2007 AUDI R8 display

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.
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 35 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

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)
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 36 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

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
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 37 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

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+
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 38 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

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.
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 42 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Doors and windows43
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Driver's door lock: Turn the key in the driver's door to the “lock” posi-
tion twice within 2 seconds.
Automatic locking function (Auto Lock)
The Auto Lock function locks all the doors and the luggage lid when
the vehicle exceeds a speed of about 15 km/h.
The vehicle is unlocked again automatically when the ignition key is
removed. Alternatively, the vehicle can also be unlocked via the
central locking switch
 or by pulling one of the inside door
handles. If desired, you can deactivate the Auto Lock feature in the
menu display ⇒page 24 or have it deactivated by a qualified work-
shop.
Turn signals
All the turn signals will flash as confirmation when the vehicle is
locked or unlocked. The turn signals flash twice when the vehicle is
unlocked and once when the vehicle is locked, provided that the
luggage lid and all the doors are closed. In addition, the interior
lights will automatically light up when the vehicle is unlocked and
go out when the vehicle is locked, provided that the switches are in
the courtesy light position.
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.
Note
•
If the central locking system should fail to work, you can still lock
and unlock the driver's door with the key. The passenger's door can
be locked manually ⇒page 46.
•
The deadlock mechanism and the anti-theft alarm cannot be acti-
vated if the central locking is not functioning.
•
Never leave any valuable items in the vehicle unattended. Even a
locked vehicle is not a safe.
Locking and unlocking the vehicleUnlocking the vehicle

– Press button once ⇒fig. 35.
Locking the vehicle

– Press button once ⇒.
Unlocking the luggage lid
– Press button for at least one second.
Opening all the windows

– Press and hold button until all windows are open.
Closing all the windows

– Press and hold button until all windows are closed
⇒.The turn signals will flash twice as confirmation when you unlock
the car. The vehicle will be locked again automatically if you do not
F i g . 3 5 R e m o t e c o n t r o l
key: Control buttons
AAABAC
AAAB
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 43 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Doors and windows 44open one of the doors or the luggage lid within 30 seconds after
unlocking the car. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining
unlocked if the unlocking button is pressed by mistake.
On vehicles with the security central locking feature, you can unlock
just the driver's door by pressing button once, or the whole
vehicle by pressing the button twice.
The turn signals flash once when the vehicle is locked to confirm
that the doors and luggage lid are properly locked.
WARNING
•
Do not leave anyone (especially childr e n ) i n t h e c a r i f i t i s l o c k e d
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.
•
Take care when closing the windows. Careless use of the
windows can cause injuries.
•
For safety reasons, you should only use the remote control
open and close functions within about 2 metres of the vehicle. To
avoid injuries, always keep an eye on the windows when pressing
the button to close them. The windows stop moving as soon as
the button is released.Note
•
The remote control should only be used when the doors and the
front lid are closed.
•
The remote control should not be used when the vehicle is out of
sight.
•
The anti-theft alarm can be accidentally activated and the vehicle
locked if you press the locking button
 on the remote control inside
the vehicle before inserting the key in the ignition. If this should
happen by mistake, press the unlocking button
.
•
The convenience open/close function for the windows only
works when the “Convenience open” function is activated in the
menu display ⇒page 24.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle using the key
If the central locking system should fail to operate, the
vehicle can still be locked and unlocked by turning the key
in the lock.Unlocking
– Turn the key in the driver's door lock to position
⇒fig. 36.
Locking
– Turn the key in the driver's door lock once to position
⇒.
– If you turn the key to position in the driver's door lock
a second time within 2 seconds, this will lock the vehicle
without activating the deadlock mechanism.
AA
Fig. 36 Lock on
driver's door
AA
AB
AB
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 44 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Doors and windows45
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
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.
Note
•
The deadlock mechanism and the anti-theft alarm cannot be acti-
vated if the central locking is not functioning.
•
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.
•
Both doors are automatically locked when you lock the vehicle.
Central locking switch
The central locking system can be activated using the
central locking switch on the driver's door.Locking the vehicle
– Press the upper switch
 ⇒fig. 37 ⇒.Unlocking the vehicle
– Press the lower switch
.
Please note the following when you use the central locking switch
to lock your vehicle:•
It is not possible to open the doors from the outside (for safety
reasons, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights).
•
The LED in the central locking switch lights up when all the doors
and the luggage lid are closed and locked.
•
You can open the doors individually from the inside by pulling
the inside door handle.
•
When the driver's door is open, it cannot be locked by pressing
the central locking switch and then closing the door. This helps to
prevent you from being locked out of the vehicle. The door has to be
locked separately after it has been closed.
•
In the event of an accident in which the airbags inflate, doors
locked from the inside will be automatically unlocked to facilitate
access and assistance.
WARNING
The central locking switch is still operative when the ignition is
switched off. You can use it to lock both doors automatically.
However, since this makes it difficult to enter the car from the
outside, you should never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Note
The central locking switch inside the vehicle will not be operative if
the deadlock mechanism has been activated.
Fig. 37 Detail of the
driver's door: Central
locking switch
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 45 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13