
VE
HICL E OPER ATION------------------------
Functioning of Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS)
The ABS contributes effectively to vehicle
control since it prevents the wheels from
locking when the brakes are applied. This
means that the vehicle remains steerable
and is less likely to skid.
Nota
Yo u don't have to "pump" the brake.
Just hold the brake pedal down.
However, do not expect that the ABS short
ens braking distance under all circum
stances. When driving on gravel or on newly
fallen snow on top of icy surfaces, braking
distance may be even longer , therefore, un
der these circumstances, it is especially im
portant that you drive slowly and with great
care.
202 How the
ABS system works
An automatic check is made when a speed
of about 4 mph (6 km/h) is reached.
When this happens a pumping noise can be
heard.
If an individual wheel begins to rotate too
slowly in relation to vehicle speed and tends
to lock, the ABS automatically reduces
brake pressure to prevent that wheel from
locking.
This automatic adjustment process
will cause a slight vibration of the
brake pedal and soma noises to alert
you that vehicle speed must be
adapted to existing road and traffic
conditions. Enhanced
ABS function {Offroad
Mode)
To improve braking on loose terrain (for ex
ample: gravel, scree, mud, slush, snow),
turn off the ESP (see page 205), which will
switch the ABS to a special mode designed
for off-road requirements.
In this mode, the ABS control system is
changed to allow a "wedge" of loose rock
or soil to form in the front of the wheels.
This improves braking performance.
The ESP indicator light in the instrument
cluster will come on when you have
switched to this special ABS mode (see
page 124).
This special ABS mode will remain active up
to about 40 mph (60 km/h). ABS operation
is not affected at speeds over 40 mph
(60 km/h).
To turn his special ABS mode off, press the
ESP button (To activate ESP, see page 152).
The ABS off-road mode will also be deacti
vated when vou turn off the engine.

�W
ARNING
Although the ABS is very effec
tive, always remember that brak
ing capability is lim ited by tire
tracti on.
Always adjust your driving speed
accor ding to the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra
safety afforded by the ABS tempt
you into taking extra risks. The
ABS cannot overcome the laws of
physics.
If ABS is not functioning properly, a warning
light will come on. See page 125 for addi
tional details. Conditions
affecting
braking efficiency
Moisture or road salt
�W ARNING
• Under certain climatic and oper
ating conditions such as passing
through water, driving in heavy
rain or after washing the vehicle,
the effectiveness of the brakes
can be reduced. In winter, ice can
accumulate on the brake pads, lin
ings, discs and drums. Cautiously
apply brakes for a test. Brakes will
dry and ice coatings will be
cleaned off after a few cautious
brake applications. VE
HICLE OPERATION
� WARNING continued
• Driving for an extended period
of time on salt-covered roads with
out using your brakes can also af
fect braking efficiency. Clean off
accumulated salt coating from
brake discs and pads with a few
cautious brake applications.
Overhea ting the brakes
�W ARNIN G
• Do not "ride the brakes" by rest
ing your foot on the pedal when
you do not intend to brake. This
may cause the brakes to overheat,
premature wear and Increased
stopping distance.
Always heed all WAR NINGS
on next page.
203

VE
HICL E OPERA TION-----------------------
'4 WARN ING continued
• Before descending a steep
grade, reduce speed and shift
transmission into a lower gear or
lower driving position. Do not ride
the brakes or hold the pedal down
too long or too often. This could
cause the brakes to get hot and di
minish braking efficiency.
• If you damage the front spoiler,
or if you install a different spoiler,
be sure the air flow to the front
brakes is not obstructed. Other
wise the brake system could over
heat reducing the effective ness of
the entire brake system.
• Failure of one brake circuit will
impair the braking capability re
sulting in an increased stopping
distance.
Avoid driving the vehicle and have
it towed to the nearest Audi Dealer
or qualified workshop.
204 Electronic differential lock
(EDL)
The EDL operates in conjunction with the
ABS. The EDL acts automatically, i.e. with
out the driver's intervention.
With the aid of the ABS sensors, this sy
stem monitors the speed of the driven
wheels up to about 50 mph, 80 km/h .
Within the speed range at which this sy
stem operates, if the wheels spin (e.g. on
slippery surfaces) they are braked in a con
trolled manner , and more of the engine's
power is directed to whiche ver wheels
achieve greater traction.
Please note:
• When driving off, always be sure to keep
road conditions in mind as you accelerate.
If a drive wheel spins because it's on a slip
perier surface, gradually increase the pres
sure on the accelerator pedal until the car
starts to move. •
When accelerating on slippery surfaces,
such as on ice or snow, always be careful
when depressing the accelerator pedal.
Even with the EDL working, the drive
wheels can spin and reduce your ability to
control your car.
• To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, if subjected to ex
cessive loads the EDL cuts out temporarily.
The vehicle remains operational and be
haves in the same way as a vehicle without
EDL
If a fault occurs in the ABS the EDL is also
not functioning. This is ind icated by the ABS
warning light-see page 125.
ftl WARNING
The increased safety afforded by
EDL does not mean that you can
take safety risks. Always adapt
your driving style to the road con
ditions and traffic situation.

VEHICLE
OPER ATION----------------------
Operation
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and the
Electronic Differential Lock (EDU are inte
grat _ed in the Electronic Stability Progr am. In
a _ddrtron to the data provided by these func
tions, the ESP control unit requires addition
al measurement data provided by hig h-per
forman ?e sensors. The rotat ional speed of
the veh1cle about its vertical axis, vehicle lat
eral acceleration, brake pressure and the
steering angle are measured.
The direction in which the driverwishes to
travel is determined with the aid of the
stee �ing angle and the vehicle speed and is
contmually compared with the actual be
havior of the vehicle.
If the data do not match - for example when
a vehrcle is beginning to spin out of control
- the ESP applies the brakes to the appropri
ate wheels for the given situation and, if
necessar y, changes the vehicle traction
forces so as to reduce the slipping of individ
ual wheels (ASR anti-slip regulation).
206 The
vehicle is then stabilized by the forces
a ?tin � on the wheel during braking. If the ve
hicle IS overstee ring (rear tends to skid out
of the turn), the brakes are mainly applied on
the wheel that is on the outside ofthe curve.
In the case of a vehicle that is und ersteering
(tendency to slide out of the curve). the
brakes are applied at the rear wheel that is
on the inside of the curve. An audible signal
�rll accompany the brake application func
tion.
All �SP senso rs a�e monitored continuously
wh1le the vehicle IS being driven. However,
when the vehicle is driven at low speed on
ex tremely rugged terrain, it is not always
possrble to monrtor the ESP sensors contin
uously. Thus, in rare and exceptional cases
the ESP itself can deactivate (ESP and ABS
ind icator lights will be lit continuously).
In this case. the ride level adjustment sys
tem lowers the vehicle to the normal level
If this happens, you may need to select th�
ride level again (see page 153).
Operation of the ESP and ABS is restored
whenever you restart the engine. m
WAR NING
! he Electronic Stability Program
•• nevertheless subject to the laws
of physics. It is particularly impor
tant to pay attention to this fact on
wet and slippery roads.
It is therefore important that you
always adapt your driving to the
condition of the road and traffic
conditions. Do not allow the in
creased safety provided by the
Electro nic Stability Program sys
tem to lull you into accepting addi
tional safety risks.

Tr
ailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a bra king sys
tem, check to be sure that it conforms to all
regulations.
The trailer brake system must not be direct
ly connected to the vehicle' s brake system.
Safety chains
Always use safety chains between your ve
hicle and trailer.
Tr ailer lights
Tra iler lights must meet all regulations. Do
not connect the trailer light system directly
to the light system of your vehicle. Be sure
to check with your Audi Dealer for correct
wiring, switches and relays. Mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind
you using the regular outside mirrors, then
you must install extended mirrors. It's im
porta nt that you always have clear vision to
the rear.
Operating instructions
Maximum trailer weight
A trailer for your vehicle is limi ted to a typical
class 1 or class 2 trailer.
Never allow a passenger to ride in a
trailer.
�W ARNING
Anyone not properly restrained in
a moving vehicle is at much great
er risk in an accident.
Never let anyone ride without the
restra ints provided by Audi. VEHICL
E OPER ATION
Lights
The headlight settings should be checked
with the trailer attached before driving off.
Adjust as necessary so that you can see the
road ahead but not blind on-coming traffic.
Check proper working of vehicle and trailer
lights.
Safety chains
Be sure trailer safety chains are properly
conn ected from the trailer to the hitch on
the vehicle. Leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners. When you
install safety chains, make sure they will not
drag on the road when you are driving.
The chains should cross under the trailer
tongue to prevent it from dropping in case
of separation from the hitch.
209

VEHICLE OPER
ATION-----------------------
Driving Instructions
To obtain the best possible handling of ve
hicle and trailer , please note the following:
• A "balanced" rig is easier to operate and
control. This means that the tow vehicle
should be loaded to the extent possible and
permissible while keeping the trailer as light
as possible under the circumstances.
Whenever possible, transfer some cargo to
the luggage compartment of the tow ve
hicle while observing tongue load require
ments and vehicle loading considerations.
• The higher the speed, the more difficult
it becomes for the driver to control the rig.
Do not drive at the maximum per
missible speed. Reduce your speed even
more under unfavorable load, weather or
wind conditions - particularly when going
dow nhill.
210 Be
especially careful when passing other
vehicles.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately if the
trailer shows the slightest sign of swaying.
Do not try to stop the sway ing by accel erat
ing.
Observe speed limits. In some areas
speeds for vehicles towing trailers are low
er than for regular vehicles.
• Always apply brakes early.
When driving downhill, shift into lower gear
to use the engine braking effect to slow
down the vehicle. Use of the brakes alone
can cause them to overheat and fail. •
The coolant temperatura gauge
must be observed carefully. H the
needle nears the upper end of the
scale, reduce speed immediately
and/or switch off the air condi
tioner.
If the coolant temperature warning
light in the instrument cluster starts
flashing in red, pull off the road,
stop and let the engine idle for about
2 minutes to prevent a heat build-up.

-----------------------VEHICL E OPER ATION
Tr ailer towing tips
Yo ur vehicle handles differently when tow
ing a trailer because of the additional weight
and weight distribution. Safety, perfor
mance and economy will greatly depend on
how carefully you load your trailer and oper
ate your rig.
Before you actually tow your trailer, practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
away from traffic until you learn the feel of
your vehicle and trailer unit.
Backing up is difficult and requir es practice.
Steering while backing up is generally oppo
site of that when backing your vehicle with
out a trailer.
Maintain a greater distance between your
vehicle and the one in front of you. You will
need more room to stop.
To compensate for the trailer, you will need
a larger than normal turning radius. When
passing, remember that you cannot
accelerate as fast as you normally would be
cause of the added load. Make sure you
have enough room to pass. After passing,
allow plenty of room for your trailer before
changing lanes again.
Avoid jerky starts, sharp turns or rapid lane
changes.
After parking, always block the wheels of
both vehicle and trailer. Do not park with a
trailer on a slope. If it cannot be avoided, do
so only after doing the following:
• Apply foot brake.
• Have someone place chocks under both
vehicle and trailer wheels.
• With chocks in place, slowly release
brakes until wheel blocks absorb the load.
• Turn wheels to curb.
o Apply parking brake.
• Place automatic transmission in "P". If
you move the selector lever of the auto
matic transmission to "P" before applying
the parking brake and before blocking the
wheels, you may require more force later to
move the lever out of the "P" position.
When restarting after parking on a slope, re
verse the procedure:
• Start the engine.
• Shift transmission into gear.
o Release the parking brake and slowly
move away from the wheel blocks.
• Stop and have someone retrieve the
wheel blocks.
Notes
• Do not tow a trailer during the
break-in period of your vehicle.
• If you tow a trailer, your Audi may require
more frequent maintenance due to the ex
tra load -see also page 228.
211

VEHICL E CA
RE----------------------------------------------------
Notes
• Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun
light.
• If the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not
direct the water into the lock cylinders -
otherwise they may freeze up in the winter.
�W ARNING
• Do not wash, wax or dry the ve
hicle with the engine running.
• Do not clean the underside of
chassis, fenders, wheel covers,
etc. without protecting your
hands and arms. You may cut your
self on sharp-edged metal parts.
• Moisture and ice on brakes may
affect braking efficiency. Test the
brakes carefully after each vehicle
wash.
214 Washing
your vehicle with a power
washer
If you use a power washer, please note the
following:
• Always follow the operating instructions
for the power washer -especially for pres
sure and spraying distance.
• Make sure that the jet on the spray hose
produces a "fan shape" spray. Do not use
a jet which sprays the water out in a direct
stream or one that has a rota ting jet.
• Water temperature should not exceed
140 °F (60 °C).
�W ARNING
Never wash tires with a jet that
sprays the water out in a direct
stream. This could invisibly dam
age and weaken the tires, even if
they are sprayed from a relatively
long distance for a vary short
amount of time. Damaged and
weakened tires can fail and cause
accidents and personal injury. Headli
ghts
Do not clean your headlights with a dry
towel or sponge. They must be cleaned
with a moistened towel.
Never use a sponge designed for removing
dried-on insects, a kitchen scrubber or any
other similar product since the lens surface
can be damaged by scrat ching and scour
ing.
When using high-pressure washing equip
ment or steam-cl eaning units, never spray
the vehicle with the nozzle close the vehicle
surface and never aim the spray at the same
point for a relatively long period of time.
Polishing Please refer to the imp ortant information on
page 212.
Polish your vehicle only if the paint has lost
its shine and the gloss cannot be brought
back with wax. If the polish used doesn't
contain preservative compounds, the paint
must be waxed afterwards.
Do not treat matte- pain�ed and plas
tic parts with polish or wax.