2007 AUDI R8 headlights

Lights and vision55
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Coming home function
When the system is activated and it is dark, the coming home func-
tion will illuminate the vehicle and its surroundings by switching on
the dipped headlights, rear lights, engine compartment lighting*
and number plate lights when the driver's door is opened.
The dipped headlights will stay on for about four minutes as long as
one of the doors or the luggage lid is open.
The dipped headlights stay on for about 30 seconds to light up the
area in front of the car after all the doors and the luggage lid have
been closed.
If required, you can set the time interval to between 0 and 60
seconds in the driver information system (Lights menu) ⇒page 24.
Leaving home function
The dipped headlights and the engine compartment lighting* are
switched on when the vehicle is unlocked with the
 button on the
remote control key if the leaving home function is activated in the
menu display ⇒page 24.
The dipped headlights and the engine compartment lighting*
switch off when the driver's door is opened. If the driver's door is not
opened, the dipped headlights and the engine compartment
lighting* will be switched off when the car automatically locks again
⇒page 41.
Note
•
If you always wish to use the coming home / leaving home func-
tion, you can leave it switched on permanently. As the system is
controlled via a light sensor, it will only work in dark conditions.
•
Permanent use of the coming home / leaving home function, in
particular on short journeys, will increase the load on the battery. To
make sure the battery is always sufficiently charged, occasionally
drive longer distances.
•
Observe all relevant statutory requirements when using the
lighting systems described here.
Instrument lighting

The brightness of the instrument lighting, displays and
centre console lighting can be varied as required.The basic level of brightness for the instrument lighting is
adjusted using the left-hand thumbwheel
 ⇒fig. 49.
The lighting of the needles in the instrument dials is regulated by a
photo-transistor integrated in the instrument cluster. When the
vehicle's lights are switched on, the illumination of the centre
console and instruments (needles and dials) is automatically
adjusted according to the prevailing light conditions. The driver can
also vary the brightness of the illumination manually if required:
With the ignition switched on
When the ignition is on, the basic level of brightness of the needles
in the instrument cluster can be adjusted by turning the thum-
bwheel.
With the vehicle's lights switched on:
When the vehicle's lights are switched on, the brightness of the
instrument lighting, displays and centre console lighting can be
varied by turning the thumbwheel.
Fig. 49 Instrument
lighting
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Lights and vision 56Hazard warning lights

The hazard warning lights are used to make other road
users aware of your vehicle in hazardous situations.– Press the switch
 to switch the hazard warning lights
on or off ⇒fig. 50.
All four turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning
lights are switched on. The two turn signal indicator lamps
  and
the indicator lamp in the switch
 will flash at the same time. The
hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
In an accident in which the airbags are activated, the hazard
warning lights are switched on automatically.
Note
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road
users, for instance:•
When reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
If your vehicle breaks down or there is an emergency
•
If your vehicle is being towed away, or if you are towing another
vehicle.
Tu r n s i g n a l
  and main beam lever

The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the
following functions:
Turn signals
 
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒fig. 51 to indicate right,
or all the way down to indicate left.
– Move the lever up or down to the point of resistance and
hold it there to signal briefly, for instance when changing
lane.
– Move the lever briefly up or down as far as the point of
resistance and release it to signal three times with the
turn signals. This one-touch signalling function must be
activated in the menu display ⇒page 24.
Main beam headlights

– Press the lever forward to switch on the main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam
headlights off again.
Fig. 50 Centre console:
Switch for hazard
warning lights
Fig. 51 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever
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Lights and vision57
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Headlight flasher

– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the
flasher.
Parking lights

– Switch off the ignition.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-
hand parking lights respectively.Notes on these functions•
The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding indicator lamp
 or
 flashes in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 15.
•
The turn signals are cancelled automatically when the steering
wheel is returned to the straight-ahead position.
•
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped
beam headlights are already on. The main beam headlight indicator
lamp  then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever –
even if no other lights are switched on. The main beam headlight
indicator lamp
 then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the
rear light on one side of the car light up with reduced intensity. The
parking lights will only work with the ignition off. A warning buzzer
will sound for as long as the driver's door is open.Caution
Do not use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if this
would dazzle oncoming traffic.
Interior lightsInterior lights
The interior light also incorporates the reading lights for
the driver and front passenger.Activating the courtesy light function
– Press switch . The diode in the switch will light up.
Deactivating the courtesy light function
– Press switch . The diode in the switch will go out.
Front reading lights

– Press the switches to switch the left and right reading
lights on and off.If the switch is in the courtesy light position, the interior light comes
on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked or the doors are
opened. The light also comes on when the key is pulled out of the
ignition. It goes out approximately 30 seconds after the doors are
closed. The interior light is switched off immediately when the
vehicle is locked or when the ignition is switched on.
Fig. 52 Detail of head-
liner: Interior lights
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Lights and vision 60The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is
switched on.
When the lights are switched on you should only pull the lever
briefly to wash the windscreen, otherwise the headlight washers
will also be activated. This will use an unnecessary amount of fluid
from the reservoir.
WARNING
•
Poor visibility can cause accidents. Always ensure that the
wiper blades are in good condition ⇒page 62, “Changing wiper
blades”.
•
The light sensor/ rain sensor* is only intended to assist the
driver. The driver is still obliged to manually operate the wind-
screen wipers and the lights as required depending on visibility.
•
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad
visibility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a
serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper
blades to judder.Caution
•
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not
frozen to the glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you
switch on the wipers when the wiper blades are frozen to the glass,
this could damage both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
•
Make sure you switch off the windscreen wiper system (lever in
position "0") before you use an automatic car wash. This will avoid
inadvertent triggering of the wipers and possible damage to the
wiper system.Note
•
Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long
journey. Filling the reservoir ⇒page 164.
•
Worn or dirty wiper blades can cause smearing on the glass
which can also impair the effectiveness of the light sensor/ rain
sensor*. Please check the wiper blades regularly.
•
If you leave the windscreen wiper lever set to the intermittent
wipe function when the ignition is switched off, the light sensor/
rain sensor* will not be activated until you reach a road speed of at
least 6 km/h.
•
Applies to vehicles with light sensor/ rain sensor: If the wind-
screen wipers have been activated manually and it is raining, the
automatic headlights* will come on ⇒page 53, “Automatic (sensor-
controlled) headlights”. In the daytime the headlights will automat-
ically go off again once the wipers are switched off. The automatic
headlights* function is only available if the light switch is in the
“AUTO” position ⇒page 53, fig. 47.
Headlight washer systemWith the lights switched on, operate the automatic wind-
screen wash and wipe ⇒page 59, fig. 54 , and keep the
lever pulled towards you for at least 1 second.The headlight washer jets come out of the bumper automatically
(under water pressure).
Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the lenses at regular
intervals, for instance when stopping for fuel.
To ensure that the system works properly in winter, keep the nozzle
holders free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer spray.
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Lights and vision63
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Rear-view mirrorsManual anti-dazzle adjustmentNormal setting
– Push the lever at the bottom of the mirror away from you.
Anti-dazzle setting
– Pull the lever at the bottom of the mirror towards you.Applies to vehicles: with automatic anti-dazzle adjustment for interior mirrorAutomatic anti-dazzle interior mirror
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on
and off as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
– Press button ⇒fig. 58 - the indicator lamp will go
out.
Switching on anti-dazzle function
– Press button ⇒fig. 58 - the indicator lamp will light
up.
Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is
switched on. The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror
housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is activated the interior mirror will
darken automatically according to the amount of light it receives
(for example from the headlights of a vehicle behind). The mirror
will not darken automatically:•
when the interior lighting is switched on
•
when reverse gear is engaged
Sensors for automatic headlights
When the light switch is set to the AUTO position the dipped beam
headlights are switched on and off automatically according to the
ambient light level with the aid of the sensors located in the mirror
⇒page 53.
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause
irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory organs. Wash thor-
oughly with clean water should you come into contact with this
fluid. Seek medical assistance if needed.
Caution
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to
plastic surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove the fluid as soon
as possible.
Note
•
If you switch off the anti-dazzle function for the interior mirror,
this will also deactivate the anti-dazzle function* for the exterior
mirrors.
Fig. 58 Anti-dazzle
interior mirror: Indi-
cator lamp and on/off
switch
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Lights and vision 64•
The automatic anti-dazzle function will only work properly if
there are no objects preventing light from reaching the interior
mirror.
•
Do not attach any stickers to the windscreen in front of the
sensors, as this would interfere with the operation of the automatic
headlights and the automatic anti-dazzle function for the mirror.
Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors are adjusted electrically.Adjusting exterior mirrors
– Turn the adjuster knob to position (left exterior mirror)
or position (right exterior mirror) ⇒fig. 59.
– Move the knob as required to adjust the exterior mirror
for a good rearward view.
Heated mirrors
– Turn the knob to position .
Retracting both exterior mirrors*
– Turn the knob to position .
The mirrors are heated depending on the outside temperature until
the ignition is switched off, even if the knob is no longer in position
.
It may be advisable to retract* the exterior mirrors to protect them
when parking or when driving through tight spaces.
Caution
•
Convex or wide-angle exterior mirrors give a larger field of vision.
However, they also make objects appear further away than they
actually are. For this reason, you should not rely on these mirrors for
judging the distance of vehicles behind.
•
If one of the mirror housings is knocked out of position (e.g.
when parking), the mirrors must first be fully retracted with the elec-
tric control. Do not readjust the mirror housing by hand, as this will
interfere with the mirror adjuster function.Note
If the electrical adjustment should ever fail to operate, the mirrors
can be adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror
glass.Applies to vehicles: with automatic anti-dazzle adjustment for exterior mirrorsAutomatic anti-dazzle adjustment for exterior mirrorsThe exterior mirrors darken together with the automatically
adjusting interior mirror. When the ignition is on, the mirrors will
darken automatically according to the amount of light received (for
example from the headlights of a vehicle behind).
When the interior lights are switched on, or when reverse gear is
engaged, the mirrors revert to their original (i.e. not darkened)
condition.
Fig. 59 Detail of the
armrest: Adjuster knob
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Seats and storage73
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Using cigarette lighter
– Open the ashtray cover to access the cigarette lighter
⇒page 72.
– Press in the cigarette lighter knob.
– Wait for the lighter to spring out.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter immediately.
– Use the glowing heater element of the cigarette lighter to
light your cigarette.
– Put the cigarette lighter back in its socket.
Operating electrical socket
– Open the cover to access the cigarette lighter.
– Take out the cigarette lighter.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the ciga-
rette lighter socket.The cigarette lighter employs a standard 12 Volt socket which can
also be used as a power source for electrical appliances. The appli-
ances connected to the socket must not exceed a power rating of
100 W.
WARNING
Take care when using the cigarette lighter. Carelessness or negli-
gence when using the cigarette lighter can cause burns.
Caution
Always use the correct type of plugs to avoid damaging the sockets.
Note
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off will drain
the battery.Storage compartmentsGlove box
The lockable glove box is equipped with a light.Opening glove box
– Pull the catch on the lid in the direction indicated (arrow)
⇒fig. 68 and open the lid.
Closing glove box
– Close the lid and push it in until it engages.If the side lights or headlights are switched on, the light in the glove
box comes on when the glove box is opened. You will find a
compartment for (sun)glasses in the lid.
The glove box has a standard 12 Volt socket which can also be used
as a power source for electrical appliances. The appliances
Fig. 68 Glove box
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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.
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