2008 AUDI A4 ESP

Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct sitting positions . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage safely . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why is it so important to use seat
belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forces acting in a collision . . . . . .
How to wear seat belts properly .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of airbag system . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head-protection airbags
(sideguard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating the front passenger's
airbag via the key-operated switch
Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Points to remember if children are
travelling in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting child safety seats . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation program
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering (servotronic) . . . . .
Four-wheel drive (quattro®) . . . . . .
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your vehicle and the
environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control systems . . . . . . .
How to improve economy and
minimise pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . .
Towing a trailer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving the vehicle with a trailer or
caravan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removable towing bracket . . . . . .
General maintenance
. . .
Care of vehicle and cleaning
. . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel and filling the tank
. . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and topping up fluidsBonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment layout . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Run flat tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and modifications
to the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio transmitters and business
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
186
186
188
191
192
194
194
195
197
199
201
201
203
205
207
208
210
210
213
216221
222
222
224
225
226
226
229
229
229
229
231
232
232
235243
244
244
244
247
251
251
251
252
254
254
256
257
260
262
263
267
268
268
274
277
277
277
278
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Controls and displays9
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Controls and displaysOverview
Door handle
Seat memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Button for side assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control lever for:
−Turn signals and main beam headlights . . . . . . . . .
−lane assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel with:
−Horn
−Driver's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Controls for audio, TV*, telephone and speech
dialogue system*
−Paddle levers for tiptronic gearshift . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SET button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control lever for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlets with thumbwheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−For deluxe automatic air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . .
−For deluxe automatic air conditioner plus . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:−Radio
−CD changer
Depending on equipment fitted:
−Radio display
−MMI display
1)
Hazard warning lights
Glove box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switches for the following (as applicable):
−Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electric sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Control for Audi drive select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner, depending on equipment fitted:
−Deluxe automatic air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Deluxe automatic air conditioner plus . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray with cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on gearbox fitted, gear lever or selector
lever for:
−multitronic
® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Manual gearbox
Depending on equipment fitted:
−MMI control console or
−Switch for Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Switch for Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP
OFF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A1A2
75
A3
70
A4
49
A5
149
A6
57
A7
59
A8
62
145
A9
61
A10
203
167
A11
12
A12
11
A13
14
A14
65
25
A15
116
A16
107
99
107
A17
1)Depending on the equipment fitted in your vehicle the display screen is ei-
ther two-coloured or multi-coloured. As the two displays are more or less
identical this Owner's Manual uses the multi-coloured displays for illustra-
tion purposes.A18A19A20
90
A21
203
A22
170
222
64
159
A23
93
101
A24
86, 87
A25
162
A26
170
222
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps13
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The button has the following functions:
Activating clock, date, temperature and mileage
recorder displays
The display will appear for about 30 seconds if you press the
button ⇒page 12, fig. 3 when the ignition is switched off.
Starting check procedure (auto-check control)
The auto-check control checks important components and vehicle
systems. These background checks are run constantly, as long as
the ignition is switched on ⇒page 30.
You can start the “check procedure” manually by pressing the
button with the ignition switched on. This function check can be
started at road speeds up to 5 km/h.
Calling up driver messages again
A red or yellow symbol appearing in the instrument cluster display
is normally accompanied by a corresponding message. The
message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds. If
required, you can call up the message again by briefly pressing the
button.
Setting speed warning
You can press the button briefly to set speed limit warning 1
while the vehicle is moving ⇒page 29. If you press and hold the
button, this will cancel the speed warning.
Time and date displayQuart z clock
The date, time and display format can be changed using the sound
system or MMI* control console. Please refer to the sound system
or MMI* Operating Manual for more details.
Radio-controlled clock*
When the clock is in “radio-control” mode the signal reception
symbol (a radio tower with radio waves) appears in the display
⇒fig. 4. It is then not possible to change the minutes or the date
manually.
Note
•
The digital clock and mileage recorder displays are switched on
for about 30 seconds when the driver's door is opened.
•
When the ignition is switched off, the clock and date display can
be switched on for about 30 seconds by pressing the button
⇒page 12, fig. 3 ⇒page 12.
SET
SETSET
SET
SET
SET
Fig. 4 Instrument
cluster: Time and date
display
SET
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps15
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Caution
Never run the tank completely dry. The irregular supply of fuel can
cause misfiring, which would allow unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system. This can lead to overheating and damage to the
catalytic converter.Warning and indicator lampsOverview
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of
different functions and possible faults.Fig. 7 Instrument cluster with warning and indicator lamps

Dynamic steering
⇒page 16

Engine management (alternative
to)
⇒page 16

(alternative to
)
⇒page 16

Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
⇒page 17

Airbag system
⇒page 17

Tyre pressure monitoring
⇒page 17

Left turn signals
⇒page 18

Trailer turn signals*
⇒page 18

Seat belt warning lamp
⇒page 18

Emission control system
⇒page 18

lane assist (active)
⇒page 18

lane assist (inactive)
⇒page 18

Main beam headlights
⇒page 18

Right turn signals
⇒page 18

Cruise control system*
⇒page 19
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 16Additional warning and indicator lamps are displayed on vehicles
equipped with the adaptive cruise control* ⇒page 134.
Note
A number of functions are monitored by the auto-check control
⇒page 21. If a malfunction should occur, this will be shown by the
display in the instrument cluster either with a red symbol (priority 1
– serious malfunction) or a yellow symbol (priority 2 – other
malfunction or item requiring attention).Applies to vehicles: with Audi drive selectDynamic steering

If the warning lamp
 lights up when you switch on the ignition and
goes out when the engine has started, the dynamic steering is acti-
vated.
If the warning lamp  stays on after the engine has started, this
indicates a malfunction in the system. You can continue driving
carefully at reduced speed to the next qualified workshop, however
the steering may feel heavier and its response may be more sensi-
tive than usual. In addition, it is possible that the steering wheel will
be off centre when driving in a straight line.
WARNING
Have the system malfunction in the dynamic steering repaired by
a qualified workshop as soon as possible – risk of accident.
Note
•
If the warning lamp
 flashes, this indicates that the dynamic
steering is being initialised. The message “Dynamic steering: Initial-
ising” ⇒page 36 will appear in the driver information system
display.
•
The stabilisation functions of the dynamic steering ⇒page 222
are not available in the event of a system malfunction.
Applies to vehicles: with petrol engineEngine management

This warning lamp monitors the engine management
system on petrol engines.The
 warning lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the
ignition is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly.Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indi-
cates a fault in the engine management system. The engine should
be serviced by a qualified workshop without delay.Applies to vehicles: with diesel engineGlow plug system

The indicator lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs
are preheating.Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic glow plug system.
The indicator lamp
 lights up while the glow plugs are preheating.
If the engine fails to start immediately, the glow plugs have not
finished preheating. In this case, keep the clutch pedal depressed
(or keep your foot on the brake if your vehicle has an automatic
gearbox) until the engine starts.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
⇒page 19

Electro-mechanical parking
brake/Audi hold assist*
⇒page 20

Fault in brake system
⇒page 20
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps17
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Note
•
If the glow plug indicator lamp should start flashing while the
vehicle is moving, this indicates a fault in the engine management
system. The engine should be serviced without delay.
•
If the indicator lamp fails to light up when the ignition is
switched on, this can mean that the glow plug system is defective.
The engine should be serviced.
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program.The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It flashes when the ESP or traction control system (ASR) inter-
venes while the vehicle is in motion.
•
The warning lamp will light up continuously if the ESP or the
traction control system (ASR) has been switched off using the ESP
OFF button ⇒page 222.
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out
again after about 2 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working
properly.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the
ESP operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the battery has been disconnected, if the battery voltage is very
low, or if the engine has been started from an outside power source,
the ESP system will perform an initialisation of the various on-board
sensors while you drive the first few metres. The warning lamp will
light up during this period. It will go out when the initialisation has
been completed.
If the warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is
started, this may mean that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESP. In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then on again. If the warning lamp
goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
For further information on the ESP ⇒page 222.
Airbag system

This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt
tensioner system.The warning lamp
 should light up for a few seconds when the
ignition is switched on.
If the warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up, flashes or
flickers when the vehicle is moving, this indicates a malfunction in
the system. This is also the case if the warning lamp does not light
up when the ignition is switched on.
WARNING
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immedi-
ately by a qualified workshop. If this is neglected, there is a risk
that the airbag system and/or belt tensioners may not be acti-
vated in an accident.Tyre pressure monitoring

The tyre pressure should be corrected as soon as possible
if it is too low.If the
 symbol flashes for about a minute and then remains lit after
you switch on the ignition, there is a fault in the system. Please
contact the nearest qualified workshop as soon as possible.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring
system, please refer to ⇒page 39.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps19
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemCruise control

The indicator lamp
 in the instrument cluster lights up when the
cruise control system is operating.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the electronic
differential lock (EDL).The warning lamp
 lights up for a few seconds when the ignition
is switched on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes
out again once the system has run through an automatic test
sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
the warning lamp
 does not light up when the ignition is
switched on,
•
the warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds,
•
the warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the
ABS control function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a
qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further information on
the ABS ⇒page 222.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up.
Fault in the main brake system
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake
warning lamp
 ⇒page 32, this indicates a fault in the ABS func-
tion, and possibly a malfunction in the main brake system as well
⇒.
If there is a malfunction in the brake system the symbol
 will light
up in the instrument cluster. Please refer to ⇒page 32.Fault on the electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should
occur in the EDL, this is indicated by the ABS warning lamp
.
Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
For further information on the EDL ⇒page 222.
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 warning lamp
 should light up together with the
ABS warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the
brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level has dropped
below the "MIN" mark you must not drive on - otherwise there may
be an increased accident risk. You should obtain professional
assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is OK, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. As a
result the rear wheels can lock relatively 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.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi hold assistAudi hold assist

This warning lamp monitors the Audi hold assist function.Audi hold assist helps the driver to keep the vehicle stationary while
the engine is running, for instance on steep gradients, at traffic
lights or in stop-and-go traffic. When the Audi hold assist function
is on, you don't have to keep your foot on the brake to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away. Once it detects that the
vehicle is stopped, Audi hold assist keeps the vehicle stationary. The
green symbol
 in the instrument cluster indicates that the func-
tion is activated. You can now take your foot off the brake pedal.
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Driver information system21
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Driver information systemIntroductionGeneral notes
The driver information system in the instrument cluster
shows you the status of various on-board systems at a
glance.The display for the driver information system is in the centre of the
instrument cluster.
The system runs a check on certain components and functions
when the ignition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. It
gives an audible warning if a fault should occur or if servicing is
required, and a red or yellow warning symbol (in some cases with a
corresponding driver message) appears in the dashboard display.
The system will also display information for the radio and CD player
and (if fitted) the route guidance directions from the navigation
system*. For further information on these systems, please refer to
the sound system or MMI* Operating Manual.
On some models the display of information shown in the instru-
ment cluster differs from the illustrations used here.
The driver information system includes the following functions:
Note
If a fault should occur, the display will show a red or yellow warning
symbol. A red warning symbol indicates a serious malfunction
⇒page 31. A yellow warning symbol indicates a less serious
malfunction, or other item requiring attention ⇒page 35.
Fig. 8 Dashboard:
Display in instrument
cluster (automatic
gearbox)
CD and radio display
⇒page 22
Outside temperature
⇒page 22
Gear-change indicator
⇒page 22
Digital speedometer*
⇒page 23
Door catches/boot lid warning
⇒page 24
Service interval display
⇒page 24
Auto-check control*
⇒page 30
Driver messages
⇒page 30
Speed warning
⇒page 28
On-board computer*
⇒page 25
Selector lever positions for automatic gearbox*
⇒page 163
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