2008 AUDI A4 Plug

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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Seats and storage87
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Cigarette lighter and electrical
socketsCigarette lighterUsing cigarette lighter
– Open the cover of the front ashtray.
– Press in the cigarette lighter knob.
– Wait for the lighter to spring out.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter immediately.
– Use the glowing heater element of the cigarette lighter to
light your cigarette.
– Put the cigarette lighter back in its socket.
Operating electrical socket
– Take out the cigarette lighter.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the ciga-
rette lighter socket.
The cigarette lighter employs a standard 12 Volt socket which can
also be used as a power source for electrical appliances. The appli-
ances connected to the socket must not exceed a power rating of
100 W.
The cigarette lighter only works when the ignition is on.
WARNING
•
Take care when using the cigarette lighter. Carelessness or
negligence when using the cigarette lighter can cause burns.
•
The electrical sockets and any appliances connected to them
will operate only when the ignition is switched on. Improper use
of the electrical sockets or the appliances connected to them can
cause injuries or fire. To avoid the risk of injury, never leave chil-
dren unsupervised in the vehicle with the key.Caution
•
Always use the correct type of plugs to avoid damaging the
sockets.
•
The cigarette lighter socket should only be used for a short
period of time as a power source for electrical equipment. Please
use the electrical sockets* ⇒page 88 in the vehicle when
connecting equipment for longer periods.Note
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off will drain
the battery.
Fig. 97 Front ashtray
(open)
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Seats and storage 88Applies to vehicles: with 12 Volt sockets12 Volt sockets
Electrical equipment can be connected to both 12 Volt
sockets.Electrical socket in luggage compartment and
front centre console
– Open the cover cap concealing the socket ⇒fig. 98.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the socket.
Electrical socket in rear centre console
– Fold up the lid ⇒page 89, fig. 100 to access the socket.– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the socket.
Electrical equipment can be connected to the 12 Volt socket. The
appliances connected to the socket must not exceed a power rating
of 150 W.
WARNING
The electrical sockets and any appliances connected to them will
operate only when the ignition is switched on. Improper use of the
electrical sockets or the appliances connected to them can cause
injuries or fire. To avoid the risk of injury, never leave children
unsupervised in the vehicle with the key.
Caution
•
To avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical system, never
connect equipment that generates electrical current, such as a solar
panel or battery charger, to the 12 Volt sockets or cigarette lighter in
order to charge the vehicle's battery.
•
Use only equipment which has been tested for electromagnetic
compatibility in compliance with EC Directive 2004/104/EC.Note
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off will drain
the battery.
Fig. 98 Detail of the
side trim in the
luggage compartment:
12 Volt socketFig. 99 Electrical
socket in the centre
console
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Seats and storage89
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with 230 Volt Euro socketOn-board 230 Volt Euro socketElectrical equipment can be connected to the 230 Volt
Euro socket in the rear centre console.The 230 Volt Euro socket can only be used when the ignition
is on ⇒.
– Fold up the lid to access the socket.
– Plug the Euro connector into the socket. This will auto-
matically release the child safety device.LED in electrical socket
Appliances suitable for connection
Electrical equipment with a Euro plug connector can be connected
to the 230 Volt Euro socket. The appliances connected to the
230 Volt Euro socket must not exceed a power rating of 150 W
(300 W peak power).If you connect more than one appliance, the total power rating of all
appliances must not exceed 150 W. If necessary, check the type
plates on the connected appliances for details of the power ratings.
Connected appliances must be in perfect condition and free of
defects.
WARNING
•
Heavy appliances or plugs (such as power supply units) can
damage the mounting of the 230 Volt Euro socket if they are
suspended directly from the socket – Risk of injury!
•
Make sure that all connected appliances are securely stowed
when driving to prevent them from being catapulted through the
car under braking or in an accident – Danger to life!
•
Never spill liquid over the socket – Danger to life! If the socket
does get wet, ensure that it is absolutely dry before using it again.
•
Improper use of the electrical socket or appliances connected
to it can cause injuries or fire – Risk of injury!
•
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle while the engine
is running – Risk of injury!
•
Connected appliances behave differently than when they are
connected to the public electricity grid. As a result, the connected
appliances may become hot during operation – Risk of injury!
•
When using adapters or extension cables, please remember
that the child safety device on the 230 Volt Euro socket is deacti-
vated and the socket is live – Risk of injury!
•
Do not insert conductive materials, such as knitting needles,
into the contacts of the 230 Volt Euro socket – Danger to life!
•
Switch off the connected electrical appliances if the inverter
trips out due to overheating – Risk of injury!Caution
•
Please observe the operating instructions for the connected
appliances.
Steady green light:
The socket is ready for use.
Flashing red light:
The socket has tripped out due
to a power surge, overheating or
similar
Fig. 100 Rear centre
console: 230 Volt Euro
socket
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Driving 116DrivingSteeringApplies to vehicles: with manually adjustable steering columnAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be
adjusted as required to suit the driver.– Pull the lever ⇒fig. 129 -arrow- ⇒ up.
– Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Then push the lever towards the steering column until
the catch engages.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the
vehicle is moving - this could cause an accident.
•
For safety reasons, the lever must be pushed securely against
the steering column to prevent the steering wheel from acciden-
tally changing position while driving (accident risk).
Ignition lockStarting the engine with the key
You can use the ignition key to switch on the ignition and
start the engine.– Insert the key into the ignition lock.
–Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down
and move the gear lever into neutral.
–Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal and move the
selector lever to position P or N.
–Press in the key ⇒fig. 130 to start the engine.
– Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual
to star t on cold days. Please keep your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal until the engine starts. The glow plug indi-
cator lamp

lights up in the instrument cluster while
the glow plugs are preheating.
Fig. 129 Lever beneath
steering column
Fig. 130 Ignition key
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Driving119
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
–Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal and move the
selector lever to position P or N ⇒.
–Press the Start/Stop button ⇒page 118, fig. 131 to start
the engine.
– Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual
to star t on cold days. Please keep your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal until the engine starts. The glow plug indi-
cator lamp

lights up in the instrument cluster while
the glow plugs are preheating.
If you press the Start/Stop button without pressing the clutch or
brake pedal, the ignition will be switched on (and will be switched
off if you press the button again). Diesel engines are preheated
when the ignition is switched on.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after
about 10 seconds and try again after about half a minute.
When starting from cold the engine may be a little noisy for the first
few seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic tappets.
This is quite normal and no cause for concern.
Driver message in the instrument cluster display
No key identified
This message appears when you press the Start/Stop button if there
is no remote control key inside the vehicle or if the system cannot
detect or identify the key. This can happen, for example, if the radio
signal from the key is obstructed by a metal briefcase or similar.
Electronic equipment, such as mobile phones, can also interfere
with the radio signal from the key.
Press brake pedal to start engine
This message appears on automatic vehicles if you press the
Start/Stop button to start the engine without first pressing the
brake pedal. The engine will only start if you press the brake pedal.Press clutch pedal to start engine
This message appears on manual vehicles if you press the
Start/Stop button to start the engine without first pressing the
clutch pedal. The engine will only star t if you press the clutch pedal.
Engage N or P to start engine
This message will appear if you try to start the engine when the
selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not in P or N. The engine
can only be started if the selector lever is in one of these positions.
Key not in vehicle
This message will appear together with the symbol
 if the remote
control key is removed from the vehicle while the engine is running.
This is to remind you not to continue driving without the key (for
example if you change drivers).
If the remote control key is not in the vehicle you will not be able to
switch on the ignition or restart the engine after it has been
switched off. Without the key, you will also not be able to lock the
vehicle from the outside.
Shift to P, otherwise vehicle can roll away. Doors do not lock if lever
is not in P. or Please move selector lever to position P. Vehicle
cannot be locked.
For safety reasons, this message will appear and a warning buzzer
will sound if the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not in
position P when you switch off the ignition with the Start/Stop
button. Put the selector lever in position P; otherwise the vehicle
can roll away. If the lever is not in position P you will not be able to
lock the vehicle using the exterior locking switch on the door handle
or the remote control key.
Advanced key defective! Use ignition lock
This message appears if the vehicle has to be started with the igni-
tion key instead of the Start/Stop button.
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Audi side assist 150
Switching on
– Press the button ⇒page 149, fig. 165. The red indicator
lamp in the button will light up.
Switching off
– Press the button again. The indicator lamp in the button
will go out.The system is designed to provide assistance on motorways and
other out-of-town roads, so it only operates at speeds above about
60 km/h.
WARNING
•
Please note that the sensors are not always able to detect all
vehicles which may represent a potential hazard (accident risk).
•
Please note that the side assist is not able to give adequate
warning of vehicles approaching very fast from behind, or vehicles
that you are overtaking rapidly.
•
The radar sensor's "field of vision" can be impaired by rain,
snow or a lot of water on the road. This results in vehicles not
being reliably recognised or, in some circumstances, not being
detected at all by the side assist. Always give your full attention to
the position of your vehicle on the road and other nearby traffic.
•
The side assist only gives a warning of approaching vehicles
and vehicles in the blind spots when road speed is above 60 km/h.
•
Please note that the side assist does not operate in tight bends
(with a radius of less than 200 metres).
•
The side assist feature is not a substitute for the full concentra-
tion of the driver. The driver is always responsible for the safety of
lane changes and other manoeuvres. Always give your full atten-
tion to the position of your vehicle on the road and other nearby
traffic.
Caution
•
To avoid impairing the function of the side assist, do not attach
any objects (e.g. stickers or bicycle carriers) in such a way that they
might interfere with the radar sensors in the rear bumper.
•
Make sure that the warning lamps on the exterior mirrors are not
obscured by stickers or other objects.Note
•
To ensure that the side assist function works properly, do not
allow snow and ice to accumulate on the rear bumper near the radar
sensors. Please observe the additional notes on ⇒page 157.
•
The side assist function will be switched off automatically when
the electrical connector for the trailer socket is plugged in on vehi-
cles with a factory-fitted towing bracket.
•
The side assist should be switched off manually when towing a
trailer if the vehicle is equipped with a towing bracket which was not
factory-fitted.
•
The side assist system will switch off automatically if it detects
an obstruction that impairs the function of the radar sensors.
•
The warning lamps on the exterior mirrors may not be properly
visible if tinted foil is affixed to the side windows on the driver's or
passenger's side.
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