2008 AUDI A5 lights

Driving119
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
–Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down
and move the gear lever into neutral.
–Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal and move the
selector lever to position P or N ⇒.
–Press the Start/Stop button ⇒page 118, fig. 135 to start
the engine.
– Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual
to star t on cold days. Please keep your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal until the engine starts. The glow plug indi-
cator lamp

lights up in the instrument cluster while
the glow plugs are preheating.
If you press the Start/Stop button without pressing the clutch or
brake pedal, the ignition will be switched on (and will be switched
off if you press the button again). Diesel engines are preheated
when the ignition is switched on.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after
about 10 seconds and try again after about half a minute.
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.
Driving away from a standstill
On some vehicles, the engine revs are automatically increased
slightly as soon as you release the clutch. This helps you drive off
more smoothly.
Driver message in the instrument cluster display
No key identified
This message appears when you press the Start/Stop button if there
is no remote control key inside the vehicle or if the system cannot
detect or identify the key. This can happen, for example, if the radio
signal from the key is obstructed by a metal briefcase or similar. Electronic equipment, such as mobile phones, can also interfere
with the radio signal from the key.
Press brake pedal to start engine
This message appears on automatic vehicles if you press the
Start/Stop button to start the engine without first pressing the
brake pedal. The engine will only start if you press the brake pedal.
Press clutch pedal to start engine
This message appears on manual vehicles if you press the
Start/Stop button to start the engine without first pressing the
clutch pedal. The engine will only star t if you press 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. The engine
can only be started if the selector lever is in one of these positions.
Key not in vehicle
This message will appear together with the symbol
 if the remote
control key is removed from the vehicle while the engine is running.
This is to remind you not to continue driving without the key (for
example if you change drivers).
If the remote control key is not in the vehicle you will not be able to
switch on the ignition or restart the engine after it has been
switched off. Without the key, you will also not be able to lock the
vehicle from the outside.
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 when you switch off the ignition with the Start/Stop
button. 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
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 119 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Driving 122a fault in the parking brake. Have the fault repaired by a qualified
workshop without delay ⇒page 31.
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
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 122 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Driving125
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data lights or in stop-and-go traffic. When the Audi hold assist function
is on, you don't have to keep your foot on the brake to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away. Once it detects that the
vehicle is stopped, Audi hold assist keeps the vehicle stationary. The
green symbol
 in the instrument cluster indicates that the func-
tion is activated. You can now take your foot off the brake pedal.
As soon as you drive off in the normal way, the parking brake will
automatically be released and the vehicle will start moving.
If the conditions for Audi hold assist change and the function is
switched off as a result, the parking brake will be applied automati-
cally to ensure that the vehicle is parked safely. The diode in the
button will go out when the Audi hold assist function is switched
off.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in Audi hold assist cannot defy the laws
of physics. Do not let the extra convenience provided by Audi hold
assist tempt you into taking a safety risk.•
Audi hold assist cannot keep the vehicle stationary in all condi-
tions on a gradient (e.g. if the road is slippery or icy).
•
Audi hold assist must be switched on again each time the
engine is started – Risk of accident!
•
Never get out of the vehicle when the engine is running and
Audi hold assist is switched on – Risk of accident!
•
Always ensure that the vehicle is stopped properly and safely
to avoid injury to yourself and others.Caution
Switch off the Audi hold assist function before driving the vehicle
into a car wash.
Note
•
Audi hold assist can be switched on only when the driver's door
is closed, the driver's seat belt is buckled and the engine is running.
•
Audi hold assist prevents automatic vehicles from creeping
forwards when the brake pedal is released with the car in gear.
•
When the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period,
Audi hold assist will automatically apply the parking brake. In this
case, the green symbol
 in the instrument cluster display will
change to red
.
Cruise control systemIntroduction
The cruise control system allows you to maintain a
constant speed.
Fig. 138 Control lever
and pushbutton for
cruise control system
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 125 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Driving 126The cruise control system allows you to drive at a constant speed of
30 km/h or higher.
A constant speed is maintained by adjusting the engine power or
braking the vehicle accordingly (while in cruise mode).
The cruise control system is set using the control lever ⇒page 125,
fig. 138. The indicator lamp lights up while the system is operating
⇒fig. 139.
The cruise control system is automatically deactivated immediately
when you press the brake pedal.
On vehicles with a manual gearbox, the cruise control system will be
deactivated if the clutch is pressed for a long time.
WARNING
•
Always direct your full attention to the road, even when you are
using the cruise control system. It is always you who is respon-
sible for determining your speed and for keeping a safe distance
to the other vehicles on the road.
•
For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used
in city traffic, stop-go traffic, roads with a lot of bends or in diffi-
cult driving conditions (such as ice, fog, loose grit or gravel, heavy
rain, aquaplaning) - this could cause an accident!
•
When you take a turn-off, drive along a motorway exit lane or
pass through roadwork sections, please temporarily switch off the
cruise control system.
•
Please make sure you do not unintentionally rest your foot on
the accelerator - this will override the cruise control system which,
as a result, will not brake the vehicle.Caution
On vehicles with a manual gearbox: do not move the gear lever into
neutral without depressing the clutch when the cruise control
system is active. Otherwise the engine could rev up and be
damaged.
Note
•
On vehicles with a manual gearbox, the set speed cannot be
reached if the currently selected gear is too high or too low. Change
down to a lower gear when the engine no longer runs “smoothly” or
change up a gear to avoid overrevving the engine.
•
The brake lights come on when the system brakes the vehicle.
Cruise mode
Fig. 139 Indicator
lamp for the cruise
control system - lights
up when the system is
operating.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 140 Symbol and
speed display while in
cruise mode (perma-
nent display)
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 126 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Driving127
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Pull the lever to position ⇒page 125, fig. 138 to
switch on the system.
– Drive at the speed you wish to set the system to (must be
higher than 30 km/h).
– Briefly press button .When the pushbutton is released, the current speed is stored in the
memory and the vehicle will maintain this speed. The cruise control
system is then operating. If you have selected the display for the on-
board computer 1 or 2, a green symbol in the instrument cluster
display indicates that the cruise control is operating ⇒page 126,
fig. 140. The speed which is being maintained is displayed next to
the symbol.
The information for the cruise control system is shown briefly in the
system status indicator if you have selected the display for the
digital speedometer or the route guidance ⇒fig. 141. In addition,
the indicator lamp ⇒page 126, fig. 139 lights up to tell you that the
system is in cruise mode.
Adjusting speed (without storing it)
When the cruise control system is operating it is possible
to briefly drive at a higher speed without storing this new
speed.– Press the accelerator, for example to overtake another
vehicle.Once you release the accelerator the system will automatically
revert to the speed you stored initially. However, the system will only
function in this manner for as long as the symbol ⇒page 126,
fig. 140 lights up green.
If your speed is more than 10 km/h higher than the stored speed
over a period of more than 5 minutes the cruise control system will
temporarily be deactivated. The green symbol will go out and the
white symbol will light up. The stored speed will, however, be
retained ⇒page 128, fig. 142.Adjusting speed and storing new speedTo set a higher speed
– Move the lever up towards ⇒page 125, fig. 138.
– Release the lever to store the current cruising speed.
To set a lower speed
– Move the lever down towards ⇒page 125, fig. 138.
– Release the lever to store the current cruising speed.When you press and hold lever the speed is changed in incre-
ments of 10 km/h. The speed selected can be higher/lower than the
current driving speed.
Fig. 141 Symbol and
speed display while in
cruise mode (short-
term display)
AA
A1
AB
AA
A+
AA
A-
AA
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 127 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

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
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 130 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

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
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 132 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Safe driving163
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Make sure that all lights and turn signals are working
properly.
– Check the tyre pressures.
– Make sure that all windows are clean and give good visi-
bility to the outside.
– Secure all luggage and other items carefully ⇒page 77.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust the front seat, head restraint and mirrors
correctly.
– Make sure that the head restraints for all passengers are
adjusted to the correct position.
– Make sure that children are protected with suitable
safety seats and properly worn seat belts ⇒page 185.
– Sit in the correct position in your seat and make sure that
your passengers do the same. ⇒page 70.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly. Make sure that your
passengers do the same ⇒page 170.What affects driving safety?
Safety on the road is directly related to how you drive, and
can also be affected by the passengers in the vehicle.The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and all
its occupants. If your ability to drive is impaired in any way,
you endanger yourself and other road users ⇒. There-
fore:
– Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers or by
using a mobile phone, etc.– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (by
medication, alcohol, drugs, etc.).
– Obey all traffic regulations and speed limits and always
maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front.
– Always adjust your speed to suit the road, traffic and
weather conditions.
– Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive for more
than two hours without a stop.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
WARNING
•
Distractions while driving or any kind of impairment to your
driving ability increase the risk of accident and injury.
•
Do not store loose objects on the dashboard. These objects
could fly around the interior when the vehicle is moving (under
acceleration or whilst cornering) and distract the driver – this
could lead to an accident.
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 163 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10