Checking Fluid Levels, Checking for Leaks

Checking Coolant Freezing Point (Density) in the Expansion Tank

The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left side of the engine compartment. The reservoir cap has a vent hole that must not be blocked. The brake fluid level must be kept above the “MIN” mark on the translucent reservoir. Remove the cap and add fluid as required.

The washer fluid reservoir is located on the right side of the engine compartment.

CAUTION

The fluid level checks described below are performed every 400 km (250 miles) or weekly. Descriptions of other fluid level checks can be found in the sections dealing with specific service procedures. Regardless of the scheduled check intervals, do not allow fluid to leak onto the ground. Such leaks indicate a fault that must be corrected immediately.

PROCEDURE

1. Fluids are an integral part of the lubrication, cooling, brake and windshield washer systems. Due to gradual consumption and/or contamination of fluids during normal vehicle operation, they should be replaced periodically. Read the section “Lubricant and Fluid Types and Capacities” in the Specifications before adding fluid to any of the components listed.

CAUTION

Always park the vehicle on a level surface when checking any fluid level.

Engine Oil

Visual Leak Inspection

2. If the engine is oily and oil consumption is high, check for leaks. Check the following locations: · Open the oil filler cap and check the seal for cracks or damage. · Crankcase ventilation: for example, the ventilation hose from the valve cover to the air intake hose. · Valve cover gasket. · Cylinder head gasket. · Oil drain plug (sealing washer). · Oil filter seal: filter contact with the flange. · Oil pan gasket. · Front and rear camshaft and crankshaft seals.

Because leaking oil spreads over a large area of the engine, leak sources are difficult to locate immediately. To locate leaks, proceed as follows:

3. Clean the engine as follows: cover the alternator with a plastic bag. Spray the engine with a commercial cold cleaner, then after a short time rinse it off with water at a car wash.

4. Dust the mating surfaces and seals on the engine externally with chalk or talc.

5. Check the oil level and top up if necessary.

6. Drive the vehicle. Since oil in a hot engine becomes less viscous and seeps out of leaks more quickly, perform a test drive of approximately 30 km on a highway.

7. Finally, inspect the engine with a lamp and locate the leaks, then repair the faults. Checking the Level

8. Check the engine oil level using the dipstick located on the side of the engine (refer to the engine compartment illustrations in this Section to locate it). The dipstick passes down through a metal tube and reaches the bottom of the oil pan.

9. Measure the engine oil level before starting the engine, or at least 15 minutes after switching it off.

CAUTION

If you measure the engine oil level immediately after switching off the engine, some oil will remain in the upper part of the engine, which will significantly affect the accuracy of the dipstick reading.

10. Remove the dipstick and wipe its blade dry with a clean rag or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick fully, then remove it again. The height of the oil-wetted part of the blade shows the engine oil level. This level must be between the two marks on the dipstick.

11. It takes one liter of oil to raise the level from the MIN mark to the MAX mark on the dipstick. Do not let the level drop below the MIN mark, as oil starvation can damage the engine. Conversely, overfilling the engine with oil (adding above the MAX mark) may cause spark plug fouling, oil leaks or seal failure.

12. To add oil, unscrew the filler cap located on the valve cover. After adding oil, wait a few minutes for the level to stabilize, then remove the dipstick and check the level again. If necessary, add more oil. Close the filler cap and tighten it by hand.

13. Checking the oil level is an important preventive procedure. A constant drop in oil level indicates either oil leaks through damaged seals or loose connections, or oil burning (internal leakage through worn piston rings or valve guides). In addition, attention should be paid to

CAUTION

and on the condition of the oil itself. If the oil has a milky color or water droplets can be seen in it, this indicates a possible leak in the cylinder head gasket or a crack in the cylinder head or cylinder block. In this case, the engine must be repaired immediately. Each time you check the oil level, before wiping the dipstick, run your thumb and index finger along it. If particles of dirt or metal are found sticking to the dipstick, the oil must be changed (refer to the Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement subsection). Engine Coolant

CAUTION

Do not allow antifreeze to contact your skin or the painted surfaces of the vehicle. If contact occurs, immediately rinse antifreeze off with plenty of water. Antifreeze is extremely toxic if ingested. Never leave it unattended in an open container or spilled on the floor; children or animals may be attracted by its sweet smell and drink it. Arrange with local authorities for the disposal of used antifreeze.

14. All vehicles covered in this Manual are equipped with a pressurized, compensating-type cooling system. The white plastic expansion tank (or coolant reservoir) is located in the engine compartment and is connected by a hose to the radiator. As the engine warms up during operation, the expanding coolant fills the tank. When the engine cools, coolant automatically returns to the cooling system, which keeps the coolant level constant.

15. Check the coolant level in the reservoir regularly. Add a 40%/60% mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Use coolant meeting specification G

12. Pay attention

CAUTION

AUDI antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor "G 11", used in earlier AUDI models, must not be used. G 11 is green. G 12 is red. Do not mix G 11 and G 12, as this may cause serious engine damage. A brown mixture (G 11 and G 12) must be replaced immediately.

CAUTION

Do not remove the expansion tank filler cap or the radiator cap to check the coolant level until the engine has completely cooled down! The level in the reservoir varies with engine temperature. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be above the "MIN" mark on the reservoir. As the engine warms up, the level should rise toward the "MAX" mark. If this is not the case, let the engine cool down and then remove the reservoir cap.

16. Drive the vehicle and recheck the coolant level. If only a small amount of coolant is needed to reach the correct level, clean water may be used. However, frequent addition of water will dilute the antifreeze. To maintain the correct antifreeze-to-water ratio, always top up to the correct level with the required mixture.

17. If the coolant level drops regularly, there may be a leak in the system. Inspect the radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and water pump. If no leaks are found, check the expansion tank cap and radiator cap for pressure leaks at an authorized AUDI service station.

18. If you need to remove the cap, wait until the engine has cooled down completely, then wrap a thick cloth around the cap and turn it to the first stop. If steam or coolant begins to escape from under the cap, allow the engine to cool further, and only then remove the cap.

19. The condition of the coolant must also be checked. It should be relatively clean. If the fluid is brown or rusty, drain it, flush the system and fill it with new mixture. Even if the coolant looks normal, the corrosion inhibitors it contains lose their effectiveness over time, so it should be replaced at specified intervals.

20. To check the freeze protection of the coolant, use a hydrometer. Brake Fluid and Clutch Fluid

CAUTION

Brake fluid can cause eye injury and damage painted surfaces of the vehicle, so handle it with extreme care. Do not use brake fluid that has been left open for a long time, or that is more than one year old. Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to a dangerous loss of brake system effectiveness. Use only the recommended type of brake fluid. Mixing different types of fluid may cause brake system failure.

21. The brake master cylinder is located at the rear left corner of the engine compartment.

22. To check the clutch fluid level, look at the translucent reservoir. The level should be near the ledge on the reservoir. If it is lower, remove the cap and top up with the recommended fluid.

23. The brake fluid level is also checked visually against the marks on the plastic reservoir mounted on the master cylinder. The fluid level must be between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks. If the level is below the minimum, first wipe the top of the reservoir and the cap with a clean cloth to prevent dirt from entering the system when the cap is removed. Top up to the correct level with the recommended fluid, but do not overfill.

24. While the reservoir cap is removed, check the fluid and the master cylinder reservoir for contamination. If rust particles, dirt or water droplets are present, the fluid must be drained from the system and replaced with new fluid.

25. After topping up the reservoir to the correct level, make sure the cap is installed squarely to prevent fluid leakage and/or dirt contamination.

26. The brake fluid level in the master cylinder will drop slightly as the brake pad friction linings wear. There is no need to top up as long as the level remains near the "MIN" mark; it will rise after the pads are replaced. A very low level may indicate brake pad wear. Check the pads for wear.

27. If the brake fluid level drops constantly, immediately check the entire system for leaks. Inspect the brake lines, hoses and fittings, together with the calipers, wheel cylinders and master cylinder.

28. If the reservoir is empty or nearly empty when checking the fluid level, the brake system or clutch system must be checked for leaks and bled. Windshield Washer Fluid

29. The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the plastic tank on the right side of the engine compartment. Reservoir capacity on vehicles with headlight washers is 5.5 L.

30. In moderate climates the system can be filled with plain water, but it is recommended to add windshield washer concentrate with a solvent that removes wax preservatives. The reservoir should be filled no more than two-thirds full to leave free space for water expansion when it freezes. In cold climates, use a special windshield washer antifreeze that lowers the freezing point, available at any automotive accessories store. It is usually sold in concentrated or ready-to-use form. If you purchase concentrated antifreeze, mix it with water according to the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.

CAUTION

Do not use engine coolant antifreeze that will damage painted surfaces of the vehicle.