2008 AUDI A4 airbag

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 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 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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Doors and windows 42Doors and windowsCentral locking systemDescriptionThe vehicle can be locked and unlocked via the central locking
system. You can use any of the following:•
Remote control key ⇒page 47
•
Door handles in conjunction with advanced key* ⇒page 47
•
Lock on driver's door ⇒page 48
•
Interior central locking switch ⇒page 49
Unlocking one side of the vehicle only
When you lock the vehicle, the central locking system will lock the
doors and the boot lid. When you unlock the vehicle, the central
locking system will unlock either the driver's door only, or all the
locks on the vehicle, depending on the setting you have selected on
the sound system or MMI* ⇒page 50.
Automatic locking function (Auto Lock)
The Auto Lock function locks the doors and the boot lid when the
vehicle exceeds a speed of about 15 km/h.
The vehicle is unlocked again when the ignition key is removed.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be unlocked via the central
locking switch or by pulling one of the inside door handles. The Auto
Lock function can be switched on and off on the sound system or
MMI* ⇒page 50.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags inflate, the doors
will be automatically unlocked to facilitate access and assistance.
Deadlock mechanism
The central locking system is combined with a deadlock mecha-
nism. Once the vehicle has been locked from the outside, the door handles on the inside are deactivated. This makes it more difficult
to break into the vehicle.
Anti-theft alarm system*
If the anti-theft alarm system senses interference with the vehicle it
triggers an audible and visible alarm.
The anti-theft alarm system switches on automatically when the
vehicle is locked. It switches off automatically if you unlock the
vehicle using the remote control.
If you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key in the driver's door, the
ignition must be switched on within 15 seconds, otherwise the
alarm will be triggered. On some export versions, the alarm is trig-
gered immediately when you open a door.
To deactivate the alarm, press the unlock button on the remote
control key or switch on the ignition. The alarm will also switch itself
off when it comes to the end of its cycle.
Switch off the interior monitor and tow-away protection if you wish
to prevent the alarm from being triggered accidentally ⇒page 50.
Turn signals
The turn signals will flash twice when the vehicle is unlocked and
once when the vehicle is locked. If the turn signals do not flash, one
of the doors, the bonnet or the boot lid is still open.
Accidental lock-out
The central locking system prevents you from being locked out of
the vehicle in the following situations:
•
When the driver's door is open, it cannot be locked together with
the other doors by pressing the central locking switch and then
closing the door ⇒page 49.
•
On vehicles with advanced key*, the boot lid will be released
again automatically if the remote control key that was last in use is
left inside the boot when the boot lid is closed ⇒page 51.
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Doors and windows45
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Replacing the battery for the remote control key– Press the release button ⇒fig. 32.
– Pull the emergency key out of the remote control key.
– Press the release catch ⇒fig. 33 on the battery carrier
and at the same time pull the battery carrier out of the
remote control key in the direction of the arrow.
– Insert the new CR 2032 battery with the “+” symbol
facing downwards.
– Slide the battery carrier carefully into the remote control
key.– Insert the emergency key.
For the sake of the environment
Used batteries must be disposed of appropriately and must not be
discarded with ordinary household waste.
Note
The new battery must be of the same type as the original one
(CR 2032).Removing the emergency key– Press the release button ⇒fig. 34.
– Pull the emergency key out of the remote control key.You can use the emergency key to ...•
activate and deactivate* the front passenger's airbag
⇒page 208.
•
lock and unlock* the glove box ⇒page 90.
•
lock and unlock the lockable rear seat.
•
manually lock and unlock the vehicle if this is not possible using
the remote control key ⇒page 48.
Fig. 32 Remote control
key: Removing the
emergency keyFig. 33 Remote control
key: Removing the
battery carrier
AAABAA
F i g . 3 4 R e m o t e c o n t r o l
key: Removing the
emergency key
AAAB
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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 vision61
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with xenon headlight bulbsDynamic headlight range controlHeadlights with xenon gas-discharge bulbs automatically adapt to
suit the load being carried when the engine is switched on. The
headlights are also automatically adjusted when the vehicle is in
motion (e.g. when accelerating and braking).Applies to vehicles: with adaptive lightadaptive light
This feature provides better illumination when you drive
through a corner.The adaptive light gives better illumination of the bend and the side
of the road when driving through a corner ⇒fig. 59. The adaptive
light is controlled automatically, depending on the speed of the
vehicle and the steering wheel angle.
The headlights are regulated automatically when you drive through
a corner, depending on how far you turn the steering wheel. To
avoid having a dark spot in front of the vehicle the two headlights
are directed at different angles.
Note
The system is active at speeds from approximately 10 km/h to
110 km/h.Hazard warning lights

The hazard warning lights are used to make other road
users aware of your vehicle in hazardous situations.– Press the switch
 to switch the hazard warning lights
on or off ⇒fig. 60.
All four turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning
lights are switched on. The two turn signal indicator lamps
  and
the indicator lamp in the switch
 will flash at the same time. The
hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning lights come on automatically in the event of an
accident in which an airbag is triggered or in the case of an emer-
gency stop (full brake application).
Note
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road
users, for instance:
Fig. 59 adaptive light
when driving
Fig. 60 Switch for
hazard warning lights
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