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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Automatic gearbox165
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicSelector lever lock
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being
engaged inadvertently, so that the vehicle is not set in
motion unintentionally.The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch on the ignition.
– Press the brake pedal and at the same time press in the
interlock button.Automatic selector lever lock
The selector lever is locked in the P and N positions when the igni-
tion is on. The brake pedal must be depressed before the lever can
be moved out of either of these positions. The following message
appears in the instrument display as a reminder for the driver when
the selector lever is in position P or N:
WHEN STATIONARY APPLY FOOTBRAKE WHILE SELECTING GEAR.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or
driving at speeds up to 5 km/h. At higher speeds the selector lever
lock in the N position is disengaged automatically.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved
quickly through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and
forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock
engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and the
lever is in position N for more than about a second.
Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever handle prevents the driver
from inadvertently engaging particular gears. Press the button in to
disengage the selector lever lock. The illustration shows the selector
lever positions in which the button has to be pressed, highlighted in
colour ⇒fig. 179.
Safety interlock for ignition key
The key can only be withdrawn with the ignition switched off and
the selector lever in position P. When the ignition key is removed,
the selector lever is locked in position P.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicKick-down feature
The kick-down feature is designed to give maximum
acceleration.Applies to vehicles with multitronic
® gearbox
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear ratio,
depending on road speed and engine speed. While you keep the
accelerator depressed the engine speed is automatically controlled
to give your vehicle maximum acceleration.
Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower
gear, depending on road speed and engine speed. The upshift to the
next higher gear is delayed until the engine reaches maximum rpm.
Fig. 179 Selector lever
lock functions
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Automatic gearbox 166
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-
down feature could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding.Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicDynamic gear control program (DCP)
The automatic gearbox is controlled electronically.The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled gearbox.
The gear ratios are selected automatically according to preset gear-
shift programmes.
When you drive at moderate speeds the gearbox will select the most
economical shift programme. It will then change up early and delay
the downshifts to give better fuel economy.
If you drive at higher speeds with heavy acceleration, if you open the
throttle quickly, or if you use the kick-down or the car's maximum
speed, the gearbox will automatically select the more “sporty” shift
programmes.
The gearbox is self-adapting, and continuously selects the most
suitable shift programme. At the same time, the driver can also
make the gearbox switch to a more "sporty" programme by pressing
the accelerator quickly. Depending on road speed, this makes the
gearbox shift down early into a lower gear ratio for more rapid accel-
eration (for instance to pass another vehicle), without having to
press the accelerator all the way down into the kick-down position.
After the gearbox has shifted back up it returns to the original
programme, depending on your style of driving.
Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: The gearbox continuously
adapts the gear ratios on uphill gradients. If the brake pedal is
pressed on a downhill gradient the gearbox automatically shifts to
a lower gear ratio. This increases the engine braking effect.Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: The gearbox adapts the gearshifts
for uphill and downhill gradients. This prevents the gearbox from
shifting up and down unnecessarily on uphill gradients.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicManual gear selection (tiptronic mode)
With the manual shift programme (tiptronic) the driver
can manually select pre-programmed gears.Switching over to the manual programme
– From position D, push the selector lever to the right. As
soon as the automatic gearbox has changed over to this
programme, the display will show the selected gear.
Fig. 180 Centre
console: Manual gear
selection (tiptronic
mode)Fig. 181 Display:
Manual gear selection
(tiptronic mode)
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Automatic gearbox167
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Shifting up a gear
– Briefly push the selector lever forwards (in the tiptronic
gate) ⇒page 166, fig. 180 .
Shifting down a gear
– Briefly pull the selector lever backwards (in the tiptronic
gate) .With the tiptronic system the driver can manually choose between
7 different pre-programmed gears. The manual programme can be
selected either with the vehicle stationary or on the move.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next
gear shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a gear which is lower than the gear shown in the instru-
ment display ⇒page 166, fig. 181, the gearbox will only shift down
when there is no longer a risk of overrevving the engine.
When the vehicle slows down (for instance when braking), the
gearbox automatically shifts down into the next gear when the
minimum engine speed is reached.
Changing down to a lower gear increases the engine braking effect
on downhill gradients.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear,
depending on road speed and engine speed.Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicBack-up programme
A back-up system is in place should a fault occur in the
control system.The automatic gearbox switches to the back-up programme if a fault
should occur in the control system. This is indicated by all segments of the display panel either lighting up together or going out
completely.
It is still possible to move the selector lever to all positions. The
manual shift programme (tiptronic) is not available when the back-
up programme is active.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: When the selector lever is in posi-
tion D or S or in the manual shift programme, the gearbox will
remain in 3rd gear if 1st, 2nd or 3rd gears were engaged when the
fault occurred. The gearbox will remain in 5th gear if 4th, 5th or 6th
gears were engaged. The gearbox will then engage 3rd gear when
you drive away from a standstill or after the engine is restarted.
It will still be possible to use reverse gear in the normal way.
However, the electronic lock for reverse gear will be switched off.
Caution
Should the gearbox ever switch into the back-up programme, you
should take the vehicle to an Audi dealer or qualified workshop as
soon as possible.Applies to vehicles: Paddle leversSteering wheel with paddle levers
The paddle levers on the steering wheel enable the driver
to manually select pre-programmed ratios or gears.
A+
A…
Fig. 182 Steering
wheel: tiptronic
switches
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HomeLink 180
At the operating unit
1. Switch on the ignition (do not start the engine).
2. Press and hold down the two outer HomeLink buttons
⇒page 179, fig. 197 until the indicator diode
⇒page 179, fig. 197 begins to flash after about
20 seconds. This procedure will delete the standard
factory settings and does not need to be repeated when
programming the other buttons.
3. Press the particular HomeLink button which you would
like to program.
4. Wait until the diode begins to flash. The HomeLink
module now remains in training mode for 5 minutes.
5. Now step in front of your vehicle with the original hand-
held transmitter for the garage door opener or any other
device you wish to assign to the HomeLink control
button.
At the radiator grille
6. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at or near the
centre of your car's radiator grille ⇒page 179, fig. 198.
7. Press the activator button on the original hand-held
transmitter.
8. As you do so, watch the turn signals on your vehicle.
HomeLink confirms successful programming by flashing
all four turn signals three times.
9. If the turn signals fail to flash three times, repeat the
procedure with the transmitter held at a different
distance from the radiator grille.
The proper distance between the hand-held transmitter and the
HomeLink module at the radiator grille depends on the system you
want to train. It may require several attempts.
The turn signals will flash once if the time limit for the programming
mode has been exceeded. In this case the programming procedure
needs to be performed again. Repeat the sequence at the operating
unit starting with step 3.
The programming instructions above also apply to the other control
buttons. Start with step 3 if you wish to proceed and program the
other two buttons.
If the garage door or other devices still fail to be activated with the
HomeLink control buttons after programming is completed, it is
possible that these systems might be working with a rolling code
instead of the normal fixed security code. If this is the case, a rolling
code programming is required in addition to the steps described
above. ⇒page 180Applies to vehicles: with HomeLinkRolling code programming
Some devices require rolling code programming of the
HomeLink universal transmitter.Identifying a rolling code
– Press the already programmed HomeLink button again
and hold it down.
–Watch HomeLink diode ⇒page 179, fig. 197. If the
diode starts flashing rapidly and turns into a constant
light after about 2 seconds, this indicates that the device
you wish to operate (e.g. a garage door opener) is
equipped with a rolling code.
– Program the rolling code as follows:
AA
AA
AA
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HomeLink181
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating the garage door opener drive unit
– Locate the programming button on the garage door
drive. The exact location and colour of the button may
vary depending on the type of garage door opener.
– Press the programming button on the door drive unit
(this will normally cause a “programming mode indicator
lamp” on the unit to light up). You now have about 30
seconds to start and complete the programming of the
HomeLink control button on the operating unit.
Programming at the operating unit in the
headliner
– Press and release the already programmed HomeLink
button.
– Press the HomeLink button again to complete rolling
code programming.After programming at the operating unit in the headliner, the
garage door opener should recognize the HomeLink signal and
respond when the HomeLink button is pressed. Now the other
control buttons can be programmed as required.
Note
•
Having a second person assist you makes programming of the
rolling code easier and faster. For some makes of garage door
openers the HomeLink button may have to be pressed a third time
to complete the training sequence.
•
If you encounter problems programming the rolling code you
may find helpful information in the operating instructions of the
garage door opener or other device you wish to operate.
Applies to vehicles: with HomeLinkOperating HomeLink
The programmed devices are activated by means of the
HomeLink control buttons in the headliner.– Make sure that the ignition is on.
– Press the programmed HomeLink button ⇒page 179,
fig. 197. The device assigned to that button (e.g. garage
door) will be activated.The HomeLink indicator diode ⇒page 179, fig. 197 will light up
when you press the button.Applies to vehicles: with HomeLinkErasing the button programming
You can erase the complete HomeLink programming by
pressing the two outer buttons.– Switch on the ignition (do not start the engine).
– Press and hold down the two outer buttons until the indi-
cator diode starts to flash ⇒page 179, fig. 197.
– Then release the buttons.After the programming of the HomeLink buttons has been erased,
the system will return to the training mode and is ready to be re-
programmed at any time.
Note
•
Programmed buttons cannot be erased individually.
•
For security reasons it is advisable to erase the programming of
the HomeLink buttons prior to selling your vehicle.
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Intelligent technology 222Intelligent technologyElectronic stabilisation program (ESP)DescriptionESP increases the car's stability. It reduces the tendency to skid and
improves the stability and roadholding of the vehicle. ESP detects
critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and
wheelspin on the driven wheels. It stabilises the vehicle by braking
individual wheels or by reducing the engine torque. The warning
lamp
in the instrument cluster starts flashing as soon as the ESP
intervenes.
The ESP incorporates the functions of the anti-lock brake system
(ABS), the traction control system (ASR), the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the dynamic steering*.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking until the
vehicle has reached a virtual standstill. You can continue to steer the
vehicle even when the brakes are on full. Keep your foot on the brake
pedal and do not pump the brakes. You will feel the brake pedal
pulsate while the anti-lock brake system is working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can speed up the braking process and
shorten the braking distance. It automatically boosts the braking
force if you press the brake pedal quickly in an emergency. On vehi-
cles with adaptive cruise control*, the brake assist system will build
up a small amount of pressure in the hydraulic brake system if it
senses that you are too close to the vehicle in front.
Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the
engine torque to match the amount of grip available. This helps the
car to start moving, accelerate or climb a gradient.Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and
directs the power to the other driven wheel (or wheels on quattro*
versions). This function is active up to about 100 km/h.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the
EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The
vehicle can still be driven. The EDL will switch on again automati-
cally when the brake has cooled down.
Dynamic steering*
On vehicles with dynamic steering*, the ESP can also intervene in
the steering to stabilise the vehicle in critical situations.
WARNING
•
The grip provided by the ESP, ABS, ASR, EDL and dynamic
steering* systems is still subject to the physical limits of adhesion.
Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If
you notice the systems cutting in, you should reduce your speed
immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety provided tempt you into taking any risks when driving
– this can cause accidents.
•
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you
drive fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you
follow too close behind the vehicle in front of you. Please bear in
mind that even ESP, ABS, brake assist, EDL, ASR and dynamic
steering* cannot compensate for the increased accident risk.
•
When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance
all four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and
carefully. The driven wheels may otherwise start to spin (in spite
of the integrated control systems), which would impair the car's
stability and could lead to an accident.
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