2008 AUDI A4 parking brake

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
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Driving123
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data braking force of the parking brake is only released when there is
enough power at the wheels to make the vehicle move in the desired
direction.
Note
For safety reasons the parking brake will only release automatically
if the driver's seat belt is engaged in its buckle.Driving away when towing a trailer
Please note the following points to prevent the vehicle
from rolling back unintentionally on a gradient.– Pull and hold the parking brake switch and press the
accelerator. The parking brake will remain engaged and
prevent any tendency to roll back down the slope.
– You can release the parking brake switch as soon as the
engine is delivering enough power to the wheels.Depending on the weight of the vehicle and trailer and the steep-
ness of the slope, there may be a tendency to roll back downhill
when driving away from a standstill. You can prevent this by pulling
out the parking brake switch as you press the accelerator (in the
same way as with a conventional handbrake).Emergency braking function
This feature enables you to stop the vehicle if the main
brake system should fail or if the pedal is obstructed.– Pull out and hold the parking brake switch to stop the
vehicle with the parking brake in an emergency.
– The brakes will be released immediately if you release the
switch or press down the accelerator.
If you pull out and hold the parking brake switch at a road speed
above about 8 km/h, this will initiate an emergency brake applica-
tion. The brakes are then applied hydraulically at all four wheels.
The effect is the same as an emergency stop (full brake application)
⇒
To prevent the emergency braking function from being used acci-
dentally, a warning buzzer sounds when the switch is operated. The
brakes are released immediately when you release the switch or
press down the accelerator.
WARNING
You should only use the emergency braking function in a real
emergency, for example if the brake system should fail or if the
brake pedal is obstructed. If you use the emergency braking func-
tion by activating the parking brake switch, the effect is similar to
a full brake application (emergency stop). Please remember that
the ESP (with its combined ABS, EDL and traction control func-
tions) is still subject to certain physical limits. In a corner or in bad
road or weather conditions an emergency stop can cause the
vehicle to skid or lose steering control.Driver messages in the instrument cluster displayCaution: Vehicle parked too steep
This message can appear when you apply the parking brake if the
car is parked on a gradient steeper than about 30%.
In this case the parking brake may not be strong enough to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back accidentally.
Please release parking brake
However, please remember that, for safety reasons, the parking
brake will only release automatically if the driver's seat belt is
buckled.
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Driving 124Press brake pedal to release parking brake
This message may appear when you press the switch to release the
parking brake. The parking brake can only be released, if you
depress the brake pedal and simultaneously press the switch or if
you use the parking brake auto release function ⇒page 122. Parking brake malfunction !
This message will appear together with the yellow symbol
 if a
malfunction should occur in the parking brake.
Fault in parking brake auto release
This driver message will appear in the event of a malfunction of the
parking brake auto release. The automatic release of the parking
brake when moving off from a standstill is not functioning correctly.
The parking brake must be released manually by pressing the
switch. Have the fault rectified by a qualified workshop.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi hold assistAudi hold assist
Audi hold assist helps the driver when the vehicle is
stationary and automatically prevents the vehicle from
rolling away when driving off.
When the Audi hold assist function is on, the vehicle is auto-
matically prevented from rolling away and you no longer
have to keep your foot on the brake pedal.
Conditions for switching on Audi hold assist
– The driver's door must be closed.
– The driver's seat belt must be buckled.
– The engine must be running.
Switching on Audi hold assist
– Press button ⇒fig. 133 in the centre console to switch
on the Audi hold assist function. The indicator lamp in
the switch will light up.
Switching off Audi hold assist
– Press button ⇒fig. 133 to switch off the Audi hold
assist function. The indicator lamp in the switch will go
out.
– If you press button while the vehicle is being held by
the Audi hold assist function, the electro-mechanical
parking brake

will automatically take over. The
parking brake will not take over if the foot brake is
applied simultaneously.
– Audi hold assist is switched off automatically if you open
the driver's door, unbuckle the seat belt or switch off the
engine. If this happens when the green symbol

is
displayed in the instrument cluster, the parking brake
will be applied automatically to ensure that the vehicle is
parked safely.
Audi hold assist helps the driver to keep the vehicle stationary while
the engine is running, for instance on steep gradients, at traffic
Fig. 133 Detail of the
centre console: Button
for Audi hold assist
ABAB
AB
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Driving125
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data 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.
As soon as you drive off in the normal way, the parking brake will
automatically be released and the vehicle will start moving.
If the conditions for Audi hold assist change and the function is
switched off as a result, the parking brake will be applied automati-
cally to ensure that the vehicle is parked safely. The diode in the
button will go out when the Audi hold assist function is switched
off.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in Audi hold assist cannot defy the laws
of physics. Do not let the extra convenience provided by Audi hold
assist tempt you into taking a safety risk.•
Audi hold assist cannot keep the vehicle stationary in all condi-
tions on a gradient (e.g. if the road is slippery or icy).
•
Audi hold assist must be switched on again each time the
engine is started – Risk of accident!
•
Never get out of the vehicle when the engine is running and
Audi hold assist is switched on – Risk of accident!
•
Always ensure that the vehicle is stopped properly and safely
to avoid injury to yourself and others.Caution
Switch off the Audi hold assist function before driving the vehicle
into a car wash.
Note
•
Audi hold assist can be switched on only when the driver's door
is closed, the driver's seat belt is buckled and the engine is running.
•
Audi hold assist prevents automatic vehicles from creeping
forwards when the brake pedal is released with the car in gear.
•
When the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period,
Audi hold assist will automatically apply the parking brake. In this
case, the green symbol
 in the instrument cluster display will
change to red
.
Cruise control systemApplies to vehicles: with cruise control systemSwitching on
The cruise control system allows you to drive at a
constant speed of 30 km/h or higher.
Fig. 134 Control lever
and pushbutton
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adaptive cruise control (ACC)129
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
Adaptive cruise control will not react when approaching a
stationary obstacle, e.g. the end of a traffic jam or a broken-down
vehicle, or if a vehicle should come towards you in the same lane.
•
Please make sure you do not unintentionally rest your foot on
the accelerator - this will override the adaptive cruise control
system which, as a result, will not automatically brake the vehicle.Note
•
For safety reasons, the speed setting will be deleted when the
ignition is switched off.
•
Switching on the adaptive cruise control automatically activates
the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) and the traction control
system (ASR). These two systems cannot be deactivated while the
adaptive cruise control is switched on.
•
Damage caused by impacts (e.g. if the vehicle is damaged when
parking) can affect the radar sensor settings. This can cause the
system to malfunction or switch off completely.
•
The radar sensor is heated. However, in winter conditions, you
should make sure that the radar sensor is free of ice and snow
before you set off. If necessary, carefully clean the cover of the radar
sensor and the surrounding area ⇒page 128, fig. 136.
•
To make sure that the radar sensor is fully operative, do not
attach any objects (e.g. stickers, add-on parts or other accessories)
to the area surrounding the radar sensor. Do not paint the area
surrounding the radar sensor.
Applies to vehicles: with adaptive cruise control and manual gearboxVehicles with manual gearbox
The driver of a vehicle with a manual gearbox of course
has to change gears as appropriate, even when the adap-
tive cruise control is activated.The adaptive cruise control is available from the second to the sixth
gear (when driven in normal engine speed range).
When the adaptive cruise control is activated, the driver must press
the clutch pedal as normal in order to change gear. When changing
gear or pressing the clutch pedal (for up to 20 seconds), the adap-
tive cruise control will remain activated.
When changing gear, the driver does not have to accelerate after
engaging a gear as the engine torque will be coordinated by the
adaptive cruise control.
The following situations may lead to an automatic deactivation of
the adaptive cruise control:•
pressing the clutch pedal too long (longer than approx.
20 seconds)
•
incorrect changing of gears and/or use of the clutch pedalNote
•
The adaptive cruise control cannot be activated while changing
gears.
WARNING (continued)
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adaptive cruise control (ACC) 138The ACC sensor is located inside the trim grille (front right)
⇒page 128, fig. 136. If the sensor is no longer functioning due to
dirt or obstruction in this area, it should be cleaned.
Parking brake !
The text message Parking brake ! appears if the parking brake is
operated. The adaptive cruise control will then be switched off. This
is indicated by a warning tone.
Gear lever position !
On vehicles with manual gearbox the text message Gear lever
position ! appears when no valid forward gear is selected, i.e.
reverse gear or 1st gear is engaged or the gear lever is in the neutral
position. Adaptive cruise control is not available when the lever is in
these positions.
Shift lever position!
On vehicles with automatic gearbox the text message Shift lever
position ! appears if the shift lever is moved to position N. Adaptive
cruise control is not available when the lever is in this position.
Applies to vehicles: with adaptive cruise controlDriver intervention prompt
The driver intervention prompt is a warning for the driver
to reduce speed manually.Fig. 147 Instrument cluster: Driver intervention promptIn some situations the adaptive cruise control system alone is not
able to brake the vehicle sufficiently to maintain a safe distance to
the vehicle in front. The adaptive cruise control system will then call
on you as the driver to take control of the situation yourself.
The Driver intervention prompt provides both a visual and an
acoustic warning.•
A red vehicle symbol will appear in the instrument cluster
display ⇒fig. 147.
•
The system status indicator will show DISTANCE!.
•
The red warning lamp will start to flash.
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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
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Automatic gearbox 164moving the selector lever either in or out of position P. The lever can
only be moved out of position P when the ignition is on.
R - Reverse gear
When reverse gear is engaged the gearbox automatically selects the
lowest gear ratio.
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary
and the engine is idling ⇒.
To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock
button and at the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on
the model, one or two reversing lights will come on in selector lever
position R (when ignition is switched on).
N - Neutral
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically selects the best gear
ratio. This depends on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control program (DCP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
In some situations (such as on mountain roads or when towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to
tiptronic mode ⇒page 166, so that the gear ratios can be selected
manually to suit the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
Select this position if you wish to take full advantage of the car's
performance. This setting makes use of the engine's maximum
power output. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
WARNING
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving, as this
could cause an accident.
•
In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with
the foot brake when the engine is running. This is because an auto-
matic gearbox still transmits power even at idling speed, and the
vehicle tends to “creep”. The throttle must on no account be
opened inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine
compartment) when a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately (in some
cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an
accident.
•
To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the
selector lever in position P before opening the bonnet and working
on the vehicle with the engine running. Please observe the impor-
tant safety warnings ⇒page 255, “Working on components in the
engine compartment”.Note
You can select the sport program for gear changes on vehicles with
Audi drive select* by activating the DYNAMIC mode. There is no S
position on the selector lever.•
Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox:
•
If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, release the
accelerator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting
D or S again.
•
For the sake of fuel economy (and the environment), the gearbox
ratios on some models are designed so that maximum speed is only
obtained when the selector lever is at position S.
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