2008 AUDI A5 light

Automatic gearbox 130Automatic gearboxmultitronic
®
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®IntroductionThe vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled continu-
ously variable transmission (multitronic
®). Unlike conventional
automatics, the gear ratios are not shifted in fixed steps but contin-
uously variable. This gives smoother transmission and makes for
better fuel economy.
The gearbox selects the gear ratio and shifts up or down automati-
cally according to the gear change programmes stored in the
control unit ⇒page 133, “Dynamic gear control program (DCP)”.
The gearbox also has the tiptronic manual shift feature. This system
allows the driver to select gears manually if required ⇒page 134.
Please note that on vehicles with a multitronic gearbox, torque is
transmitted via a multi-plate clutch, and not via a torque converter
as on conventional automatics. This means that the car will not
“creep” as much as conventional automatics when the engine is
idling if you stop temporarily with the selector lever in position D, S
or R.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®General notes on using multitronic
®
The transmission ratio is varied continuously.Driving away from a standstill
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the interlock button (the button in the
selector lever handle), move the selector lever to the
desired position, for instance D, and release the interlock
button.
– Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a slight move-
ment can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒.
Stopping briefly
– Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle when stationary
(for instance at traffic lights).
Fig. 144 Detail of the
centre console:
Selector lever with
interlock button
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Automatic gearbox 132Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary
and the engine is idling ⇒.
To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock
button and at the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on
the model, one or two reversing lights will come on in selector lever
position R (when ignition is switched on).
N - Neutral
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically selects the best gear
ratio. This depends on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control program (DCP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
In some situations (such as on mountain roads or when towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to
tiptronic mode ⇒page 134, so that the gear ratios can be selected
manually to suit the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
Select this position if you wish to take full advantage of the car's
performance. This setting makes use of the engine's maximum
power output. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
WARNING
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving, as this
could cause an accident.
•
In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with
the foot brake when the engine is running. This is because an auto-
matic gearbox still transmits power even at idling speed, and the vehicle tends to “creep”. The throttle must on no account be
opened inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine
compartment) when a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately (in some
cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an
accident.
•
To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the
selector lever in position P before opening the bonnet and working
on the vehicle with the engine running. Please observe the impor-
tant safety warnings ⇒page 231, “Working on components in the
engine compartment”.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being
engaged inadvertently, so that the vehicle is not set in
motion unintentionally.The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch on the ignition.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 146 Selector lever
lock functions
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Automatic gearbox133
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Press the brake pedal and at the same time press in the
interlock button.Automatic selector lever lock
The selector lever is locked in the P and N positions when the igni-
tion is on. The brake pedal must be depressed before the lever can
be moved out of either of these positions. The following message
appears in the instrument display as a reminder for the driver when
the selector lever is in position P or N:
WHEN STATIONARY APPLY FOOTBRAKE WHILE SELECTING GEAR.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or
driving at speeds up to 5 km/h. At higher speeds the selector lever
lock in the N position is disengaged automatically.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved
quickly through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This
makes it possible, for instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and
forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock
engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and the
lever is in position N for more than about a second.
Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever handle prevents the driver
from inadvertently engaging particular gears. Press the button in to
disengage the selector lever lock. The illustration shows the selector
lever positions in which the button has to be pressed, highlighted in
colour ⇒page 132, fig. 146.
Safety interlock for ignition key
The key can only be withdrawn with the ignition switched off and
the selector lever in position P. When the ignition key is removed,
the selector lever is locked in position P.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature is designed to give maximum
acceleration.When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear,
depending on road speed and engine speed. While you keep the
accelerator depressed the engine speed is automatically controlled
to give your vehicle maximum acceleration.
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-
down feature could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding.Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Dynamic gear control program (DCP)
The multitronic
® gearbox is controlled electronically.
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled gearbox.
The gear ratios are selected automatically according to preset gear-
shift programmes.
When you drive at moderate speeds the gearbox will select the most
economical shift programme. It will then change up early and delay
the downshifts to give better fuel economy.
If you drive at higher speeds with heavy acceleration, if you open the
throttle quickly, or if you use the kick-down or the car's maximum
speed, the gearbox will automatically select the more “sporty” shift
programmes.
The gearbox is self-adapting, and continuously selects the most
suitable shift programme. At the same time, the driver can also
make the gearbox switch to a more "sporty" programme by pressing
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Automatic gearbox135
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data When the vehicle slows down (for instance when braking), the
gearbox automatically shifts down into the next gear when the
minimum engine speed is reached.
Changing down to a lower gear increases the engine braking effect
on downhill gradients.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear,
depending on road speed and engine speed.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Back-up programme
A back-up system is in place should a fault occur in the
control system.The automatic gearbox switches to the back-up programme if a fault
should occur in the control system. This is indicated by all segments
of the display panel either lighting up together or going out
completely.
It is still possible to move the selector lever to all positions. The
manual shift programme (tiptronic) is not available when the back-
up programme is active.
It will still be possible to use reverse gear in the normal way.
However, the electronic lock for reverse gear will be switched off.
Caution
Should the gearbox ever switch into the back-up programme, you
should take the vehicle to an Audi dealer or qualified workshop as
soon as possible.
Applies to vehicles: Tiptronic controls on steering wheelSteering wheel with tiptronic controls
The paddle levers on the steering wheel enable the driver
to manually select seven pre-programmed ratios (gears).– Briefly pull the left-hand paddle lever to change down
to a lower gear.
– Briefly pull the right-hand paddle lever to change up
to a higher gear.The paddle levers are activated when the selector lever is in position
D or S, or the position for the manual shift programme (tiptronic).
The manual shift programme can, of course, still be operated using
the selector lever in the centre console.
Fig. 149 Steering
wheel: tiptronic
switchesA…A+
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Audi parking system137
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Audi parking systemParking aid systemsApplies to vehicles: with parking systemGeneral notes
Depending on the optional equipment fitted, there are
various parking aid systems to assist you when parking or
manoeuvring in tight spaces.parking system*:
The parking system comprises the rear acoustic parking aid
⇒page 137.
The rear acoustic parking system uses ultrasonic sensors to
measure the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle which
has been detected. There are four sensors which are located in the
rear bumper (two in the centre, two at the sides).
parking system plus*:
The parking system plus* comprises the rear and front acoustic
parking aid ⇒page 138 in conjunction with a graphic display.
The parking system plus* uses ultrasonic sensors to measure the
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle which has been
detected. There are a total of 8 sensors located in the front and rear
bumpers (2 in the centre and 2 on the side of each bumper).
parking system advanced*:
The parking system advanced* comprises the rear and front
acoustic parking aid in conjunction with the graphic display as well
as a reversing camera (Rear View) ⇒page 140.
The reversing camera is located in the boot lid ⇒page 140, fig. 154
and assists the driver when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces.
The reversing camera provides an image which is shown in the MMI display. It represents the mirror image of a section of the area
behind the vehicle ⇒page 144, fig. 159.
Note
There is a slight delay in the picture display.parking systemApplies to vehicles: with parking systemRear parking aid
The parking aid gives an acoustic warning if it detects any
obstacles behind the vehicle.– Engage reverse gear. You will hear a short beep to
confirm that the rear parking aid has been activated. The
rear parking aid remains active for as long as the reverse
gear is engaged.The measuring range of the sensors in the rear bumper starts at
approximately:
Reversing
When the vehicle is reversing, the system starts to beep when it
registers an obstacle within its detection range (see above). The
warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle approaches
the obstacle.Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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Audi parking system139
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating
– Engage reverse gear to automatically activate the
parking system plus, or
– Press the switch

⇒page 138, fig. 152 in the centre
console to activate the parking system plus manually.
You will hear a short beep to confirm that the parking
system has been activated. The indicator lamp in the
switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forwards faster than approx. 10 km/h, or
– Switch off the ignition to automatically deactivate the
complete parking system, or
– Press the switch

⇒page 138, fig. 152 to deactivate the
parking system plus manually. The indicator lamp in the
switch will go out.
Activate the system manually if you are driving forwards and would
like the system to give a warning as you approach potential obsta-
cles, for instance when parking.
The measuring range of the sensors in the front and rear bumpers
starts at approximately:
Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.Mute function
An acoustic proximity warning is cancelled when you apply the
parking brake or move the selector lever of the automatic gearbox
to position P. However, the system remains active. The warning
beeps will start again as soon as you release the parking brake or
move the selector lever out of position P if the system has detected
an obstacle.
Reversing/driving forwards
When the vehicle is reversing/driving forwards, the system starts to
beep if it registers an obstacle within its detection range (see
above). The warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle
approaches the obstacle.
When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest,
the driver should then not reverse/drive forwards any further.
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer
than 0.30 m). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Parking
If the parking manoeuvre involves shunting backwards and
forwards, the warning sound will be switched off temporarily while
you change gear. The proximity graphic will, however, still be
displayed on the MMI screen. The warnings will then return to the
normal volume if the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle
again.
Graphic display
The segments in the MMI display indicate the distance between the
vehicle and a detected obstacle. The number of segments shown
depends on the obstacle in front of or behind the vehicle. The closer
the vehicle gets to the obstacle the closer the segments move
towards the vehicle in the graphic ⇒page 138, fig. 153. At the latest
when the penultimate segment is highlighted the vehicle has Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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Audi parking system 140reached the danger (collision) zone. The driver should then not
move backwards/forwards any further ⇒.
The graphic display in the MMI screen ⇒page 149 can be switched
off. The acoustic proximity warning will, however, remain activated.
The graphic display will be deactivated as soon as you press a func-
tion selector button on the MMI control console. The graphic
display will appear again the next time you park the vehicle. The
graphic display in the MMI screen can also be switched on again
manually using the switch
 ⇒page 138, fig. 152. For more infor-
mation on the MMI control console please refer to the MMI Oper-
ating Manual.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not regis-
tered. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no small
children or animals near the vehicle, as the sensors may not
always be able to detect them.
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking
and other manoeuvres. Always keep a close watch on the area
around the vehicle.
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no
longer be registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the
system will not give any further warning. Certain kinds of obsta-
cles (such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw
bars, etc.) may not always be detected by the system (accident
risk).Note
•
There is a slight delay in the picture display.
•
You can change the settings for the graphic display in the MMI
⇒page 149.
•
To ensure that the acoustic parking aid works properly, the
sensors must be kept clean and free of snow and ice. Please observe
the additional notes on ⇒page 152.
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 147.
parking system advancedApplies to vehicles: with parking system advancedParking aid (front and rear), with display and reversing camera
The parking aid gives an acoustic and visual warning if it
detects any obstacles in front of or behind the vehicle. The
reversing camera provides further assistance when
parking.
Fig. 1 54 Bo o t lid : Lo c a-
tion of reversing
camera
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Audi parking system141
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating
– Engage reverse gear to automatically activate the
parking system advanced, or
– Press the switch

in the centre console ⇒page 138,
fig. 152 to manually activate the parking system
advanced. You will hear a short beep to confirm that the
parking system has been activated. The indicator lamp in
the switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forwards faster than approx. 10 km/h, or
– Switch off the ignition to automatically deactivate the
complete parking system, or
– Press the switch

in the centre console ⇒page 138,
fig. 152 to deactivate the parking system advanced. The
indicator lamp in the switch will go out.
Activate the system manually if you are driving forwards and would
like the system to give a warning as you approach potential obsta-
cles, for instance when parking.
The measuring range of the sensors in the front and rear bumpers
starts at approximately:Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.
Mute function
An acoustic proximity warning is cancelled when you apply the
parking brake or move the selector lever of the automatic gearbox
to position P. However, the system remains active. The warning
beeps will start again as soon as you release the parking brake or
move the selector lever out of position P if the system has detected
an obstacle.
Reversing/driving forwards
When the vehicle is reversing/driving forwards, the system starts to
beep if it registers an obstacle within its detection range (see
above). The warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle
approaches the obstacle.
When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest,
the driver should then not reverse/drive forwards any further.
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer
than 0.30 m). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Parking
If the parking manoeuvre involves shunting backwards and
forwards, the warning sound will be switched off temporarily while
you change gear. The proximity graphic will, however, still be
Fig. 155 MMI display:
proximity graphic
Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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