2008 AUDI A4 ignition

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 system21
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Driver information systemIntroductionGeneral notes
The driver information system in the instrument cluster
shows you the status of various on-board systems at a
glance.The display for the driver information system is in the centre of the
instrument cluster.
The system runs a check on certain components and functions
when the ignition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. It
gives an audible warning if a fault should occur or if servicing is
required, and a red or yellow warning symbol (in some cases with a
corresponding driver message) appears in the dashboard display.
The system will also display information for the radio and CD player
and (if fitted) the route guidance directions from the navigation
system*. For further information on these systems, please refer to
the sound system or MMI* Operating Manual.
On some models the display of information shown in the instru-
ment cluster differs from the illustrations used here.
The driver information system includes the following functions:
Note
If a fault should occur, the display will show a red or yellow warning
symbol. A red warning symbol indicates a serious malfunction
⇒page 31. A yellow warning symbol indicates a less serious
malfunction, or other item requiring attention ⇒page 35.
Fig. 8 Dashboard:
Display in instrument
cluster (automatic
gearbox)
CD and radio display
⇒page 22
Outside temperature
⇒page 22
Gear-change indicator
⇒page 22
Digital speedometer*
⇒page 23
Door catches/boot lid warning
⇒page 24
Service interval display
⇒page 24
Auto-check control*
⇒page 30
Driver messages
⇒page 30
Speed warning
⇒page 28
On-board computer*
⇒page 25
Selector lever positions for automatic gearbox*
⇒page 163
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Driver information system 24Door catches / boot lid warning
The pictogram shows whether the doors and the boot lid,
etc. are properly closed when driving off.The door catches/boot lid warning symbol lights up if one or more
of the doors, or the bonnet or boot lid are not properly closed when
the ignition is on. The symbol also indicates which of these is not
properly closed ⇒fig. 14.
The warning symbol disappears when all the doors, the bonnet and
the boot lid are completely closed, and the driver information func-
tions selected will then be displayed again.
Service interval display
The service interval display detects when the next service
is due for your vehicle.You can see whether an oil change or service inspection is due in
the Car menu on the sound system or MMI display. There are two
display levels:•
Service reminder: When the next service date is approaching,
Service in----- km--- days ⇒fig. 15 will be shown in the instrument
cluster display each time you switch on the ignition. The number of
days and kilometres act independently of each other. Service due!
will appear in the display when the number of days reaches zero,
even if you have not yet driven the estimated number of kilometres
remaining. Similarly, Service due! will appear in the display when
Fig. 14 Display: Door
catches/boot lid
warning
Fig. 15 Instrument
cluster display: Service
interval displayFig. 16 Display:
Service interval displa
y
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Driver information system25
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data the number of kilometres reaches zero, even if the estimated period
has not yet expired. The remaining distance and time are updated
and displayed briefly each time you switch on the ignition.
•
Service due: When a service is due, Service due! will appear in
the display as soon as you switch on the ignition. The display reverts
back to the standard display after a short time. In addition, a tone
will sound.
Displaying distance and time to next service
In the Car menu, you can look up the distance and time remaining
until the next oil change and next service inspection. To do this,
select function selector button > Service interval display
⇒page 24, fig. 16.
The display may not be complete on new vehicles within the first
500 km.
Resetting the service interval display
Your Audi dealer resets the display after each service. You can only
reset the oil change display yourself. To do this, select function
selector button > Service interval display > Reset oil change
interval. The next oil change will be indicated as being due
15,000 km or one year (fixed service interval) after the oil change
interval is reset.Caution
The system cannot calculate the figures for the service indicator if
the battery is disconnected from the vehicle, so no service reminder
can be displayed during this time. Please remember that keeping to
the correct service intervals is most important for the service life
and residual value of the vehicle (and especially for the life of the
engine). The period between two services must never be longer
than the time specified in the Service Schedule, even if you only
cover a low mileage during this time.
Note
•
Do not reset the display between oil changes - otherwise the
display will be incorrect.
•
The information in the service interval display remains intact if
the battery is disconnected.
•
The distance to the next service cannot be called up if the system
has detected a Priority 1 fault (red symbol).
•
If the service was not performed by a qualified workshop, the oil
change interval display can only be set to “fixed service intervals” of
15,000 km. If you wish to continue with the “LongLife” service, you
will need to have the oil change interval display reset by a qualified
workshop.
On-board computerApplies to vehicles: with on-board computerIntroduction
The on-board computer provides you with useful informa-
tion during a journey, including average and current fuel
consumption, average speed, fuel range and driving time.
CAR
CAR
Fig. 17 On-board
computer: Fuel range
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Driver information system27
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Press RESET button ⇒fig. 20 to switch back and forward
between the functions of on-board computers 1 and 2.
The number in the display ⇒page 26, fig. 19 indicates which of the
two memories is currently in use. The figure 1 means that the
display is showing the information in the single journey memory
(on-board computer 1). The figure 2 means that the display is
showing the information in the total journey memory (on-board
computer 2).
Single journey memory (on-board computer 1)
The single journey memory processes the information on a journey
from the time the ignition is switched on until it is switched off. If
the journey is resumed within two hours after the ignition is
switched off, the new figures are automatically included in the
calculation. The memory is automatically deleted when you resume
driving, if the journey is interrupted for more than two hours.
Total journey memory (on-board computer 2)
Unlike the single journey memory, the total journey memory is not
erased automatically. In this way, you can determine the period for
which you wish the on-board computer to supply figures.
Applies to vehicles: with on-board computerControls
The on-board computer is controlled by means of two
switches on the windscreen wiper lever.– Press the top or bottom of the function selector switch
⇒fig. 20. This displays the on-board computer read-
outs one after the other.The on-board computer can only be operated while the ignition is
switched on. When the ignition is switched on, the display shows
the function that was last selected.
As well as the figures from the on-board computer (computer 1 or
2), the display can also show information from other systems. Press
the Reset button briefly to switch back and forward between
these displays.
Resetting figures to zero
To cancel one of the computer readings individually, select the
required function and press the RESET button for at least one
second. The following values can be reset to zero individually using
the Reset button:•
Average fuel consumption
•
Average speed
AB
Fig. 20 Windscreen
wiper lever: On-board
computer controls
AA
AB
AB
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Driver information system 28•
Driving time
•
Distance covered
You can also cancel all the values in the single journey memory or
the total journey memory at the same time ⇒page 28.Note
The information in the memory is cancelled if the battery is
disconnected.Applies to vehicles: with on-board computerBasic settings for the on-board computer
The basic settings for the on-board computer can be
adjusted via the sound system or MMI*.– Select: Function selector button > Instrument
cluster > On-board computer 1 or On-board computer 2.You can zero all the values in the single journey memory or the total
journey memory at the same time by selecting the Reset menu item.
You can also define which items of information you wish to have
displayed by the on-board computer. If one of these items is
switched off, it will not appear in the display. However, the corre-
sponding figures will still be registered by the on-board computer and can be switched back on at any time so that they again appear
in the display.
Speed warning functionApplies to vehicles: with speed warning functionIntroduction
The speed warning function can help you keep below a
pre-set maximum speed.The speed warning function will warn you if the vehicle exceeds the
pre-set maximum speed. The system gives an audible warning
signal if the set speed is exceeded by about 3 km/h. A warning
symbol will also appear in the display . On some models the symbol
may look slightly different.
The speed warning function has two different warning speeds,
which operate independently and serve slightly different purposes:
Speed limit warning 1

With speed limit warning 1, the maximum speed can be changed
while driving. The speed limit that has been set remains stored until
the ignition is switched off, or until it is changed or cleared.
The speed limit warning symbol
 for speed limit warning 1 will
appear in the display if you exceed the pre-set speed. It goes out
again if the speed is reduced below the set speed limit.
The symbol also goes out if the speed is increased to more than
about 40 km/h above the set speed for at least 10 seconds. This
cancels the speed limit that was originally set.
Setting speed limit warning 1 ⇒page 29.
Speed limit warning 2

You are recommended to store this speed limit warning if you
always wish to be reminded of a particular speed limit. This could
be when driving in countries with general speed limits, or if you
Fig. 21 MMI display:
On-board computer
CAR
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Driver information system 30•
Speed warning - to set the speed above which a warning signal
will sound.
Speed limit warning 2 can be adjusted in increments of 10 km/h
between 30 and 240 km/h.
Auto-check controlIntroductionThe auto-check control checks important components and vehicle
systems. These background checks are run constantly, as long as
the ignition is switched on.
A message is displayed in the instrument cluster if a fault should
occur or if any maintenance or repairs are urgently required. This is
accompanied by an audible warning signal. Depending on the
priority of the fault, a red or yellow warning symbol lights up in the
display.
The red symbols indicate a serious malfunction, whereas the yellow
ones represent other malfunctions or items requiring attention.
Additional messages to assist the driver may be shown with the red
or yellow symbols.
Automatic gearbox* function test
The auto-check control automatically checks the vehicle systems
when the ignition is switched on. If the selector lever is in position
P or N, the following instruction will appear:
When stationary apply footbrake while selecting gear
When a gear (R, D etc.) is selected, this message disappears and the
auto-check control function is displayed.
The driver message will disappear 30 seconds after switching on
the ignition or earlier, if there are other driver messages or malfunc-
tions.If one or more faults are detected, the driver information message
(as above) will disappear about 15 seconds after the engine has
been started and the appropriate fault symbol(s) will appear in the
display. The warning display will be accompanied by the corre-
sponding warning chime.
Applies to vehicles: with speed warning functionDriver messages
Additional messages to assist the driver are displayed
together with the warning symbols in the instrument
cluster.For example, the following driver message will appear if the selector
lever for the automatic gearbox* is not in position P when you
switch off the engine:
Shift to P, otherwise vehicle can roll away. Doors do not lock if
lever is not in P.
The ignition key can only be withdrawn when the selector lever is in
this position. Similar messages will be displayed if other functions
of this kind cannot be carried out.
Driver messages and red symbols
If a red warning symbol appears in the display, it will automatically
be accompanied by the corresponding driver message.
Fig. 24 Instrument
cluster: SET button
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