2008 AUDI A4 airbag off

Airbag system 206Important safety notes on the side airbag system
There are a number of safety points concerning the airbag
system which you should remember. This will help to
reduce the risk of injury in an accident.
WARNING
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward, or are not
seated correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at greater
risk of injury should the side airbags on the front seats or the outer
rear seats* be triggered in an accident. This applies particularly to
children if they are not properly protected by a child restraint
system ⇒page 212, “Important notes on side airbags and child
safety”.
•
If children are not seated correctly, they are at greater risk of
injury in an accident. This is particularly the case if the child is
travelling on the front passenger's seat and the airbag system is
triggered. This could result in serious or potentially fatal injury
⇒page 210, “Child safety”.
•
It is also important not to attach any accessories (such as cup
holders) to the doors. This would impair the protection offered by
the side airbags (front and rear*).
•
The sensors for the airbags are located in the front doors. You
must therefore not make any modifications to the doors or door
trim (e.g. retrofitting loudspeakers), as this could impair the func-
tion of the side airbags. Any damage to the front doors could lead
to faults in the system. Repairs or any other work on the front
doors must therefore always be carried out by a qualified work-
shop.
•
The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight
clothing. Do not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the
pockets.
•
Do not apply excessive force to the sides of the backrests (such
as hard knocks or kicks), as this could damage parts of the system.
The side airbags could then fail to operate when required.
•
If you intend to fit protective covers over the seats, these must
be of the specific type approved for use on Audi seats with side
airbags. Conventional seat covers would obstruct the side airbag
when it inflates out of the backrest, and seriously reduce the
airbag's effectiveness.
•
Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the
seams of the side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a
qualified workshop.
•
Any work involving the side airbag system or removal and
installation of the airbag components for other repairs (such as
repairs to the seats) must always be performed by a qualified
workshop. Otherwise the airbag system may fail to work
properly.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system207
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Head-protection airbags (sideguard)Description of head-protection airbags
The head-protection airbags work together with the side
airbag system to give extra protection in a side impact.The head-protection airbags are located above the doors on the left
and right sides of the vehicle ⇒page 207, fig. 220. The locations of
the airbags are marked with the word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the three-point seat belts and side airbags, the
head-protection airbags give the occupants additional protection
against head and neck injuries in a severe side collision ⇒ in
“Important safety notes on the head-protection airbags” on
page 208.
Together with other design features (including cross-braces in the
seats and the overall strength of the body structure), the sideguard
system offers an effective further improvement to occupant protec-
tion in side impacts.
How the head-protection airbags work
When fully inflated, the airbags reduce the risk of head or
chest injury in a side collision.In certain types of side collisions the head-protection airbag is trig-
gered together with the side airbag on the impact side of the vehicle
⇒fig. 221.
When the system is triggered, the airbag fills with a propellant gas
and covers the entire area in front of the side windows, including
the door pillars. In this way the system is able to protect both the
front and the rear occupants on the side of the vehicle where the
impact occurs. The head-protection airbag inflates to soften the
impact if an occupant strikes parts of the interior or objects outside
the vehicle with their head. By reducing the head impact and
restraining uncontrolled movement of the head, the airbag also
reduces the forces acting on the neck. In addition, since it covers the
front door pillar when fully inflated, the head-protection airbag also
gives extra protection if the car should collide with an obstacle at an
oblique angle.
The front airbags, side airbags and head-protection airbags may be
triggered together in certain types of accident.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the
airbags have to inflate extremely rapidly (within fractions of a
Fig. 220 Location of
head-protection
airbags above the
doors
Fig. 221 Head-protec-
tion airbags in inflated
condition
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Airbag system209
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
The key-operated switch for deactivating the front
passenger's airbag is located in the glove box ⇒fig. 222.
– To deactivate the front passenger's airbag, insert the
ignition key into the switch and turn it to position .
– The front passenger's airbag can be reactivated by
turning the key to position .Deactivating front passenger's airbag when a child
safety seat is in use
If you have no alternative but to install a rearward-facing child safety
seat on the front passenger's seat you must deactivate the front
passenger's airbag beforehand.
We recommend, however, that child seats should be only fitted on
the rear seat so that the front passenger's airbag can remain func-
tional and provide protection in an accident ⇒page 210.
Monitoring of airbag system
The airbag warning lamp will light up for a few seconds every time
the ignition is switched on.
If the front passenger's airbag has been deactivated via the key-
operated switch, the indicator lamp “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” will
light up constantly as a reminder ⇒page 209, fig. 223. Please refer
also to the description of the
 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 17.When the front passenger's airbag is deactivated using the key-
operated switch, the seat belt warning lamp for the front passenger
 ⇒page 18 is also switched off.
WARNING
•
If you have no alternative but to install a rearward-facing child
seat on the front passenger's seat, the front passenger's airbag
must be deactivated beforehand. Potentially fatal injuries to the
child can result if the front passenger's airbag is not deactivated!
⇒page 211, “Using a child safety seat on the front passenger's
seat”
•
If you have deactivated the front passenger's airbag, reactivate
it as soon as the child seat is no longer needed so that the airbag
can continue to give the required protection.
•
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated
switch is set to the correct position.Note
All the other airbags in the car will remain functional if the front
passenger's airbag has been deactivated with the key-operated
switch.
Fig. 223 Lamp indi-
cates that front
passenger's airbag has
been deactivated via
key-operated switch
AOFF
AON
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Child safety 212Applies to vehicles: with side airbagsImportant notes on side airbags and child safety
Children must never sit too close to the opening for the
side airbag.The side airbags offer increased protection in a side-on collision.
In order to be effective, the side airbags need to inflate very quickly
(within fractions of a second) ⇒page 205, “How the side airbags
work”.
The airbag inflates with such force that injury can be caused if the
occupant is not sitting upright, or if there are any objects close to
the opening for the side airbag.This applies particularly to children if they are travelling in a way
which does not comply with the statutory safety regulations.
Incorrect position – danger of injury from the side
airbag
If the side airbag were to inflate in an accident, it would strike the
child on the head and most likely cause serious injury ⇒fig. 224.
Correct position – properly restrained in a suitable
child safety seat
The child is correctly seated in a suitable child restraint system on
the rear seat ⇒fig. 225. There is enough space between the child
and the opening for the side airbag.
In an accident, the airbag would be able to inflate completely to
offer maximum protection.
WARNING
To help prevent serious injury, children travelling in the vehicle
must always be protected with a restraint system which is suited
to their age, height and weight.•
The child's head must always be well away from the opening
for the side airbag. There is a risk of suffering injury.
•
Do not leave or place any objects in the space next to the side
airbag. There is a risk of suffering injury.Note
If required, you can have the side airbags for the rear passengers
deactivated by a qualified workshop.
Fig. 224 Not properly
restrained, and too
close to the opening
for the side airbagFig. 225 Correctly
seated in a suitable
child safety seat
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Child safety213
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Child safety seatsChild seat categories
Only use child restraint systems that are officially
approved and suitable for the child.Child restraint systems are covered by the European standard
ECE R 44 (issued by the Economic Commission of Europe).
The child seats are divided into 5 categories:
Children who are taller than 1.5 metres can use the existing seat
belts without a booster cushion.
Child restraints that have been tested and approved under the ECE
R 44 standard bear the ECE-R 44 test mark on the seat (the letter E
in a circle with the test number below it).
Child safety seat: category 0 / 0+
A suitable child safety seat and a correctly worn seat belt
can protect your child.Babies up to about 9 months old / 10 kg and infants up to about
18 months old / 13 kg are best protected by child safety seats that
can be adjusted to a horizontal position ⇒fig. 226.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory
requirements when installing and using child restraints
⇒page 210, “Important safety notes for using child safety seats”.
WARNING
Never install a rearward-facing child safety seat on the front
passenger's seat if the front passenger's airbag has not been deac-
tivated ⇒page 211. This can result in serious or possibly fatal
injury.
Category
Weight
0
0 -10 kg
⇒page 213
0 +
up to 13 kg
⇒page 213
1
9 - 18 kg
⇒page 214
2
15 - 25 kg
⇒page 214
3
22 - 36 kg
⇒page 214
Fig. 226 Child safety
seat: Category 0 / 0+
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Checking and topping up fluids263
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Changing brake fluid
When required, the brake fluid should be changed by a
competent mechanic with the proper equipment.Brake fluid gradually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. If the
water content in the brake fluid is too high, this may cause corrosion
in the brake system over time. In addition, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect
the braking ability in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has
to be changed.
It is advisable to have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular
Inspection Service at your Audi workshop. They are familiar with the
procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as
well as the proper facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Qualified
workshops know that the brake fluid “DOT 4” is approved by Audi.
The brake fluid must be fresh and unused.
WARNING
•
Brake fluid is poisonous; store it in the sealed original container
in a safe place out of reach of children.
•
Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake
fluid is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect
the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the car – risk of acci-
dent.Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
For the sake of the environment
If the fluid has to be drained out of the brake system, use an appro-
priate container to catch the used brake fluid and dispose of it in the
proper manner.BatteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is virtually maintenance-free. It is checked as part of the
Inspection Service.
We recommend that you replace a battery once it is older than 5
years.
When an airbag is triggered, the battery will, under certain circum-
stances, be disconnected from the on-board power supply for
safety reasons ⇒ in “General notes on airbag system” on
page 201.
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will
become inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will
require resetting after the battery is reconnected. For this reason,
the battery should only be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical
system when absolutely necessary.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of several days or weeks,
the power management will gradually shut off the on-board
systems one by one, or reduce the amount of current they are using.
This limits the amount of power consumed and helps to ensure reli-
able starting even after a long period ⇒page 226.
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Accessories and modifications to the vehicle277
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Accessories and modifications to the vehicleAccessories and replacement partsAlways ask your dealer or specialist retailer for advice
before purchasing accessories and replacement parts.Your car is designed to offer a high standard of active and passive
safety. For this reason, we recommend that you ask an Audi dealer
for advice before fitting accessories or replacement parts. Audi
dealers have the latest information from the manufacturer and can
recommend accessories and replacement parts which are suitable
for your requirements. They can also answer any questions you
might have regarding official regulations.
We recommend you to use only Audi accessories and Audi Genuine
parts
®. Audi has tested these parts and accessories for suitability,
reliability and safety. Audi dealers have the necessary experience
and facilities to ensure that the parts are installed properly.
Although the market is constantly scrutinised, Audi cannot judge or
assume responsibility for the reliability, safety and suitability of
non-genuine products - even though in some instances, these parts
may have been approved by an officially recognised technical
testing authority or accompanied by an official approval certificate.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on the vehicle
and/or the way it is driven (e.g. cruise control system or electroni-
cally-controlled suspension) must be approved for use in your
vehicle and bear the e mark (the European Union's approval
symbol).
If any additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve
to control the vehicle itself (for instance a refrigerator box, laptop or
ventilator fan, etc.), these must bear the CE mark (manufacturer
conformity declaration in the European Union).
WARNING
Never attach accessories (such as cup holders or telephone
brackets) to the surfaces covering the airbag units or the areas
around the airbags: this could cause injury if the airbag is
triggered.ModificationsModifications must always be carried out according to
our specifications.Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or soft-
ware in the vehicle may cause malfunctioning. Due to the way the
electronic components are linked together in networks, other
systems may be affected by the faults. This can seriously impair
safety, lead to excessive wear of components, and also invalidate
the type approval for your vehicle.
You will appreciate that your Audi dealer cannot be held liable for
any damage caused by modifications and/or work performed incor-
rectly.
We recommend that all work should be performed by an Audi work-
shop using Audi Genuine parts
®.
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other work on your vehicle
can lead to malfunctions and cause accidents.
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Index 330AAbroad
Changing headlight dip settings . . . . . 59
ABS
SeeAnti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . 19
AC mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98, 107
Acceleration figures
SeePerformance, weights and
dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Acoustic parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . 292
adaptive cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driver intervention prompt . . . . 130, 138
Driver messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Driving program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
No vehicle in front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Overriding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Setting a new speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Setting distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Setting speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Setting time interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Status messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Switching off (with memory function) . . .
131, 132
Switching on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
System limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Vehicle in front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130Vehicles with manual gearbox . . . . . . 129
Volume of warning tone . . . . . . . . . . . 139
adaptive light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
advanced key
Locking and unlocking the vehicle . . . 47
START ENGINE STOP button . . . . . . . 118
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Switching on the ignition . . . . . . . . . . 118
Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93, 101
AC mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
See alsoDeluxe automatic air conditioner
93
Air recirculation mode
Deluxe automatic air conditioner . . . . 97
Deluxe automatic air conditioner plus . . .
105
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Head-protection airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Key-operated switch for front passenger's
airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Alarm system
SeeAnti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . 42
Alterations to the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Alternator
Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Anti-dazzle interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Anti-freeze additive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260Anti-knock properties of petrol . . . . . . . . 251
Anti-lock brake system
How the system works . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Interior monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Tow-away protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Armrest (front)
Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Ashtrays
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Audi braking guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Status messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Switching on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Audi drive select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Dynamic steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Suspension control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Audi hold assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Audi lane assist
Seelane assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Audi parking system advanced . . . . . . . . 171
Audi parking system plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Auto Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Auto-check control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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