2008 AUDI A4 instrument cluster

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 system33
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data 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.
Note
The warning lamp
 in the instrument cluster will start flashing as
well if there is a fault in the brake system.
Fault in the cooling system

Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immedi-
ately.If the
 symbol flashes in the display, this means that
either the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant
level is too low. 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:
Switch off engine, check coolant level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 261.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 261.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a
malfunction of the radiator fan.If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒page 32, it is
possible that the drive belt has broken.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle should break down for technical reasons, stop it
at a safe distance away from moving traffic, switch off the engine
and turn on the hazard warning lights ⇒page 61, “Hazard
warning lights ”.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of being
scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping steam
or coolant.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous
place. Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and allow it to cool down. Please observe the
important safety warnings ⇒page 255, “Working on components
in the engine compartment”.Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol
 has come on to indicate a fault in
the cooling system, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the
engine.
Engine oil pressure too low

If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be recti-
fied immediately.If the

symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is
too low. The symbol is accompanied by a driver message
giving you more information about the fault. This message
WARNING (continued)
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 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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Doors and windows 44Data stored on remote control key
Data related to the service and maintenance of the vehicle are
stored continuously on your remote control key. Your Audi dealer
can read out the data and will then be able to tell you what service
work is required. This also applies to vehicles with advanced key.
Personal convenience settings
If two people use the same car regularly, it is a good idea for each
person to have his or her “own” remote control key. When you
switch off the ignition or lock the vehicle, your personal settings for
the following convenience features are stored and assigned to the
remote control key:•
Air conditioner
•
Central locking system
•
Windows
•
parking system*
•
adaptive cruise control*
•
Audi drive select*
•
Seat memory*
The stored settings are then recalled automatically the next time the
vehicle is unlocked, the doors are opened or the ignition is switched
on.
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 or use power-operated equipment such as
the electric windows - this could lead to injuries.
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the
ignition key from the lock. Otherwise the steering lock could
engage suddenly, causing an accident.
Note
The function of the remote control key may be impaired by interfer-
ence from other nearby radio signals (for example from a mobile
telephone or TV transmitter) if these are in the same frequency
range.Indicator lamp on remote control key
The indicator lamp on the remote control key lights up
when you press the buttons.The indicator lamp should light up once briefly when you press one
of the buttons briefly. The indicator lamp should flash when you
press and hold one of the buttons (convenience open/close).
If the indicator lamp does not light up, this means the battery is
exhausted and must be replaced ⇒page 45. The instrument cluster
display also shows the symbol
 and the following message if the
battery is exhausted:
Please change key battery
Fig. 31 Indicator lamp
on remote control key
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Lights and vision57
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Lights and visionLightsSwitching lights on and off

Switching on automatic headlights* (AUTO)
– Turn the light switch to AUTO ⇒fig. 54.
Switching on the side lights
– Turn the light switch to position

.
Switching on dipped headlights
– Turn the light switch to position

.
Switching off the lights
– Turn the light switch to position O.
The dipped beam headlights will only work with the ignition on.
The symbol
 next to the light switch will light up when the side
lights or headlights are on.Automatic headlight control (AUTO)*
When the switch is set to AUTO, the headlights switch on automati-
cally according to the ambient light conditions, for instance in a
tunnel, at sunset, or in the rain or snow. The
 symbol lights up
when the dipped headlights are on. The headlights are switched on,
regardless of the light conditions, when you switch on the fog
lights.
The headlights are switched off automatically when you switch off
the ignition.
On vehicles with a rain sensor, the headlights switch on automati-
cally after several windscreen wiper cycles. The instrument lighting
does not switch on, however.
While using the automatic headlights you can activate the main
beam headlights as normal if this function has been activated in the
MMI. However, if you switch on the main beam headlights while
using the AUTO function and then do not switch back to the dipped
headlights setting, only the dipped headlights will come on the next
time you switch on the AUTO function. To be able to use the main
beam headlights again you must first pull the main beam lever back
to the "off" position and then push it forward to "on".
Malfunction of light sensor
If a malfunction should occur in the light sensor, the instrument
cluster will show the message:
 Automatic headlights / automatic wipers defective
For safety reasons, the dipped beam headlights will then be
switched on permanently when the light switch is set to the AUTO
position. However, you can still switch the lights on and off in the
normal way with the light switch. You should have the light sensor
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Fig. 54 Dashboard:
Light switch
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Lights and vision 60
– Turn the button clockwise +” to increase the brightness
of the instrument lighting in dark conditions.
– Turn the button anti-clockwise -” to reduce the bright-
ness of the instrument lighting in dark conditions.
– Press the knob in again to prevent the setting from being
changed unintentionally.The instrument lighting (dials and needles), the centre console illu-
mination and the illumination of the displays are regulated by a
light sensor incorporated in the instrument cluster. In bright condi-
tions any changes made to the brightness of the instrument lighting
have no effect.
Note
The instrument lighting (illumination of dials and needles) is
switched on when the ignition is on and the vehicle's lights are off.
The instrument lighting is dimmed automatically as the daylight
starts to fade; it is switched off completely when the light condi-
tions become very poor. This function is intended to remind the
driver to switch on the dipped-beam headlights in good time when
light conditions become poor.
Applies to vehicles: with headlight range controlHeadlight range control

When the dipped beam headlights are switched on, the
range of the headlights can be adjusted to suit the load
being carried.– Turn the thumbwheel
 ⇒fig. 58 to the appropriate
setting.
Adjustment settings
The settings correspond roughly to the following load conditions:
Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty
All seats occupied, luggage compartment loaded
Driver only, luggage compartment loaded
Caution
Always adjust the headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
Make sure you lower the headlights when the vehicle is carrying a
heavy load.
Fig. 58 Headlight
range control
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