upholsteryCleaning and care of leather upholstery
Natural leather requires an extra degree of attention and
care.Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe over the leather surfaces.
More stubborn dirt
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap solution (pure liquid soap: two tablespoons dissolved in
one litre of water).
– It is very important not to let the water soak through the leather or penetrate into the seams.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Removal of stains
– Remove fresh water-based stains such as coffee, tea,
juices, blood etc. with an ab sorbent cloth or kitchen roll,
dried-on stains with the cleaning agent from the care set. – Remove fresh
fat-based stains on the surface such as
butter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc. with an absorbent
cloth or kitchen roll or with the cleaning agent from the
care set.
–Treat fat-based, dried-in stains with grease-dissolving
spray.
–Treat less common stains such as ball-pen and other
inks, felt-tip pens, nail polish, dispersion paint, shoe
cream etc. with a special leather stain remover.
Leather care products
– The leather should be treated regularly (about twice a year) with a special leather-care product.
– Apply the cream very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Should you have any questions regarding the care and cleaning of
the leather upholstery in your vehicle, we recommend that you
contact your Audi dealer. The staff there will gladly provide you with
further information on cleaning and care of your upholstery and on
our complete range of leather care products:•
Cleaning and care set
•
Coloured leather-care cream
•
Stain remover for ball-pen inks, shoe cream etc.
•
Grease dissolving spray
•
New products and further developmentsCaution
On no account use solvents (such as petrol, turpentine), wax polish,
shoe cream or similar materials.
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Fuel and filling the tank251
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Technical data
Fuel and filling the tankPetrolApplies to vehicles: with petrol enginePetrol grade
The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the fuel tank
flap.The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter and must only be
run on unleaded petrol . Unleaded petrol must comply with the
European EN 228 standard. The petrol grades have different octane
ratings (RON). If, in exceptional circumstances, the correct octane
rating is not available, please note the following:•
For engines which require Premium unleaded petrol (95 RON)
according to ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimensions”:
Regular unleaded fuel with 91 RON can also be used. This will,
however, result in a slight loss of power.
•
For engines which require Super Plus unleaded petrol (98 RON)
according to ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimensions”:
Premium unleaded fuel with 95 RON can also be used. This can,
however, result in a slight loss of power under certain driving condi-
tions. – If premium unleaded petrol is not available, the engine can
be run on regular unleaded petrol with 91 RON as an emergency
measure . In this case only use moderate engine speeds and a light
throttle. Fill up with premium or Super Plus petrol as soon as
possible.Caution
•
Petrol complying with the EN 228 standard can contain small
quantities of ethanol. However, “bioethanol fuels”, which are
retailed under various different names such as E50 and E85, and
which contain a large proportion of ethanol, must not be put into
the vehicle, as this would damage the fuel system.
•
Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the
efficiency of the catalytic converter.
•
High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when
using petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for
the engine.
DieselApplies to vehicles: with diesel engineDiesel fuel
Please note the information on the inside of the fuel tank
flap.Diesel fuel must comply with the European EN 590 standard. It must
have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indi-
cates the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
Diesel fuel can thicken in winter. For this reason petrol stations in
some countries also offer winter diesel.
Caution
•
The vehicle is not designed for the use of biodiesel (FAME fuel).
The fuel system would be damaged if you used biodiesel.
•
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, petrol or similar additives)
with the diesel fuel.
•
If poor-quality diesel fuel is used, it may be necessary to drain
the water separator on the fuel filter more frequently than is speci-
fied in the Service Schedule. We recommend having this done by a
specialist workshop. If water is allowed to collect in the filter, this
can cause engine performance problems.
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Fuel and filling the tank253
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Technical data
−
Insert the filler nozzle as far as possible into the spare fuel
canister.
− If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle
must be in contact with the canister during filling. This helps
prevent an electrostatic charge building up.
− Make sure you never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage
compartment. Fuel vapour is ex plosive. Risk of fatal accident!
Caution
•
If any fuel is spilt onto the vehicle, it should be removed immedi-
ately, as it could otherwise damage the paintwork.
•
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel
supply, misfiring can occur. As a result unburnt fuel can enter the
exhaust system and cause damage to the catalytic converter(s).
•
When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a
vehicle with a diesel engine the ignition must be switched on for at
least 30 seconds without starting the engine. When you then start
the engine it may take longer than normal (up to one minute) for the
engine to start firing. This is because air needs to be bled from the
fuel system while starting.For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has
switched off; this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.
Note
The tank flap is not locked when you lock the vehicle from the
inside.
Releasing the tank flap manually
The tank flap can be released manually if the central
locking system should fail to operate.The manual release mechanism is located behind the side
trim on the right of the luggage compartment.
– Open the right-hand side trim.
– Release the ring from its holder and pull the ring
⇒ fig. 249. You should now be able to open the tank flap
in the usual way ⇒page 252 .
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 249 Luggage
compartment:
Releasing the fuel tank
flap manually
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Checking and topping up fluids255
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Technical data
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components
in the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working in the engine compartment
(e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warn-
ings listed below and follow al l normal safety precautions. The
engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially
hazardous area . ⇒ .
WARNING
•
Switch off the engine.
•
Remove the ignition key.
•
Apply the parking brake.
•
Put the gear lever in neutral or selector in P.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Keep children away from engine compartment.
•
Never spill fluids on hot engine components. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).
•
Take care not to cause short circ uits in the electrical system,
especially when working on the battery.
•
Do not touch the radiator fan when the engine is hot. The fan
may start running suddenly.
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the ex pansion tank when the engine
is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large,
thick rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
If any tests have to be performed with the engine running,
there is an extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
drive belts, alternator and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-
voltage ignition system.
•
Vehicles with automatic gearbox: Never open the throttle inad-
vertently (for instance by hand from the engine compartment) if a
gear is engaged while the vehicle is stationary with the engine
running. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
and possibly cause an accident.
•
Observe the following a dditional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground un derneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stag e. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers / reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.
WARNING (continued)
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The positions of the engine oil filler cap and the engine oil dipstick
⇒
page 256, fig. 252 (items and ) may be different on some
engine versions.
Engine oilGeneral notesWe recommend that you have the oil change carried out by an Audi
dealership / qualified workshop according to the intervals stated in
the Service Schedule or according to the service interval display in
the instrument cluster.
Whether your vehicle is serviced at flexible service intervals or fixed
service intervals is shown in the Service Schedule.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in the Te c h -
nical data section ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions”.
Check that the specifications quoted (VW standards) appear on the
container either singly or in combination with other specifications.
Flexible service intervals (Audi LongLife Service*)
Special engine oils ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions” have been developed as part of the Audi LongLife Service
( ⇒ “Service Schedule”).
This type of oil must be used if you intend to take advantage of the
extended maintenance intervals allowed by the Audi LongLife
Service.•
Do not mix the LongLife oil with oil intended for fixed service
intervals, as the requirements for the extended service intervals are
then no longer guaranteed.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 258 and you cannot obtain the specified LongLife oil, you
can put in a small quantity of oil for fixed service intervals -
⇒ page 323, “Performance, weights and dimensions”. This should not be done more than once and no more than 0.5 litres should be
used.
Fixed service intervals (Inspection Service)*
If you do not take advantage of th
e LongLife service for your car, you
can use the oils for fixed service intervals - ⇒ page 323, “Perform-
ance, weights and dimensions”. In this case, your car must be serv-
iced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (9,000 miles) – see
Service Schedule.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 258 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification
ACEA A2 or ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel
engines). This should not be done more than once and no more than
0.5 litres should be used.
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The Service Schedule states whether your vehicle is fitted with a
diesel particulate filter.
•
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter must only be filled with
engine oil VW 507 00. This oil can be used regardless of whether the
vehicle is serviced at flexible service intervals (Audi LongLife
Service) or fixed service intervals.
•
Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 258 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification
VW 506 00 / VW 506 01 or VW 505 00 / VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 /
ACEA B4. This should not be done more than once and no more than
0.5 litres should be used.
A3
A4
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Applies to vehicles: without oil dipstickChecking the oil level (without dipstick)
You can check the engine oil level via the sound system or
MMI*.– Select: Function selector button > Oil level.
– Park your vehicle on a level surface.
– Allow the warm engine to run briefly at idling speed and then switch off the ignition.
– Wait approx. 2 minutes.
– Read off the oil level on the display ⇒fig. 255. Top up the
engine oil if the bar in the oil level display is near the
“min” mark ⇒ page 259.Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is
used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 ltr./1000 km. Oil consump-
tion is likely to be hi gher for the first 5000 km.
Note
The oil level display is intended solely for information purposes. An
oil level warning will appear in the instrument cluster if the oil level
is too low. Add more oil ⇒ page 259. If the bonnet has been opened, the current oil level will be shown in the instrument cluster the next
time the ignition is switched on.
Topping up the engine oil

–Unscrew cap

from oil filler opening
⇒fig. 256.
– Carefully put in the specified grade of oil ⇒page 323
0.5 litres at a time.
– Check the oil level again after two minutes by calling up the sound system or MMI* display or using the oil
dipstick ⇒page 258 .
– If the oil level is too low, add more engine oil.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick all the way in (on vehicles with dipstick).
WARNING
•
Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up: this could cause a fire.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine
oil.
Fig. 255 Display: Oil
level
CAR
Fig. 256 Engine
compartment: Engine
oil filler cap
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Checking and topping up fluids261
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Technical data
•
The coolant additive G12++ can be mixed only with additives
G12+ and G12.
Checking coolant level
The coolant level can be checked at a glance.– Switch off the ignition.
– Read off coolant level on radiator expansion tank ⇒fig. 257. When the engine is cold it should be between
the “MIN” and “MAX” marks. When the engine is hot it
may be slightly above the “MAX” mark.The coolant level should be checke d with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 33 . However, we recommend that it should be
checked occasionally.
Coolant losses
Any loss of coolant normally indicates a leak in the cooling system.
In this case the cooling system should be inspected by a qualified
workshop without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the
coolant. If there are
no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant can only occur
if the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of
overheating.
Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the coolant
Be careful when topping up coolant.– Switch off the engine.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒fig. 257 with a
cloth, and carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise
⇒ .
– Add coolant.
– Screw the cap on again tightly.Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 260, “Coolant”. Do not use a different type of additive if anti-
freeze additive G12++, G12+ or G12 is not available. In this case use
only water and bring the coolant concentration back up to the
correct level as soon as possible by putting in the specified additive.
Always top up with fresh, unused coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Ex cess coolant is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down
before putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in
serious engine damage.
Fig. 257 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on radiator expan-
sion tank
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