2007 AUDI R8 key

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 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
AAAA
AB
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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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Driving81
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
DrivingSteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be
adjusted as required to suit the driver.–Push the lever ⇒fig. 71 down ⇒.
– Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Then push the lever towards the steering column until
the catch engages.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the
vehicle is moving - this could cause an accident.
•
For safety reasons, the lever must be securely engaged in its
top position to prevent the steering wheel from accidentally
changing position while driving, which could cause an accident.
Ignition lockIgnition lock
The ignition key is used to start and switch off the engine.Ignition off
In position ⇒fig. 72 the ignition and the engine are switched off,
and the steering wheel lock can be engaged.
To engage the steering wheel lock, take out the key and turn the
wheel until you hear the pin engage. You should always engage the
steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This will help to deter theft
⇒.
Ignition on (normal running position)
The needles in the instrument cluster will sweep across the dials
once after you switch on the ignition.
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to
take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns
freely.
Fig. 71 Lever beneath
steering column
Fig. 72 Ignition key
positions
A1
A1
A2
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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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Airbag system 118
WARNING
•
It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a
distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dashboard
⇒page 117, fig. 98. The airbag system will not be able to give the
required protection if you sit too close to the steering wheel or
dashboard. There is also a risk of injury if the airbags are inflated.
The front seats and head restraints must always be positioned
correctly for the height of the occupant.
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward or to the side,
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 there is an even greater risk of injury.
•
Never let a child travel on the front seat without an appropriate
restraint system. If the airbag is triggered in an accident, the child
could sustain serious or fatal injuries ⇒page 122, “Child safety”.
•
Never install a rearward-facing child safety seat on the front
passenger's seat unless the front passenger's airbag has been
deactivated. However, if you have no alternative but to use a rear-
ward-facing child seat on the front passenger's seat, the front
passenger's airbag must be deactivated beforehand by means of
the key-operated switch ⇒page 120, “Deactivating the airbags”.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in serious or poten-
tially fatal injury.
•
Occupants sitting in the front of the car must never carry any
objects or pets in the space between them and the airbags, or
allow children or other passengers to travel in this position.
•
Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the
soft plastic surface of the airbag unit on the passenger's side of
the dashboard, and do not obstruct or modify them in any way.
These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth (or with a
cloth moistened with plain water). It is also important not to
attach any objects such as cup holders or telephone mountings to
the surfaces covering the airbag units.
•
Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of
the airbag components for other repairs (such as repairs to the
steering wheel) should be performed by a qualified workshop.Note
If necessary, you can deactivate the front passenger's airbag by
means of the key-operated switch ⇒page 120, “Deactivating the
airbags”.Side airbagsDescription of side airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.The side airbags are located in the backrest padding of the front
seats ⇒fig. 99. The locations of the airbags are marked with the
word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the three-point seat belts, the side airbags give
the occupants additional protection for the whole upper part of the
body (i.e. the chest, stomach and pelvis) in the event of a severe side
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 99 Location of
side airbag in driver's
seat
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