2008 AUDI A4 power steering

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
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195
197
199
201
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216221
222
222
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244
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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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Driver information system35
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by
pressing the button:
Ignition lock defective. Contact workshop!
–Do not switch off the engine.
– Drive the vehicle without delay to a qualified workshop
and have the fault repaired.The ignition cannot be switched off if there is a fault in the elec-
tronic ignition lock. For this reason, you should drive the vehicle
without delay to a qualified workshop and have the cause of the
fault repaired.
If the vehicle is equipped with the advanced key* feature, you
should not switch off the engine with the Stop/Start button because
it cannot be started again after the ignition has been switched off.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a malfunction or other item
requiring attention.
Yellow symbols indicate a Priority 2 fault.
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The
symbol is accompanied by a driver message giving you more infor-
mation about the fault. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by pressing the
button.
The function indicated should be checked as soon as possible. The
yellow symbol will only go out when the fault has been rectified.
If several Priority 2 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
SET
Fig. 26 Display: Yellow
warning symbol

Dynamic steering
⇒page 36 and
⇒page 159

Brake pads worn
⇒page 37

Battery power*
⇒page 38

Bulb monitor*
Bulb failure*
⇒page 37

Check engine oil level
⇒page 38 or
⇒page 38

Engine oil sensor defective
⇒page 38

Fuel level low
⇒page 37

Washer fluid level low*
⇒page 37

advanced key*
Key not in vehicle
⇒page 36

Light sensor/rain sensor defec-
tive
⇒page 37

Diesel particulate filter*
obstructed
⇒page 38
SET
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Doors and windows 44Data stored on remote control key
Data related to the service and maintenance of the vehicle are
stored continuously on your remote control key. Your Audi dealer
can read out the data and will then be able to tell you what service
work is required. This also applies to vehicles with advanced key.
Personal convenience settings
If two people use the same car regularly, it is a good idea for each
person to have his or her “own” remote control key. When you
switch off the ignition or lock the vehicle, your personal settings for
the following convenience features are stored and assigned to the
remote control key:•
Air conditioner
•
Central locking system
•
Windows
•
parking system*
•
adaptive cruise control*
•
Audi drive select*
•
Seat memory*
The stored settings are then recalled automatically the next time the
vehicle is unlocked, the doors are opened or the ignition is switched
on.
WARNING
•
Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle - even if
you only intend to be gone for a short time. This is especially
important if children are left in the car. They might otherwise be
able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment such as
the electric windows - this could lead to injuries.
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the
ignition key from the lock. Otherwise the steering lock could
engage suddenly, causing an accident.
Note
The function of the remote control key may be impaired by interfer-
ence from other nearby radio signals (for example from a mobile
telephone or TV transmitter) if these are in the same frequency
range.Indicator lamp on remote control key
The indicator lamp on the remote control key lights up
when you press the buttons.The indicator lamp should light up once briefly when you press one
of the buttons briefly. The indicator lamp should flash when you
press and hold one of the buttons (convenience open/close).
If the indicator lamp does not light up, this means the battery is
exhausted and must be replaced ⇒page 45. The instrument cluster
display also shows the symbol
 and the following message if the
battery is exhausted:
Please change key battery
Fig. 31 Indicator lamp
on remote control key
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Driving117
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data If you press in the key without pressing the clutch or brake pedal,
the ignition will be switched on or off. The steering lock is released
when the ignition is switched on. Diesel engines continue to be
automatically preheated.
The key can be removed only when the ignition is off. The key has to
be pressed in briefly to switch off the ignition. On vehicles with an
automatic gearbox, the selector lever has to be in position P.
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched
off temporarily while you start the engine.
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.
If the engine fails to start immediately, the starter will be switched
off automatically after a few seconds. Try to start the engine again.
Driver message in the instrument cluster display
Press brake pedal to start engine
This message appears on vehicles with an automatic gearbox if you
try to start the engine without first pressing the brake pedal.
Press clutch pedal to start engine
This message appears on vehicles with a manual gearbox if you try
to start the engine without first pressing 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.
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 after you switch off the ignition. 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.
Steering lock
The steering is locked when the key is not in the ignition. The
steering lock acts as a theft deterrent.
WARNING
•
Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
Otherwise the engine can be started or power-operated equip-
ment such as the electric windows can be used. This could result
in serious injury.
•
Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. The
doors could be locked with the remote control key and the occu-
pants could become trapped in the vehicle. The vehicle occupants
could be exposed to extremely high or low temperatures,
depending on the time of year.
•
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is
moving. The steering lock could engage suddenly, and you would
not be able to steer the car.Caution
•
If a malfunction occurs in the electronic ignition lock, a flashing
symbol and the message Ignition lock defective will appear in the
instrument cluster display.
•
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load condi-
tions until the engine has reached its normal operating tempera-
ture, otherwise this can damage the engine.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You
should drive off immediately whenever possible. This will help avoid
unnecessary exhaust emissions.
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Driving 118
Note•
If the key should become stuck in the ignition lock, remove the
top part of the key and use it to lock the vehicle.
•
If you open the driver's door while the ignition is switched on, a
warning buzzer will sound, and the message Ignition is on will
appear in the display. In this case, please switch off the ignition.
Switching off the engine– Stop the vehicle.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to position P
or N.
–Press in the ignition key to switch off the engine.Emergency Off function
If necessary in an emergency, the engine can be switched off while
the vehicle is still moving. The engine will be switched off if you
press and hold the ignition key.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason, you should leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes before
switching it off.
Note
After the engine is stopped the radiator fan may run on for up to
10 minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The fan may also
start running again after some time if the coolant temperature rises
due to a build-up of heat, or if the engine is hot and the engine
compartment is heated up further by direct sunlight.Starting and stopping the engine
with the advanced keyApplies to vehicles: with advanced keyStarting the engine with the Start/Stop button
You can use the Start/Stop button to switch on the igni-
tion and start the engine.–Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down
and move the gear lever into neutral.
Fig. 131 Audi
advanced key: START
ENGINE STOP button
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Driving 120Steering lock
The steering is locked if the key is not in the ignition and the driver
door has been opened. The steering lock acts as a theft deterrent.
WARNING
Never run the engine in confined spaces. The exhaust gases are
toxic.•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
•
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load condi-
tions until the engine has reached its normal operating tempera-
ture, otherwise this can damage the engine.
•
The engine cannot be started by push-starting or towing.
•
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason,
you should leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes before
switching it off.Note
If you open the driver's door while the ignition is switched on, a
warning buzzer will sound, and the message Ignition is on will
appear in the display. In this case, please switch off the ignition.
Switching off the engine with the Start/Stop button–Stop the vehicle.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to position P
or N.
–Press the Start/Stop button ⇒page 118, fig. 131.Emergency Off function
Should it be necessary in an emergency, the engine can be switched
off when the selector lever is in position R, D or S. To switch off the
engine (max. speed 10 km/h) press and hold the Start/Stop button
and keep your foot on the brake.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason,
you should leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes before
switching it off.
Note
After the engine is stopped the radiator fan may run on for up to
10 minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The fan may also
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Driving 122a fault in the parking brake. Have the fault repaired by a qualified
workshop without delay ⇒page 32.
Note
•
The parking brake can be applied at any time - even when the
ignition is switched off. However, the ignition must be switched on
before the parking brake can be released.
•
Any slight noise which may be heard when the parking brake is
applied or released is quite normal and no cause for concern.
•
The parking brake runs an automatic test cycle at regular inter-
vals when the vehicle is parked. This may also cause a slight noise,
which is normal.
Parking
Please note the following points to ensure there is no risk
of the car rolling away accidentally after it is parked.Parking t he c ar
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Pull the switch to apply the parking brake.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to P.
– Switch off the engine ⇒.
– Manual gearbox: Engage the first gear.
When parking on slopes
– Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll into
the kerb if it did start to move accidentally.
WARNING
•
Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle – even
if you only intend to be gone for a short time. This is especially
important if children are left in the car. They might otherwise be
able to start the engine, release the parking brake or use power-
operated equipment such as the electric windows - this could lead
to injuries.
•
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the vehicle when it
is locked. Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency,
potentially putting lives at risk.
Driving away from a standstill
The parking brake auto release function releases the
parking brake automatically when you wish to start
moving.Applying the parking brake when stopping
– Pull the switch to apply the parking brake.
Releasing the parking brake when driving away
– Drive off in the normal way: the parking brake will be
released automatically and the vehicle will start moving.On vehicles with automatic gearbox, you can apply the parking
brake when stopping at traffic lights, etc. Then you do not have to
hold the car with the footbrake, as the parking brake will stop it
creeping forward while a gear is engaged in the automatic transmis-
sion. When you drive off in the normal way, the parking brake will be
released automatically and the vehicle will start moving.
Driving away on a slope
When driving away on a gradient, the parking brake auto release
function prevents the vehicle from rolling back unintentionally. The
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