Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 10Instruments and warning/indicator lampsInstrumentsInstrument cluster overview
The instrument cluster is the driver's information centre.Fig. 2 Instrument cluster
Engine oil temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rev counter incorporating digital clock and date . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer with mileage recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjuster/test button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The needles on the dials in the instrument cluster are illuminated
when the ignition is switched on. The main instrument lighting (for
the dials and needles) comes on when the vehicle's lights are
switched on.
Engine oil temperature gaugeThe engine oil temperature gauge ⇒fig. 2 only works when the igni-
tion is switched on. In order to avoid possible damage to the engine,
please read the following notes for the different temperature
ranges.
Engine cold
If the needle is still in the lower range of the dial, this indicates that
the engine oil has not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid
high engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads.
Normal temperature
In normal operation the needle will settle somewhere in the centre
of the dial once the engine has reached operating temperature. The
needle may also go further up when the engine is working hard at
high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern provided
the warning lamp
in the display does not start flashing.
Warning lamp
If the symbol
in the display flashes, either the engine oil temper-
ature is too high, or the engine oil level is too low ⇒page 157.
If the needle is at the top end of the dial, this means the engine oil
temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down. If the warning lamp starts flashing again
after just a short distance, contact a qualified workshop.
A1
10
A2
11, 12
A3
15
A4
12
A5
13
A6
13
A7
14
A8
12, 34
A9
20
A10
13
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps13
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Warning lamp
If the symbol
flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low
⇒page 35.
If the needle is over to the far right on the dial, this means the
coolant temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle, switch off the
engine and wait for it to cool down. If the warning lamp starts
flashing again after just a short distance, contact a qualified work-
shop.
WARNING
•
Before opening the engine lid and checking the coolant level,
please observe the warning information on ⇒page 155, “Working
on components in the engine compartment”.
•
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.Caution
•
Additional lights and other accessories in front of the air inlet
reduce the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside tempera-
tures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the engine over-
heating.
•
The front spoiler also ensures proper distribution of the cooling
air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can
reduce the cooling effect, which could cause the engine to overheat.
You should obtain professional assistance.
Fuel gaugeThe gauge only works when the ignition is switched on. When the
needle reaches the reserve zone, the symbol
lights up in the instrument cluster display ⇒page 36. At this point there are still
about 10 litres of fuel left in the tank. This is your reminder to fill up
soon.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data
section ⇒page 198.
Caution
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel supply,
misfiring can occur. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.Speedometer with mileage recorder
This instrument indicates the speed of the vehicle and the
distance travelled.The mileage is normally stated in kilometres (km). On some models,
however, the mileage recorder will show miles.
Lower mileage recorder (odometer)
The lower counter records the vehicle's total mileage.
Fig. 5 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
Mileage recorder with
reset button
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Driver information system33
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Clearing speed limit
– Switch off the ignition.
– Briefly press the adjuster/test button in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 32, fig. 29. The mileage recorder display
and the digital clock will light up.
– Press the adjuster/test button for at least 2 seconds. The
display will show the speed limit which is currently set.
– Now press and hold the button on the wind-
screen wiper lever ⇒page 32, fig. 30 until the
crossed-out warning symbol for speed limit 2 appears on
the display.The display lighting for the mileage recorder and digital clock goes
off again a few seconds after the button is released.
Note
This speed limit function can also be operated via the on-board
computer ⇒page 25, “Selecting options from the menu”.Notes and symbolsRed symbols
A red symbol warns of a serious malfunction.–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the function displayed. Obtain professional assist-
ance if necessary.
A red symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The symbol
will keep flashing until the fault is corrected. If several faults are
detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the
other for about 2 seconds at a time.
Note
•
You can press the left adjuster button to display a message that
gives you more information.
•
On vehicles equipped with a navigation system the warning
symbol is displayed in the top section of the display while the route
guidance is active.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a malfunction or other item
requiring attention.
Reset
AB
BRAKE
Fault in the brake system
⇒page 35
COOLANT
Coolant level too low / coolant
temperature too high
⇒page 35
OIL
PRESS.
Engine oil pressure too low
⇒page 36
Tyre pressure monitoring sys-
tem*
⇒page 36
Fuel level low
⇒page 36
Check engine oil level
⇒page 37
Engine oil sensor defective
⇒page 37
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Driver information system 34Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The func-
tion indicated should be checked as soon as possible. If several
faults are detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one
after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
Driver messages
Additional messages to assist the driver are displayed in
conjunction with the warning lamps and symbols in the
instrument cluster.The display will show the appropriate message if the system detects
a bulb failure ⇒page 37, if the brake pads are worn or you have not
yet selected a gear on a vehicle with R tronic.
The driver can also call up messages in the display for additional
information if a red warning symbol starts flashing.
Calling up driver messages
For example, in the event of an oil pressure malfunction the oil pres-
sure symbol
will appear in the display. If you now press the
adjuster/test button ⇒fig. 31 for at least one second, the following
message will appear in the display:
SWITCH OFF ENGINE AND CHECK OIL LEVEL
The message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds.
If required, the message can be called up again by briefly pressing
the adjuster/test button.
Brake pads worn
⇒page 37
Speed warning 1*
⇒page 37
Speed warning 2*
⇒page 37
Dynamic headlight range con-
trol faulty
⇒page 37
Washer fluid level low
⇒page 37
Battery voltage too high or too
low
⇒page 37
Bulb monitor
⇒page 37
or BRAKE
LIGHT
Brake light failure
⇒page 38
Light sensor/rain sensor (auto-
matic headlights) defective
⇒page 38
and
Selector lever defective*
No R gear*
⇒page 38
and
Clutch overheating*
⇒page 38
Fig. 31 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
Adjuster/test button
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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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Intelligent technology135
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data We ar
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you
drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative
factors are, for instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard
driving with abrupt starts and stops.
Wet roads; road salt
When you are driving at a speed higher than 70 km/h and have the
windscreen wipers switched on (at or above intermittent setting 4)
the brake pads are very briefly brought into contact with the brake
discs. This automatic process which goes unnoticed by the driver is
carried out at regular intervals and is intended to improve braking
response in wet conditions.
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the car
or driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by
moisture (or in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. The
brakes should be “dried” by pressing the pedal to restore full
braking effect.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if
the car is driven for some distance without using the brakes when
there is a lot of salt on the road in winter. The layer of salt that accu-
mulates on the discs and pads can be removed with a few cautious
brake applications.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and
corrosion to form on the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if
you only drive low mileages without using the brakes very much.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if corrosion has formed on
the discs, it is advisable to clean off the pads and discs by braking
firmly a few times from a moderately high speed ⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may
mean that one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immedi-
ately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be prepared to use more pressure on the
brake pedal and allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is
too low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal.
It only works when the engine is running.
WARNING
•
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and
discs, select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or
endanger other road users; do not risk an accident.
•
Never let the car coast with the engine switched off (this can
cause accidents).Caution
•
Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal
when you do not really intend to brake. This overheats the brakes,
resulting in longer stopping distances and greater wear.
•
Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to
reduce speed and select a lower gear. In this way you will make use
of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes. If you
still have to use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at intervals
than to apply the brakes continuously.Note
•
If the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the
car has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal consid-
erably harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.
•
If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front
spoiler or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the
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Your vehicle and the environment139
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Sporty drivingLetting the engine warm up and cool downYou can reduce the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle during
a sporty driving session simply by adopting a more restrained
driving style while the engine is warming up and cooling down.
You should allow the engine to warm up by keeping the engine
speed below 7000 rpm until the engine oil reaches at least 90 °C. In
addition, the tyres will not develop their full grip potential until they
have had a chance to warm up on the road.
Even though the engine continues to be cooled after you switch it
off, it is particularly important to give it time to cool down before
parking. The engine, brakes, exhaust system and gearbox will all
reach very high temperatures when you adopt a sporty driving style.
Before you park the vehicle, allow it to cool down to normal temper-
ature by driving at moderate rpm speeds for several miles.Driving on a racing circuitBefore you take your car out on a racing circuit, please ensure that
it is in perfect condition. You should check the tyre tread and brake
pads for wear. It's also a good idea to increase the tyre pressure by
0.3 bar.
The oil consumption may be slightly higher than “normal” when
driving on a racing circuit ⇒page 157.
You should always check your vehicle after driving hard. Are the
brake pads ok? Do you notice any problems with the tyres (e.g. tread
worn, blistering, etc.)? Are the air intakes free of leaves and
deposits? Is the oil level ok?
Your Audi R8 dealer will be glad to carry out an inspection before
and after you use the car on a racing circuit.
Note
•
Some racing circuits (e.g. with banked curves) can affect the
behaviour of the ESP.
•
Driving the car on a racing circuit places a heavy load on all parts
of the vehicle. This can result in increased wear and tear.
Environmental compatibilityEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of
materials and production of your new Audi. Particular importance
has been attached to the following aspects:
Design measures for economical recycling•
Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling
•
Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
•
Increased use of single-grade materials
•
Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled in accordance with ISO
1043, ISO 11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials
•
Nearly all materials used can be recycled
•
Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling
•
Recycled materials used in manufacture
•
Reduced vapour emissions from plastics
•
CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioner
Compliance with the laws prohibiting the use of:
•
Cadmium
•
Asbestos
•
Lead
•
Mercury
•
Chrome VI
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