Does a 2016 Audi A4 Have a Dipstick?

The 2016 Audi A4 sold in most markets does not have a traditional, user-accessible engine oil dipstick; instead, it relies on an electronic oil level sensor with readings displayed through the instrument cluster or infotainment system. Some versions may have a hidden or “service” dipstick tube under the engine cover, but a physical dipstick is typically not supplied to owners and is intended primarily for workshop use.

How Oil Level Is Checked on a 2016 Audi A4

The 2016 Audi A4 belongs to a generation in which Audi largely eliminated owner-facing dipsticks in favor of digital oil monitoring. This change reflects a broader trend among premium manufacturers to move routine checks into the car’s onboard systems rather than under the hood.

Electronic Oil Level System

Instead of pulling out a metal dipstick, drivers of a 2016 A4 are expected to check oil via the car’s electronics. The engine uses an oil level and temperature sensor mounted in the oil pan, and the reading is displayed in the vehicle’s interface once operating conditions are suitable (usually with the engine at operating temperature and the car parked on level ground).

The typical way to access the oil level reading on a 2016 Audi A4 involves navigating its onboard menus.

• Turn the ignition on and ensure the engine is warm (or follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for oil checks).
• Use the infotainment or driver information display to navigate to the “Car” or “Vehicle” menu.
• Select the “Service & Checks” (or similarly named) section.
• Choose “Oil level” to see the current reading and any warnings.
• If the reading is unavailable, drive briefly until the engine reaches operating temperature and try again.

These steps replace the old under‑hood routine, with the car’s electronics guiding the driver and generating warnings if the oil drops below a safe threshold.

Presence of a Service Dipstick Tube

Under the plastic engine cover of many 2016 Audi A4 models (particularly with the 2.0 TFSI engine), there is a dipstick tube that looks like it should house a conventional dipstick. From the factory, Audi often leaves this tube capped and empty, because technicians in dealerships typically rely on electronic readings and on workshop tools for more precise measurements.

The following points clarify how this “hidden” dipstick arrangement usually works on the 2016 A4:

• The tube is present on many engines for service use and for compatibility with workshop dipsticks.
• A traditional dipstick is not usually provided in the owner’s toolkit or under the hood.
• Owners who strongly prefer a physical check can sometimes purchase an OEM or aftermarket dipstick matched to the engine code.
• The accuracy of readings depends on using the correct length dipstick for the specific engine variant.
• Audi’s official guidance still directs regular drivers to rely on the electronic system rather than a retrofit dipstick.

In practice, this means that while the mechanical provision exists for a dipstick on many 2016 A4 engines, the car is designed to operate without the owner ever using one.

Why Audi Removed Traditional Dipsticks

The absence of a visible dipstick in the 2016 Audi A4 is not a cost-cutting accident; it is a deliberate design choice linked to modern engineering, emissions regulations and user-experience goals. Carmakers increasingly treat the engine bay as a place for technicians, not for routine owner intervention.

Technical and Regulatory Reasons

Modern engines, including Audi’s 2.0 TFSI used in the 2016 A4, operate under tighter tolerances and stricter emissions standards. Oil level and quality are monitored more closely to protect turbochargers and emissions systems such as catalytic converters and particulate filters (on some diesel variants).

Key reasons manufacturers like Audi moved to electronic oil level monitoring include:

• More precise measurements across different temperatures and conditions than a casual dipstick reading.
• Automatic dashboards warnings, reducing reliance on owners remembering to inspect oil manually.
• Better integration with onboard diagnostics, helping technicians identify potential issues early.
• Cleaner engine bay packaging, especially with plastic engine covers and tighter layouts.
• Reduced risk of user error, such as overfilling or misreading the dipstick.

Together, these factors encourage manufacturers to favor sensor-based systems, even if some drivers miss the tangibility of a physical dipstick.

Impact on Owners and Maintenance Habits

For drivers, the move away from dipsticks changes how routine checks are performed and how people think about engine maintenance. Owners who grew up with older cars can find the electronic-only system unfamiliar or unsettling at first.

The shift to electronic monitoring affects everyday maintenance in several ways:

• Owners must become comfortable navigating the car’s menus instead of opening the hood.
• Oil checks depend on the sensor functioning correctly; if it fails, error messages or warnings will appear.
• Overfilling the engine becomes harder because drivers typically add oil in small quantities in response to explicit dashboard prompts.
• DIY mechanics must adapt, using official procedures or special tools if they want workshop-level accuracy.
• Service intervals and oil conditions are more closely tied to the car’s own monitoring algorithms.

This new dynamic subtly shifts responsibility: the car does more of the monitoring, while the driver responds to alerts rather than conducting proactive manual checks.

What 2016 Audi A4 Owners Should Do in Practice

Even without a dipstick, 2016 Audi A4 drivers can and should be proactive about oil level and engine health. The key is understanding how to use the tools Audi has provided and when to seek professional help.

Routine Oil-Level Checks

Owners are still responsible for ensuring that the oil level stays within the recommended range between scheduled services. While the dashboard will warn of low oil, checking occasionally—especially before long trips—remains sensible.

Good practices for monitoring oil on a 2016 A4 include the following:

• Check oil via the infotainment or driver display every few weeks or before extended highway journeys.
• Make sure the vehicle is on level ground and follow any temperature or idling guidelines shown on screen.
• Keep a small quantity of the correct oil specification (e.g., VW 502 00/504 00 gasoline or VW 507 00 diesel, depending on engine) in the trunk.
• Add oil in small increments (for example, 0.25–0.5 liter at a time) if the system indicates it is low.
• Schedule a diagnostic check if the car frequently requests top-ups or if warnings persist after recent service.

By treating the electronic system as the primary gauge and responding promptly to its signals, owners can maintain the same—or better—level of oversight than they once had with a dipstick.

When (and Whether) to Use a Physical Dipstick

Some owners feel more confident verifying oil level manually, especially if they suspect a sensor issue or if the car has high mileage. For the 2016 Audi A4, using a physical dipstick is possible in certain circumstances but requires care.

If an owner is considering a physical dipstick for a 2016 A4, these points should guide the decision:

• Confirm the exact engine code (for example, on the data sticker or via a dealer) before buying a dipstick.
• Purchase a dipstick specifically matched to that engine; universal parts risk inaccurate readings.
• Use the dipstick as a secondary check, not a replacement for the onboard electronic system.
• Follow Audi’s procedures for checking oil (engine warm, car level, waiting a short time after shutdown).
• Consult a professional if physical and electronic readings conflict significantly.

For most drivers, however, Audi’s intended model—relying on the built-in oil level display—is sufficient and safer than improvising with non-approved parts.

Summary

The 2016 Audi A4 is designed without a traditional, owner-facing engine oil dipstick, instead using an electronic oil level sensor that reports status through the instrument cluster or infotainment menus. While many engines in this model year retain a service dipstick tube under the engine cover, a physical dipstick is generally not supplied and is meant mainly for technicians or specialized checks. Owners are expected to monitor oil via the car’s electronic systems, responding to prompts and warnings rather than carrying out manual dipstick checks. For drivers who insist on a physical reading, a correctly specified service dipstick can sometimes be sourced, but Audi’s official approach is firmly centered on digital monitoring.

How to check oil level 2016 Audi A4?

To check the oil level in a 2016 Audi A4, warm up the engine, park on a level surface, turn off the ignition for a couple of minutes, then turn the ignition back on without starting the engine. Navigate to the “car” menu using the MMI controls on the dashboard or gear stick, select “Service & checks” or a similar option, and then choose “Oil level” to view the reading on the dashboard display. 
This video demonstrates how to check the oil level on a 2016 Audi A4: 56sFree Repair GuideYouTube · Nov 3, 2024
Step-by-step guide

1. Warm up the engine: Drive the car for about 10-15 minutes to ensure the engine reaches operating temperature. 
2. Park on a level surface: Make sure the vehicle is on a flat, level ground. 
3. Turn off and wait: Turn off the engine and wait for at least two minutes for the oil to settle. 
4. Turn on ignition: Insert the key and turn the ignition to the “on” position without starting the engine. Keep your foot off the brake. 
5. Access the MMI menu: Press the “car” button on the central console or by the gear stick. 
6. Navigate to “Oil level”: Use the MMI control knob or buttons to navigate to the “Service & checks” menu, then select “Oil level”. 
7. View the reading: The system will display the oil level on the instrument cluster. If the engine is still too cold, it may say “No information available.” After a few seconds, it should show the level or state that it is “OK”. 

Alternative method (if your model has a dipstick)

• Some 2016 Audi A4 models may still have a traditional dipstick, which can be identified by a yellow handle under the hood. 
• If you have one, park on a level surface, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool slightly.
• Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it completely, and pull it out again to check the level against the minimum and maximum markings. 

You can watch this video to learn how to manually check the oil level using a dipstick: 55sSinclair AudiYouTube · Oct 30, 2017

Why does my Audi not have a dipstick?

The cars are designed and built in Germany, they are sold everywhere without a dipstick. It’s nothing new on German cars. My 2001 E55 had no dipstick. It’s much more of a German mouth breathing thing than an American.

Does my Audi have a dipstick?

Find the oil level in your car’s onboard computer
Scroll until your find the “Levels” options. In there you should see “Oil Level”, select this option. This will show you a graphical digital dipstick in the Audi range of cars or equivalent in a different vehicle.

Does an Audi A4 have a dipstick?

But not much lower operating temperature vehicle reaches within 5 to 10 minutes of driving. And last thing your car has to be parked leveled.