2008 AUDI A4 towing

Contents 2ContentsNotes on this Owner's
Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and displays
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and
warning/indicator lamps
. . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . .
Driver information system
. . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speed warning function . . . . . . . . .
Auto-check control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring system .
Doors and windows
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . .
Boot lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child-proof catches . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and vision
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clear vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual adjustment of front seats
Electric adjustment of front seats
Seat memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . .
Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and electrical
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On-board 230 Volt Euro socket . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . .
Heating and cooling
. . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner -
basic settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner
plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner
plus - basic settings . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary heating and auxiliary
ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine
with the advanced key . . . . . . . . . . Electro-mechanical parking brake
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . .
adaptive cruise control (ACC)
. .
Speed and distance control system
Driver messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi braking guard . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi lane assist
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi lane assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi side assist
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lane change assist feature . . . . . .
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi drive select
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the vehicle set-up . . . . .
Automatic gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
multitronic®, tiptronic (6-speed
gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi parking system plus . . . . . . . .
Audi parking system advanced . . .
Switching display and acoustic
signals on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HomeLink
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
7
9
9
11
11
14
15
21
21
25
28
30
39
42
42
51
53
53
55
57
57
6364
65
68
71
73
73
74
75
77
78
79
83
84
85
86
87
89
90
93
93
100
101
109
110
114
116
116
116
118121
125
128
128
134
140
142
145
145
149
149
156
159
159
162
162
169
169
169
170
171
177
177
178
179
179
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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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Contents 4Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools and Tyre Mobility System . . .
Compact temporary spare wheel*
Tyre repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing away . . .
Fuses and bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing bulbs for headlights . . .
Changing bulb for front fog lights
Changing bulbs for rear lights in
side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing bulbs in boot lid . . . . . . .
Number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical data
. . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Explanation of technical data . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . .
Performance, weights and
dimensions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
282
282
282
283
283
284
285
288
293
295
300
300
304
306
310
311
314
315319
320
320
320
321
321
323
323
325
329
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 18Turn signals
 
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left
 or
right
 indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal should fail, the indicator lamp will start flashing
twice as fast.
This does not apply when towing a caravan or trailer. The indicator
lamp will stop flashing if one of the turn signals on the vehicle or the
caravan/trailer should fail. For further information on the turn
signals ⇒page 62.
Applies to vehicles: with towing bracketTrailer turn signals

The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.The indicator lamp
 flashes when the turn signals are operated,
provided a caravan or trailer is correctly attached and connected to
the vehicle.
The indicator lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the
trailer fails.
Seat belt warning lamp

The warning lamp acts as a reminder to fasten the seat
belts.After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp
 will remain lit
until the driver and front passenger (if applicable) have fastened
their seat belts. When the vehicle has gathered speed you will also
hear a warning chime.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 194.
Emission control system

If the warning lamp lights up continuously you should take your
vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible in order to have
the fault rectified.
If the warning lamp flashes drive on at reduced speed and seek
professional help in order to avoid damage to the catalytic
converter.
For further information on the catalytic converter ⇒page 229.Applies to vehicles: with lane assistlane assist (active)

The indicator lamp confirms that the system is fully functional. You
will be warned if you are about to cross the lane markings detected
by the system.
For more information on the lane assist system, please see
⇒page 145.lane assist (inactive)

The warning lamp indicates that the system is switched on.
However, you will not be warned if you cross the lane markings.
For more information on the lane assist system, please see
⇒page 145.Main beam headlights

The indicator lamp
 lights up when the main beams are on or
when the headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights ⇒page 62.
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Driver information system23
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
You can activate and deactivate the gear-change indicator
on the sound system or MMI*.
Switching the gear-change indicator on and off
– Select: Function selector button > Instrument
cluster > Suggested gear ⇒fig. 12.To familiarise yourself with the gear-change indicator, we recom-
mend driving in the normal way to start with. A gear change will be
recommended if the gear you are in is not the most economical
choice. The gear you are currently in and the recommended gear
will be displayed ⇒page 22, fig. 11.•
Shifting up a gear: The suggested gear appears to the right of the
current gear when a higher gear is recommended.
•
Shifting down a gear: The suggested gear appears to the left of
the current gear when a lower gear is recommended.
Gears may ocassionally be skipped (3 > 5). If no gear-change is
recommended, you are already in the most economical gear.Note
•
The gear-change indicator is intended to help save fuel. It is not
intended to recommend the right gear for all driving situations. In certain situations, only the driver can choose the correct gear (for
instance when overtaking, driving up a steep gradient or towing a
trailer).
•
The gear-change indicator in the instrument cluster ⇒page 22,
fig. 11 goes out when you press the clutch pedal.
Applies to vehicles: with on-board computerDigital speedometerThe display shows the current speed. The speed is displayed in
increments of 1 km/h.
Fig. 12 Display:
Switching the gear
change indicator on
and off
CAR
Fig. 13 Display: Digital
speedometer
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Driver information system 34
will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can call it up
again at any time by pressing the button:
Switch off engine and check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 258.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.If the engine oil level is too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 259.
If the engine oil level is correct
If the

symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain
professional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the
engine, not even at idle speed.
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp

is not an indicator for the oil
level. The oil level should therefore be checked regularly.
Add engine oil immediately

 WARNING! Please add oil immediately
If the  symbol lights up, you must add oil immediately
⇒page 259.
Fault in the steering system

The steering wheel cannot be unlocked if there is a fault
in the electronic steering lock.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information
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:
Do not drive vehicle. Steering defective
– You should obtain professional assistance.
–Do not have the vehicle towed away.
WARNING
The vehicle must not be towed if there is a fault in the electronic
steering lock: the steering will be locked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. Towing a vehicle with locked steering can cause an acci-
dent.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Ignition lock defective

A fault in the ignition lock must be rectified immediately.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic ignition lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information
about the fault. This message will disappear after about
SET
SET
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Lights and vision 58
WARNING
The automatic headlights are only intended to assist the driver.
The driver must always ensure that the headlights are used when
required, and may have to switch the m o n m a n u a l l y when the light
conditions or visibility are poor. For example, the light sensors are
not able to detect fog. Therefore, you should always switch on the
headlights
 in these conditions and when driving after dark.
Note
•
The light sensor for automatic headlight control is located in the
mounting for the interior mirror. Do not affix any stickers on this
section of the windscreen to avoid malfunctioning of the sensor.
•
Some of the settings for the exterior lighting can be adjusted
⇒page 59.
•
If the lights are left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, a buzzer sounds when the driver's door is opened.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant
statutory requirements.
•
The coming home/leaving home function is active only when the
light switch is set to AUTO.
Fog lights
– Press button ⇒fig. 55 to switch on the front fog lights
.
– Press button to switch on the rear fog lights
.
Front fog lights
The side lights or headlights must be switched on. The green diode
at the edge of the switch lights up when the front fog lights are
switched on.
When the headlights are set to AUTO, the dipped headlights are
switched on automatically when you switch on the front fog lights.
Rear fog lights
The headlights or side lights and the front fog lights must be
switched on.
The yellow diode at the edge of the switch lights up when the rear
fog lights are switched on.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan equipped with a rear fog light
on a vehicle with a factory-fitted towing bracket, only the rear fog
light on the trailer or caravan will light up.
Caution
To avoid dazzling the traffic behind you, the rear fog light should
only be used in accordance with statutory regulations.
Fig. 55 Switch for
front fog lights
A1A2
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Lights and vision 62•
When reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
If your vehicle breaks down or there is an emergency
•
If your vehicle is being towed away, or if you are towing another
vehicle.
Turn signal and main beam lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the
following functions:
Turn signals
 
– Move the lever all the way up to indicate right, or all the
way down to indicate left ⇒fig. 61.
– Move the lever briefly up or down just as far as the point
of resistance and then release it: the turn signals will
flash three times.
– Move the lever up or down just as far as the point of
resistance and hold it there: the turn signals flash for as
long as you hold the lever.Main beam headlights

– Press the lever forward to switch on the main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam
headlights off again.
Headlight flasher

– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the
flasher.
Parking lights

– Switch off the ignition.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-
hand parking lights respectively.Notes on these functions•
The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding indicator lamp
 or
 flashes in the instrument
cluster.
•
The turn signals are cancelled automatically when the steering
wheel is returned to the straight-ahead position.
•
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped
beam headlights are already on. The main beam headlight indicator
lamp  then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever –
even if no other lights are switched on. The main beam headlight
indicator lamp
 then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the
rear light on one side of the car light up with reduced intensity. The
parking lights will only work with the ignition off. A warning buzzer
will sound for as long as the driver's door is open.
Fig. 61 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever
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