Checking fluid levels, leak control (Audi Q7-4L-D)

Note: Regardless of the inspection intervals according to the maintenance schedule (see Section 3), do not allow fluids to leak under the vehicle - such leaks indicate a malfunction that should be addressed immediately.

Note: A description of how to check the battery electrolyte level is given in Section 17.

1. Liquids are an integral part of lubrication, cooling, windshield washing, braking systems and others. Due to the gradual consumption and contamination of fluids during normal vehicle operation, they should be replaced periodically. Top up only with the appropriate components Fluid specifications.

Note: When checking the fluid level, the vehicle must be parked on a level, horizontal surface.

Engine oil

Note: Engine oil consumption depends on driving style and vehicle operating conditions, but should not exceed 0.5 l per 1000 km. Higher oil consumption is a sign of wear on the valve stem seals and/or piston rings, or engine oil seals. New engines reach normal oil consumption only after approximately 5,000 km.

Visual inspection of leaks

2. If the engine is oily and has high oil consumption, check the following areas for leaks:

• Engine oil pan gasket;
• Engine oil drain plug seal;
• Engine oil pressure seal D/V;
• Oil filter gasket;
• Gasket between the block and the cylinder head;
• Cylinder head cover gasket;
• Oil filler cap seal;
• Engine shaft seals.

Since when there is a leak, the oil spreads over a large surface area of the engine, it is difficult to localize it immediately. To detect leaks, proceed as follows:

3. Clean the engine by covering the generator and fuse box with a plastic bag, spraying the engine with a regular cold cleaner and after a short time washing it with water.

4. Sprinkle the mating surfaces and seals on the outside of the engine with lime or talc.

5. Check the engine oil level and adjust it if necessary (see below).

6. To warm up the oil, take the car for a test drive - the viscosity of the heated oil will decrease, and it will appear faster at the leak points.

7. Finally, examine the engine by shining a lamp on it. Locate and repair leaks. If the leaks cannot be detected using the described method, you can use a special additive to engine oil to detect its leaks under ultraviolet light (see the directions for use included with this supplement).

Checking and adjusting the level

8. Checking the engine oil level is done using a dipstick with a yellow handle installed in the guide tube (4 in the illustration at the beginning of the chapter).

9. The engine oil level should be measured on a warm engine (oil temperature not less than 60°C), but not less than 3 minutes after the engine is turned off.

Note: If you start measuring immediately after turning off the engine, the oil remaining in the upper part of the engine will not have time to drain, and the measurement results will be erroneous.

10. Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe its blade dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the guide tube and pull it out again.

11. The height of the oil-wetted section of the dipstick will correspond to the oil level in the engine. This level should be in the area of the dipstick indicated by the arrow (see illustration).



As long as the oil level is in the area (B), there is no need to increase it. If desired, you can add up to 0.5 liters of oil. If the level has dropped to range (C), add approximately 1 liter of engine oil in small increments, as described below. If the level is above area (A), the oil must be pumped out, otherwise the engine seals and catalytic converter may be damaged.



12. To add oil, remove the oil filler cap (3 in the illustration at the beginning of the chapter), - with an oil can icon. Add oil in small increments, no more than 0.5 liters at a time. After adding oil, wait a few minutes for the level to stabilize, then check again. If necessary, make further adjustments. If the oil filler cap is dirty, clean it with gasoline. Finally, tighten the oil filler cap securely.

13. Checking the oil level is an important preventative procedure that should be performed as often as possible, and also before every long trip. In addition, you should also pay attention to the condition of the oil: a milky color or the presence of water droplets in the oil may indicate a leak in the cylinder head gasket or a crack in the head or cylinder block, as a result of which coolant is getting into the oil. In this case, the engine should be repaired immediately. Each time you measure the oil level, run your thumb and forefinger across the dipstick blade before wiping it clean. If dirt or metal particles are found stuck to the dipstick, the oil and filter should be replaced (see Section 6).

Coolant - checking and adjusting the level and condition, identifying leaks

Attention:

• Avoid contact of antifreeze with skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. If this does happen, immediately flush away the antifreeze with plenty of water. Antifreeze is extremely toxic, so do not leave it unattended in an open container or spilled on the floor: children or animals may be attracted to the sweet smell of antifreeze and may drink it.
• Do not remove the expansion tank filler cap until the engine has cooled down!

Note: All engines are filled with a purple G12++ antifreeze coolant, which provides optimal protection against freezing, corrosion and sediment formation, and does not require replacement throughout the life of the engine.

14. The vehicles in question are equipped with a compensating cooling system with excess pressure. As the engine warms up during operation, the expanding coolant (coolant) fills the reservoir (2 in the illustration at the beginning of the chapter). When the engine cools down, the coolant automatically flows back into the cooling system, which ensures that the fluid level is maintained at a constant level. On some models, the expansion tank is covered by a protective panel (see Section 19).

15. The coolant level should be checked regularly, at least every month, and before each long trip.

16. At room temperature, the coolant level in the expansion tank is considered normal if the coolant reaches the area between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks, visible after removing the cap (see illustration).



When the engine is warm, the coolant level may be slightly above the "MAX" mark. If necessary, add coolant to the expansion tank through the filler neck, then close the cap securely. When adding coolant, do not allow the coolant level to rise above the upper limit. To warn of a low coolant level, there is a corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.



17. When filling the cooling system, be sure to use the mixture specified in the Specifications.

Note: If there is a need to fill the cooling system while on the road, then in the summer you can use clean water, but not other antifreeze (not specified in the Specifications) type. The required type of antifreeze can be added later, but as soon as possible.

18. If the coolant level drops rapidly, visually inspect the cooling system for leaks - these are usually detected by a white or rust-colored coating in the area surrounding the leak.

• Check the condition of the hoses and the reliability of their fastening to the pipes; replace damaged hoses and clamps (see also Section 5). Cracks are easier to detect if you pinch the hose.
• Check the expansion tank cap seal.
• Pressure test the cooling system. To do this, warm up the engine to operating temperature, carefully remove the expansion tank cap and install the VAG1274B pressure booster with the VAG1274/8 adapter on its neck (see illustration 4.18). Create a pressure of about 1.0 bar - it should not decrease; if pressure drops, check the cooling system for leaks.

• You should also check the EGR system cooler (if available) and oil cooler (there may be an internal leak).

19. If no leaks are found, check the expansion tank cap. To do this, first pull the lid valve and release it - it should return to its original position. Make sure the valve seat is free from dirt and damage. Then lubricate the cover seal with coolant and connect the VAG 1274B pressure booster with the VAG 1274/9 adapter to the cover (see illustration). While building up pressure, keep an eye on the relief valve in the cap - it should open at a pressure of 1.4-1.6 bar. Otherwise (if the valve opens at a lower pressure or does not open at the specified pressure) replace the expansion tank cap.



20. You should also check the condition of the coolant - it should be relatively clean. If the liquid is brown or rusty in color, it should be drained, the cooling system should be flushed, filled with a new mixture and bled (see Chapter 3).

21. To check the coolant's frost resistance, use a hydrometer.

Windshield washer fluid

22. Windshield and rear window washer fluid, as well as headlights, should be added to the appropriate reservoir through the filler neck (1 in the illustration at the beginning of the chapter).



23. In regions with a moderate climate, you can use ordinary water to wash the glass, but it is recommended to add glass cleaner to it (see Specifications). The reservoir should be filled no more than two-thirds full to allow for expansion of the water as it turns to ice. In cold climates, a special windshield washer fluid should be used to lower the freezing point of the fluid. It is usually sold in concentrated or ready-to-use form. Mix concentrated antifreeze with water according to the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging. Caution: Do not use antifreeze for the cooling system as an additive to increase the frost resistance of the washer fluid. In extreme cases, you can use alcohol, but its concentration by volume should not exceed 15% (it provides frost resistance down to -5°C).

24. To remove stubborn dirt, add a strong detergent to the washer fluid reservoir, or wash the windows by hand using a special cleaning agent.

Brake fluid

Caution: Brake fluid may cause damage to eyes or painted surfaces of the vehicle if it comes into contact with them. Do not use brake fluid that has been open for a long time or that is more than one year old. Brake fluid has the ability to absorb moisture from the air, which can degrade its properties and lead to a dangerous loss of braking system efficiency.

25. The brake fluid reservoir is located in the rear left part of the engine compartment (5 in the illustration at the beginning of the chapter). To access it, you need to remove the air intake chamber cover (see Section 19). Transparent walls of the tank allow you to observe the brake fluid level from the outside. To warn of a low brake fluid level, there is a corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument cluster. However, it is recommended to check the fluid level regularly.

26. The brake fluid level with the cap closed should be between the "MIN" marks (2 in the illustration) and "MAX" (1), applied to the front wall of the tank. Make sure that the level does not fall below the "MIN" mark.



27. If the level is low, first wipe the top of the reservoir and the cap with a clean rag to prevent dirt from entering the brake system after removing the cap. Add liquid to the required level, but do not overfill. Note: Do not fill the brake fluid to the "MAX" mark if the brake pads are not new, otherwise the fluid will leak out of the reservoir after replacing the pads.

28. While the reservoir cap is removed, check the condition of the brake fluid and reservoir. If there are particles of rust, dirt or water droplets, the fluid should be replaced. After bringing the brake fluid level to the required level, make sure the cap is installed evenly to prevent fluid leakage and dirt ingress.

29. The brake fluid level will drop slightly as the brake pads wear. There is no need to top it up as long as the level remains near the "MIN" mark - it will rise after replacing the pads. A very low level may indicate worn brake pads - check them (see Section 8).

30. If the brake fluid level drops constantly, immediately check the entire brake system for leaks. Inspect the brake lines, hoses and fittings along with the calipers, wheel cylinders and master cylinder (see Section 8).

31. If, when checking the brake fluid level, the reservoir is empty or nearly empty, the brake system must be checked for leaks and bled (see Section 8).

Power steering fluid

32. The power steering fluid level depends on its temperature and is controlled by a dipstick built into the power steering fluid reservoir cap (6 in the illustration at the beginning of the chapter). Open the cap, clean the dipstick, close and open the cap again completely, and then check the power steering fluid level using the marks on the dipstick (see illustration).



33. Before checking the cold power steering fluid level, without starting the engine, set the front wheels to the straight-ahead position. The level of cold power steering fluid should be 2 mm above or below the "MIN" mark on the dipstick.

34. Before checking the power steering fluid, heated to a temperature of more than 50°C, start the engine and set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. The level of heated power steering fluid should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the dipstick.

35. If necessary, add power steering fluid in accordance with Specifications.

Transfer case and differential oil

36. Raise the vehicle until it is level.

37. Unscrew the filler plug (see illustrations) and insert a wire bent at a right angle into it. Remove the wire - the oil should be at the level of the lower edge of the filler hole (on the bend of the wire).

Remark: Use a 3/8-inch square to remove the transfer case plug "0AQ". To access the front differential, remove the front sound insulation panel under the engine compartment (see Section 19).

38. If necessary, add oil through the filler hole.

39. After checking/filling, tighten the filler plug to the specified torque Specifications effort.

Note: Use a new seal on the front or rear differential filler plug, and tighten the "0BU" transfer case filler plug with AMV185 101A1 thread locking compound. Clean the unit thoroughly if it has come into contact with oil.

Working fluid (ATF) for 6-speed AT "09D"

Comment:

• The AT is filled with working fluid for its entire service life; replacement is required only after repairs related to ATF leakage.
• Both low and high ATF levels can cause problems with the automatic transmission. Since the ATF level depends on its temperature, it's important to monitor the ATF temperature when checking. This can be done using a diagnostic tool (for example, VAS5051B), connected to the diagnostic connector (see Chapter 5). On the diagnostic tool, select "Measured values → 006 → Q": The temperature will be displayed on the top line.
• If the ATF cooling circuit was opened during repair, the level should be checked twice. After the first check, the ATF must be warmed up to at least 80°C during a test drive with the diagnostic tool connected. After the next cooling of the ATF, a second check is carried out.

40. To increase the ATF level, you will need the VAG1924 filling device, which consists of a canister, a hose, and a filling tip with a valve. The old version of the VAG1924 device should be modified by reducing the width of the filling tip by 20 mm so that it can be inserted into the inspection and filler hole. After cutting the tip, clean the cut to prevent dirt from entering the lubrication system.

41. The following conditions must be met during the inspection:

• AT should not operate in emergency mode;
• The car must be positioned horizontally;
• The selector lever must be in the "P" position;
• The engine should idle;
• The climate control system must be turned off;
• The diagnostic tool must be connected and selected "Vehicle self-diagnosis → 02-Gearbox electronics";
• Before starting the test, the ATF temperature should not exceed 30°C (allow the ATF to cool if necessary).

42. The ATF level is checked through the inspection hole and is considered normal if a small amount of fluid flows out of the inspection hole at an ATF temperature of 35 to 45°C (for countries with hot climates - up to 50°C).

43. Drive the car onto a lift or inspection pit.

44. Remove the rear sound insulation panel under the engine compartment (see Section 19).

45. Start the engine and let it idle.

46. With the brake pedal depressed, move the selector lever through all positions, holding each for at least 10 seconds. Return the selector lever to position "P".

47. Prepare to collect the leaking ATF. When the ATF temperature reaches 35°C, remove the inspection hole plug (see illustration) and let the liquid that previously entered the overflow tube of the inspection hole drain.

Note: The inspection plug must be tightened no later than when the ATF temperature rises to 45°C (up to 50°C in countries with hot climates).

48. If the ATF starts to flow out of the inspection hole before its temperature rises to 40°C, then its level is normal (see illustration). In this case, go to paragraph 50.



49. If ATF does not flow out at the specified temperature, it needs to be topped up. To do this, insert the filling tip of the VAG1924 device into the inspection hole from underneath, and let the ATF flow into the AT from the container of the filling device until it starts to flow out of the inspection and filling hole.

Note: The container should be kept as high above the AT as possible.

50. Tighten the inspection plug with a new seal to 70 Nm. Install the sound insulation panel, exit the temperature change mode, turn off the ignition and disconnect the diagnostic tool.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for 8-speed AT "0C8"

Note: Please note the comments given before the previous subsection.

51. To raise the ATF level you will need the VAS6262A filling adapter and possibly also the additional VAS6262/2 adapter. You should first measure the length (a - in the illustration) of the ventilation tube on the adapter and, if necessary, shorten it. This is necessary so that the tube does not touch the bottom edge of the container. The length of the tube is measured from the adapter rod (black area in the enlarged fragment). The filling adapter must be clean.



52. Follow the steps described in paragraphs 41-46.

53. Prepare to collect the leaking ATF. When the ATF temperature reaches 35°C, remove the inspection hole plug (see illustration) and let the liquid that previously entered the overflow tube of the inspection hole drain.

Note: The check plug must be tightened no later than when the ATF temperature rises to 45°C (up to 50°C in countries with hot climates).

54. If the ATF starts to flow out of the inspection hole before its temperature rises to 40°C, then its level is normal (see illustration). In this case, go to paragraph 56.



55. Shake the container with 1 liter of ATF and screw it onto the filling adapter VAS6262A (if necessary, use the additional adapter VAS6262/2 for connecting threads). Allow the ATF to flow into the AT (see illustration). Check the ATF level again and add more if necessary. After checking the level, allow any excess ATF to drain.



56. Tighten the inspection plug with a new seal to 16 Nm. Install the sound insulation panel, exit the temperature change mode, turn off the ignition and disconnect the diagnostic tool.

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