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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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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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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Care of vehicle and cleaning 144Care of vehicle and cleaningGeneral notesRegular care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle.Regular and careful care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle.
This may also be one of the requirements for upholding any
warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint defects.
Audi R8 dealers and specialist retailers carry stocks of suitable car
care products. Please follow the instructions for use on the pack-
aging.
WARNING
•
Cleaning products and other materials used for car care can
damage health if misused.
•
Car care materials can contain toxic substances and must
always be kept in a safe place out of reach of children.For the sake of the environment
•
When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are
not harmful to the environment.
•
Surplus cleaning materials should not be disposed of together
with ordinary household waste.
Care of exteriorWa s hi ng t he c a rThe longer substances like insects, bird droppings, resinous tree
sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other
aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong
sunlight) further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have
the underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Automatic car washes
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precau-
tions such as closing the windows. If the vehicle is fitted with
special accessories such as spoilers or a two-way radio aerial, etc.,
it is advisable to consult the car wash operator ⇒.
It is best to use a car wash without revolving bristles if possible.
Washing your car with a high-pressure cleaner
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always
follow the operating instructions for the equipment. This applies
particularly to the operating pressure and the spraying distance. Do
not hold the spray nozzle too close to soft materials, such as rubber
hoses or seals.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or
one that has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt
first, and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush, using only
slight pressure. You should start on the roof and work down. Special
car shampoo should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second
sponge for this.
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Checking and topping up fluids157
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Engine oilGeneral notesWe recommend that you have the oil change carried out by an
Audi R8 dealership or qualified workshop according to the intervals
stated in the Service Schedule or according to the service interval
display in the instrument cluster.
Whether your vehicle is serviced at flexible service intervals or fixed
service intervals is shown in the Service Schedule.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in the Te c h -
nical data section ⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions”.
Check that the specifications quoted (VW standards) appear on the
container either singly or in combination with other specifications.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife Service*)
Special engine oils ⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions” have been developed as part of the Audi LongLife Service
(⇒“Service Schedule”).
This type of oil must be used if you intend to take advantage of the
extended maintenance intervals allowed by Audi's LongLife Service.•
Do not mix the LongLife oil with oil intended for fixed service
intervals, as the requirements for the extended service intervals are
then no longer guaranteed.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 157 and you cannot obtain the specified LongLife oil, you
can put in a small quantity of oil for fixed service intervals -
⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimensions”. This should
not be done more than once and no more than 0.5 litres should be
used.Fixed service intervals (Inspection Service*)
If you do not take advantage of the LongLife service for your car, you
can use the oils for fixed service intervals - ⇒page 198, “Perform-
ance, weights and dimensions”. In this case, your car must be serv-
iced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (10,000 miles) – see
Service Schedule.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 157 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification
ACEA A2 or ACEA A3. This should not be done more than once and
no more than 0.5 litres should be used.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 117 Instrument
cluster: Engine oil
temperature displayFig. 118 Markings on
oil dipstick
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Checking and topping up fluids 158
Checking oil level
– Warm up the engine by driving the vehicle until the oil
temperature shown in the instrument cluster is between
100 °C and 110 °C ⇒page 157, fig. 117.
– Park your vehicle on a level surface.
– Allow the warm engine to run for about two minutes at
idling speed.
– Switch off the engine and wait for two minutes.
– Check the oil level using the dipstick ⇒page 157,
fig. 118.
Oil level in area
–Do not top up oil.
Oil level in area
– Add 1 litre of oil ⇒page 158. After topping up the oil level
should be in area .Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is
used, oil consumption can be up to 1.0 ltr./1000 km. Oil consump-
tion is likely to be higher for the first 5000 km.
Topping up the engine oil
–Unscrew cap
from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 119.
– Top up carefully using the correct oil ⇒page 198.
– Check the oil level again ⇒page 157.
– Top up with oil if necessary.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick
all the way in.
WARNING
•
Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up: this could cause a fire.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine
oil.Caution
•
The oil level must never be above area , as this may result in
damage to the catalytic converter or to the engine. Contact a quali-
fied workshop to extract the engine oil if necessary.
AaAbAa
Fig. 119 Engine
compartment: Engine
oil filler cap
Aa
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