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Checked the coolant, couldn’t really see much but it was a little low, I added maybe 2 cups of a 45/50 mix of G13 and distilled water. Light is still on… wondering why it didn’t go off, called out of work today because 5 mins into the drive the light came on.
I’m worried and haven’t driven it all day. I started it up 3 different times and still the light stays on.
2018 Audi S4 with 35k miles. Car is not under warranty, it expired in April. I hate bringing it to the dealership because I feel they always come up of a what to do some highway robbery once you step foot in the place.
any advice for a quick fix or relatable issue would be great. Thanks
Can you post a picture of the coolant float level? Maybe you are quite a lot lower than you think. Had you ever checked the coolant level prior to the warning message occurring?
I am having the same issue but it only happens in the morning the past few days. I'm guessing the cold brings it below the sensor level. If the engine is warm it doesn't trip the light. The car does not overheat and I used it all day yesterday, highway, idling etc. Here's a pic of the reservoir.
Also, I looked into buying coolant. Is the peak brand that's good for Audi (Violet) ok to use?
Your coolant level is WAY BELOW where it should be - that red thing in the middle is a coolant float and it's top edge is not supposed to be below the MIN in your coolant tank. You need to topup with coolant that meets Audi's G13 or G12++ spec.
Once topped up you should monitor the level to see how quickly the level is actually dropping. The coolant system is supposed to be closed one so any coolant loss needs to be investigated. I'll leave it to other folks with S4's to chime in about areas related to coolant loss.
Sorry I'm not from the US so don't know what brands are available in MA that meet the Audi G13 / G12++ specs.
BTW - you're 2020 so probably still under factory warranty - why not take it to your dealer, have them top up and investigate why the coolant level is down.
Last edited by A4Audi4Fun; 11-19-2022 at 01:21 PM.
I plan on it but only if they can take the car on Monday and guarantee they get it back to me by Wed morning. This coming week is Thanksgiving and I am traveling, like many here in the US. Tomorrow I plan on topping it off myself for now.
A 2020 may have G13 in it, or it may have G12evo in it. The old G12 variants (other than the new G12evo) haven't been used in new builds in over a decade. G12++, G13, and G12evo are considered sufficiently equivalent to add at will to a G13 filled vehicle. But if your car was in fact a G12evo factory fill, then G12evo is the only thing you "should" add. Though G13 or G12++ can suffice for a top off. You'll need to check with a dealership parts department with your VIN if there's nothing clearly marked G13 vs G12evo on a label in your engine bay. You can't tell by color as G12++, G13, and G12evo are all violet.
As for third-party sources of G13 or G12evo compliant coolant, Pentosin is probably the best option. But no idea what kind of stores you have.I just buy the actual Audi bottles. Make note if what you buy is premixed or concentrate. And if concentrate, only mix with distilled water (gallon bottles at Rite-Aid and similar type stores). PEAK Violet is unclear on which spec it complies with. Whether it's G12++ or G13 compliant. But as noted, either is fine for topping off G13. And is ok for emergency top off of G12evo. I don't know if you'll find third-party G12evo anywhere.
A 2020 may have G13 in it, or it may have G12evo in it. The old G12 variants (other than the new G12evo) haven't been used in new builds in over a decade. G12++, G13, and G12evo are considered sufficiently equivalent to add at will to a G13 filled vehicle. But if your car was in fact a G12evo factory fill, then G12evo is the only thing you "should" add. .
Thanks so much for posting this.. I had (incorrectly) assumed that the coolant I had for topping off my 2018 S4 (G13) was the same as whats in my 2021... Indeed - upon checking the owners manual for my 2021, the only coolant they specify for use is G12evo... For the 2018, it specified either G12++ or G13.
Gotta love the last sentence in the TSB:
"Cooling system drain and fill due to coolant mixing, or incorrect coolant, is not covered by Warranty."
Thanks Audi.
Thanks for posting that. Although incredibly and unnecessarily complicated, it helps.
07-22-2021, 12:57 PM
Warning! Turn off engine. Check coolant.
