Audi Coolant Light Is Quirky

March 21, 2022

This bulletin applies to Audis from 2017-2021.

This bulletin applies to Audis from 2017-2021.

If a customer complains of the coolant light remaining on, but the coolant level is within specifications, check the following. Due to the large coolant circuit capacity, there is significant fluctuation in the coolant level when the coolant cools down and heats up. If the coolant circuit is incorrectly filled or bled, this can lead to sporadic illumination of the low coolant level warning light. 

To diagnose the concern, follow these steps:

  1. The coolant level in the expansion tank must be set/checked according to the Elsa repair manual while the engine is cold.  
  2. The connector (including pins and contacts) should be checked carefully.
  3. The contact surface of the pins and connector must be free of dirt and must not be damaged.
  4. After unplugging and plugging the connector back in, perform a key cycle and check if the concern returns again. If it does, then continue with normal diagnosis outside of this TSB.
About the Author

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.

About the Author

Mike Mavrigian | Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of  specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.

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