2008 AUDI A4 lights

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
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 33 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

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
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 34 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Driver information system37
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Light sensor / rain sensor defective

 Automatic headlights / automatic wipers defective
If the  symbol appears, this means that the light sensor / rain
sensor is not functioning.For safety reasons, the dipped beam head-
lights 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. If the rain sensor
is defective, the functions operated via the windscreen wiper lever
will still be available. You should have the light sensor / rain sensor
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Brake pads worn

 Brake pads!
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for
safety's sake the rear pads as well) inspected by a qualified
workshop.
Applies to vehicles: with bulb monitorBulb monitor

The bulb monitor checks whether the lights on the vehicle
are working.The bulb monitor checks whether the lights on the vehicle are
working. If it detects a defective bulb on the vehicle it will show a
yellow warning symbol together with a message indicating which
light is not working.
Bulb failure

If the symbol
 lights up, this means that one of the turn signals
(front or rear), headlights, brake lights, rear lights, fog lights or the
rear fog light is not working.
WARNING
•
Bulbs are sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.
•
Incorrect handling of the high-voltage element of xenon gas-
discharge bulbs* can have potentially fatal consequences.Note
Have the components repaired or replaced by a qualified
workshop.Applies to vehicles: with washer fluid warning systemWasher fluid level low

 Please top up washer fluid
If the  symbol lights up, top up the fluid for the windscreen
washer and headlight washer system* ⇒page 267.
Fuel level low

 Please refuel
When this symbol
 comes on for the first time, there are about
8 litres of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible
⇒page 252.
If this warning symbol lights up although the fuel tank is sufficiently
filled, there is a malfunction in the fuel tank system. The display will
also show the driver message Tank system malfunction ! Contact
workshop. Please contact a qualified workshop.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 37 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

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.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 38 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

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
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 39 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Doors and windows43
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data To prevent yourself from being locked out, do not lock the vehicle
with the remote control key before closing the doors or boot lid. If
you accidentally press the locking button on your remote control
key when any of the doors (except for the driver's door) are open,
then put the key down inside the car and forget to take it with you
when you close the doors, you can still open the doors for about one
minute before the vehicle is locked.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Note
•
Never leave any valuable items in the vehicle unattended. Even a
locked vehicle is not a safe.
•
If the diode on the driver's window sill lights up for about
30 seconds when the vehicle is locked, the central locking system or
anti-theft alarm* is not working properly. Please have the malfunc-
tion repaired by an Audi dealer or qualified workshop.
•
The interior monitor of the anti-theft alarm* system will only
function as intended if the windows and the tilting panorama roof*
are closed.
Set of keys Remote control key
The remote control key will lock and unlock the car and start the
engine.
Spare key
The spare key is intended for temporary use only and should be
used only in an emergency. Keep it in a safe place and do not carry
it on the keyring.
Replacing a key
If you should lose a key, please contact an Audi dealer. Have the
remote control coding for that key deactivated. For this purpose you
should bring all available keys with you. It is also important to notify
your insurance company if a key has been lost.
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser is designed to prevent unauthorised persons from
driving the vehicle. If an uncoded key is used, SAFE will appear in
the mileage recorder display.
It may not be possible to start the engine with the key if there is
another ignition key from a different make of vehicle on the same
key ring.
Fig. 30 Keys supplied
with the vehicle
AAAB
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 43 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

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
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 44 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Doors and windows49
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Locking
– Move the selector lever to position P (automatic
gearbox).
–Turn the key once to position ⇒ to lock the vehicle.
– If you turn the key to position a second time within
2seconds, this will lock the vehicle without activating
the deadlock mechanism.In order to switch off the anti-theft alarm*, you must switch on the
ignition within 15 seconds after opening the driver's door. Other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
If the central locking system should fail to work at any time, the
passenger's door can be locked manually ⇒page 51.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Note
•
The central locking switch and the release button for the boot lid

will function after the ignition is switched on.
•
If the vehicle is locked with the key when the central locking
system is operational, it is only possible to unlock all the doors and
the boot lid centrally with the key within the next 45 seconds. After
this period, the key will only unlock the driver's door.
Central locking switch– Press the
 button to unlock the vehicle ⇒fig. 41.
– Press the  button to lock the vehicle ⇒.
Please note the following when you use the central locking switch
to lock your vehicle:•
The doors and the boot lid cannot be opened from the outside
(for safety reasons, when stopped at traffic lights, etc.).
•
The LED in the central locking switch lights up when both of the
doors and the boot lid are closed and locked.
•
You can open the doors individually from the inside by pulling
the inside door handle.
•
In the event of an accident in which the airbags inflate, doors
locked from the inside will be automatically unlocked to facilitate
access and assistance.
WARNING
•
The central locking switch is still operative when the ignition is
switched off and will automatically lock the entire vehicle when
pressed.
•
The central locking switch inside the vehicle is not operative if
you lock the vehicle from the outside.
ABAB
Fig. 41 Driver's door:
Central locking switch
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 49 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09