2017-2024 Audi S5 4 Door General maintenance -> Checking and topping up fluids User Manual
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General maintenance -> Checking and topping up fluids for Your Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

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220  
Checking and topping up fluids  
Checking and topping up fluids  
Bonnet  
Opening the bonnet  
Releasing the bonnet  
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.  
Fig. 211 Release catch  
under the bonnet  
Fig. 210 Detail of foot-  
well on driver's side:  
Release lever  
Before opening the bonnet make sure that the windscreen  
wiper arms are not lifted away from the glass. Otherwise the  
paint may get damaged.  
– Open the driver's door.  
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒  
.
– Pull the lever under the dashboard in the direction indi-  
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards  
cated (arrow) ⇒ fig. 210.  
⇒ fig. 211. This will release the arrester hook.  
– Open the bonnet.  
The bonnet springs out of its lock.  
The bonnet is held open by two gas-filled struts.  
WARNING  
To avoid the risk of being scalded, never open the bonnet if you see  
steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Wait  
until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
221  
Working on components in the engine  
compartment  
WARNING (continued)  
• Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel  
Extra caution is necessary when working on components  
in the engine compartment.  
system or the electrical system is necessary:  
− Always disconnect the battery.  
− Do not smoke.  
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 all normal safety precautions. The  
engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially  
− Never work near naked flames.  
− Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately  
available.  
hazardous area. ⇒  
.
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.  
WARNING  
• Switch off the engine.  
• Remove the ignition key.  
• Apply the parking brake.  
For the sake of the environment  
• Move the gear lever into neutral.  
• Wait for the engine to cool down.  
• Keep children away from engine compartment.  
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any  
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other  
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.  
• Never spill fluids on hot engine components. These fluids can  
cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).  
Note  
• Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system,  
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/ reservoirs  
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine  
compartment.  
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 expansion tank when the engine  
Closing the bonnet  
is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.  
• Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large,  
– To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the spring  
pressure.  
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.  
– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒  
.
Controls  
Safety  
Driving tips  
General maintenance  
Self-help  
Technical data  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
1
A Jump-start terminal (+) under a cover . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
230, 256  
227  
WARNING  
2
A Brake fluid reservoir () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
3
224  
223  
225  
231  
A Engine oil filler cap () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
• For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely  
closed when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check  
that it is properly secured. The bonnet must be flush with the adja-  
cent body panels.  
4
A Engine oil dipstick (orange) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
5
A Radiator expansion tank () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
6
A Windscreen washer container () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
• Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when  
the vehicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the  
bonnet properly, otherwise it could cause an accident.  
7
A Jump-start terminal (-) with hexagon head . . . . . . . . . 230, 256  
8
A Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering . . . . . . . .  
190  
Engine oil  
Engine compartment layout  
General notes  
Engine compartment layout  
Main components for checking and refilling  
We 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 Tech-  
nical data section ⇒ page 281, “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 281, “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 Audi's LongLife Service.  
Fig. 212 Locations of fluid containers, engine oil dipstick and engine oil filler  
cap  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
Checking oil level  
223  
• 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.  
– Park your vehicle on a level surface.  
– Allow the warm engine to run briefly at idling speed and  
then switch off the ignition.  
• In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low  
⇒ page 223 and you cannot obtain the specified LongLife oil, you  
can put in a small quantity of oil for fixed service intervals -  
⇒ page 281, “Performance, weights and dimensions”. This should  
not be done more than once and no more than 0.5 litres should be  
used.  
– Wait approx. 2 minutes.  
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth  
and insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.  
Fixed service intervals (Inspection Service)*  
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level  
⇒ fig. 213. If the oil level is too low, add more engine oil  
⇒ page 224.  
If you do not take advantage of the Audi LongLife service for your  
car, you can use the oils for fixed service intervals - ⇒ page 281,  
“Performance, weights and dimensions”. In this case, your car must  
be serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (10,000 miles)  
– see Service Schedule.  
a
Oil level in area A  
– Do not top up oil.  
• In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low  
⇒ page 223 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. This should not be done more than once and  
no more than 0.5 litres should be used.  
b
Oil level in area A  
– Oil can be topped up. After topping up the oil level should  
a
be in area A.  
c
Oil level in area A  
Checking the oil level  
– Oil must be topped up. After topping up the oil level  
a
should be in area A.  
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 higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the  
engine oil level must be checked at regular intervals, preferably  
when filling the tank and before a journey.  
Fig. 213 Markings on  
oil dipstick  
Controls  
Safety  
Driving tips  
General maintenance  
Self-help  
Technical data  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
• No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused  
by the use of such additives would not be covered by the factory  
warranty.  
Topping up the engine oil  
For the sake of the environment  
• Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.  
• Always observe statutory requirements when disposing of  
empty oil canisters.  
Fig. 214 Engine  
compartment: Engine  
oil filler cap  
Cooling system  
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 214.  
Coolant  
– Carefully put in the specified grade of oil ⇒ page 281  
The purpose of the coolant is to carry heat away from the  
engine. The correct amount of anti-freeze is important to  
prevent the cooling system from freezing in winter.  
0.5 litres at a time.  
– After two minutes check the oil level once again  
⇒ page 223.  
The cooling system is filled for life at the factory, so the coolant does  
not need to be changed. The coolant consists of a mixture of water  
and anti-freeze additive G12+. This is a glycol-based anti-freeze with  
anti-corrosion additives.  
– 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.  
Anti-freeze additive  
The amount of anti-freeze additive required depends on the temper-  
atures to be expected in the winter season. If the anti-freeze concen-  
tration is too low the coolant can freeze, resulting in failure of the  
cooling system and heater.  
WARNING  
• Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot engine compo-  
nents when topping up: this could cause a fire.  
The cooling system is filled at the factory with the correct amount of  
anti-freeze for the country concerned.  
• Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine  
oil.  
In most cases the mixture consists of 60% water and 40% additive.  
This mixture gives the necessary antifreeze protection down to –  
25 °C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against  
corrosion. It also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the  
coolant.  
Caution  
a
• The oil level must never be above area A, as this may result in  
damage to the catalytic converter or to the engine. Contact a quali-  
fied workshop to extract the engine oil if necessary.  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
225  
Countries with warm climate  
Checking coolant level  
The coolant level can be checked at a glance.  
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding plain  
water, even in the summer or in warm climates. The concentration  
of the anti-freeze additive must always be at least 40%.  
Countries with cold climate  
If greater anti-freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the  
proportion of the anti-freeze additive G12+ can be increased. A  
concentration of 60% offers protection down to about -40 °C. The  
concentration of the antifreeze additive must not be more than 60%,  
otherwise this would reduce the antifreeze protection. In addition,  
the cooling effect will be adversely affected.  
Fig. 215 Engine  
compartment: Mark-  
ings on radiator expan-  
sion tank  
Vehicles for export to countries with a cold climate (such as Sweden,  
Norway and Finland) are supplied with antifreeze protection down  
to about -35 °C. The concentration of the antifreeze additive for  
these countries should always be at least 50%.  
– Switch off the ignition.  
– Read off coolant level on radiator expansion tank  
⇒ fig. 215. 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.  
Caution  
• It is advisable to have the cooling system checked before the  
winter season to make sure that the antifreeze concentration is  
adequate for the conditions to be expected. This applies particularly  
if you intend to take the car into a colder climate zone. If necessary,  
have the anti-freeze concentration increased to 50 - 60% as required.  
The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.  
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp in the instrument  
cluster ⇒ page 32. However, we recommend that it should be  
checked occasionally.  
• Use only anti-freeze additive G12+, an additive meeting the spec-  
ification “TL-VW 774 F ”. Other additives may give considerably infe-  
rior corrosion protection. The resulting corrosion in the cooling  
system can lead to a loss of coolant, causing serious damage to the  
engine.  
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.  
• The coolant additive G12+ can be mixed only with additives G11  
and G12.  
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.  
Controls  
Safety  
Driving tips  
General maintenance  
Self-help  
Technical data  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
Caution  
WARNING  
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant. Such additives  
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.  
• The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap  
on the expansion tank when the engine is hot: you could be  
scalded by escaping steam  
• The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store  
the coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of  
reach of children – risk of poisoning.  
Topping up the coolant  
Be careful when topping up coolant.  
– Switch off the engine.  
For the sake of the environment  
– Wait for the engine to cool down.  
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used  
coolant into a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper  
manner (observe environmental regulations).  
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒ page 225, fig. 215  
with a cloth, and carefully unscrew the cap anti-clock-  
wise ⇒  
.
– Add coolant.  
Radiator fan  
– Screw the cap on again tightly.  
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.  
The radiator fan is driven by the engine via a poly V-belt. The speed  
of the fan is varied by a viscous clutch according to the temperature.  
Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications  
⇒ page 224, “Coolant”. Do not use a different type of additive if anti-  
freeze additive G12+, G12 or G11 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.  
There is also an auxiliary electric fan, which cuts in automatically  
whenever the temperature of the coolant and the engine compart-  
ment rises above a certain level.  
Always top up with fresh, unused coolant.  
The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after  
stopping the engine – even after the ignition is switched off. It may  
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Excess coolant is forced out of the  
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.  
also start running suddenly ⇒  
after a while if  
• residual heat raises the coolant temperature, or  
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.  
• the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the  
sun.  
WARNING  
When working in the engine compartment be aware that the radi-  
ator fan may start running suddenly – risk of injury.  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
Changing brake fluid  
227  
Brake fluid  
When required, the brake fluid should be changed by a  
competent mechanic with the proper equipment.  
Checking brake fluid level  
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.  
Brake fluid gradually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. If the  
water content in the brake fluid is too high, this may cause corrosion  
in the brake system over time. In addition, the boiling point of the  
brake fluid will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect  
the braking ability in certain circumstances.  
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.  
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has  
to be changed.  
Fig. 216 Engine  
compartment: Mark-  
ings on brake fluid  
reservoir  
It is advisable to have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular  
Inspection Service at your Audi workshop. They are familiar with the  
procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as  
well as the proper facilities for disposing of the old fluid.  
– Check the fluid level on the brake fluid reservoir  
⇒ fig. 216. It should always be between the “MIN” and  
“MAX” marks.  
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Qualified  
workshops know that the brake fluid “DOT 4” is approved by Audi.  
The brake fluid must be fresh and unused.  
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other  
side of the engine compartment.  
WARNING  
The fluid level may drop slightly after a period of time due to the  
• Brake fluid is poisonous; store it in the sealed original container  
automatic compensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.  
in a safe place out of reach of children.  
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops  
below the “MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. If  
the fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the  
brake warning lamp ⇒ page 31. If this should happen, take the car  
to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system  
inspected.  
• Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake  
fluid is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect  
the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the car – risk of acci-  
dent.  
Caution  
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.  
Controls  
Safety  
Driving tips  
General maintenance  
Self-help  
Technical data  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
Please note that certain convenience features, such as the Audi  
advanced key*, the remote control key or the electrical seat adjust-  
ment may not be available when you unlock the vehicle. These func-  
tions will be restored when you switch on the ignition and start the  
engine.  
For the sake of the environment  
If the fluid has to be drained out of the brake system, use an appro-  
priate container to catch the used brake fluid and dispose of it in the  
proper manner.  
Winter conditions  
At low temperatures the battery has to work very hard. It also  
provides only a fraction of the starting power it has at normal  
temperatures.  
Battery  
General notes  
For this reason, we recommend having the battery checked and  
charged if necessary before the start of winter ⇒ page 230.  
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.  
The battery is virtually maintenance-free. It is checked as part of the  
Inspection Service.  
WARNING  
We recommend that you replace a battery once it is older than 5  
years.  
• All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. For queries  
regarding the vehicle battery please contact an Audi dealership or  
other qualified workshop (risk of chemical burns / risk of explo-  
sion).  
When an airbag is triggered, the battery will, under certain circum-  
stances, be disconnected from the on-board power supply for  
safety reasons ⇒  
page 166.  
in “General notes on airbag system” on  
• The battery must not be opened. Do not attempt to make any  
changes to the electrolyte level of the battery. Otherwise, there is  
a risk that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas can accumulate  
and cause an explosion.  
Disconnecting the battery  
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will  
become inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will  
require resetting after the battery is reconnected. For this reason,  
the battery should only be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical  
system when absolutely necessary.  
Note  
If the vehicle is to be left standing for a period of several weeks at  
extremely low temperatures, the battery should be removed from  
the vehicle. This ensures that it cannot “freeze up” and be  
damaged.  
If the vehicle is not used for long periods  
If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of several days or weeks,  
the power management will gradually shut off the on-board  
systems one by one, or reduce the amount of current they are using.  
This limits the amount of power consumed and helps to ensure reli-  
able starting even after a long period ⇒ page 192.  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
229  
Important safety warnings for handling a car  
battery  
WARNING (continued)  
charges) when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never  
cross the battery poles. The resulting high-energy sparks can  
cause injury.  
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.  
The vehicle battery is located under the floor panel in the luggage  
compartment.  
• A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the  
battery is under charge. Only charge battery in a well ventilated  
area.  
Wear safety glasses!  
• Keep children away from the battery and battery acid.  
• Switch off all electrical equipment before starting any work on  
the vehicle electrical system. Remove the ignition key. The minus  
cable of the battery must be disconnected. When changing a light  
bulb, it is sufficient to only turn off the light.  
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protec-  
tive gloves and safety glasses.  
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and  
lit cigarettes away from battery!  
• Before disconnecting the battery, turn off the anti-theft  
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off  
when the battery is under charge!  
system! Otherwise, the alarm will sound.  
• When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle's electrical  
Keep children away from the battery and battery  
acid.  
system, first disconnect the minus cable and then the plus cable.  
• Before reconnecting the battery, turn off all electrical equip-  
ment. First connect the plus cable, then the minus cable. The  
battery cables must not be connected to the wrong battery poles  
- serious risk of cable fire.  
WARNING  
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as  
well as the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and  
the electrical system.  
• Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery - risk of explosion  
and chemical burns! A battery must be replaced once it has been  
frozen. When it is discharged the battery can freeze at tempera-  
tures around 0°C.  
• Wear safety glasses. Do not allow acid or lead particles to come  
into contact with eyes, skin or clothing.  
• Make sure that the vapour hose is always attached to the  
• Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and  
safety glasses. Do not tilt the battery - acid can leak out of the  
vapour vent. If electrolyte should splash into the eyes rinse at once  
for several minutes using clear water. Then seek medical care  
immediately. Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing  
with soap solution, and rinse off with plenty of water. If acid is  
swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.  
battery.  
• Never use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace a  
damaged battery immediately.  
Caution  
• Never disconnect the car's battery with the engine running or  
with the ignition turned on, otherwise the electrical system or elec-  
trical components will be damaged.  
• Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes  
away from battery. Avoid sparks (including those from static  
Controls  
Safety  
Driving tips  
General maintenance  
Self-help  
Technical data  
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230  
Checking and topping up fluids  
• Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of  
time, as the intense ultraviolet radiation can affect the battery  
housing.  
– Now connect the battery charger to the mains and switch  
on.  
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger  
and disconnect the mains cable.  
• If the car is left standing for long periods, protect the battery  
from extreme cold temperature so that it does not “freeze up” and  
become damaged.  
– Now disconnect the charger cables.  
– Refit the red cap onto the positive terminal.  
– Close the bonnet ⇒ page 221.  
Charging the battery  
Terminals for charging the battery are fitted in the engine  
compartment.  
When it is discharged the battery can freeze at temperatures  
around 0°C. A frozen battery must be thawed before charging ⇒  
However, it is advisable to replace the battery if it has frozen,  
because the ice can crack the battery casing and allow the battery  
acid to escape.  
.
Charging the battery  
Important: Before you charge the battery make sure you read the  
manufacturer's instructions for using the battery charger.  
Fig. 217 Engine  
When charging with a low current (for instance with a small battery  
charger) the battery does not have to be disconnected. The battery  
must not be opened while you are charging it.  
compartment: Termi-  
nals for jump leads and  
battery charger  
Fast-charging the battery  
– Note the warnings ⇒  
in “Important safety warnings  
for handling a car battery” on page 229 and ⇒  
.
For technical reasons it is not permissible to fast-charge the battery  
using charging devices with an output voltage higher than 14.8 V.  
– Switch off all electrical equipment. Remove the ignition  
key.  
WARNING  
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 220.  
Never charge a frozen battery – it could explode.  
– Open the red cap on the positive terminal ⇒ fig. 217.  
– Follow the correct procedure for connecting the charger  
cables to the jump-start terminals (terminal with red cap  
= “positive”, terminal with hexagon = “negative”).  
Note  
Use only the terminals in the engine compartment to charge the  
battery.  
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Checking and topping up fluids  
231  
Replacing the battery  
Windscreen washer  
A replacement battery must have the same specifications  
as the original equipment battery.  
Plain water on its own is not sufficient for the windscreen  
washer system.  
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management  
system to control the distribution of electrical energy ⇒ page 192.  
The power management function ensures that the battery is  
charged much more efficiently than on vehicles without a power  
management system. For this additional power to be available after  
replacing the battery, we recommend that the replacement battery  
used is of the same make and type as the original-equipment  
battery. The battery must be encoded in the control unit for power  
management. This has to be done by a qualified workshop.  
Fig. 218 Engine  
compartment: Wind-  
screen washer  
container  
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage (12 V)  
and current rating. It must also have the same dimensions as the  
original, factory-fitted battery and have sealed caps. The battery  
must comply with the standards TL 825 06 (dated December 1997 or  
later) and VW 7 50 73 (August 2001 or later).  
The container for the windscreen washer contains the cleaning  
fluid for the windscreen and the headlight washer system*  
⇒ fig. 218. Container capacity: ⇒ page 279.  
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass properly. It  
is therefore advisable to add a suitable washer fluid additive (with  
wax solvent) to the water. A washer fluid with freeze-resistant addi-  
tive should be used in winter.  
Caution  
• Make sure that the vent hose is always attached to the opening  
on the side of the battery. Gases or battery acid can otherwise  
escape and possibly cause damage.  
• The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.  
• Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the  
warnings listed under ⇒ page 229, “Important safety warnings for  
handling a car battery”.  
Caution  
• Never put in radiator anti-freeze or other additives.  
• Never use washer fluid which contains paint thinners or solvents  
as it can damage the paintwork.  
For the sake of the environment  
Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and  
lead. They must be disposed of appropriately and must not be put  
together with ordinary household waste. Make sure the battery  
removed from the vehicle cannot tip over. Otherwise, sulphuric acid  
could escape.  
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