2008 AUDI A4 ignition

Driver information system31
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data For example, in the event of an oil pressure malfunction the oil pres-
sure symbol

will appear in the display. In addition, the following
message will appear:
Switch off engine and check oil level
The message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds.
If required, the message can be called up again by briefly pressing
the button ⇒page 30, fig. 24.
Driver messages and yellow symbols
If a yellow warning symbol appears in the display, it will automati-
cally be accompanied by the corresponding driver message.
For example, if the symbol
 appears (windscreen washer fluid
low), the display will also show the message:
Please top up washer fluid
The message will disappear after a few seconds. If required, the
message can be called up again by briefly pressing the
button.
Red symbols
A red symbol warns of a serious malfunction.–Stop the vehicle.– Switch off the engine.
– Check the function displayed. Obtain professional assist-
ance if necessary.
The red symbols indicate a Priority 1 fault (serious malfunction).
Should a Priority 1 fault occur, a red warning symbol will appear at
the top of the display ⇒fig. 25. The symbol is accompanied by a
driver message giving you more information about the fault. This
symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The symbol will
keep flashing until the fault is corrected.
If several Priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
This message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can call
it up again at any time by pressing the button ⇒page 30.
SET
SET
Fig. 25 Display:
Symbol for serious
malfunction

Alternator fault
⇒page 32

Fault in brake system/parking
brake
⇒page 32

Coolant level too low / coolant
temperature too high
⇒page 33

Engine oil pressure too low
⇒page 33

Add engine oil immediately
⇒page 34

Fault in the steering system
⇒page 34

Ignition lock defective
⇒page 34

Tyre pressure monitoring
⇒page 39
SET
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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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Driver information system 34
will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can call it up
again at any time by pressing the button:
Switch off engine and check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 258.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.If the engine oil level is too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 259.
If the engine oil level is correct
If the

symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain
professional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the
engine, not even at idle speed.
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp

is not an indicator for the oil
level. The oil level should therefore be checked regularly.
Add engine oil immediately

 WARNING! Please add oil immediately
If the  symbol lights up, you must add oil immediately
⇒page 259.
Fault in the steering system

The steering wheel cannot be unlocked if there is a fault
in the electronic steering lock.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied 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:
Do not drive vehicle. Steering defective
– You should obtain professional assistance.
–Do not have the vehicle towed away.
WARNING
The vehicle must not be towed if there is a fault in the electronic
steering lock: the steering will be locked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. Towing a vehicle with locked steering can cause an acci-
dent.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Ignition lock defective

A fault in the ignition lock must be rectified immediately.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic ignition lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information
about the fault. This message will disappear after about
SET
SET
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Driver information system35
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by
pressing the button:
Ignition lock defective. Contact workshop!
–Do not switch off the engine.
– Drive the vehicle without delay to a qualified workshop
and have the fault repaired.The ignition cannot be switched off if there is a fault in the elec-
tronic ignition lock. For this reason, you should drive the vehicle
without delay to a qualified workshop and have the cause of the
fault repaired.
If the vehicle is equipped with the advanced key* feature, you
should not switch off the engine with the Stop/Start button because
it cannot be started again after the ignition has been switched off.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a malfunction or other item
requiring attention.
Yellow symbols indicate a Priority 2 fault.
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The
symbol is accompanied by a driver message giving you more infor-
mation 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.
The function indicated should be checked as soon as possible. The
yellow symbol will only go out when the fault has been rectified.
If several Priority 2 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
SET
Fig. 26 Display: Yellow
warning symbol

Dynamic steering
⇒page 36 and
⇒page 159

Brake pads worn
⇒page 37

Battery power*
⇒page 38

Bulb monitor*
Bulb failure*
⇒page 37

Check engine oil level
⇒page 38 or
⇒page 38

Engine oil sensor defective
⇒page 38

Fuel level low
⇒page 37

Washer fluid level low*
⇒page 37

advanced key*
Key not in vehicle
⇒page 36

Light sensor/rain sensor defec-
tive
⇒page 37

Diesel particulate filter*
obstructed
⇒page 38
SET
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Driver information system 36
NoteOn some models the speed limit warning 1
 and speed limit
warning 2
 will also be displayed as yellow symbols. These always
appear as a small symbol at the top of the display ⇒page 28.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi drive selectDynamic steering

 Dynamic steering: system fault
This message and the
 symbol will appear if a fault develops in the
system while the vehicle is moving. You can continue driving care-
fully at reduced speed to the next qualified workshop, however the
steering may feel heavier and its response may be more sensitive than usual. In addition, it is possible that the steering wheel will be
off centre when driving in a straight line.
Dynamic steering: initialising
If this message appears and the warning lamp
 flashes in the
instrument cluster, this indicates that the dynamic steering is being
initialised. The steering wheel will move slightly after the engine is
started. The dynamic steering may be initialised if the steering
wheel was moved while the vehicle was stopped. The warning lamp
will go out when the initialisation has been completed.
WARNING
Have the system malfunction in the dynamic steering repaired by
a qualified workshop as soon as possible – risk of accident.
Note
The stabilisation functions of the dynamic steering ⇒page 222 are
not available in the event of a system malfunction.Applies to vehicles: with advanced keyKey not in vehicle

 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. You will also not be able to lock the vehicle from the
outside.

Dynamic headlight range con-
trol* defective
⇒page 39

Battery in remote control key
⇒page 44

Electro-mechanical
parking brake
⇒page 123

adaptive light* defective
⇒page 39

Ignition lock defective
⇒page 39

Windscreen wiper defective
⇒page 39

Suspension control
⇒page 39
TPMS
Tyre pressure monitoring sys-
tem
⇒page 39
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Driver information system 38Applies to vehicles: with battery power warning systemBattery power

If battery power drops to a level at which you may encounter prob-
lems when starting the engine, the display will show the symbol

and the driver message Low battery charge: Battery will be charged
while driving.
Please bear in mind that the starting ability of the engine may be
impaired while this message is shown.
Message comes on and goes out again
If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched
on or while driving, and goes out again after a period of time, the
battery has been charged up again sufficiently while the vehicle was
being driven.
Message comes on and does not go out
If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched
on or while driving, and does not go out again, the battery is not
being maintained at the proper power level. Starting reliability may
be impaired. You should have the battery checked by a qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
Engine oil level (without dipstick)

 Add oil, max. 1L. You may continue driving.
If the  symbol lights up in conjunction with this driver message,
add not more than 1 litre of oil at the next opportunity
⇒page 259.
Check engine oil level (with dipstick)

 Please check oil levelIf the
 symbol lights up in conjunction with this driver message,
please check the engine oil level as soon as possible ⇒page 258.
Top up the oil at the next opportunity ⇒page 259.
Engine oil sensor defective


Oil level ! Sensor defective
If the 
symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop
and have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to
check the oil level every time you fill up with fuel ⇒page 258.
Applies to vehicles: with diesel engine and diesel particulate filterDiesel particulate filter obstructed


Particle filter. See Owner's Manual
When the symbol

lights up you can assist the self-cleaning func-
tion of the filter by driving accordingly. You should drive at a speed
of at least 60 km/h (engine speed about 2,000 rpm) for about
15 minutes in 4th or 5th gear, or with the selector lever in position S
on vehicles with automatic gearbox*. As a result of the increase in
temperature the soot in the filter will be burned off. The symbol will
disappear once the cleaning process has been completed success-
fully.
If the symbol

does not go out, please contact a qualified work-
shop and have the fault rectified.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter ⇒page 229.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road,
terrain and traffic conditions. The recommended driving speed
must never lead to the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.
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Driver information system39
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with dynamic headlight range controlHeadlight range control defective

 Headlight range control defective
This symbol
 indicates a malfunction in the dynamic headlight
range control. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the
dynamic headlight range control function repaired.
Applies to vehicles: with adaptive lightadaptive light defective

 adaptive light defective
This symbol
 indicates that the adaptive light is defective. Take
the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the headlights and/or
the control unit for the adaptive light repaired.
Ignition lock defective


Ignition lock defective
If the symbol

lights up in the display, there is a malfunction in
the electronic ignition lock. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop
to have the problem remedied.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi drive selectSuspension control

This warning lamp monitors the damping effect of the
shock absorbers.

Suspension: system fault
If the  symbol lights up in the display, there is a malfunction in the
vehicle suspension. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have
the problem remedied.
Windscreen wipers defective

 Windscreen wipers defective
This symbol
 indicates a malfunction in the electronics for the
windscreen wipers. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have
the windscreen wiper system repaired.
Tyre pressure monitoring systemApplies to vehicles: with tyre pressure monitoringTyre pressure monitoring display appears
The tyre pressure monitoring display in the instrument
cluster informs the driver if the tyre pressure is too low or
a system malfunction has occurred.
Fig. 27 Display:
Warning message with
symbol and text
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Driver information system 40The tyre pressure monitoring system makes use of the ABS sensors
to compare the rolling circumference and the vibration of the
wheels. The display in the instrument cluster alerts the driver if
changes are detected on one or more wheels. If only one tyre is
affected, the display will indicate its position ⇒fig. 27.
Each time you change a tyre or the tyre pressures on your vehicle,
you must store the new tyre pressures via the sound system or
MMI* ⇒page 41.
The rolling circumference and vibration can change if:•
The tyre pressure is too low
•
The tyre has suffered structural damage
•
The air pressure in one or more tyres was changed and the new
tyre pressures were not stored ⇒page 41, “Storing the tyre pres-
sures”
•
The wheels were changed and the new tyre pressures were not
stored ⇒page 41, “Storing the tyre pressures”
•
There is a greater load on the wheels of one axle (e.g. if you are
carrying more passengers or luggage)
•
The road surface under the left wheels is different to the road
surface under the right wheels for a long period
Warning lamp
 / TPMS Tyre pressure ! System malfunction
If the warning lamp  flashes for about a minute and then remains
lit after you switch on the ignition, there is a fault in the system. TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) Tyre pressure ! System
malfunction ⇒page 40, fig. 28 will also be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster. Please contact the nearest qualified workshop as soon
as possible.
WARNING
•
If the tyre pressure warning lamp appears in the instrument
cluster display, slow down immediately and avoid any severe
braking or steering manoeuvres. As soon as you can do so safely,
stop and check the tyres and the tyre pressures.
•
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the tyre pressures
are correct. For this reason you must check the tyre pressures
regularly.
•
Under certain conditions (e.g. driving at high speeds, on ice and
snow or on poor road surfaces) the tyre pressure warning lamp
may not light up immediately or not at all.
•
Please ask your Audi dealer or qualified workshop whether run
flat tyres can be used on your vehicle. Unauthorised use of these
tyres can invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public
roads. Furthermore, this could cause damage to your vehicle and
possibly also result in an accident.
Fig. 28 Display:
System fault ("System-
störung")
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