2008 AUDI A4 stop start

Towing a trailer 234•
The trailer overrun brake must be set correctly. This is important
to ensure that the trailer can be braked correctly, to avoid the vehicle
and trailer “jack-knifing” and to prevent excess braking of the trailer.
•
At low outside temperatures, both the towing vehicle and the
trailer should be fitted with winter tyres.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road
and traffic conditions. Do not let the trailer stabilisation system
tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause acci-
dents.•
The ESP and trailer stabilisation system cannot defy the laws
of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery
and wet roads and when towing a trailer with a light load.
•
The trailer stabilisation system is functional, regardless of
whether the trailer has a mechanical overrun brake or not.
•
The trailer stabilisation system is not always able to detect
swaying of trailers with a light load and will therefore not inter-
vene.
•
A trailer can still “jack-knife” on slippery roads with little grip,
even if the towing vehicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation
system.
•
Trailers with a high centre of gravity may even tip over before
they start to sway sideways.
•
If you are not towing a trailer, but the trailer socket is being
used (e.g. for an illuminated bicycle rack), the trailer stabilisation
system may be activated in extreme driving conditions.
•
Please note the additional information and warnings
⇒page 234.
Notes on towing
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
Try to avoid towing a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle. If this
cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow for the unbalanced
weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed.
For this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permis-
sible top speed in unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions.
This applies especially on a downhill gradient.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows
the slightest sign of swaying. Never try to stop the swaying by accel-
erating further.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking
that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking. Change down in
good time before going down a steep hill so that you can use the
engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recom-
mend having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a
high trailer weight. They can be purchased and installed at an Audi
dealer.
Overheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running
fast in low gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature
gauge ⇒page 11. Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to
the top end of the scale. If the temperature warning lamp
 in the
instrument cluster should start flashing, stop the car and let the
engine cool down by running it at idling speed for a few minutes.
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Checking and topping up fluids 256Closing the bonnet– To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the spring
pressure.
– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒.
WARNING
•
For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely
closed when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check
that it is properly secured. The bonnet must be flush with the adja-
cent body panels.
•
Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when
the vehicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet properly, otherwise it could cause an accident.
Engine compartment layoutEngine compartment layout
Main components for checking and refillingFig. 252 Typical locations of fluid containers, engine oil dipstick and engine oil
filler cap
Jump-start terminal (+) under a cover . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir (
) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler cap (

) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick* (orange) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator expansion tank () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-start terminal (-) with hexagon head . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washer container (
) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering . . . . . . . .
A1
265, 294
A2
262
A3
259
A4
258
A5
261
A6
265, 294
A7
267
A8
225
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Checking and topping up fluids 262
WARNING
•
The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap
on the expansion tank when the engine is hot: you could be
scalded by escaping steam
•
The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store
the coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children – risk of poisoning.For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used
coolant into a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper
manner (observe environmental regulations).Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The radiator fan is driven by the engine via a poly V-belt. The speed
of the fan is varied by a viscous clutch according to the temperature.
There is also an auxiliary electric fan, which cuts in automatically
whenever the temperature of the coolant and the engine compart-
ment rises above a certain level.
The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after
stopping the engine – even after the ignition is switched off. It may
also start running suddenly ⇒ after a while if•
residual heat raises the coolant temperature, or
•
the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the
sun.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment be aware that the radi-
ator fan may start running suddenly – risk of injury.
Brake fluidChecking brake fluid level
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.– Check the fluid level on the brake fluid reservoir
⇒fig. 258. It should always be between the “MIN” and
“MAX” marks.In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other
side of the engine compartment.
The fluid level may drop slightly after a period of time due to the
automatic compensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops
below the “MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. If
the fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the
brake warning lamp ⇒page 32. If this should happen, take the car
to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system
inspected.
Fig. 258 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on brake fluid
reservoir
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Wheels and tyres 274For technical reasons snow chains may only be used on tyres with
certain wheel rim/tyre combinations.
Only use snow chains with fine-pitch links. The links must not
protrude more than 13.5 mm from the tyres (including tensioner).
Remove the chains when roads are free of snow. Otherwise they will
impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
Four-wheel drive: where snow chains are compulsory on certain
roads, this normally also applies to cars with four-wheel drive. Snow
chains may only be fitted to the front wheels (also on vehicles with
four-wheel drive).Run flat tyresApplies to vehicles: with run flat tyresIntroduction
Run flat tyres allow you to continue your journey in the
event of a loss of tyre pressure.Run flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls which support the tyre in
the event of a loss of pressure.
Run flat tyres must only be used on vehicles which were already
factory-fitted with these tyres and which also have a tyre pressure
monitoring system*.
Run flat tyres can be identified by the marking “RSC” (Runflat
System Component) on the sidewall.If you change the tyres on your vehicle from regular tyres to run flat
tyres or vice-versa, the control unit must be reprogrammed by an
Audi dealer or other qualified workshop.
What are the benefits of run flat tyres?
Run flat tyres ensure that you remain mobile, even in the event of a
loss of tyre pressure. In favourable conditions these tyres have an
operating range of at least 30 km, however the vehicle must not be
driven faster than 80 km/h ⇒ in “Driving with run flat tyres” on
page 275.
The tyre pressures are constantly checked by the tyre pressure
monitoring system. When the run flat system becomes active
(centre display), it is still the driver's responsibility to check the
tyre(s) affected and to decide whether it is possible to continue
driving. Also refer to ⇒page 275, “Driving with run flat tyres”.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving with
the help of the run flat tyres?
•
If the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) is out of operation
or is triggered continuously.
•
If the tyre pressure monitoring system is out of operation.
•
If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc.
If a tyre has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the
tread can be thrown off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake
pipes or fuel filler.
•
You must stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel
starts overheating and gives off smoke.
•
You must also stop driving if damage to the tyres (e.g. tears in
the sidewalls) becomes apparent.
WARNING
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.
Rim size
Rim offset
Tyre size
7Jx16
39 mm
205/60
7Jx16
46 mm
225/55
7Jx17
46 mm
225/50
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Self-help297
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Rear towline anchorage
Vehicles which do not have a factory-fitted towing
bracket* have a towline anchorage on the right side of the
rear bumper.Vehicles with towline anchorage
– Take the towline anchorage out of the vehicle's tool kit.
– To detach the cover cap from the bumper, firmly press
the lower part of the cap inwards to release it ⇒fig. 282.
– Screw the towline anchorage firmly all the way into the
screw connection.
Vehicles with towing bracket*
– Fit the towing bracket.
– Attach the towbar or the towrope to the towing bracket.After use, unscrew the towline anchorage and put it back in the
toolbox. Replace the cap in the screw connection. The towline
anchorage or towing bracket should always be kept in the vehicle.
Vehicles which have a factory-fitted towing bracket* do not have a
screw connection at the rear for the towline anchorage.
WARNING
•
If the towline anchorage is not screwed in as far as the stop,
there is a risk of the screw connection shearing off during towing
(accident risk).
•
If your car has a towing bracket*, please use only special tow
bars with suitable attachments (i.e. tow bars which are specially
designed for use with towing brackets) to avoid damage to the
coupling equipment.
•
If your car has a towing bracket*, please use only special
towing ropes (risk of accident).
To w - s t a r t i n g
As a general rule, tow-starting is not recommended.– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear before moving off.
– Press the clutch and hold the pedal down.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts: press the clutch and put the
gear lever in neutral.If the engine will not start, it is best to try starting it using the
battery of another vehicle ⇒page 293 before attempting to tow
start. You should only try to tow-start the engine if jump-starting is
not successful. Tow-starting is an attempt to start the engine via the
movement of the wheels.
When tow-starting a vehicle with a petrol engine, do not tow it more
than a short distance, otherwise unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic
converter and cause damage.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to tow-start a vehicle with
automatic gearbox.
Fig. 282 Rear bumper:
Fitting the towing eye
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Index 330AAbroad
Changing headlight dip settings . . . . . 59
ABS
SeeAnti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . 19
AC mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98, 107
Acceleration figures
SeePerformance, weights and
dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Acoustic parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . 292
adaptive cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driver intervention prompt . . . . 130, 138
Driver messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Driving program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
No vehicle in front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Overriding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Setting a new speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Setting distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Setting speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Setting time interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Status messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Switching off (with memory function) . . .
131, 132
Switching on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
System limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Vehicle in front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130Vehicles with manual gearbox . . . . . . 129
Volume of warning tone . . . . . . . . . . . 139
adaptive light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
advanced key
Locking and unlocking the vehicle . . . 47
START ENGINE STOP button . . . . . . . 118
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Switching on the ignition . . . . . . . . . . 118
Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93, 101
AC mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
See alsoDeluxe automatic air conditioner
93
Air recirculation mode
Deluxe automatic air conditioner . . . . 97
Deluxe automatic air conditioner plus . . .
105
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Head-protection airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Key-operated switch for front passenger's
airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Alarm system
SeeAnti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . 42
Alterations to the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Alternator
Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Anti-dazzle interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Anti-freeze additive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260Anti-knock properties of petrol . . . . . . . . 251
Anti-lock brake system
How the system works . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Interior monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Tow-away protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Armrest (front)
Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Ashtrays
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Audi braking guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Status messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Switching on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Audi drive select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Dynamic steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Suspension control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Audi hold assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Audi lane assist
Seelane assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Audi parking system advanced . . . . . . . . 171
Audi parking system plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Auto Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Auto-check control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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