2008 AUDI A4 Owners Manual

Lights and vision63
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Caution
Do not use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if this
would dazzle oncoming traffic.Interior lightsFront interior lights
The front interior lighting also incorporates the reading
lights for the driver and passenger.The rocker switch ⇒fig. 62 for the interior light has the
following functions:
Courtesy light position
– Move switch to the centre position.
Interior light switched on
– Move switch to position I.
Interior light switched off
– Move switch to position O.Front reading lights

– Press one of the switches ⇒fig. 62 to switch the left
or right reading light on and off.If you switch on the courtesy lighting, the interior lights come on
automatically when the vehicle is unlocked or the doors are opened.
The light also comes on when the key is pulled out of the ignition. It
goes out approximately 30 seconds after the doors are closed. The
interior light is switched off immediately when the vehicle is locked
or when the ignition is switched on.
If a door is left open, the light is switched off after about 10 minutes
to prevent the battery from running flat.
The brightness of the light is automatically adjusted by a dimmer
when it is switched on.Rear interior lights
Reading lights are also provided for rear passengers.The reading lights are switched on and off with the switches
.
Fig. 62 Headliner:
Front interior
lighting/reading lights
AA
AAAAAA
AB
Fig. 63 Headliner: Rear
reading lights
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 63 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Lights and vision 64Clear visionSun visors
The sun visors can improve visibility and contribute to
safety.The sun visors for the driver and the front passenger can be pulled
out of their mountings in the centre of the vehicle and turned
towards the doors ⇒fig. 64 . Once the sun visor has been turned
towards the door you can pull it towards the rear as desired.
Make-up mirrors
There are covers on the make-up mirrors in the sun visors. The light
for the mirror (located in the headlining) comes on automatically
when the mirror cover is slid open. The light switches itself off
when the cover is closed and when the sun visor is pushed back
up.
Applies to vehicles: with sun blindsSun blinds
Sun blinds are provided for the rear window and the rear
side windows.Sun blinds (rear side windows)
– Pull out the blind and hook it into the retainers at the top
of the door frame.
Sun blind (rear window)
– Press the switch

⇒fig. 65 or ⇒fig. 66 to extend or
retract the sun blind for the rear window.
Fig. 64 Passenger's
side: Sun visor
A1
A2
Fig. 65 Switch for sun
blind (vehicles with
MMI)Fig. 66 Switch for sun
blind
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 64 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Lights and vision65
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– To retract the sun blind automatically when reversing,
select: Function selector button > Windows >
Automatic rear blind > on.If you switch the Automatic rear blind function on in the sound
system or MMI*, the raised sun blind will be retracted automatically
when reverse gear is engaged ⇒page 55. In this way, the rear blind
will not obstruct your vision when reversing. The rear blind returns
to its raised position when reverse gear is disengaged and the
vehicle is driven forwards at a speed above about 15 km/h. The
current setting is automatically stored and assigned to the remote
control key.
If the rear blind was rolled in automatically when reversing and then
the ignition was switched off and on again, the blind will not roll
back out again when you select a forward gear and the speed
exceeds 15 km/h. You will then have to press the button
 on the
centre console to extend the blind again.
The sun blind for the rear window switches off automatically when
it reaches the end position. It can be made to move in the other
direction before it reaches its end position by briefly pressing the
switch a second time. If the ignition is turned off while the blind is
still moving, it continues until it reaches the end position before
switching off.
Note
•
An overload cut-out may be activated if the sun blind is operated
repeatedly. There will then be a short delay before the blind can be
operated again.
•
As the material of the sun blind is less flexible at low tempera-
tures the electric actuator is switched off when the temperature in
the car is below -5°C. The blind can only be operated when the
temperature in the car's interior rises above this level.
Windscreen wipersWindscreen wipers

The windscreen wiper lever controls the windscreen
wipers and the automatic wash and wipe.The windscreen wiper lever has the following settings:
Brief wipe
– Move the lever down to position to give the wind-
screen a brief wipe.
Intermittent wipe

(activating rain sensor)
– Move the lever up to the stop .
– Move the control to the left or right to set the sensi-
tivity of the rain sensor.
Slow wiper speed
– Move the lever up to the stop .
Fast wiper speed
– Move the lever up to the stop .
CAR
Fig. 67 Windscreen
wiper lever
A1
A2
AA
A3A4
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 65 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Lights and vision 66
Automatic wash and wipe
– Pull the lever to position .
– Release the lever again. The washer will stop and the
wipers will keep running for approximately 4 seconds.
The number of wipe cycles varies according to the length
of time the lever is pulled.
Switching off the wipers
– Move the lever to the "off" position .General notes
The washers and wipers will only work when the ignition is switched
on.
If you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights, the wiper speed will automat-
ically be reduced by one level.
The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is
switched on if the outside temperature is low.
Dribble wipe
About 5 seconds after the wash and wipe cycle has finished, the
windscreen wiper system automatically gives the screen one extra
wipe to remove any dribbles of water.
If you want to deactivate the dribble wipe function while driving,
pull the lever to position again within 10 seconds.
The dribble wipe function will be re-activated the next time the igni-
tion is switched off and on.
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor will only function in the intermittent wipe position.
The intermittent wipe function is activated automatically when it
starts to rain.
Before you reach a road speed of 6 km/h you will have to activate the
rain sensor manually by switching it off and back on again.To reduce the sensitivity level of the rain sensor move control
⇒page 65, fig. 67 to the left. To increase the sensitivity level of the
rain sensor move the control to the right.
If you have selected a high sensitivity level for the rain sensor the
windscreen wipers will react sooner to any moisture on the wind-
screen. The wiper intervals in the intermittent wipe setting are also
varied automatically according to the road speed (in addition to the
sensitivity setting).
WARNING
•
Poor visibility can cause accidents. Always ensure that the
wiper blades are in good condition ⇒page 68, “Changing wiper
blades”.
•
The rain sensor is only intended to assist the driver. The driver
is still obliged to manually operate the windscreen wipers as
required depending on visibility.
•
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad
visibility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a
serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper
blades to judder.Caution
•
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not
frozen to the glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you
switch on the wipers when the wiper blades are frozen to the glass,
this could damage both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
•
Make sure you switch off the windscreen wiper system (lever in
position "0") before you use an automatic car wash. This will avoid
inadvertent triggering of the wipers and possible damage to the
wiper system.
A5
A0
A5
AA
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 66 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Lights and vision67
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Note
•
Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long
journey. Filling the reservoir ⇒page 267.
•
Worn or dirty wiper blades can cause smearing on the glass
which can also impair the effectiveness of the rain sensor. Please
check the wiper blades regularly.
Applies to vehicles: with headlight washersHeadlight washer systemThe headlight washer system only operates when the lights
are switched on.
– Move the automatic wash and wipe lever to position
⇒page 65, fig. 67.The headlight washer system is always activated the first time you
operate the automatic wash and wipe. Subsequently, it is only acti-
vated about every five wash and wipe cycles. The headlights are
always washed if you hold the lever for longer than about
2seconds.
The headlight washer jets come out of the bumper automatically
(under water pressure).
Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the lenses at regular
intervals, for instance when stopping for fuel.
To ensure that the system works properly in winter, keep the nozzle
holders free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer spray.
Service position
Use the service position to change the wiper blades.You can set the wipers to the service position on the sound
system or MMI*.
– If the wiper blades are not frozen to the windscreen,
move the windscreen wiper lever to the "off" position
⇒page 65, fig. 67.
– Select: Function selector button > Windscreen
wipers > Service position ⇒fig. 68.•
on - the wiper blades can only be replaced when the wiper arms
are in the service position ⇒fig. 69. If you only work on the wipers
A5
Fig. 68 Display: Wind-
screen wipersFig. 69 Service posi-
tion
A0
CAR
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 67 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Lights and vision 68when they are in the service position you will also avoid damaging
the paintwork on the bonnet.•
off - the windscreen wipers will be moved back to their original
position.Caution
Never move the vehicle with the front wiper arms in a raised posi-
tion as they are automatically moved back to their normal park posi-
tion above a speed of 6 km/h. The paintwork on the bonnet may be
damaged as a result.
Note
•
You can also use the service position, for example, if you want to
fix a cover over the windscreen in the winter to keep it clear of ice.
•
The service position is automatically set to off when you operate
the windscreen wiper lever or the road speed exceeds 6 km/h.
Changing wiper blades
Good wiper blades are essential for clear vision.Taking off the wiper blade
– Set the wipers to the service position ⇒page 67.– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
– Press the release button on the wiper blade ⇒fig. 70.
Hold the wiper blade firmly and press it forwards slightly
.
– Slide the wiper blade upwards .
Fitting the wiper blade
– Fit the new wiper blade into the mounting on the wiper
arm . You should hear it engage in the wiper arm.
– Fold the wiper arm back down onto the glass.
WARNING
•
To prevent smearing on the glass, the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly using a window cleaner solution. If the wiper
blades are very dirty (insects etc.), they should be cleaned using a
sponge or cloth – bad visibility can cause accidents.
•
For safety, the wiper blades should be changed once or twice a
year.Caution
The windscreen wipers must be in the service position ⇒page 67
when replacing the blades! Otherwise the wiper motor or the paint-
work on the bonnet may be damaged.Rear-view mirrorsManual anti-dazzle adjustmentNormal setting
– Push the lever at the bottom of the mirror away from you.
Fig. 70 Removing the
wiper blades
A1
A2
A3
A4
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 68 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Lights and vision69
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Anti-dazzle setting
– Pull the lever at the bottom of the mirror towards you.Applies to vehicles: with automatic anti-dazzle adjustment for interior mirrorAutomatic anti-dazzle adjustment
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on
and off as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
– Press button ⇒fig. 71 - the indicator lamp will go
out.
Switching on anti-dazzle function
– Press button - the indicator lamp will light up.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is
switched on. The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror
housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is activated the interior mirror will
darken automatically according to the amount of light it receives
(for example from the headlights of a vehicle behind). The mirror
will not darken automatically:
•
when the interior lighting is switched on
•
when reverse gear is engaged
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause
irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory organs. Wash thor-
oughly with clean water should you come into contact with this
fluid. Seek medical assistance if needed.
Caution
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to
plastic surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove the fluid as soon
as possible.
Note
•
If you switch off the anti-dazzle function for the interior mirror,
this will also deactivate the anti-dazzle function for the exterior
mirrors.
•
The automatic anti-dazzle function will only work properly if the
sun blind* for the rear window is not in use and there are no other
objects preventing light from reaching the interior mirror.
•
Do not attach any stickers to the windscreen in front of the
sensors, as these could lead to malfunctioning of the mirror.
Fig. 71 Anti-dazzle
interior mirror: On/off
button with indicator
lamp
AA
AB
AA
AB
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 69 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Lights and vision 70Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors are adjusted electrically.Adjusting exterior mirrors
– Turn the adjuster knob to position (left exterior mirror)
or position (right exterior mirror) ⇒fig. 72.
– Move the knob as required to adjust the exterior mirror
for a good rearward view.
Heated mirrors
– Turn the knob to position .
Retracting both exterior mirrors*
– Turn the knob to position .The mirrors are heated depending on the outside temperature until
the ignition is switched off, even if the knob is no longer in position
.
It may be advisable to retract* the exterior mirrors to protect them
when parking or when driving through tight spaces.Memory for exterior mirrors*
On vehicles with memory function for the driver's seat, the setting
of the exterior mirrors is automatically stored together with the seat
position ⇒page 75.
Tilting function for exterior mirror on passenger side*
(only if equipped with memory for exterior mirrors)
When reverse gear is engaged, the mirror surface tilts slightly
downwards, provided the mirror control is switched to the exterior
mirror on the passenger's side (knob in position ⇒fig. 72). This
provides a better view of the kerb when parking.
The mirror returns to its original position when reverse gear is
disengaged and the vehicle is driven forwards at a speed above
about 15 km/h. The mirror will also return to its original position
when the adjuster knob is turned to the position for the driver's
exterior mirror or when the ignition is switched off.
If the position of the mirror surface is changed while the mirror is
tilted, this new position is automatically stored and assigned to the
remote control key when you disengage reverse gear.
Caution
•
Convex or wide-angle* exterior mirrors give a larger field of
vision. However, they also make objects appear further away than
they actually are. For this reason, you should not rely on these
mirrors for judging the distance of vehicles behind.
•
If one of the mirror housings is knocked out of position (e.g.
when parking), the mirrors must first be fully retracted with the elec-
tric control. Do not readjust the mirror housing by hand, as this will
interfere with the mirror adjuster function.Note
If the electrical adjustment should ever fail to operate, the mirrors
can be adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror
glass.
Fig. 72 Detail of the
armrest: Adjuster knob
AL
AR
AAAB
AA
AR
AL
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 70 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09