2008 AUDI A4 Selector lever position

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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Driver information system 30•
Speed warning - to set the speed above which a warning signal
will sound.
Speed limit warning 2 can be adjusted in increments of 10 km/h
between 30 and 240 km/h.
Auto-check controlIntroductionThe auto-check control checks important components and vehicle
systems. These background checks are run constantly, as long as
the ignition is switched on.
A message is displayed in the instrument cluster if a fault should
occur or if any maintenance or repairs are urgently required. This is
accompanied by an audible warning signal. Depending on the
priority of the fault, a red or yellow warning symbol lights up in the
display.
The red symbols indicate a serious malfunction, whereas the yellow
ones represent other malfunctions or items requiring attention.
Additional messages to assist the driver may be shown with the red
or yellow symbols.
Automatic gearbox* function test
The auto-check control automatically checks the vehicle systems
when the ignition is switched on. If the selector lever is in position
P or N, the following instruction will appear:
When stationary apply footbrake while selecting gear
When a gear (R, D etc.) is selected, this message disappears and the
auto-check control function is displayed.
The driver message will disappear 30 seconds after switching on
the ignition or earlier, if there are other driver messages or malfunc-
tions.If one or more faults are detected, the driver information message
(as above) will disappear about 15 seconds after the engine has
been started and the appropriate fault symbol(s) will appear in the
display. The warning display will be accompanied by the corre-
sponding warning chime.
Applies to vehicles: with speed warning functionDriver messages
Additional messages to assist the driver are displayed
together with the warning symbols in the instrument
cluster.For example, the following driver message will appear if the selector
lever for the automatic gearbox* is not in position P when you
switch off the engine:
Shift to P, otherwise vehicle can roll away. Doors do not lock if
lever is not in P.
The ignition key can only be withdrawn when the selector lever is in
this position. Similar messages will be displayed if other functions
of this kind cannot be carried out.
Driver messages and red symbols
If a red warning symbol appears in the display, it will automatically
be accompanied by the corresponding driver message.
Fig. 24 Instrument
cluster: SET button
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Driver information system 38Applies to vehicles: with battery power warning systemBattery power

If battery power drops to a level at which you may encounter prob-
lems when starting the engine, the display will show the symbol

and the driver message Low battery charge: Battery will be charged
while driving.
Please bear in mind that the starting ability of the engine may be
impaired while this message is shown.
Message comes on and goes out again
If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched
on or while driving, and goes out again after a period of time, the
battery has been charged up again sufficiently while the vehicle was
being driven.
Message comes on and does not go out
If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched
on or while driving, and does not go out again, the battery is not
being maintained at the proper power level. Starting reliability may
be impaired. You should have the battery checked by a qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
Engine oil level (without dipstick)

 Add oil, max. 1L. You may continue driving.
If the  symbol lights up in conjunction with this driver message,
add not more than 1 litre of oil at the next opportunity
⇒page 259.
Check engine oil level (with dipstick)

 Please check oil levelIf the
 symbol lights up in conjunction with this driver message,
please check the engine oil level as soon as possible ⇒page 258.
Top up the oil at the next opportunity ⇒page 259.
Engine oil sensor defective


Oil level ! Sensor defective
If the 
symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop
and have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to
check the oil level every time you fill up with fuel ⇒page 258.
Applies to vehicles: with diesel engine and diesel particulate filterDiesel particulate filter obstructed


Particle filter. See Owner's Manual
When the symbol

lights up you can assist the self-cleaning func-
tion of the filter by driving accordingly. You should drive at a speed
of at least 60 km/h (engine speed about 2,000 rpm) for about
15 minutes in 4th or 5th gear, or with the selector lever in position S
on vehicles with automatic gearbox*. As a result of the increase in
temperature the soot in the filter will be burned off. The symbol will
disappear once the cleaning process has been completed success-
fully.
If the symbol

does not go out, please contact a qualified work-
shop and have the fault rectified.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter ⇒page 229.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road,
terrain and traffic conditions. The recommended driving speed
must never lead to the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.
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Doors and windows 48
Locking the vehicle
– Move the selector lever to position P (automatic
gearbox), otherwise it will not be possible to lock the
vehicle.
– Touch the sensor on the door handle once to lock the
vehicle ⇒.
– Touch the sensor a second time within 2 seconds to lock
the vehicle without activating the deadlock mechanism.The vehicle can be locked and unlocked from any of the doors. The
driver's door will always be unlocked as well when the passenger's
door is unlocked. The remote control key has to be within a range of
about 1.5 metres of the relevant door or the boot lid. It does not
matter where you carry the key, for instance whether it is in your
jacket pocket or in a briefcase.
The unlocking function may be affected if the sensor area on the
door handle is touched while the vehicle is being unlocked.
The locking function may be affected if you grasp the door handle
while the vehicle is being locked.
Once the doors have been locked, they cannot be opened again
immediately. This will enable you to check that the doors are prop-
erly closed.
The system will either unlock all the doors or one door only,
depending on the settings you have chosen on the sound system or
MMI* ⇒page 50.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Note
Please note the following points if the vehicle is left parked for long
periods:•
To save electrical power, the proximity sensors are switched off
after a few days. You will then need to pull the door handle once to
unlock the vehicle, and a second time to open it.
•
To prevent the battery from becoming discharged and thus
maintain the vehicle's starting ability for as long as possible, the
power management system will gradually switch off convenience
functions that are not required. In this case you may not be able to
unlock the vehicle with this convenience function.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle using the key
If the central locking system should fail to work, you can
still lock and unlock the driver's door by turning the emer-
gency key or spare key in the lock.Unlocking
– Turn the key to position ⇒fig. 40 to unlock the
vehicle.
Fig. 40 Lock on
driver's door
AA
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Doors and windows49
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Locking
– Move the selector lever to position P (automatic
gearbox).
–Turn the key once to position ⇒ to lock the vehicle.
– If you turn the key to position a second time within
2seconds, this will lock the vehicle without activating
the deadlock mechanism.In order to switch off the anti-theft alarm*, you must switch on the
ignition within 15 seconds after opening the driver's door. Other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
If the central locking system should fail to work at any time, the
passenger's door can be locked manually ⇒page 51.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Note
•
The central locking switch and the release button for the boot lid

will function after the ignition is switched on.
•
If the vehicle is locked with the key when the central locking
system is operational, it is only possible to unlock all the doors and
the boot lid centrally with the key within the next 45 seconds. After
this period, the key will only unlock the driver's door.
Central locking switch– Press the
 button to unlock the vehicle ⇒fig. 41.
– Press the  button to lock the vehicle ⇒.
Please note the following when you use the central locking switch
to lock your vehicle:•
The doors and the boot lid cannot be opened from the outside
(for safety reasons, when stopped at traffic lights, etc.).
•
The LED in the central locking switch lights up when both of the
doors and the boot lid are closed and locked.
•
You can open the doors individually from the inside by pulling
the inside door handle.
•
In the event of an accident in which the airbags inflate, doors
locked from the inside will be automatically unlocked to facilitate
access and assistance.
WARNING
•
The central locking switch is still operative when the ignition is
switched off and will automatically lock the entire vehicle when
pressed.
•
The central locking switch inside the vehicle is not operative if
you lock the vehicle from the outside.
ABAB
Fig. 41 Driver's door:
Central locking switch
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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
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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
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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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