2008 AUDI A5 ABS

Intelligent technology199
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Note
To ensure that the ASR works properly, all four wheels must be fitted
with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not
desired. Also refer to ⇒page 245, “Replacing wheels and tyres”.Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock monitors the speed of the
driven wheels.General notes
The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the car to start moving,
accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this
may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
How the system works
The EDL acts automatically. With the aid of the ABS sensors
⇒page 197, the system monitors the rotational speed of the driven
wheels on each axle. Whenever it detects a significant difference in
the speed of the driven wheels of one axle (for example, if the road is
slippery on one side) the system applies the brake to slow down the
spinning wheel so that more of the power is directed to the other
wheel of this axle (or to the three other wheels on vehicles with four-
wheel drive). This function is active up to about 100 km/h. The brake
system will make noises while it is working.
Driving away from a standstill
Sometimes one wheel has less grip and starts spinning, for
example, if one of the driven wheels is on ice. In this case, keep
pressing the accelerator gradually until the car starts moving, even
though the wheel with less grip will still spin.
Overheating of the brakes
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the
EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The car remains operational and will behave in the same way as a car
without EDL.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
WARNING
•
When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance
all four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and
carefully. The driven wheels may otherwise start to spin (in spite
of the EDL), which would impair the car's stability and could lead
to an accident.
•
Even with EDL, you should always adjust your speed to suit the
conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.Note
If the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault
in the EDL. Please contact a qualified workshop as soon as
possible.BrakesNew brake pads
New brake pads do not give full braking effect for the first 400 km,
they must first be “bedded in”. However, you can compensate for
the slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pressure on
the brake pedal. Avoid placing a heavy load on the brakes during the
running-in period.
We ar
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you
drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative
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Care of vehicle and cleaning223
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data After washing, the wheels should only be cleaned with an "acid-
free" cleaning agent for alloy wheels. This is available from Audi
dealers and specialist retailers. Never leave the cleaning agent on
the rims for any longer than specified in the instructions before
rinsing it off. If the wheel cleaner fluid contains acid it can attack the
surfaces of the wheel bolts.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the
protective paint coating is damaged by stone chips etc., the
damaged area should be touched up immediately.
WARNING
Please note when cleaning the wheels that water, ice and road salt
can impair the effectiveness of the brakes – this can cause an
accident.Care of interiorMMI display screen and control consoleThe MMI display screen can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a
special “LCD cleaner” (available from retailers of electrical goods).
Moisten the cloth with a small amount of the cleaning fluid.
Clean the MMI control console with a fine brush first to prevent any
dirt from getting in between the control buttons and the housing.
We then recommend wiping the MMI control console using a cloth
moistened with washing-up liquid and water.
Caution
To avoid scratching the screen, do not wipe the MMI display with a
dry cloth.•
To avoid any possibility of damage, do not let any liquid get
inside the control console.
Plastic parts and leatherettePlastic parts and leatherette can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If
this is not sufficient, plastic parts and leatherette should only be
treated with a special solvent-free plastic cleaner.Textile covers and trim partsTextile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door trim) should be
cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner. This will remove surface
dirt which could otherwise be rubbed into the textile material
during use. Do not use steam cleaners, as the steam could carry the
dirt deeper into the textile material.
Normal cleaning
We recommend that you use a soft sponge or lint-free, micro-fibre
cloth for normal cleaning. Only use brushes on floor coverings and
mats, as other textile surfaces could become damaged.
In the case of normal surface dirt you can use a foam cleaner. Use a
sponge to spread the foam on the textile surface and to work it into
the material lightly. However, make sure that the textile material
does not become soaking wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and
absorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-fibre cloth) and vacuum off any
residue once the surface is completely dry.
Removal of stains
To treat stains caused by spilled drinks (coffee, fruit juice or similar)
make up a solution with a mild detergent for sensitive fabrics and
apply it with a sponge. If the stains are difficult to remove, a
washing paste can be applied directly onto the stain and worked
into the fabric. The surface will then have to be wiped with clear
water to remove any residue left by the paste. To do so, use a damp
cloth or sponge and then dab the stain with an absorbent cloth.
Treat chocolate or make-up stains with a washing paste and then
rinse off with water (using a damp sponge).
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Care of vehicle and cleaning 224A spirit-based cleaner can be used to remove grease, oil, lipstick or
ball point pen. Then dab the dissolved grease or colour particles off
with an absorbent cloth or similar. You may also have to treat the
stain once more using washing paste and water.
If the covers or textile trim panels are badly soiled we recommend
that you have them cleaned by a professional cleaning company.
Note
Please make sure you close any velcro fasteners on your clothing, as
these could otherwise damage the upholstery.Applies to vehicles: with leather upholsteryNatural leather
Audi does everything possible to preserve the special
qualities of leather as a natural product.General notes
We have a wide selection of leathers. The main type used is nappa
in various forms, that is leather with a smooth surface in a selection
of colours.
The amount of dye used determines the appearance and properties
of leather. If the leather is left in a more natural state, it retains its
typical natural appearance and is pleasant and comfortable for the
seat occupants. Fine veins, healed scars, insect bites, wrinkles and
a subtle variation in shading remain visible; these are the character-
istic features of genuine natural leather.
Natural napped leather does not have a protective surface coating
of dye. It is therefore somewhat more prone to damage. You should
bear this in mind if children or pets often travel in the car, or if there
are other factors that could lead to damage.
Types of leather with a coloured surface coating are likely to be
more resistant to damage. This has a great advantage for day-to-day use. However, this means that the typical natural characteristics of
the surface are less apparent, though this does not affect quality.
Cleaning and care
Because of the natural properties of the specially selected hides
employed, the finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease
and dirt, etc. so a degree of care is required in everyday use and
when looking after the leather. Dark clothing (especially if damp or
incorrectly dyed) may stain leather upholstery. Dust and grit in the
pores and seams can have an abrasive effect and damage the
surface of the leather. Therefore leather should be cleaned at
regular intervals, depending on the actual amount of use. When
they have been in use for a certain time, your car seats will acquire
a typical and distinctive patina. This is characteristic for real leather
upholstery, and is a sign of genuine quality.
To maintain the value of natural leather you should note the
following points:
Caution
•
Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight for long periods, other-
wise it may tend to lose some of its colour. If the car is left for a
prolonged period in the bright sun, it is best to cover the leather.
•
Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as belts, zip fasteners,
rivets or similar, can also leave permanent scratches and rough
marks on the surface of the leather.Note
•
Use a suitable impregnating cream with ultra-violet protection at
regular intervals and after cleaning. This cream will nourish and
moisturise the leather, keep it supple and able to breathe. In addi-
tion, it will also help to protect the surface of the leather.
•
Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and remove fresh dirt as
necessary.
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Care of vehicle and cleaning225
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe
cream and similar stains as soon as possible.
•
Preserve the colour of the leather. A special coloured cream will
renew the colour of the leather when required and will eliminate
differences in colour.
Applies to vehicles: with leather upholsteryCleaning and care of leather upholstery
Natural leather requires an extra degree of attention and
care.Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe
over the leather surfaces.
More stubborn dirt
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap
solution (pure liquid soap: two tablespoons dissolved in
one litre of water).
– It is very important not to let the water soak through the
leather or penetrate into the seams.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Removal of stains
– Remove fresh water-based stains such as coffee, tea,
juices, blood etc. with an absorbent cloth or kitchen roll,
dried-on stains with the cleaning agent from the care set.
– Remove fresh fat-based stains on the surface such as
butter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc. with an absorbent
cloth or kitchen roll or with the cleaning agent from the
care set.–Treat fat-based, dried-in stains with grease-dissolving
spray.
–Treat less common stains such as ball-pen and other
inks, felt-tip pens, nail polish, dispersion paint, shoe
cream etc. with a special leather stain remover.
Leather care products
– The leather should be treated regularly (about twice a
year) with a special leather-care product.
– Apply the cream very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Should you have any questions regarding the care and cleaning of
the leather upholstery in your vehicle, we recommend that you
contact your Audi dealer. The staff there will gladly provide you with
further information on cleaning and care of your upholstery and on
our complete range of leather care products:•
Cleaning and care set
•
Coloured leather-care cream
•
Stain remover for ball-pen inks, shoe cream etc.
•
Grease dissolving spray
•
New products and further developmentsCaution
On no account use solvents (such as petrol, turpentine), wax polish,
shoe cream or similar materials.
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Checking and topping up fluids 238Brake fluidChecking brake fluid level
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.– Check the fluid level on the brake fluid reservoir
⇒fig. 228. It should always be between the “MIN” and
“MAX” marks.In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other
side of the engine compartment.
The fluid level may drop slightly after a period of time due to the
automatic compensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops
below the “MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. If
the fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the
brake warning lamp ⇒page 31. If this should happen, take the car
to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system
inspected.
Changing brake fluid
When required, the brake fluid should be changed by a
competent mechanic with the proper equipment.Brake fluid gradually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. If the
water content in the brake fluid is too high, this may cause corrosion
in the brake system over time. In addition, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect
the braking ability in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has
to be changed.
It is advisable to have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular
Inspection Service at your Audi workshop. They are familiar with the
procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as
well as the proper facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Qualified
workshops know that the brake fluid “DOT 4” is approved by Audi.
The brake fluid must be fresh and unused.
WARNING
•
Brake fluid is poisonous; store it in the sealed original container
in a safe place out of reach of children.
•
Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake
fluid is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect
the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the car – risk of acci-
dent.Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
Fig. 228 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on brake fluid
reservoir
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Checking and topping up fluids239
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
For the sake of the environment
If the fluid has to be drained out of the brake system, use an appro-
priate container to catch the used brake fluid and dispose of it in the
proper manner.BatteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is virtually maintenance-free. It is checked as part of the
Inspection Service.
We recommend that you replace a battery once it is older than 5
years.
When an airbag is triggered, the battery will, under certain circum-
stances, be disconnected from the on-board power supply for
safety reasons ⇒ in “General notes on airbag system” on
page 176.
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will
become inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will
require resetting after the battery is reconnected. For this reason,
the battery should only be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical
system when absolutely necessary.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of several days or weeks,
the power management will gradually shut off the on-board
systems one by one, or reduce the amount of current they are using.
This limits the amount of power consumed and helps to ensure reli-
able starting even after a long period ⇒page 202.Please note that certain convenience features, such as the Audi
advanced key*, the remote control key or the electrical seat adjust-
ment may not be available when you unlock the vehicle. These func-
tions will be restored when you switch on the ignition and start the
engine.
Winter conditions
At low temperatures the battery has to work very hard. It also
provides only a fraction of the starting power it has at normal
temperatures.
For this reason, we recommend having the battery checked and
charged if necessary before the start of winter ⇒page 241.
WARNING
•
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. For queries
regarding the vehicle battery please contact an Audi dealership or
other qualified workshop (risk of chemical burns / risk of explo-
sion).
•
The battery must not be opened. Do not attempt to make any
changes to the electrolyte level of the battery. Otherwise, there is
a risk that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas can accumulate
and cause an explosion.Note
If the vehicle is to be left standing for a period of several weeks at
extremely low temperatures, the battery should be removed from
the vehicle. This ensures that it cannot “freeze up” and be
damaged.
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Index 302AABS
SeeAnti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . 18
AC mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98, 107
Acceleration figures
SeePerformance, weights and
dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . 264
adaptive light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
advanced key
Locking and unlocking the vehicle . . . 45
START ENGINE STOP button . . . . . . . 118
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Switching on the ignition . . . . . . . . . . 118
Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93, 101
AC mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
See alsoDeluxe automatic air conditioner
93
Air recirculation mode
Deluxe automatic air conditioner . . . . 97
Deluxe automatic air conditioner plus . . .
106
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Head-protection airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Key-operated switch for front passenger's
airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Alterations to the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Alternator
Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Anti-dazzle interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Anti-freeze additive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Anti-knock properties of petrol . . . . . . . . 227
Anti-lock brake system
How the system works . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Interior monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Tow-away protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Armrest (front)
Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Ashtrays
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Audi hold assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Auto Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Auto-check control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Automatic air conditioner plus
SeeDeluxe automatic air conditioner plus
101
Automatic gearbox
Manual release (multitronic®) . . . . . . 136
multitronic® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . 116Selector lever positions (multitronic®) . . .
131
Steering wheel with tiptronic controls . . .
135
Automatic headlight control . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Auxiliary heating
Deluxe automatic air conditioner plus . . .
111
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Running time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Switching on/off immediately . . . . . . 112
Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Average fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Average speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Axle weights
SeePerformance, weights and
dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
BBattery
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Low charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Power level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Bayonet fastener
Bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Bulb holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
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