2008 AUDI A4 open bonnet

Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 12Warning symbol in instrument cluster

If the symbol
 lights up in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low
⇒page 33.
If the needle is at the top end of 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 workshop.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the coolant level,
please observe the warning information on ⇒page 255, “Working
on components in the engine compartment”.
•
Never open the bonnet 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.
Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolu-
tions per minute.You should select a lower gear if the engine speed drops below
1500 rpm. The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine
is warm and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable
to change up a gear or move the selector lever to “D” (or lift your
foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
Never allow the rev counter needle ⇒page 11, fig. 2 to go into
the red zone on the dial for more than a very brief period: there is a
risk of damaging the engine. The start of the red zone on the dial is
different for some engine versions.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise
engine noise.
button
This button has a number of different functions.
A2
SET
Fig. 3 Instrument
cluster: SET button
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps19
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemCruise control

The indicator lamp
 in the instrument cluster lights up when the
cruise control system is operating.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the electronic
differential lock (EDL).The warning lamp
 lights up for a few seconds when the ignition
is switched on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes
out again once the system has run through an automatic test
sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
the warning lamp
 does not light up when the ignition is
switched on,
•
the warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds,
•
the warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the
ABS control function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a
qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further information on
the ABS ⇒page 222.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up.
Fault in the main brake system
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake
warning lamp
 ⇒page 32, this indicates a fault in the ABS func-
tion, and possibly a malfunction in the main brake system as well
⇒.
If there is a malfunction in the brake system the symbol
 will light
up in the instrument cluster. Please refer to ⇒page 32.Fault on the electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should
occur in the EDL, this is indicated by the ABS warning lamp
.
Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
For further information on the EDL ⇒page 222.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,
observe the warning information on ⇒page 255, “Working on
components in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the
ABS warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the
brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level has dropped
below the "MIN" mark you must not drive on - otherwise there may
be an increased accident risk. You should obtain professional
assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is OK, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. 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.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi hold assistAudi hold assist

This warning lamp monitors the Audi hold assist function.Audi hold assist helps the driver to keep the vehicle stationary while
the engine is running, for instance on steep gradients, at traffic
lights or in stop-and-go traffic. When the Audi hold assist function
is on, you don't have to keep your foot on the brake to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away. Once it detects that the
vehicle is stopped, Audi hold assist keeps the vehicle stationary. The
green symbol
 in the instrument cluster indicates that the func-
tion is activated. You can now take your foot off the brake pedal.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 20When the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period, Audi
hold assist will automatically apply the parking brake. In this case,
the green symbol
 will change to red
.
Electro-mechanical parking brake

This warning lamp monitors the electro-mechanical
parking brake.The warning lamp
 lights up when the parking brake is applied
with the ignition on. After the ignition has been switched off the
lamp will stay on for about 30 seconds. The warning lamp will light
up for about 30 seconds if the parking brake is applied with the igni-
tion switched off.
The warning lamp should go out when the parking brake is released.
If the warning lamp flashes continuously after the parking brake has
been applied, the brake may not be strong enough to hold the
vehicle on a slope. This may be due to the brakes overheating.
Please note the following points:
•
If the gradient is too steep to park the vehicle safely, the display
will show the message Caution: Vehicle parked too steep.
•
In the event of a fault in the parking brake system the symbol

will also appear in the instrument cluster display together with the
message Parking brake! You should have the fault corrected by a
qualified workshop without delay.
Brake system

The warning lamp flashes if the brake fluid level is too low
or if there is a fault in the ABS system or the parking
brake.If the warning lamp
 flashes, there is a fault in the brake system.
The symbol
 in the instrument cluster display will flash at the same time. You can press the button to obtain a message
explaining the fault ⇒page 32.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp
 will
light up together with the brake warning lamp
 ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,
observe the warning information on ⇒page 255, “Working on
components in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up
when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low – this
may cause an increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not
drive on. You should obtain professional 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.
SET
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Driver information system 32Alternator fault

If the symbol
 flashes in the instrument cluster display, there is an
alternator fault or a fault in the vehicle's electrical system. In addi-
tion, a message will appear. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by pressing the
button.
You should normally be able to drive to the next available qualified
workshop. However, you should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this will drain the battery.
Caution
If the coolant warning lamp
 in the instrument display lights up
as well as the alternator warning lamp while driving ⇒page 33, stop
the vehicle immediately and switch off the engine. In this case the
coolant pump is no longer being driven, and there is a risk of engine
damage.
Fault in the brake system

A fault in the brake system should be corrected as soon as
possible.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a fault in the
brake system. The symbol is accompanied by a driver
message giving you more information about the fault. This
message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can
call it up again at any time by pressing the button:
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Check the brake fluid level ⇒page 262.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.Warning! Fault in ABS brake system. Contact
workshop
– Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified ⇒.
Parking brake ! Please contact workshop
– If the symbol appears after you switch on the ignition
when the vehicle is stationary, please check whether you
can release the parking brake. If this is possible, you
should drive without delay to the nearest qualified work-
shop and have the fault rectified. If the parking brake
cannot be released you should obtain professional
assistance.
– If this symbol should appear while driving, there may be
a malfunction in the drive-away assist or the emergency
brake functions. You may not be able to apply the parking
brake. It is also possible that you cannot release the
parking brake after it has been applied. Drive the vehicle
to a qualified workshop and have the fault repaired.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp
 will light up together with
the brake warning symbol
 ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,
observe the warning information on ⇒page 255, “Working on
components in the engine compartment”.
•
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
SET
SET
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Driver information system33
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data 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.
Note
The warning lamp
 in the instrument cluster will start flashing as
well if there is a fault in the brake system.
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 symbol is accompanied by a driver
message giving you more information about the fault. This
message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can
call it up again at any time by pressing the button:
Switch off engine, check coolant level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 261.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 261.
– 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 32, 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 61, “Hazard
warning lights ”.
•
Never open the bonnet 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.
•
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 255, “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 symbol is accompanied by a driver message
giving you more information about the fault. This message
WARNING (continued)
SET
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Doors and windows 42Doors and windowsCentral locking systemDescriptionThe vehicle can be locked and unlocked via the central locking
system. You can use any of the following:•
Remote control key ⇒page 47
•
Door handles in conjunction with advanced key* ⇒page 47
•
Lock on driver's door ⇒page 48
•
Interior central locking switch ⇒page 49
Unlocking one side of the vehicle only
When you lock the vehicle, the central locking system will lock the
doors and the boot lid. When you unlock the vehicle, the central
locking system will unlock either the driver's door only, or all the
locks on the vehicle, depending on the setting you have selected on
the sound system or MMI* ⇒page 50.
Automatic locking function (Auto Lock)
The Auto Lock function locks the doors and the boot lid when the
vehicle exceeds a speed of about 15 km/h.
The vehicle is unlocked again 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. The Auto
Lock function can be switched on and off on the sound system or
MMI* ⇒page 50.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags inflate, the doors
will be automatically unlocked to facilitate access and assistance.
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.
Anti-theft alarm system*
If the anti-theft alarm system senses interference with the vehicle it
triggers an audible and visible alarm.
The anti-theft alarm system switches on automatically when the
vehicle is locked. It switches off automatically if you unlock the
vehicle using the remote control.
If you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key in the driver's door, the
ignition must be switched on within 15 seconds, otherwise the
alarm will be triggered. On some export versions, the alarm is trig-
gered immediately when you open a door.
To deactivate the alarm, press the unlock button on the remote
control key or switch on the ignition. The alarm will also switch itself
off when it comes to the end of its cycle.
Switch off the interior monitor and tow-away protection if you wish
to prevent the alarm from being triggered accidentally ⇒page 50.
Turn signals
The turn signals will flash twice when the vehicle is unlocked and
once when the vehicle is locked. If the turn signals do not flash, one
of the doors, the bonnet or the boot lid is still open.
Accidental lock-out
The central locking system prevents you from being locked out of
the vehicle in the following situations:
•
When the driver's door is open, it cannot be locked together with
the other doors by pressing the central locking switch and then
closing the door ⇒page 49.
•
On vehicles with advanced key*, the boot lid will be released
again automatically if the remote control key that was last in use is
left inside the boot when the boot lid is closed ⇒page 51.
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Doors and windows47
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Locking and unlocking the vehicle with the remote control key– Press the
 button to unlock the vehicle ⇒fig. 38.
– Press the  button to lock the vehicle ⇒.
– Press the 
button briefly to unlock the boot lid.
– Press the

button for at least one second to open the
boot lid.
The vehicle will be locked again automatically if you do not open
one of the doors, the boot lid or the bonnet within 60 seconds after
unlocking the car. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining
unlocked if the unlocking button is pressed by mistake.
The system will either unlock all the doors or certain doors only,
depending on the settings you have chosen on the sound system or
MMI* ⇒page 50.
On vehicles with the advanced key* the selector lever must be in P,
otherwise it will not be possible to lock the vehicle.
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
Do not use the remote control key when the vehicle is out of sight.Applies to vehicles: with advanced keyLocking and unlocking the vehicle with the advanced key
The doors and the boot lid can be locked and unlocked
without handling the remote control key.Unlocking the vehicle
– Take hold of the door handle. The door will be unlocked
automatically.
– Pull the door handle to open the door.
Fig. 38 Remote control
key: Control buttons
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 39 Audi advanced
key: Unlocking one of
the doors
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Automatic gearbox 164moving the selector lever either in or out of position P. The lever can
only be moved out of position P when the ignition is on.
R - Reverse gear
When reverse gear is engaged the gearbox automatically selects the
lowest gear ratio.
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary
and the engine is idling ⇒.
To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock
button and at the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on
the model, one or two reversing lights will come on in selector lever
position R (when ignition is switched on).
N - Neutral
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically selects the best gear
ratio. This depends on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control program (DCP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
In some situations (such as on mountain roads or when towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to
tiptronic mode ⇒page 166, so that the gear ratios can be selected
manually to suit the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
Select this position if you wish to take full advantage of the car's
performance. This setting makes use of the engine's maximum
power output. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
WARNING
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving, as this
could cause an accident.
•
In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with
the foot brake when the engine is running. This is because an auto-
matic gearbox still transmits power even at idling speed, and the
vehicle tends to “creep”. The throttle must on no account be
opened inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine
compartment) when a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately (in some
cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an
accident.
•
To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the
selector lever in position P before opening the bonnet and working
on the vehicle with the engine running. Please observe the impor-
tant safety warnings ⇒page 255, “Working on components in the
engine compartment”.Note
You can select the sport program for gear changes on vehicles with
Audi drive select* by activating the DYNAMIC mode. There is no S
position on the selector lever.•
Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox:
•
If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, release the
accelerator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting
D or S again.
•
For the sake of fuel economy (and the environment), the gearbox
ratios on some models are designed so that maximum speed is only
obtained when the selector lever is at position S.
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