2008 AUDI A4 Gearbox

Doors and windows49
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Locking
– Move the selector lever to position P (automatic
gearbox).
–Turn the key once to position ⇒ to lock the vehicle.
– If you turn the key to position a second time within
2seconds, this will lock the vehicle without activating
the deadlock mechanism.In order to switch off the anti-theft alarm*, you must switch on the
ignition within 15 seconds after opening the driver's door. Other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
If the central locking system should fail to work at any time, the
passenger's door can be locked manually ⇒page 51.
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
•
The central locking switch and the release button for the boot lid

will function after the ignition is switched on.
•
If the vehicle is locked with the key when the central locking
system is operational, it is only possible to unlock all the doors and
the boot lid centrally with the key within the next 45 seconds. After
this period, the key will only unlock the driver's door.
Central locking switch– Press the
 button to unlock the vehicle ⇒fig. 41.
– Press the  button to lock the vehicle ⇒.
Please note the following when you use the central locking switch
to lock your vehicle:•
The doors and the boot lid cannot be opened from the outside
(for safety reasons, when stopped at traffic lights, etc.).
•
The LED in the central locking switch lights up when both of the
doors and the boot lid are closed and locked.
•
You can open the doors individually from the inside by pulling
the inside door handle.
•
In the event of an accident in which the airbags inflate, doors
locked from the inside will be automatically unlocked to facilitate
access and assistance.
WARNING
•
The central locking switch is still operative when the ignition is
switched off and will automatically lock the entire vehicle when
pressed.
•
The central locking switch inside the vehicle is not operative if
you lock the vehicle from the outside.
ABAB
Fig. 41 Driver's door:
Central locking switch
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 49 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Driving 116DrivingSteeringApplies to vehicles: with manually adjustable steering columnAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be
adjusted as required to suit the driver.– Pull the lever ⇒fig. 129 -arrow- ⇒ up.
– Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Then push the lever towards the steering column until
the catch engages.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the
vehicle is moving - this could cause an accident.
•
For safety reasons, the lever must be pushed securely against
the steering column to prevent the steering wheel from acciden-
tally changing position while driving (accident risk).
Ignition lockStarting the engine with the key
You can use the ignition key to switch on the ignition and
start the engine.– Insert the key into the ignition lock.
–Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down
and move the gear lever into neutral.
–Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal and move the
selector lever to position P or N.
–Press in the key ⇒fig. 130 to start the engine.
– Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual
to star t on cold days. Please keep your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal until the engine starts. The glow plug indi-
cator lamp

lights up in the instrument cluster while
the glow plugs are preheating.
Fig. 129 Lever beneath
steering column
Fig. 130 Ignition key
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 116 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Driving117
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data If you press in the key without pressing the clutch or brake pedal,
the ignition will be switched on or off. The steering lock is released
when the ignition is switched on. Diesel engines continue to be
automatically preheated.
The key can be removed only when the ignition is off. The key has to
be pressed in briefly to switch off the ignition. On vehicles with an
automatic gearbox, the selector lever has to be in position P.
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched
off temporarily while you start the engine.
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 immediately, the starter will be switched
off automatically after a few seconds. Try to start the engine again.
Driver message in the instrument cluster display
Press brake pedal to start engine
This message appears on vehicles with an automatic gearbox if you
try to start the engine without first pressing the brake pedal.
Press clutch pedal to start engine
This message appears on vehicles with a manual gearbox if you try
to start the engine without first pressing the clutch pedal.
Engage N or P to start engine
This message will appear if you try to start the engine when the
selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not in P or N.
Shift to P, otherwise vehicle can roll away. Doors do not lock if lever
is not in P. or Please move selector lever to position P. Vehicle
cannot be locked.
For safety reasons, this message will appear and a warning buzzer
will sound if the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not in
position P after you switch off the ignition. Put the selector lever in
position P; otherwise the vehicle can roll away. If the lever is not in position P you will not be able to lock the vehicle using the exterior
locking switch on the door handle or the remote control key.
Steering lock
The steering is locked when the key is not in the ignition. The
steering lock acts as a theft deterrent.
WARNING
•
Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
Otherwise the engine can be started or power-operated equip-
ment such as the electric windows can be used. This could result
in serious injury.
•
Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. The
doors could be locked with the remote control key and the occu-
pants could become trapped in the vehicle. The vehicle occupants
could be exposed to extremely high or low temperatures,
depending on the time of year.
•
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is
moving. The steering lock could engage suddenly, and you would
not be able to steer the car.Caution
•
If a malfunction occurs in the electronic ignition lock, a flashing
symbol and the message Ignition lock defective will appear in the
instrument cluster display.
•
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load condi-
tions until the engine has reached its normal operating tempera-
ture, otherwise this can damage the engine.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You
should drive off immediately whenever possible. This will help avoid
unnecessary exhaust emissions.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 117 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Driving 118
Note•
If the key should become stuck in the ignition lock, remove the
top part of the key and use it to lock the vehicle.
•
If you open the driver's door while the ignition is switched on, a
warning buzzer will sound, and the message Ignition is on will
appear in the display. In this case, please switch off the ignition.
Switching off the engine– Stop the vehicle.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to position P
or N.
–Press in the ignition key to switch off the engine.Emergency Off function
If necessary in an emergency, the engine can be switched off while
the vehicle is still moving. The engine will be switched off if you
press and hold the ignition key.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason, you should leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes before
switching it off.
Note
After the engine is stopped the radiator fan may run on for up to
10 minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The fan may also
start running again after some time if the coolant temperature rises
due to a build-up of heat, or if the engine is hot and the engine
compartment is heated up further by direct sunlight.Starting and stopping the engine
with the advanced keyApplies to vehicles: with advanced keyStarting the engine with the Start/Stop button
You can use the Start/Stop button to switch on the igni-
tion and start the engine.–Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down
and move the gear lever into neutral.
Fig. 131 Audi
advanced key: START
ENGINE STOP button
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 118 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Driving119
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
–Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal and move the
selector lever to position P or N ⇒.
–Press the Start/Stop button ⇒page 118, fig. 131 to start
the engine.
– Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual
to star t on cold days. Please keep your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal until the engine starts. The glow plug indi-
cator lamp

lights up in the instrument cluster while
the glow plugs are preheating.
If you press the Start/Stop button without pressing the clutch or
brake pedal, the ignition will be switched on (and will be switched
off if you press the button again). Diesel engines are preheated
when the ignition is switched on.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after
about 10 seconds and try again after about half a minute.
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.
Driver message in the instrument cluster display
No key identified
This message appears when you press the Start/Stop button if there
is no remote control key inside the vehicle or if the system cannot
detect or identify the key. This can happen, for example, if the radio
signal from the key is obstructed by a metal briefcase or similar.
Electronic equipment, such as mobile phones, can also interfere
with the radio signal from the key.
Press brake pedal to start engine
This message appears on automatic vehicles if you press the
Start/Stop button to start the engine without first pressing the
brake pedal. The engine will only start if you press the brake pedal.Press clutch pedal to start engine
This message appears on manual vehicles if you press the
Start/Stop button to start the engine without first pressing the
clutch pedal. The engine will only star t if you press the clutch pedal.
Engage N or P to start engine
This message will appear if you try to start the engine when the
selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not in P or N. The engine
can only be started if the selector lever is in one of these positions.
Key not in vehicle
This message will appear together with the symbol
 if the remote
control key is removed from the vehicle while the engine is running.
This is to remind you not to continue driving without the key (for
example if you change drivers).
If the remote control key is not in the vehicle you will not be able to
switch on the ignition or restart the engine after it has been
switched off. Without the key, you will also not be able to lock the
vehicle from the outside.
Shift to P, otherwise vehicle can roll away. Doors do not lock if lever
is not in P. or Please move selector lever to position P. Vehicle
cannot be locked.
For safety reasons, this message will appear and a warning buzzer
will sound if the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not in
position P when you switch off the ignition with the Start/Stop
button. Put the selector lever in position P; otherwise the vehicle
can roll away. If the lever is not in position P you will not be able to
lock the vehicle using the exterior locking switch on the door handle
or the remote control key.
Advanced key defective! Use ignition lock
This message appears if the vehicle has to be started with the igni-
tion key instead of the Start/Stop button.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 119 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Driving 120Steering lock
The steering is locked if the key is not in the ignition and the driver
door has been opened. The steering lock acts as a theft deterrent.
WARNING
Never run the engine in confined spaces. The exhaust gases are
toxic.•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
•
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load condi-
tions until the engine has reached its normal operating tempera-
ture, otherwise this can damage the engine.
•
The engine cannot be started by push-starting or towing.
•
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason,
you should leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes before
switching it off.Note
If you open the driver's door while the ignition is switched on, a
warning buzzer will sound, and the message Ignition is on will
appear in the display. In this case, please switch off the ignition.
Switching off the engine with the Start/Stop button–Stop the vehicle.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to position P
or N.
–Press the Start/Stop button ⇒page 118, fig. 131.Emergency Off function
Should it be necessary in an emergency, the engine can be switched
off when the selector lever is in position R, D or S. To switch off the
engine (max. speed 10 km/h) press and hold the Start/Stop button
and keep your foot on the brake.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason,
you should leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes before
switching it off.
Note
After the engine is stopped the radiator fan may run on for up to
10 minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The fan may also
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 120 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Driving 122a fault in the parking brake. Have the fault repaired by a qualified
workshop without delay ⇒page 32.
Note
•
The parking brake can be applied at any time - even when the
ignition is switched off. However, the ignition must be switched on
before the parking brake can be released.
•
Any slight noise which may be heard when the parking brake is
applied or released is quite normal and no cause for concern.
•
The parking brake runs an automatic test cycle at regular inter-
vals when the vehicle is parked. This may also cause a slight noise,
which is normal.
Parking
Please note the following points to ensure there is no risk
of the car rolling away accidentally after it is parked.Parking t he c ar
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Pull the switch to apply the parking brake.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to P.
– Switch off the engine ⇒.
– Manual gearbox: Engage the first gear.
When parking on slopes
– Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll into
the kerb if it did start to move accidentally.
WARNING
•
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, release the parking brake or use power-
operated equipment such as the electric windows - this could lead
to injuries.
•
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the vehicle when it
is locked. Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency,
potentially putting lives at risk.
Driving away from a standstill
The parking brake auto release function releases the
parking brake automatically when you wish to start
moving.Applying the parking brake when stopping
– Pull the switch to apply the parking brake.
Releasing the parking brake when driving away
– Drive off in the normal way: the parking brake will be
released automatically and the vehicle will start moving.On vehicles with automatic gearbox, you can apply the parking
brake when stopping at traffic lights, etc. Then you do not have to
hold the car with the footbrake, as the parking brake will stop it
creeping forward while a gear is engaged in the automatic transmis-
sion. When you drive off in the normal way, the parking brake will be
released automatically and the vehicle will start moving.
Driving away on a slope
When driving away on a gradient, the parking brake auto release
function prevents the vehicle from rolling back unintentionally. The
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 122 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Driving 126
– Pull the lever to position ⇒page 125, fig. 134 to
switch on the system.
– Drive at the speed you wish to set the system to.
– Press the button marked to store the speed.The display will indicate the stored speed, and the green symbol

will appear ⇒fig. 135. The display can vary according to the display
status. In addition, the indicator lamp
 in the instrument cluster
will light up.
A constant speed is maintained by adjusting the engine power or
braking the vehicle accordingly.
WARNING
•
Always direct your full attention to the road, even when you are
using the cruise control system. It is always the driver who is
responsible for determining the speed and for keeping a safe
distance to the other vehicles on the road.
•
For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used
in city traffic, stop-and-go traffic, roads with a lot of bends or in
difficult driving conditions (such as ice, fog, loose grit or gravel,
heavy rain, aquaplaning) - this could cause an accident!
•
When you take a turn-off, drive along a motorway exit lane or
pass through roadwork sections, please temporarily switch off the
cruise control system.
•
Please make sure you do not unintentionally rest your foot on
the accelerator - this will override the cruise control system which,
as a result, will not brake the vehicle.Note
•
Vehicles with manual gearbox: The set speed cannot be reached
if the currently selected gear is too high or too low. Change down to
a lower gear if the engine is no longer running smoothly or change
up a gear to avoid overrevving the engine.
•
The brake lights come on when the system brakes the vehicle.
Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemAdjusting the speed– Push the lever up towards or down towards
⇒page 125, fig. 134 in order to increase or reduce the
cruising speed setting.
– Release the lever to store the current cruising speed.You can alter the set speed in steps of 1 km/h by briefly pressing the
lever upwards or downwards. When you press and hold the lever,
the speed is changed in steps of 10 km/h.
You can still use the accelerator pedal to increase speed in the
normal way, for example to overtake another vehicle. Once you
release the accelerator, the system will revert to the speed you
stored initially.
However, if the vehicle exceeds the programmed speed by more
than 10 km/h for more than 5 minutes, the cruise control system will
Fig. 135 Display:
Selected speed
AA
A1
AB
WARNING (continued)
AA
A+
A-
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 126 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09