2008 AUDI A4 main

Audi side assist157
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Audi side assist: system fault
The system should be checked by an Audi dealership or other qual-
ified workshop.
Audi side assist not available when towing
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket the side assist func-
tion will be switched off automatically when the electrical connector
for the trailer is plugged in, and this message will appear in the
instrument cluster display. The side assist function may not be
switched off automatically if the towing bracket is not of the factory-
fitted type.
Applies to vehicles: with side assistSafety notesThe function of the side assist can be restricted when driving in
tight bends or over crests and in bad weather conditions.
It is possible that the radar sensors may register objects such as
high or offset roadside barriers as well as other vehicles.
The side assist system is programmed for lanes of a fixed width, and
is not able to measure differing lane widths. It monitors a zone
equivalent to one normal lane width on either side. If the lanes are
narrower than this, or if vehicles are not travelling in the centre of
the lanes, the system may give a warning for vehicles which it
judges to be critical, even though they are not in fact travelling in an
adjacent lane.
WARNING
•
Please note that the sensors are not always able to detect all
vehicles which may represent a potential hazard (accident risk).
•
Please note that the side assist is not able to give adequate
warning of vehicles approaching very fast from behind, or vehicles
that you are overtaking rapidly.
•
The radar sensor's "field of vision" can be impaired by rain,
snow or a lot of water on the road. This results in vehicles not
being reliably recognised or, in some circumstances, not being
detected at all by the side assist. Always give your full attention to
the position of your vehicle on the road and other nearby traffic.
•
The side assist only gives a warning of approaching vehicles
and vehicles in the blind spots when road speed is above 60 km/h.
•
Please note that the side assist does not operate in tight bends
(with a radius of less than 200 metres).
•
The side assist feature is not a substitute for the full concentra-
tion of the driver. The driver is always responsible for the safety of
lane changes and other manoeuvres. Always give your full atten-
tion to the position of your vehicle on the road and other nearby
traffic.Caution
To avoid impairing the function of the side assist, do not attach any
objects (e.g. stickers or bicycle carriers) in such a way that they
might interfere with the radar sensors in the rear bumper.
Note
For reasons of safety, the side assist system must be checked by a
qualified workshop if the positions of the radar sensors have been
affected by a rear-end collision, etc.Applies to vehicles: with side assistConformity certificationThe side assist employs radar sensors operating in one of two
frequency bands at 24 GHz. Please note that in some countries only
one of these two frequency bands is permitted. Accordingly, the
frequency band permitted in the country where the vehicle is being
WARNING (continued)
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 157 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Audi drive select159
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Audi drive selectAdjusting the vehicle set-upApplies to vehicles: with Audi drive selectIntroductionAudi drive select allows you to use different set-ups on your vehicle.
Using the three modes COMFORT, AUTO and DYNAMIC, you can
change the set-up at the press of a button for a more comfort-
oriented or dynamic drive.
On vehicles with MMI*, you also have the INDIVIDUAL* mode, which
allows you to adapt the vehicle set-up individually to your personal
driving style. For example, you might choose to combine a more
dynamic engine set-up with a lighter steering response.Applies to vehicles: with Audi drive selectDescriptionThe possible vehicle set-up in each mode depends on which equip-
ment is installed on your vehicle. The engine and the servotronic
power steering are basic parts of your vehicle which are always
included in the set-up. In addition, you can change the characteris-
tics of the automatic gearbox*, dynamic steering* and suspension
control*.
The response of the engine and automatic gearbox* to accelerator
pedal movements will be more spontaneous or balanced,
depending on which mode you select.
The servotronic power steering ⇒page 225 will also respond to
different drive set-ups.
The dynamic steering* alters the steering ratio depending on the
road speed to optimise the amount of steering effort required by the
driver at any given time. This enables the sensitivity of the steering to be reduced at higher speeds in order to improve the handling of
the vehicle. The steering is more direct at lower speeds to minimise
the amount of steering effort required by the driver, e.g. when
manoevring in tight spaces. The dynamic steering* also provides a
more agile steering response at low and medium speeds. You can
adjust the basic characteristics of the steering in the Audi drive
select menu.
The suspension control* uses sensors to collect information on
steering movements, braking and acceleration input by the driver,
road surface quality, road speed and vehicle loading. Using this
information, the suspension can be adapted almost instantane-
ously to changing driving conditions. With Audi drive select, the
driver can choose between dynamic and comfort-oriented suspen-
sion set-ups (DYNAMIC and COMFORT modes), or opt for a more
balanced set-up (AUTO mode).
The following table provides an overview of the characteristics in
each driving mode.
If your vehicle is equipped with dynamic steering*, the servotronic
power steering settings are adjusted in the Dynamic steering*
menu.
Systems
COMFORT
AUTO
DYNAMIC
Engine or
engine/gearbox*
Balanced
Balanced
Dynamic
Steering
Comfortable
Balanced
Dynamic
Dynamic steering*
Comfortable
(indirect)
Balanced
(direct)
Dynamic
(direct)
Suspension control*
Comfortable
Balanced
Dynamic
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 159 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Audi drive select161
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
Always keep an eye on the traffic when using the Audi drive select
controls - Risk of accident!
Note
If you remove the ignition key, the AUTO mode will be selected auto-
matically the next time you switch on the ignition.Applies to vehicles: with MMI and Audi drive selectSettings for INDIVIDUAL driving mode
You can configure your own personal vehicle set-up on
the MMI*.– Select: Function selector button > Audi drive select
individual.To drive with the new vehicle set-up, remember to press the INDI-
VIDUAL* button ⇒page 160.
The system settings available on the MMI* depend on which equip-
ment is installed on your vehicle.
Note
Your settings in INDIVIDUAL* mode are stored automatically and
assigned to the remote control key currently in use.
Fig. 176 MMI display:
Changing the set-up
individually
CAR
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 161 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Automatic gearbox163
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– To prevent the vehicle from rolling away, apply the
parking brake before moving off on steep gradients
⇒.
– As soon as you accelerate as normal, the parking brake
will automatically be released and the vehicle will start
moving.
Pa rking the c ar
– Press and hold the brake pedal ⇒.
– Apply the parking brake.
– Press and hold the interlock button, move the selector
lever to P and release the interlock button.The engine c an only be started when the selector lever is at P or N.
On level ground it is sufficient to move the selector lever to P. On a
gradient the parking brake should be applied first and the selector
lever should be moved to P. This reduces the load on the locking
mechanism and makes it easier to move the selector lever out of
position P.
Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: Your vehicle is equipped with
the hill hold assist function which makes it easier to drive away on
a slope. The system is activated when you press and hold the brake
pedal for a few seconds. When you release the brake pedal the
braking force will be maintained for a moment in order to prevent
the vehicle rolling back when you drive away.
WARNING
•
Do not press the accelerator while selecting a gear with the
vehicle stationary and the engine running, as this could cause an
accident.
•
Please note that some power will still be transmitted when you
stop temporarily with the selector lever in position D, S or R. For this reason, to avoid risking an accident, apply the footbrake firmly
when stopping to prevent the vehicle rolling away.
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving, as this
could cause an accident.
•
Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: Please note that some
power will still be transmitted when you stop temporarily with the
selector lever in position D, S or R. For this reason, to avoid risking
an accident, apply the footbrake firmly when stopping to prevent
the vehicle rolling away.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicSelector lever positions
This section covers all the selector lever positions.The current selector lever position is shown in the instrument
cluster display.
P - Parking lock
This locks the driving wheels mechanically. The parking lock must
only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary ⇒.
The interlock button (the button in the selector lever handle) must
be pressed in and the brake pedal must be depressed before
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 178 Display:
Selector lever posi-
tions
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 163 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Automatic gearbox165
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicSelector lever lock
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being
engaged inadvertently, so that the vehicle is not set in
motion unintentionally.The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch on the ignition.
– Press the brake pedal and at the same time press in the
interlock button.Automatic selector lever lock
The selector lever is locked in the P and N positions when the igni-
tion is on. The brake pedal must be depressed before the lever can
be moved out of either of these positions. The following message
appears in the instrument display as a reminder for the driver when
the selector lever is in position P or N:
WHEN STATIONARY APPLY FOOTBRAKE WHILE SELECTING GEAR.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or
driving at speeds up to 5 km/h. At higher speeds the selector lever
lock in the N position is disengaged automatically.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved
quickly through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and
forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock
engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and the
lever is in position N for more than about a second.
Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever handle prevents the driver
from inadvertently engaging particular gears. Press the button in to
disengage the selector lever lock. The illustration shows the selector
lever positions in which the button has to be pressed, highlighted in
colour ⇒fig. 179.
Safety interlock for ignition key
The key can only be withdrawn with the ignition switched off and
the selector lever in position P. When the ignition key is removed,
the selector lever is locked in position P.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicKick-down feature
The kick-down feature is designed to give maximum
acceleration.Applies to vehicles with multitronic
® gearbox
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear ratio,
depending on road speed and engine speed. While you keep the
accelerator depressed the engine speed is automatically controlled
to give your vehicle maximum acceleration.
Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower
gear, depending on road speed and engine speed. The upshift to the
next higher gear is delayed until the engine reaches maximum rpm.
Fig. 179 Selector lever
lock functions
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 165 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Automatic gearbox167
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Shifting up a gear
– Briefly push the selector lever forwards (in the tiptronic
gate) ⇒page 166, fig. 180 .
Shifting down a gear
– Briefly pull the selector lever backwards (in the tiptronic
gate) .With the tiptronic system the driver can manually choose between
7 different pre-programmed gears. The manual programme can be
selected either with the vehicle stationary or on the move.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next
gear shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a gear which is lower than the gear shown in the instru-
ment display ⇒page 166, fig. 181, the gearbox will only shift down
when there is no longer a risk of overrevving the engine.
When the vehicle slows down (for instance when braking), the
gearbox automatically shifts down into the next gear when the
minimum engine speed is reached.
Changing down to a lower gear increases the engine braking effect
on downhill gradients.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear,
depending on road speed and engine speed.Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicBack-up programme
A back-up system is in place should a fault occur in the
control system.The automatic gearbox switches to the back-up programme if a fault
should occur in the control system. This is indicated by all segments of the display panel either lighting up together or going out
completely.
It is still possible to move the selector lever to all positions. The
manual shift programme (tiptronic) is not available when the back-
up programme is active.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: When the selector lever is in posi-
tion D or S or in the manual shift programme, the gearbox will
remain in 3rd gear if 1st, 2nd or 3rd gears were engaged when the
fault occurred. The gearbox will remain in 5th gear if 4th, 5th or 6th
gears were engaged. The gearbox will then engage 3rd gear when
you drive away from a standstill or after the engine is restarted.
It will still be possible to use reverse gear in the normal way.
However, the electronic lock for reverse gear will be switched off.
Caution
Should the gearbox ever switch into the back-up programme, you
should take the vehicle to an Audi dealer or qualified workshop as
soon as possible.Applies to vehicles: Paddle leversSteering wheel with paddle levers
The paddle levers on the steering wheel enable the driver
to manually select pre-programmed ratios or gears.
A+
A…
Fig. 182 Steering
wheel: tiptronic
switches
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 167 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Parking aid169
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Parking aidApplies to vehicles: with Audi parking system/plus/advancedGeneral notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeu-
vring in tight spaces, depending on the equipment fitted on your
vehicle.
The Audi parking system gives an acoustic warning if there are any
obstacles behind the car ⇒page 169.
When you are parking, the Audi parking system plus warns you
acoustically and optically about obstacles in front of and behind the
vehicle ⇒page 170.
In conjunction with a reversing camera, the Audi parking system
advanced shows a picture of the area behind the vehicle. This
picture helps you to manoevre the vehicle backwards and sideways.
In addition, you are assisted by the acoustic signals and graphic
display of the parking aid ⇒page 171.
Note
To ensure that the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors
must be kept clean and free of snow and ice.Audi parking systemApplies to vehicles: with Audi parking systemDescription
The Audi parking system is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an
obstacle, you are alerted by acoustic signals (beeps). The measuring
range of the sensors starts at about:The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you
approach the obstacle. A warning tone will sound continuously
when the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle.
Stop reversing immediately!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer
than 0.30 m).
The parking aid is switched on automatically when reverse gear is
engaged. You will hear a brief acknowledgement tone.
WARNING
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking
and other manoeuvres.
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not regis-
tered. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no small
children or animals near the vehicle, as the sensors may not
always be able to detect them.
•
Always keep a close watch on the area around the vehicle and
make full use of the rear-view mirrors.Caution
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no
longer be registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the
system will not give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles
(such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 169 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Parking aid 170etc.) may not always be detected by the system, so take care not to
damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 177.
•
You can adjust the volume and pitch of the beeps ⇒page 177.
Audi parking system plusApplies to vehicles: with Audi parking system plusDescription
The Audi parking system plus is a parking aid with
acoustic signals and graphic display.Sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers. When the
sensors detect an obstacle, you are alerted by acoustic signals
(beeps) and a graphic display. The measuring range of the sensors
starts at about:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you
approach the obstacle. A warning tone will sound continuously
when the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle.
Stop moving immediately!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer
than 0.30 m).
Applies to vehicles: with Audi parking system plusSwitching on/offSwitching on
– Switch on the sound system or MMI*.
– Engage reverse gear, or
– Press the switch

in the centre console ⇒fig. 185 or
next to the selector gate. You will hear a brief acknowl-
edgement tone and the diode in the switch will light up.
Switching off
– Drive forwards faster than 10 km/h, or
Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
Fig. 185 Centre
console: Parking aid
switchFig. 186 Display:
Graphical distance
display
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 170 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09