2007 AUDI R8 traction control

Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 16
Note•
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The
function indicated should be checked as soon as possible.
•
A red symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The
symbol will keep flashing until the fault is corrected.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi magnetic rideAudi magnetic ride

This warning lamp monitors the damping effect of the
shock absorbers.The warning lamp
 lights up when the ignition is switched on.
Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indi-
cates a vehicle damping malfunction. The suspension should be
checked immediately by a qualified workshop.Applies to vehicles: with tyre pressure monitoring systemTyre pressure monitoring system

Th e t y re p re s s u re s h o u l d b e c o rre c t e d as s o o n as p o s s i b l e
if it is too low.If the
 symbol appears, the tyre pressure on at least one
of the wheels is too low.–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.Engine management

This warning lamp monitors the engine management
system.The
 warning lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the
ignition is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly.Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indi-
cates a fault in the engine management system. The engine should
be serviced by a qualified workshop without delay.Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program.The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It flashes when the ESP or traction control system (ASR) inter-
venes while the vehicle is in motion.
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out
again after about 2 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working
properly.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.

Seat belt warning lamp
⇒page 18

Fault in brake system / handbrake is
applied
⇒page 18

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
⇒page 19
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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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Intelligent technology 132Intelligent technologyElectronic stabilisation program (ESP)The Electronic Stabilisation Program increases the car's
stability.Description
The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock
(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR) are all integrated into
the electronic stabilisation program (ESP). The ESP is designed to
enhance the control over the vehicle in critical handling situations,
such as when accelerating and cornering. It reduces the tendency to
skid at all speeds under all road conditions and improves the
stability and roadholding of the vehicle. ESP helps the car to start
moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions
where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible. The ESP is
switched on automatically when the engine is started. It should
normally be left switched on at all times for optimum car stability.
Driving situations
If the car is oversteering (rear wheels losing grip first) the ESP
mainly brakes the outside front wheel; if the car is understeering
(front wheels losing grip first), the ESP brakes the inside rear wheel
and possibly also other wheels. This automatic brake application is
accompanied by characteristic noises.If, when braking, one of the wheels is turning too slowly in relation
to the road speed and is close to locking up, the system will reduce
the pressure in the brake line to this wheel. The driver is made aware
of this control process by a pulsating of the brake pedal and accom-
panying noise. In this situation it is important to keep the brake
pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application
- do not “pump” the brake pedal. However, the ABS will not neces-
sarily guarantee shorter stopping distances in all conditions. For
instance, on loose gravel or fresh snow on top of an icy surface the
stopping distance with ABS may even be slightly longer.
Whenever it detects a significant difference in the speed of the driven
wheels of one axle (for example, if the road is slippery on one side)
the electronic differential lock (EDL) applies the brake to slow down
the spinning wheel so that more of the power is directed to the
other wheels. This function is active up to about 100 km/h. The brake
system will make noises while it is working.
If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of
the driven wheels is on ice), press the accelerator hard until the car
starts moving.
If the wheels start to spin, the traction control system (ASR) auto-
matically reduces the engine torque to match the amount of grip
available.
Activating the sport mode
If required (for instance if you want to use the launch control), you
can switch the traction control system (ASR) and electronic stabili-
sation program (ESP) to sport mode by pressing the button
once. The ESP warning lamp will light up and the message ASR off
will appear in the driver information system display. The amount of
wheel slip is regulated according to the road speed. You should only
use this feature if your driving ability and traffic conditions allow
you to do so safely.
Fig. 110 Centre
console with ESP
switch
ESP
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Intelligent technology133
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Switching off the ESP and traction control system
(ASR)
To switch off the ASR and ESP in certain situations (e.g. when
driving with snow chains, in deep snow, or on a loose surface, or
when rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it from mud)
press the button for longer than 3 seconds. The ESP warning
lamp will light up and the message ESP switched off will appear in
the driver information system display. You should only use this
feature if your driving ability and traffic conditions allow you to do
so safely.
Switching on the ESP/traction control system (ASR)
To activate the ASR/ESP, press the button again.
Overheating of the brakes
To prevent the disc brake of a braked wheel from overheating, the
EDL cuts out automatically on the wheel in question if subjected to
excessive loads. The car remains operational and will behave in the
same way as a car without EDL.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
WARNING
•
The grip provided by the ESP, ABS, EDL and ASR systems is still
subject to the physical limits of adhesion. Always bear this in
mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice the
systems cutting in, you should reduce your speed immediately to
suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety
features tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can
cause accidents.
•
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you
drive too fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you
follow too close behind the vehicle in front of you. Please bear in
mind that even ESP, ABS, EDL and ASR cannot compensate for the
increased accident risk.
•
When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance
all four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and
carefully. The driven wheels may otherwise start to spin (in spite
of the EDL), which would impair the car's stability and could lead
to an accident.
•
Please note that, when the traction control system (ASR) or
ASR/ESP is switched off, the driven wheels may start to spin,
causing the vehicle to lose grip, in particular on slippery or wet
roads - danger of skidding!Note
•
In the event of a malfunction in the rear spoiler system or in the
Audi magnetic ride, it may not be possible to switch off the traction
control system (ASR) or ASR/ESP, or the ASR/ESP may be reactivated
automatically from the deactivated status.
•
If a malfunction should occur in the EDL, this is indicated by a
warning lamp ⇒page 19.
•
Some racing circuits (e.g. with banked curves) can affect the
behaviour of the ESP.
ESP
ESP
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology 136front wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. Power steeringThe power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed
to turn the steering wheel.
The power steering does not function when the engine is switched
off. In this case the steering wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary,
this will place an excessive load on the power steering system. In
this case, the power steering system will make noises. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
Do not keep the steering in the full-lock position for longer than
15 seconds when the engine is running – this could cause damage
to the power steering system.
Note
•
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is
switched off (for instance when being towed), the car can still be
steered. However, more effort will be required to turn the steering
wheel.
•
If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to
a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•
The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The
container for the fluid is located in the engine compartment. The
correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the power
steering to function properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at
the Inspection Service.
Four-wheel drive (quattro®)On quattro models the engine power is distributed to all
four wheelsGeneral notes
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the engine power is distributed to all
four wheels. The distribution of power is controlled automatically
according to your driving style and the road conditions. Also refer
to ⇒page 132.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction
in winter conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we
still recommend that winter tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will
give a better braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars
with four-wheel drive ⇒page 171, “Snow chains”.
Replacing tyres
The dimensions of the wheels and tyres used on four-wheel drive
vehicles must comply with the manufacturer's specifications
⇒page 168, “Replacing wheels and tyres”.
WARNING
•
Even with four-wheel drive, you should always adjust your
speed to suit the conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided
tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause acci-
dents.
•
The braking ability of your car is limited by the grip of the tyres.
In this respect, your car is no different from a car without four-
wheel drive. So do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slip-
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Wheels and tyres171
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The performance of winter tyres is also severely impaired by ageing,
even if the tread is still much deeper than 4 mm.
Winter tyres are subject to the following maximum speed limits
according to speed rating code letter: ⇒
In Germany vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds must have
an appropriate sticker attached so it is visible to the driver. Suitable
stickers are available from Audi R8 dealers and specialist retailers.
Please note regulations to this effect in your country.
Using winter tyres with V-rating
Please note that the generally applicable 240 km/h speed rating for
winter tyres with the letter "V" is subject to technical restrictions;
the maximum permissible speed for your vehicle may be signifi-
cantly lower. The maximum speed limit for tyres with a V-rating
depends directly on the maximum axle weights for your car and on
the listed weight rating of the tyres being used.
It is best to contact an Audi R8 dealer to check the maximum speed
which is permissible for the V-rated tyres fitted on your car on the
basis of this information.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum speed permitted for the winter tyres
fitted on your car can cause tyre failure, resulting in a loss of
control of the vehicle – risk of accident.
For the sake of the environment
Summer tyres should be fitted again as soon as possible; they give
better handling on roads which are free of snow and ice. Summer
tyres produce less rolling noise, do not wear down as quickly and,
most importantly, reduce fuel consumption.Snow chains
Snow chains will improve the vehicle's handling on snow-
covered roads.– Snow chains can be used on the rear wheels only.
– Keep your speed below 50 km/h.Snow chains will improve braking ability as well as traction in winter
conditions.
For technical reasons snow chains may only be used on tyres with
certain wheel rim/tyre combinations.
Only use snow chains with fine-pitch links. The links must not
protrude more than 13,5 mm from the tyres (including tensioner).
Speed rating code letter
⇒page 168
Maximum speed limit
Q
160 km/h
S
180 km/h
T
190 km/h
H
210 km/h
V
240 km/h
(please note relevant restrictions)
Rim size
Rim offset
Tyre size
8.5Jx18
42 mm
235/40
8.5Jx19
42 mm
235/35
10.5Jx18
55 mm
285/35
10.5Jx19
55 mm
295/30
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Index207
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Radio display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Radio transmitters
Fixed installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Mobile equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Radio-controlled clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Radio-operated remote control
SeeRemote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Rain sensor defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Rear lights defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Rear view mirrors
SeeMirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Rear window heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Remote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Indicator lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . 40, 41
Synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reverse gear
R tronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
SSAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Safety features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Seat adjustment
Bucket seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Electrically adjustable seat . . . . . . . . . . 68
Manually adjustable seat . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Adjusting seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
During pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Putting on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Taking off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Security central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Selector lever defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Service position for windscreen wipers . . 61
Setting time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting time format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sitting position
Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Incorrect sitting position . . . . . . . . . . 106
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Spare key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Speed warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 37
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Starting with jump leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Steering
Locking the steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Steering wheel height adjustment
(manual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Steering lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Stowing luggage safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Symbols
Red symbols in central display . . . . . . 33
Yellow symbols in central display . . . . 33
TTank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Tow-away protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Towing away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Towline anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 14
Trips, checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Tyre Mobility System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
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