2008 AUDI A4 lights

Instruments and warning/indicator lamps17
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Note
•
If the glow plug indicator lamp should start flashing while the
vehicle is moving, this indicates a fault in the engine management
system. The engine should be serviced without delay.
•
If the indicator lamp fails to light up when the ignition is
switched on, this can mean that the glow plug system is defective.
The engine should be serviced.
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program.The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It flashes when the ESP or traction control system (ASR) inter-
venes while the vehicle is in motion.
•
The warning lamp will light up continuously if the ESP or the
traction control system (ASR) has been switched off using the ESP
OFF button ⇒page 222.
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out
again after about 2 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working
properly.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the
ESP operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the battery has been disconnected, if the battery voltage is very
low, or if the engine has been started from an outside power source,
the ESP system will perform an initialisation of the various on-board
sensors while you drive the first few metres. The warning lamp will
light up during this period. It will go out when the initialisation has
been completed.
If the warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is
started, this may mean that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESP. In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then on again. If the warning lamp
goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
For further information on the ESP ⇒page 222.
Airbag system

This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt
tensioner system.The warning lamp
 should light up for a few seconds when the
ignition is switched on.
If the warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up, flashes or
flickers when the vehicle is moving, this indicates a malfunction in
the system. This is also the case if the warning lamp does not light
up when the ignition is switched on.
WARNING
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immedi-
ately by a qualified workshop. If this is neglected, there is a risk
that the airbag system and/or belt tensioners may not be acti-
vated in an accident.Tyre pressure monitoring

The tyre pressure should be corrected as soon as possible
if it is too low.If the
 symbol flashes for about a minute and then remains lit after
you switch on the ignition, there is a fault in the system. Please
contact the nearest qualified workshop as soon as possible.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring
system, please refer to ⇒page 39.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 18Turn signals
 
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left
 or
right
 indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal should fail, the indicator lamp will start flashing
twice as fast.
This does not apply when towing a caravan or trailer. The indicator
lamp will stop flashing if one of the turn signals on the vehicle or the
caravan/trailer should fail. For further information on the turn
signals ⇒page 62.
Applies to vehicles: with towing bracketTrailer turn signals

The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.The indicator lamp
 flashes when the turn signals are operated,
provided a caravan or trailer is correctly attached and connected to
the vehicle.
The indicator lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the
trailer fails.
Seat belt warning lamp

The warning lamp acts as a reminder to fasten the seat
belts.After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp
 will remain lit
until the driver and front passenger (if applicable) have fastened
their seat belts. When the vehicle has gathered speed you will also
hear a warning chime.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 194.
Emission control system

If the warning lamp lights up continuously you should take your
vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible in order to have
the fault rectified.
If the warning lamp flashes drive on at reduced speed and seek
professional help in order to avoid damage to the catalytic
converter.
For further information on the catalytic converter ⇒page 229.Applies to vehicles: with lane assistlane assist (active)

The indicator lamp confirms that the system is fully functional. You
will be warned if you are about to cross the lane markings detected
by the system.
For more information on the lane assist system, please see
⇒page 145.lane assist (inactive)

The warning lamp indicates that the system is switched on.
However, you will not be warned if you cross the lane markings.
For more information on the lane assist system, please see
⇒page 145.Main beam headlights

The indicator lamp
 lights up when the main beams are on or
when the headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights ⇒page 62.
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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 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 system29
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data need to keep below a particular speed when winter tyres are fitted,
etc.
The speed limit warning symbol
 for speed warning 2 will appear
in the display if you exceed the pre-set speed. Unlike speed limit
warning 1, the warning symbol only goes out once the road speed
has dropped below the stored value again.
Setting speed limit warning 2 ⇒page 29.
Note
Please bear in mind that, even with the speed warning function, it is
still important to keep a check on the car's speed with the speedom-
eter and to observe the statutory speed limits.Applies to vehicles: with speed warning functionSetting speed limit warning 1
You can use the button to set, alter or cancel speed
limit warning 1.Selecting speed limit
– Drive at the desired maximum speed.
– Press the button in the instrument cluster ⇒fig. 22
for one second.Clearing speed limit
– Drive the vehicle at a minimum of 5 km/h.
– Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
The speed warning symbol
 lights up briefly in the display to
confirm that the selected speed has been stored. The speed limit
that has been set remains stored until another speed is set with a
brief push of the button, or until the memory is cleared with a long
push of the button.
When the speed limit has been cleared, the display will show a
crossed-out warning symbol .
Applies to vehicles: with speed warning functionSetting speed limit warning 2
You can use the sound system or MMI* to set, alter or
cancel speed limit warning 2.– Select: Function selector button > Instrument
cluster > Speed warning.•
Speed warning on/off - to activate or deactivate the speed
warning function ⇒fig. 23.
SET
Fig. 22 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
SET button
SET
SET
Fig. 23 Display:
Setting speed limit
warning 2
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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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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