2007 AUDI R8 battery

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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Airbag system 116•
If you sell the vehicle, please remember to pass on the
complete Service Wallet to the new owner. If the front passenger's
airbag has been deactivated, it is important that the new owner is
also given the relevant documents.
•
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the
vehicle or components of the airbag or belt tensioner systems are
scrapped.
•
In an accident in which one or more airbags are triggered the
alternator and the starter are - for safety reasons - both discon-
nected from the battery via a pyrotechnic circuit breaker.
−Any repairs to the pyrotechnic circuit breaker must always
be performed by a qualified workshop (accident risk).
−The relevant safety requirements must be observed when
the vehicle or the circuit breaker are scrapped.
When are the airbags triggered?
The airbag system is triggered in collisions with a severe
impact.The airbag system is designed so that the airbags for the driver and
front passenger are triggered in a severe frontal collision.
In severe side collisions the side airbags are triggered on the impact
side of the vehicle.
In certain types of accident the front airbags and the side airbags
may be triggered together.
The airbag system is not triggered in minor frontal or side collisions,
or in rear collisions or if the car overturns. In these situations the
occupants are protected by wearing the seat belts.
Factors determining the triggering response
It is not possible to define the exact triggering response of the
airbag system in all possible situations, since the circumstances in different types of accident will vary considerably. Important factors
include, for example, the nature (hard or soft) of the object which
the car hits, the angle of impact, vehicle speed and so on.
Whether the airbags are triggered depends primarily on the vehicle
deceleration rate resulting from the collision. By processing the
signals from the sensors located in the vehicle, the electronic
control unit is immediately able to evaluate the severity of the colli-
sion and activate the restraint systems accordingly. If the decelera-
tion rate is below the predefined reference value in the control unit
the airbags will not be triggered, even though the accident may
cause extensive damage to the car.
Note
The airbag releases a fine dust when it inflates. This is quite normal
and does not mean there is a fire in the vehicle.Front airbagsDescription of front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 95 Driver's airbag
in steering wheel
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Checking and topping up fluids155
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Checking and topping up fluidsEngine lidOpening the engine lid
The engine lid is released from inside the vehicle.– Open the driver's door.
– Make sure that the rear spoiler is retracted ⇒page 134.
– To release the engine lid, pull the lever under the dash-
board ⇒fig. 115.
– Open the engine lid ⇒.The engine lid is held open by two gas-filled struts.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of being scalded, never open the engine lid if you
see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment.
Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
engine lid.
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components
in the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working in the engine compartment
(e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warn-
ings listed below and follow all normal safety precautions. The
engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous
area ⇒.
WARNING
•
Switch off the engine.
•
Apply the handbrake firmly.
•
Put the gear lever in neutral or the R tronic selector lever in N.
•
Remove the ignition key.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Keep children away from engine compartment.
•
Never spill fluids on hot engine components. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).
•
Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system,
especially when working on the battery.
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine
is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large,
thick rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
If any tests have to be performed with the engine running,
there is an extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
Fig. 115 Detail of foot-
well on driver's side:
Release lever
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Checking and topping up fluids 156drive belts and alternator, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition
system. •
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery
−Do not smoke
−Never work near open flames
−Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/ reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.Closing the engine lid– Make sure that the rear spoiler is retracted ⇒page 134.
– To close the engine lid, pull it down to overcome the
spring pressure.– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒.
WARNING
For safety reasons the engine lid must always be completely
closed when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check
that it is properly secured. The engine lid must be flush with the
adjacent body panels.Engine compartment layout
Main components for checking and refillingFig. 116 Typical locations of fluid containers, engine oil dipstick and engine oil
filler cap
Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler cap (

) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator expansion tank () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING (continued)
A1
136
A2
158
A3
157
A4
160
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Checking and topping up fluids 162BatteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is located behind the cover in the luggage compart-
ment. To remove the cover, slide it to the left and lift it out.
The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the
Inspection Services.
We recommend that you replace a battery once it is older than 5
years.
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will
become inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will
require resetting after the battery is reconnected. For this reason,
the battery should only be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical
system when absolutely necessary.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical
equipment continues to draw current even when the ignition is off.
If you park the vehicle for long periods of time in winter you should
have your Audi R8 dealer take the battery out of the vehicle and keep
it in a frost-proof room. This ensures that it cannot “freeze up” and
be damaged. At warm outside temperatures it is sufficient to
disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Even when the
battery is not connected you should charge it from time to time.
Winter conditions
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the
starting power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked
and charged if necessary before the start of winter.Replacing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage and
current rating. It must also have the same dimensions as the orig-
inal, factory-fitted battery and have sealed caps. The Audi batteries
which have been specially developed fulfil the maintenance,
performance and safety specifications for your vehicle.
We recommend to use only maintenance-free batteries or deep-
cycle resistant and leakproof batteries which comply with the
standards TL 825 06 (dated December 1997 or later) and VW 7 50 73
(August 2001 or later).
Since the battery is difficult to access, we recommend having it
replaced by an Audi R8 dealer or qualified workshop.
WARNING
•
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. For queries
regarding the vehicle battery please contact an Audi R8 dealership
or other qualified workshop (risk of chemical burns / risk of explo-
sion).
•
The battery must not be opened. Do not attempt to make any
changes to the electrolyte level of the battery. Otherwise, there is
a risk that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas can accumulate
and cause an explosion.Caution
•
The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.
•
Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the
warnings listed under ⇒ in “Important safety warnings for
handling a car battery” on page 163.For the sake of the environment
 Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and
lead. They must be disposed of appropriately and must not be put
together with ordinary household waste. Make sure the battery
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Checking and topping up fluids163
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data removed from the vehicle cannot tip over. Otherwise, sulphuric acid
could escape.
Important safety warnings for handling a car battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as
well as the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and
the electrical system.•
Switch off all electrical equipment and remove the ignition key
before starting any work on the vehicle electrical system. The
minus cable of the battery must be disconnected. When changing
a light bulb, it is sufficient to only turn off the light.
•
Keep children away from the battery and battery acid.
•
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and
safety glasses. Do not tilt the battery - acid can leak out of the
vapour vent. Do not allow acid or lead particles to come into
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. If electrolyte should splash
into the eyes rinse at once for several minutes using clear water.
Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing with soap solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor
immediately.
•
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away from battery. Avoid sparks (including those from static
charges) when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never
cross the battery poles. The resulting high-energy sparks can
cause injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge. Only charge battery in a well ventilated
area.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle's electrical
system, first disconnect the minus cable and then the plus cable.
•
Before reconnecting the battery, turn off all electrical equip-
ment. First connect the plus cable, then the minus cable. The
battery cables must not be connected to the wrong battery poles
- serious risk of cable fire.
•
Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery - risk of explosion
and chemical burns! A battery must be replaced once it has been
frozen. When it is discharged the battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 0°C.
•
Never use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace the
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the car's battery with the engine running or
with the ignition turned on, otherwise the electrical system or elec-
trical components will be damaged.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of
time, as the intense ultraviolet radiation can affect the battery
housing.

Wear safety glasses!

Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protec-
tive gloves and safety glasses.

Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and
lit cigarettes away from battery!

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off
when the battery is under charge!

Keep children away from the battery and battery
acid.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and topping up fluids 164Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is important for reliable starting.–Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings
for handling a car battery” on page 163 and ⇒.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– Only if “fast-charging”: both battery cables must be
disconnected (first the “negative” cable, then the “posi-
tive” cable).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals,
noting the colour code (red is used for “positive”, black
or brown for “negative”).
– Now connect the battery charger to the mains and switch
on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger
and disconnect the mains cable.
– Now disconnect the charger cables.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables to the battery
(first the “positive” cable, then the “negative” cable).When charging with a low current (for example with a small battery
charger) the battery cables do not normally have to be discon-
nected. However, both battery cables must be disconnected before
“fast-charging” the battery with a high current. However, always
follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the battery
charger.
Fast-charging a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Important safety
warnings for handling a car battery” on page 163. This work should
only be performed by a competent mechanic with the proper equip-
ment. If necessary, we therefore recommend that this work should
only be performed by a qualified workshop.When it is discharged the battery can freeze at temperatures
around 0°C. A frozen battery must be thawed before charging ⇒.
However, it is advisable to replace the battery if it has frozen,
because the ice can crack the battery casing and allow the battery
acid to escape.
The battery caps should not be opened while the battery is being
charged.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen battery – it could explode. Windscreen washerPlain water on its own is not sufficient for the windscreen
washer system.The container for the windscreen washer
 is located in the
luggage compartment and contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen and the headlight washer system ⇒fig. 121. Container
capacity: ⇒page 199.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass properly. It
is therefore advisable to add a suitable washer fluid additive (with
Fig. 121 Luggage
compartment: Wind-
screen washer
container
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Self-help185
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Tightening wheel bolts– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel
bolt
5).
– Grip the box spanner as close to the end as possible and
tighten the bolt firmly by turning clockwise.
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a torque wrench. The correct tightening torque is
120 Nm.
The inflation pressure must be checked as soon as possible.
Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
The wheel bolts must not be loosened – this would cause a safety
risk.
Note
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to
loosen or tighten the wheel bolts.
•
If you notice that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to
turn, they must be replaced before having the tightening torque
checked.
•
In the interest of safety, drive at moderate speeds until the tight-
ening torque of the wheel bolts has been checked.
Jump-startingBefore starting the engine
If necessary, the engine can be started by connecting it to
the battery of another vehicle.If the engine should ever fail to start because of a discharged
battery, the battery can be connected to the battery of another
vehicle to start the engine. Suitable jump leads are required.
Both batteries must be rated at 12 Volts. The capacity (Ah) of the
booster battery should not be significantly lower than that of the
discharged battery.
Jump leads
The jump leads must be heavy enough to carry the starter current.
Refer to the details given by the manufacturer.
Only use jump leads with insulated battery clamps.
Positive cable – usually red
Negative cable – usually black
WARNING
•
When it is discharged the battery can freeze at temperatures
around 0°C. A frozen battery must first be thawed out before
connecting the jump leads, as it could otherwise explode.
•
Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the
engine compartment ⇒page 155.Note
•
There must be no contact between the two vehicles as otherwise
current could flow as soon as the positive terminals are connected.
•
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the
vehicle's electrical system.
5)An adapter is required to tighten the anti-theft wheel bolts ⇒page 182.
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