2007 AUDI R8 brake

Driver information system35
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Fault in the brake system

The warning lamp flashes when the handbrake is applied,
or if the brake fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in
the ABS system.If the symbol

flashes in the display when the handbrake
is not applied, there is a fault in the brake system. One of the
following messages will appear in the display together with
the symbol:
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
Brake fault ! Drive carefully to nearest workshop
–Stop the vehicle.
– You should obtain professional assistance.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp
 will light up together with
the brake warning symbol
 ⇒.
Handbrake applied
The warning lamp
 also lights up when the handbrake is applied.
In addition to this, a warning buzzer will sound after driving for
3 seconds at a speed above 5 km/h.
WARNING
•
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could
result in an accident. Do not drive on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS
warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS
is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively
easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified.
Fault in the cooling system

Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immedi-
ately.If the
 symbol flashes in the display, this means that either
the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is
too low. The following message will appear in the display
together with the symbol:
Switch off engine, check coolant level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 160.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 160.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a
malfunction of the radiator fan.
If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒page 18, it is
possible that the drive belt has broken.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle should break down for technical reasons, stop it
at a safe distance away from moving traffic, switch off the engine
and turn on the hazard warning lights ⇒page 56, “Hazard
warning lights ”.
•
Never open the engine lid if you can see or hear steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of
being scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
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Driver information system37
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Check engine oil level

 Please check oil level
If the  symbol lights up, add 1 litre of oil at the next opportunity
⇒page 158.
Engine oil sensor defective

If the

symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop
and have the oil level sensor checked.
Front brake pads worn

If the
 symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for
safety's sake the rear pads as well) inspected by a qualified
workshop.
Speed warning 1

If the
 symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed
that has been pre-set with the speed warning function. You should
reduce your speed accordingly ⇒page 31.
Speed warning 2

If the
 symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed
that has been pre-set for speed warning 2. You should reduce your
speed accordingly ⇒page 31.
Headlight range control defective

This symbol
 indicates a malfunction in the dynamic headlight
range control. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the
dynamic headlight range control function repaired.
Washer fluid level low

If the
 symbol lights up, top up the fluid for the windscreen
washer and headlight washer system ⇒page 164.
Battery voltage too high or too low

If the
 symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop
and have the following items checked:
•
Poly-V belt
•
Battery condition
It is also advisable to check whether the alternator warning lamp
has come on ⇒page 18.
Bulb monitor

The bulb monitor checks whether the lights on the vehicle
are working.If a defective bulb is detected, or if one of the lights has failed for
any reason, the bulb monitor symbol
 will appear in the display
together with an additional message (which goes out after
5 seconds). For instance, if the rear left turn signal is not working,
the display in the instrument cluster will show the following
message:
REAR LEFT TURN SIGNAL
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Driver information system 38The message disappears after 5 seconds. Press the adjuster/test
button ⇒page 10, fig. 2 briefly if you wish to call up the message
again.
If the display indicates that one of the lights is not working, this can
have a number of causes:•
Bulb failure ⇒page 193.
•
A “blown” fuse ⇒page 190, “Changing fuses”.
•
Defective electrical wiring.
Have the components replaced or the wiring repaired as necessary
by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
•
Bulbs are sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.
•
Incorrect handling of the high-voltage element of xenon gas-
discharge bulbs can have potentially fatal consequences.
Brake light failure

If the symbol
 or the text BRAKE LIGHT lights up, check the
following components:
•
Brake light bulbs
•
Wiring connections
•
Brake light switch
Have the components repaired or replaced by a qualified workshop.Note
The brake light switch is only tested during the initial systems check
after starting the engine.
Applies to vehicles: with light sensor/ rain sensorLight sensor/rain sensor

This indicator lamp comes on if the automatic headlights/
automatic wipers are defective.If the
 symbol appears, this means that the light sensor/ rain
sensor is not functioning. For safety reasons, the dipped beam
headlights will then be switched on permanently when the light
switch is set to the AUTO position. However, you can still switch the
lights on and off in the normal way with the light switch. If the rain
sensor is defective, the functions operated via the windscreen wiper
lever will still be available. You should have the light sensor/ rain
sensor checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicSelector lever defective
 and

  Selector lever defective! No R gear!
If these symbols light up, there is a fault in the R tronic selector
lever. The indicators on the selector lever will go out or flash. It is no
longer possible to engage reverse gear. If you were using the
gearbox in manual mode, it will switch back to automatic mode.
You can continue to change gear manually. Starting in neutral (N),
pull the paddle lever on the steering wheel to engage first gear.
The gearbox will now remain in manual mode and you can select the
gears using the paddle levers.
You should have the selector lever checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicClutch overheating
 and

  Clutch is overheating ! If possible please stop vehicle.
A8
A+
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Driving 82Starting the engine
Turn the key to this position to start the engine. While the engine is
being started the headlights are switched back to side lights and
other major electrical equipment is switched off. After the engine
has started the ignition key returns to position by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position before re-
starting the engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock
prevents the starter motor from engaging when the engine is
running, as this could cause damage.
WARNING
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the
ignition key from the lock. Otherwise the steering lock could
engage suddenly, which could cause an accident.
•
Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle – even
if you only intend to be gone for a short time. This is especially
important if children are left in the car. They might otherwise be
able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment such as
the electric windows - this could lead to injuries.Note
If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected it will be
necessary to leave the key in position for about 5 seconds before
starting the engine.Starting the engineThe engine can only be started with an original Audi key.On vehicles with R tronic, the engine can be started in
neutral (N) or in any gear (1 - 6 or R).
– Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒.– Push the clutch pedal all the way down (vehicles with
manual gearbox).
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 81, fig. 72
without pressing the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the
starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the
engine. Neutral gear (N) will be engaged on vehicles with
Rtronic.
When starting from cold the engine may be a little noisy for the first
few seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic tappets.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after
about 10 seconds and try again after about half a minute.
WARNING
•
Never run the engine in confined spaces. The exhaust gases are
toxic.
•
If the engine is running and a gear is engaged, you will need to
hold the car with the footbrake.Caution
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions
until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature,
otherwise this can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine when the vehicle is stationary. You
should drive off immediately whenever possible. This will help avoid
unnecessary exhaust emissions.
A3
A2A1
A2
A3
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Driving83
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Switching off the engineOn vehicles with R tronic, the engine can be switched off in
neutral (N) or in any gear (1 - 6 or R).
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 81, fig. 72.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
•
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason,
you should leave the engine idling for a few minutes or drive at a
moderate speed to let the engine cool down before switching it off
⇒page 139.
•
Because the engine can get very hot after working hard, do not
park the vehicle on surfaces which could catch fire (e.g. on grass or
at the forest edge).Note
After the engine is stopped the radiator fan may run on for up to
10 minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The fan may also
start running again after some time if the coolant temperature rises
due to a build-up of heat, or if the engine is hot and the engine
compartment is heated up further by direct sunlight.
HandbrakeHandbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and at the same time press in the
release button ⇒fig. 73 -arrow-.
– Keep the release button pressed and push the lever all
the way down ⇒.The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is
applied with the ignition on.
A1
Fig. 73 Detail of the
centre console: Hand-
brake applied
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Driving 84
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake should be released all the way. If it
is only partially released this will cause overheating of the rear
brakes, which can impair the function of the brake system and
could lead to an accident.
Caution
Once the vehicle has come to a standstill, always apply the hand-
brake firmly and then engage a gear.Parking the car
Please note the following points to ensure there is no risk
of the car rolling away accidentally after it is parked.– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Switch the engine off.
– Engage a gear ⇒.When parking on gradients
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll into the kerb
if it did start to move accidentally.
WARNING
•
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the vehicle when it
is locked. Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency,
potentially putting lives at risk.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could,
for example, release the handbrake or put the gearbox in neutral.
The vehicle could then start moving and cause an accident.
Applies to vehicles: with hill hold assistDriving away on a slopeThe hill hold assist function makes it easier to drive away on a slope.
The system is activated when you press and hold the brake pedal for
a few seconds.
When you release the brake pedal the braking force will be main-
tained for a moment in order to hold the vehicle and make it easier
for you to drive away.
WARNING
•
If you do not drive away immediately after releasing the brake
pedal the vehicle could start to roll back. You should therefore
immediately press the brake pedal or apply the handbrake.
•
If the engine should stall you must immediately press the brake
pedal or apply the handbrake firmly.
•
If you are driving away on a slope in stop-and-go traffic press
and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds before driving off. This
will prevent the vehicle from rolling back unintentionally.Note
To find out whether your vehicle is equipped with the “hill hold
assist” function please contact an Audi R8 dealership or qualified
workshop.
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Driving 86Parking
If the parking manoeuvre involves shunting backwards and
forwards, the warning sound will be switched off temporarily while
you change gear. The warning beeps will start again as soon as the
vehicle comes closer to an obstacle.
Possible faults
If you hear a long beep when you engage reverse gear (or when you
activate the system using the switch) and the diode in the switch
starts flashing, there is a fault in the system. The long warning beep
is given just once to indicate the fault. If you try activating the
parking aid again, the warning beep will not sound and fault is only
indicated by the flashing diode. This also applies if you switch the
ignition off and then on again: the long warning beep will only
sound the first time you try activating the parking aid. Have the fault
rectified.
If there is a fault in the system there will be no confirming beep
when you activate the parking aid.
To ensure that the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors
must be kept clean and free of ice.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not regis-
tered. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no small
children or animals near the vehicle when reversing, as the
sensors may not always be able to detect them.
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking
and other manoeuvres.Caution
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no
longer be registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the
system will not give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars,
etc) may not always be detected by the system, so take care not to
damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
Your vehicle has low ground clearance. To help you prevent damage
to the vehicle, warning beeps will sound when you approach a steep
slope (e.g. in a car park or garage).Cruise control systemApplies to vehicles: with cruise control systemIntroduction
The cruise control system allows you to maintain a
constant speed.The cruise control system allows you to maintain any desired
constant cruising speed at speeds above about 30 km/h. Of course,
this is subject to power output and braking ability of the engine.
This helps to reduce fatigue, especially on long journeys.
The indicator lamp
 in the instrument cluster lights up when the
cruise control system is operating.
The cruise control system is automatically deactivated immediately
by
•
pressing the brake pedal.
•
pressing the clutch pedal.
WARNING
For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in
dense traffic or poor road conditions (such as slippery surfaces,
heavy rain, loose grit or gravel) – this could cause an accident.
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Driving87
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Caution
do not move the gear lever into neutral without depressing the
clutch when the cruise control system is active. Otherwise the
engine could rev up and be damaged.
Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when travel-
ling down steep hills. The vehicle tends to accelerate under its own
weight. Change down to a lower gear in good time or use the foot
brake to slow the vehicle.Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemSetting speed
The desired cruising speed needs to be stored in the
memory.– Drive at the desired speed.
– Pull the lever to position ⇒f i g . 7 5 to s w i t ch o n t h e
system.
– Briefly press button .
When button is released, the current speed is stored in the
memory and the vehicle will then maintain this speed.Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemAdjusting stored speed
The desired cruising speed can be adjusted up or down as
required.To set a higher speed
– Move the lever up towards ⇒fig. 75 .
– Release the lever to store the current cruising speed.
To set a lower speed
– Move the lever down towards ⇒fig. 75 .
– Release the lever to store the current cruising speed.You can still use the accelerator pedal to increase speed in the
normal way. The previously programmed speed will be resumed
when the accelerator pedal is released.
However, if the vehicle exceeds the programmed speed by more
than 10 km/h for more than 5 minutes, the cruise control system will
be deactivated. The speed setting will remain stored.
Pressing lever briefly
You can increase the set speed in steps of 2 km/h by briefly pressing
the lever up towards ⇒fig. 75 .
You can decrease the set speed in steps of 2 km/h by briefly pressing
the lever down towards ⇒fig. 75 .
Fig. 75 Controls for
the cruise control
system
AA
A1
AB
AB
AA
A+
AA
A-
AA
AA
A+
AA
A-
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