
Heating and cooling75
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Heating and coolingAir conditionerControls
The air conditioner is designed to keep the passenger
compartment at the temperature you find most comfort-
able at all times of the year.Fig. 69 Air conditioner controlsRecommended settings:
– Turn the control ⇒fig. 69 to the right to switch the air
conditioner on.
– Set the temperature to 22 °C (72 °F).
– Press the button ⇒fig. 69.
This setting quickly provides a comfortable temperature inside the
vehicle. If necessary it can be changed to suit individual preferences
or particular circumstances.
The air conditioner provides heating and ventilation and also cools
and dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle.
The air conditioner is fully automatic, and will maintain the desired
temperature at a constant level. To achieve this, the temperature of
the air supplied to the interior, the blower speed (volume of air
delivery) and the air distribution are regulated automatically. The
system also allows for the effect of strong sunlight, so there is no
need for manual adjustment. For these reasons it is advisable to use
the automatic mode for the comfort of all the passengers in virtually
all conditions throughout the year ⇒page 78.
Please note:
The humidity of the air is automatically reduced when the system
cools the interior of the vehicle. This helps to prevent condensation
on the windows. The air conditioner (compressor) will be switched
off automatically at low outside temperatures (below zero) and will
no longer dehumidify the air inside the vehicle.
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,
condensation can drip off the evaporator in the air cooling system
and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does not
indicate a leak.
If the outside temperature is low, the blower normally only switches
to a higher speed once the coolant has warmed up sufficiently (this
does not apply to the defrost setting).
In order to achieve maximum engine power, the air conditioner
compressor is temporarily switched off when pulling away from a
standstill with full throttle.
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Heating and cooling 76The compressor also switches off if the coolant temperature is
excessively high, to ensure adequate engine cooling under extreme
loads.
The functions can be set by turning the rotary control and are
switched on and off by briefly pressing the buttons. The LEDs in the
buttons light up when the function is switched on.
Pollution filter
The pollution filter (a particle filter) serves as a barrier against impu-
rities in the outside air, including dust and pollen. The air is also
filtered when the air recirculation mode is activated.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollu-
tion filter element must be replaced at the intervals specified in the
Service Schedule.
If the vehicle is driven in areas with a high level of air pollution and
the filter is no longer fully effective, it may be necessary to change
the filter element more frequently.
WARNING
For safety reasons it is important that all the windows are kept
free of ice, snow and condensation. These can cause poor visibility
and lead to an accident. Please familiarise yourself with the oper-
ating controls for the air conditioner, including the demist/defrost
functions for the windows.
Caution
•
If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch it off
to prevent further damage and have the system checked by a quali-
fied workshop.
•
Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowl-
edge and special tools. For this reason, please contact a qualified
workshop if the system is not working properly.Note
•
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen clear of snow,
ice and leaves to ensure unimpaired heating and cooling, and to
prevent the windows misting over.
•
The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows
closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up after standing in the
sun for some time, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by
opening the windows for a short time.
Te m p e r a t u r e s e l e c t i o n– Turn the rotary control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 to the
required temperature setting.Turn the rotary control to the left to reduce the temperature. Turn
the rotary control to the right to increase the temperature. There are
several intermediate positions, allowing you to adjust the tempera-
ture as required.
Buttons
Function
Page
Rotary control
Temperature selection
⇒page 76
Rotary control
Switches air conditioner
on/off
Blower
⇒page 77
Rotary control
Air distribution
⇒page 77
Defrosting windows
⇒page 78
Heated rear window
⇒page 79
Seat heating* (driver's
side/front passenger's
side)
⇒page 80
Air recirculation mode
⇒page 78
Switching the air condi-
tioner on
⇒page 79
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Heating and cooling77
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Switching air conditioner on or offSwitching air conditioner on or off
– Turn the control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 clockwise to switch
the air conditioner on. The diode next to the word OFF
will go out.
– Turn the control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 anti-clockwise to
switch the air conditioner off. The diode next to the word
OFF will light up.
Regulating the blower speed
– Turn the control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 to the desired
setting for the blower speed (amount of air to be deliv-
ered).In automatic mode, the air conditioning system automatically regu-
lates the blower speed according to the interior temperature.
However, you can also adjust the blower speed manually.
Note
The blower speed will automatically be adjusted if the difference
between the selected temperature and the actual temperature in
the vehicle is too high. This ensures that the selected temperature
is reached as quickly as possible.
Air distributionFig. 70 Dashboard: Location of air outlets– Turn the rotary control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 to the
desired setting.
– The outlets can be opened and closed by turning the
adjustment ring.
– The direction of air delivery from these outlets can be
adjusted horizontally and vertically using the adjuster in
the centre of each outlet grille.Air distribution:•
In position
the air will flow only to the windows. Air outlets
and will be opened. For maximum defrosting effect on the side
windows in the driver's door and front passenger's door the
outlets should be directed at the side windows.
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Heating and cooling 78•
In position
the air will flow only to the driver/front passenger.
Air outlets and will be opened.
•
In position
the air will flow only to the footwells. Air outlets
will be opened.
•
In position
the air will flow only to the windows and the foot-
wells. Air outlets , and will be opened.
In addition to this there are several other possible combinations
(using intermediate positions), allowing you to adjust the air distri-
bution to suit individual requirements.
Note
When the air conditioner is operating in the cooling mode, the air
should be directed mainly to outlets and . To ensure adequate
cooling effect, you should not close these outlets completely.Defrosting
The windscreen and side windows are defrosted or
demisted as quickly as possible.– To switch on, press the button ⇒page 75, fig. 69.
– To switch off, press the button again, or press the
button.The temperature is regulated automatically. The air output is
increased to maximum and most of the air comes out of outlets 1
⇒page 77.
A small, residual amount of air will emerge from outlets 2, if they are
open ⇒page 77.
The air recirculation mode is switched off when the button is
pressed.
Automatic mode
Standard operating mode for all seasons.Switching on automatic mode
– Set the desired temperature.
– Press the button ⇒page 75, fig. 69.The automatic mode maintains a constant temperature inside the
vehicle and dehumidifies the air. Air temperature, air delivery and
air distribution are regulated automatically to reach the desired
interior temperature as quickly as possible, and then to maintain
this temperature. The system automatically compensates for any
variations in the outside temperature and for the effect of direct
sunlight.Air recirculation mode
The air recirculation setting prevents fumes etc. from
entering the interior.Switching on the air recirculation mode
– Press the button ⇒page 75, fig. 69, ⇒.
Switching off the air recirculation mode
– Press the button again, or
– Press the button, or
– Press the button.In this setting, the air is drawn from the interior of the vehicle,
filtered and continuously recirculated. We recommend using the air
recirculation mode for a brief period in the following circumstances
⇒:
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Heating and cooling79
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data When driving through a tunnel or in queues of traffic, to prevent
fumes entering the interior of the vehicle.
WARNING
For reasons of safety you should not leave the air recirculation
switched on for too long. This mode prevents fresh air from
entering the vehicle, so the windows can mist over if the air
cooling is switched off. Bad visibility can cause an accident.AC mode Activating the AC mode
– Press the button ⇒page 75, fig. 69.
Deactivating the AC mode
– Press the button again.In the AC mode, the air cooling system is switched on and the
heating and ventilation are regulated automatically.
Note
If the LED in the AC button should continue to light up when the AC
mode has been switched off (i.e. the air conditioner has been
switched off) this is due to a defect in one of the air conditioner
components. If a malfunction should occur, please contact a quali-
fied workshop.
Economical operation of the air conditioner
Economical operation of the air conditioner will help to
save fuel.When the air conditioner is operating in the cooling mode it
reduces engine power and increases fuel consumption. To
ensure that the cooling mode is activated only when really
necessary, please note the following points:
– Switch the AC mode off if you wish to save fuel.
– Switch the AC mode off if you decide to open the
windows while driving.
– If the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun,
open the windows and doors for a short time to cool the
vehicle.
For the sake of the environmentBy saving fuel you also reduce the amount of pollutants emitted
from your vehicle.Rear window heating
The rear window heating helps to demist the rear window.– Press the
button ⇒page 75, fig. 69 to switch the rear
window heating on or off.
The rear window heating only works when the engine is running. An
indicator lamp in the button lights up when the rear window heater
is switched on.
The rear window heating switches off automatically after about
10 minutes.
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Heating and cooling 80
For the sake of the environmentSwitch off the heated rear window manually as soon as the rear
window is clear. By saving electrical power you can also save fuel.Applies to vehicles: with seat heatingSeat heating The seat cushions and backrests of the front seats can be
heated electrically.– Press the button for seat heating ⇒page 75, fig. 69
to set the desired seat temperature.Possible settings range from 1 to 3. The selected seat heating
setting is indicated by LEDs above the button.
Caution
To avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heating, please
do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure at a single point.
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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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Safe driving103
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Check the tyre pressures.
– Make sure that all windows are clean and give good visi-
bility to the outside.
– Secure all luggage and other items carefully.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust the front seat, head restraint and mirrors
correctly.
– Make sure that the head restraints for all passengers are
adjusted to the correct position.
– Make sure that children are protected with suitable
safety seats and properly worn seat belts ⇒page 122.
– Sit in the correct position in your seat and make sure that
your passengers do the same. ⇒page 67.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly. Make sure that your
passengers do the same ⇒page 109.What affects driving safety?
Safety on the road is directly related to how you drive, and
can also be affected by the passengers in the vehicle.The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and all
its occupants. If your ability to drive is impaired in any way,
you endanger yourself and other road users ⇒. There-
fore:
– Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers or by
using a mobile phone, etc.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (by
medication, alcohol, drugs, etc.).– Obey all traffic regulations and speed limits.
– Always adjust your speed to suit the road, traffic and
weather conditions.
– Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive for more
than two hours without a stop.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
WARNING
•
Distractions while driving or any kind of impairment to your
driving ability increase the risk of accident and injury.
•
Do not store loose objects on the dashboard. These objects
could fly around the interior when the vehicle is moving (under
acceleration or whilst cornering) and distract the driver – this
could lead to an accident.
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