2007 AUDI R8 engine

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 system 36•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous
place. Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and allow it to cool down. Please observe the
important safety warnings ⇒page 155, “Working on components
in the engine compartment”.Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol
 has come on to indicate a fault in
the cooling system, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the
engine.
Engine oil pressure too low

If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be recti-
fied immediately.If the

symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is
too low. The following message will appear in the display
together with the symbol:
Switch off engine and check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 157.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the engine oil level is too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 158.If the engine oil level is correct
If the

symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain
professional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the
engine, not even at idle speed.
Applies to vehicles: with tyre pressure monitoring systemTyre pressure monitoring system

The tyre pressure should be corrected as soon as possible
if it is too low.If the
 symbol appears, the tyre pressure on at least one
of the wheels is too low. The message Tyre pressures too
low will be displayed.
–Stop the vehicle.
– Check the tyre(s).
– Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒page 167.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring
system please refer to ⇒page 172.Fuel level low

When this symbol
 comes on for the first time, there are about
10 litres of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible
⇒page 152.
If this warning symbol lights up although the fuel tank is sufficiently
filled, there is a malfunction in the fuel tank system. The display will
also show the driver message Tank system malfunction ! Contact
workshop. Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop.
WARNING (continued)
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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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Doors and windows 40Doors and windowsRemote control keysSet of keysThe set of keys for your vehicle ⇒fig. 32 includes:
two remote control keys
one spare key
Remote control key
The remote control key will lock and unlock the car via the central
locking system and start the engine. Press the release button ⇒fig. 32 (arrow) to make the key spring out of the handle and to fold
it back in.
Spare key
The spare key should be used only temporarily if the remote control
key has been misplaced or lost.
Replacing a key
If one of the keys has been lost, you should take the vehicle to an
Audi R8 dealer to have the remote control coding for that key deac-
tivated. For this purpose you should bring all available keys with
you.
It is also important to notify your insurance company if a key has
been lost.
Checking the key battery level
The indicator lamp ⇒fig. 33 lights up as soon as you press one of
the buttons. If the indicator lamp does not light up or flash, this
means the battery is exhausted and must be replaced.
Changing the battery ⇒page 41.
WARNING
•
Always switch off the ignition and 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 inju-
ries.
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the
ignition key from the lock. Otherwise the steering lock could
engage suddenly, causing an accident.
Fig. 32 Set of keysF i g . 3 3 R e m o t e c o n t r o l
key: Indicator lamp
AAAB
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Doors and windows 42
– Take the used battery out of the cover.
– Insert the new battery. Make sure that the “+” symbol on
the battery is facing downwards. The correct polarity is
indicated on the cover.
– After inserting the battery, align the cover and key and
press the two parts together.
For the sake of the environmentUsed batteries must be disposed of appropriately and must not be
discarded with ordinary household waste.
Note
The new battery must be of the same type as the original one.Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser is designed to prevent unauthorised
persons from driving the vehicle.An electronic chip inside the key automatically deactivates the
immobiliser when the ignition is switched on. When the ignition is
switched off after coming to a stop the electronic immobiliser is
activated automatically.
If an uncoded key is used, SAFE will appear continuously in the
mileage recorder display.
Note
•
The engine can only be started using an original Audi key with
the correct code.
•
It may not be possible to start the engine with the key if there is
another ignition key from a different make of vehicle on the same
key ring.
Central locking systemDescription
The central locking system allows both doors to be locked
and unlocked simultaneously.The central locking system on your vehicle locks and unlocks both
doors simultaneously.
The remote control key locks and unlocks the vehicle by means of a
radio signal ⇒page 43.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle using the key
In addition to the other functions, you can lock and unlock the
vehicle in the normal way by turning the key in the driver's door lock.
However, please note that when you unlock the vehicle with the key,
this only unlocks the mechanical lock on the doors set in the menu
display ⇒page 24. In order to switch off the anti-theft alarm, you
must insert the key in the ignition lock and switch on the ignition
within 15 seconds after opening the driver's door. The alarm will be
set off if the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds.
When you lock the vehicle, this automatically locks both of the doors
and activates the anti-theft alarm.
Windows
The windows can be opened or closed together via the central
locking system ⇒page 43.
Deadlock mechanism
The central locking system is combined with a deadlock mecha-
nism. Once the vehicle has been locked from the outside, the door
handles on the inside are deactivated. This makes it more difficult
to break into the vehicle.
However, it is also possible to lock the vehicle without activating the
deadlock mechanism.
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Doors and windows 48Manual release of the luggage lid
The luggage lid can be released manually if it will not
open in the normal way.– Fold out the foot rest in the passenger's footwell
⇒page 190.
– Pull the plastic cord towards you ⇒fig. 42.Anti-theft alarm systemDescription
The anti-theft alarm triggers an alarm if anyone attempts
to break into the vehicle.The anti-theft alarm helps to prevent the vehicle being broken into
or stolen. If the system senses interference with the vehicle it trig-
gers an audible and visible alarm.
How is the system switched on (armed)?
The anti-theft alarm system switches on automatically when the
vehicle is locked with the remote control or by turning the key in the
driver's door (if the door is closed). The system becomes active
about 30 seconds after the vehicle is locked.If you turn the key twice to the lock position within one second, the
anti-theft warning system is not activated.
How is the system switched off?
The anti-theft alarm is only switched off when the vehicle is
unlocked using the remote control. The vehicle will lock itself again
automatically if none of the doors is opened within 60 seconds after
pressing the remote control button.
If the vehicle is opened with the key on the driver side door, the
passenger side door remains locked. The anti-theft alarm is only
switched off if the key is inserted into the ignition lock within 15
seconds and the ignition is switched on. Otherwise the system trig-
gers the alarm. On some export versions the alarm is already trig-
gered as soon as the driver's door is unlocked with the key and
opened.
When does the system trigger an alarm?
The anti-theft alarm monitors and protects the following parts of
the car:
•
Engine compartment (engine lid)
•
Luggage compartment
•
Doors
•
Ignition
•
Interior ⇒page 49
If any of the named areas are entered or tampered with, the alarm
will sound.
How is the alarm switched off?
The alarm can be switched off by unlocking the vehicle using the
remote control, or by switching on the ignition with the key and thus
“disarming” the system. The alarm will also switch itself off when it
comes to the end of its cycle.
Fig. 42 Detail: Manual
release
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Doors and windows49
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Turn signals
The turn signals flash briefly when the vehicle is locked to confirm
that the doors, the engine lid and the luggage lid are properly
closed and locked.
If the turn signals do not flash, check the doors, engine lid and
luggage lid to make sure they are properly closed. The turn signals
will flash briefly if one of the doors, the luggage lid or the engine lid
is closed after the system has been switched on.
Note
•
To make sure that the alarm is fully operative when leaving the
vehicle, briefly check that all the doors and windows are closed.
•
If the vehicle is unlocked at the driver's door using the key, the
central locking switch only becomes fully functional after the igni-
tion is switched on.
•
The alarm is triggered immediately if one of the battery cables is
disconnected while the alarm system is active.
Interior monitor
The interior monitor triggers an alarm if it detects move-
ment inside the vehicle.
You should deactivate the interior monitor if there is a
possibility that the alarm could be set off, for instance, by a
pet or by an object moving about inside the car ⇒. The
tow-away protection function* should be deactivated if the
car is being towed or transported (for instance by rail or
ship).
Deactivating interior monitor

– Press the switch on the door ⇒fig. 43.
– Then lock the vehicle.
Deactivating the tow-away protection*

– Press the switch on the door.
– Then lock the vehicle.The diode in the switch
 or
 will light up when the interior
monitor / tow-away protection* function is deactivated. In addition,
the diode on the dashboard will light up for about 3 seconds. The
diode on the dashboard will flash rapidly for about 3 seconds after
the vehicle is locked. There then follows an interval of about 30
seconds before the diode starts flashing slowly.
The interior monitor / tow-away protection* function is automati-
cally switched on again next time the vehicle is locked.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Fig. 43 Switches for
the interior monitor in
the door trim (only
visible when the
driver's door is open)
AAAB
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