Seats and storage69
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with electric seat adjustmentSeat adjustment
You can use the electrical adjustment to set the position,
angle and shape of the seat so that you can travel in a
safe and comfortable sitting position.Before adjusting your seat, please read and observe the
warnings ⇒.
Adjusting contour of lumbar support*
– Press the front or rear part of the adjuster switch
⇒page 68, fig. 63 to increase or decrease the curvature
of the lumbar support as required.
Adjusting height of lumbar support*
– Press the top or bottom part of the adjuster switch to
move the lumbar support upwards or downwards as
required.
Moving seat backwards or forwards
– Press the switch forwards or backwards.
Adjusting seat height
– Press the switch up or down.
Raising/lowering seat at front
– Press the front of switch up or down.
Raising/lowering seat at rear
– Press the rear of switch up or down.
Adjusting the backrest angle
– Press the switch forwards or backwards.Unlocking backrest
– Push the handle upwards.
– Fold the backrest forwards
WARNING
•
Never adjust the driver's seat when the vehicle is moving - this
could lead to an accident.
•
The electrical seat adjustment also works when the ignition is
off and when the key is not in the ignition. To avoid accidental inju-
ries, never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
•
Be careful when adjusting the seat height. Careless or uncon-
trolled use of the height adjustment can cause injuries.
•
Do not drive with the backrests of the front seats reclined too
far as otherwise the seat belt and airbag could fail to restrain the
wearer properly in an accident, possibly leading to injury.
•
For safety reasons the front seat backrests must be locked
while driving.
A1A1
A2A2
A2A2
A3
A4
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Seats and storage71
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Turn the adjuster wheel to set the angle of the back-
rest as required.
Unlocking backrest
– Press one of the two levers ⇒page 68, fig. 63
upwards and fold down the backrest.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the driver's seat when the vehicle is moving - this
could lead to an accident.
•
The electrical seat adjustment also works when the ignition is
off and when the key is not in the ignition. To avoid accidental inju-
ries, never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
•
Be careful when adjusting the seat height. Careless or uncon-
trolled use of the seat adjustment can cause injuries.
•
Do not drive with the backrests of the front seats reclined too
far as otherwise the seat belt and airbag could fail to restrain the
wearer properly in an accident, possibly leading to injury.
•
For safety reasons the front seat backrests must be locked
while driving.
Head restraintsFront head restraints
In combination with properly worn seat belts, the head
restraints offer effective protection. However, they must
always be properly adjusted to suit the height of the occu-
pant.– Take hold of the sides of the head restraint with both
hands.
– Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head
restraint is level with the top of your head.The height of the head restraints is adjustable. They should be set
to suit the height of the occupant. In combination with the seat
belts, the head restraints offer effective protection, provided they
are properly adjusted.
A6
A4
Fig. 65 Head restraint
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Safe driving 102Safe drivingGeneral notesSafety is the first priority
Your safety is our first priority.This chapter contains important information, tips, sugges-
tions and warnings that you should read and observe for
your own safety and the safety of your passengers.
WARNING
•
The information in this chapter is important for the driver of
the vehicle and all passengers. The other chapters in this manual
(and, where applicable, in the other literature supplied with the
vehicle) contain further important notes which you should read
and observe for your own safety and that of your passengers.
•
Ensure that the complete vehicle wallet is always in the vehicle.
This is especially important when you lend or sell the vehicle to
others.
Safety features
The safety features listed here are part of the vehicle's
occupant restraint system. They work together to help
reduce the risk of injury in a wide variety of accident situ-
ations.Your safety and the safety of your passengers should not be left to
chance. In the event of an accident, the safety features incorporated
in your vehicle are capable of reducing the risk of injury. These are
just a few of the safety features in your Audi:•
Three-point seat belts for all seats,
•
Belt force limiters for the front seats,
•
Belt pre-tensioners for the front seats,
•
Front airbags,
•
Head/thorax airbags in the backrests,
•
“ISOFIX” mountings* for “ISOFIX” child safety seats on the front
passenger's seat,
•
Height-adjustable head restraints in the backrests,
•
Adjustable steering column.
These individual safety features are harmonised to provide you and
your passengers with the best possible protection in accident situ-
ations. However, they can only be effective if you and your passen-
gers sit in the correct position and adjust and use the safety equip-
ment properly.
For these reasons, this chapter explains why these safety features
are so important, how they can protect you, what you need to
remember when using them, and how you and your passengers can
gain the most benefit from them. There are also a number of impor-
tant safety warnings which you and your passengers should always
observe in order to minimise the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's responsibility!
Before every trip
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers
and the safe operation of the vehicle at all times.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers,
always note the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that all lights and turn signals are working
properly.
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Safe driving 104Correct sitting positionsCorrect sitting position for driver
The correct driving position is important for safe and
fatigue-free driving.For your own safety, and to reduce the risk of injury in the
event of an accident, we recommend the following driving
position.
– Adjust the steering wheel so there is a distance of at least
25 cm between the steering wheel and your breastbone
⇒fig. 82.– Move the driver's seat forwards or backwards so that you
can press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals all the
way to the floor with your knees slightly bent ⇒.
– Make sure that you can comfortably reach the top of the
steering wheel.
– Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head
restraint is level with the top of your head ⇒fig. 83.
– Adjust the backrest to an upright position so that your
back remains in contact with the upholstery.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly ⇒page 109.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you are in full
control of the vehicle at all times.
For detailed information on how to adjust the driver's seat, see
⇒page 67, “Seats and storage”.
WARNING
An incorrect driver sitting position can result in serious personal
injury.•
Adjust the driver's seat so there is a distance of at least 25 cm
between your breastbone and the centre of the steering wheel
⇒fig. 82. The airbag system will not be able to protect you prop-
erly if you sit closer than 25 cm.
•
If physical limitations prevent you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, please consult a qualified workshop.
The workshop will be able to tell you whether your vehicle can be
suitably modified.
•
While driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands
on the outside of the rim at about the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock posi-
tion. This reduces the risk of injury if the driver's airbag inflates.
Fig. 82 Minimum
distance between
driver and steering
wheelFig. 83 Correct head
restraint position for
the driver
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Safe driving105
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or
with your hands inside the rim or on the steering wheel hub. This
could result in serious injuries to the arms, hands and head if the
driver's airbag inflates.
•
To reduce any risk of injury to the driver during a sudden brake
application or in an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted
too far back. The airbag system and seat belts can only provide
proper protection when the backrest is in an upright position and
the driver is wearing the seat belt in the correct position. The
further the backrest is tilted back, the greater the risk of injury due
to incorrect positioning of the belt webbing or an incorrect sitting
position.
•
Adjust the head restraint properly so that it can give maximum
protection.
Correct sitting position for front passenger
The front seat passenger must sit at least 25 cm away
from the dash panel so that the airbag has enough room
to inflate and give maximum protection in an accident.For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the
event of an accident, we recommend adjusting the front
passenger's seat as follows:
– Move the front passenger's seat as far back as possible
⇒.
– Adjust the backrest to an upright position so that your
back remains in contact with the upholstery.
– Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head
restraint is level with the top of your head ⇒page 106.
– Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the seat.– Fasten your seat belt correctly ⇒page 112.
In exceptional cases you can disable the front passenger's airbag
⇒page 120.
For detailed information on how to adjust the front passenger's
seat, see ⇒page 67, “Seats and storage”.
WARNING
A passenger sitting out of position in the front seat can suffer
serious injuries.•
Adjust the front passenger's seat so there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between your breastbone and the dash panel. The
airbag system will not be able to protect you properly if you sit
closer than 25 cm.
•
If physical limitations prevent you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, please consult a qualified workshop.
The workshop will be able to tell you whether your vehicle can be
suitably modified.
•
Always keep your feet on the floor when the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the instrument panel, out of the window or on
the seat. If you sit in an incorrect position, you increase your risk
of injury in the event of sudden braking or an accident. If the airbag
is triggered, you could sustain potentially fatal injuries by sitting
out of position.
•
To reduce the risk of injury to the front passenger in the case of
sudden braking or an accident, the passenger should never travel
in a moving vehicle with the backrest reclined. The airbag system
and seat belt can only provide proper protection when the back-
rest is in an upright position and the passenger is wearing the seat
belt in the correct position. The further the backrest is tilted back,
the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt
webbing or an incorrect sitting position.
•
Always adjust the head restraints properly for maximum
protection.
WARNING (continued)
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Safe driving107
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
never stand on the seats,
•
never kneel on the seats,
•
never travel with the backrest reclined too far,
•
never lean against the dash panel,
•
never sit on the front edge of a seat,
•
never sit sideways,
•
never lean out of the window,
•
never put your feet out of the window,
•
never put your feet on the dash panel,
•
never put your feet on the seat cushion,
•
never ride in the footwell,
•
never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.
WARNING
Sitting out of position increases the risk of severe injuries.•
Sitting out of position exposes the occupants to potentially
fatal injuries: if the airbags inflate they can strike any occupant
who is not in one of the designed seat positions.
•
Before starting a trip, sit in the correct position and stay in this
position as long as the vehicle is moving. Before every trip, make
sure all passengers are sitting in the correct positions and remain
correctly seated at all times ⇒page 67, “Seats and storage”.
Pedal are aPedal s
The pedals must always be free to move and must never
be obstructed by floor mats or any objects in the footwell.– Make sure that the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals
are not obstructed and can be pressed all the way down
to the floor.
– Make sure that all pedals are able to return freely to their
original positions.Only use floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be
securely fastened in the footwell.
If one of the brake circuits should fail, increased brake pedal travel
will be required to bring the vehicle safely to a stop.
WARNING
Any obstructions that restrict pedal travel can cause loss of
vehicle control and critical situations in traffic.•
Never place objects in the driver's footwell. Such objects could
move under the pedals and interfere with their proper function. In
the event of sudden braking or a change of direction, you would
not be able to use the pedals. This could result in a loss of control
and possibly cause an accident.
Floor mats on the driver's side
Use only floor mats which can be securely fastened in the
footwell and do not obstruct the pedals.– Make sure that floor mats are securely fastened and
cannot interfere with the pedals ⇒.
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Seat belts109
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Seat beltsWhy is it so important to use seat
belts?Seat belts provide effective protection
The common belief that passengers can brace their
weight with their hands in a minor collision is false.It is an established fact that seat belts provide good protection in
accidents. Therefore wearing a seat belt is required by law in most
countries.
Properly worn seat belts hold the occupants in the best position for
maximum protection ⇒fig. 86. The seat belts are capable of
absorbing much of the kinetic energy arising in a collision. Also they
help to prevent uncontrolled movements which could lead to severe
injuries ⇒page 110, “Important safety instructions for using seat
belts”.
If they wear the seat belts correctly, the passengers benefit greatly
from the ability of the belts to reduce the kinetic energy gradually.
The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as
the airbag system) are also designed to absorb the kinetic energy
generated in a collision. Taken together, all these features reduce the forces acting on the occupants and consequently the risk of
injury.
Although these examples are based on a frontal collision, the phys-
ical principles involved are the same in other types of accidents and
for vehicles with an airbag system. This is why it is so important to
put on the seat belts before every trip – even when “just driving
around the corner”. Ensure that your passengers wear their seat
belts as well ⇒.
Properly worn seat belts have been shown to be an effective means
of reducing the potential for injury and improving the chances of
survival in a serious accident ⇒page 110, “Forces acting in a colli-
sion”.
For information on how children can travel safely in the car
⇒page 122, “Points to remember if children are travelling in the
car”.
WARNING
•
Seat belts must be put on before every trip – even when driving
in town. This also applies to the rear passengers (injury risk).
•
During pregnancy, women should always ensure they wear a
seat belt. The best way to protect the unborn child is to protect the
mother ⇒page 113, “Wearing and adjusting the seat belts during
pregnancy”.
Fig. 86 Driver with
properly positioned
seat belt – good
protection if the brakes
are applied suddenly
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Airbag system115
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Airbag systemDescription of airbag systemGeneral notes on airbag system
The airbag is an integral part of the car's passive safety
system.In conjunction with the three-point seat belts, the airbag system
gives the front occupants additional protection for the head and
chest in the event of a severe frontal collision.
In a side collision the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to the
areas of the body facing the impact ⇒.
In addition to their normal function of protecting the occupants in a
collision, the seat belts also hold them in a position where the
airbags can inflate properly and provide maximum protection.
The airbag system will only work with the ignition on. The airbag
system is monitored electronically; the airbag warning lamp indi-
cates whether the system is functioning properly.
The main parts of the airbag system are:•
the electronic monitoring system (control unit and sensors),
•
the two front airbags,
•
The two side airbags,
•
The airbag warning lamp in the instrument cluster.
There is a fault in the airbag system if the warning
lamp
•
does not come on when the ignition is switched on,
•
does not go out about 3 seconds after the ignition is switched
on,
•
goes out and then comes on again after the ignition is switched
on,
•
comes on or flickers while the car is moving.
WARNING
•
The airbags are not a substitute for the seat belts; they are an
integral part of the car's overall passive safety system. The airbags
can only offer effective protection if the occupants are wearing
their seat belts. For this reason it is very important to wear the
seat belts at all times ⇒page 109, “Why is it so important to use
seat belts?”.
•
The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protec-
tion if the occupants are seated correctly ⇒page 67, “Seats and
storage”.
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward, or are not
seated correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at greater
risk of injury should the airbag system be triggered in an accident.
•
Components of the airbag system are located in various parts
of the vehicle. If repairs to other vehicle components make it
necessary to perform work on the airbag system or to remove or
install parts of the airbag system, this may cause damage to the
airbag system. As a result, the airbags may not inflate correctly or
may not be triggered at all in an accident situation.
•
If a fault should occur in the airbag system, have the system
checked immediately by a qualified workshop. Otherwise the
system may fail to trigger in an accident.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in
any way.
•
Never make any alterations to the front bumper or the body.
•
The airbag system can only be activated once; if the airbag has
been triggered, the system must be replaced. Should the airbag
system or airbag modules have to be replaced, the qualified work-
shop carrying out the replacement will document all details in the
appropriate section of the Service Schedule.
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