2008 AUDI A5 ABS

Notes on this Owner's Manual5
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Notes on this Owner's ManualThis Owner's Manual contains important information, tips, sugges-
tions and warnings.
Please ensure that this Owner's Manual is always kept in the vehicle.
It should always be available to anyone else driving the vehicle, i.e.
anyone renting, borrowing or buying the vehicle from you.
This manual describes the equipment available for the vehicle at the
time of going to print. Some of the equipment described here will
not be available until a later date, or may only be available in certain
markets.
Some sections of this Owner's Manual do not apply to all vehicles.
If this is the case, a text at the start of the section indicates which
vehicles it applies to, e. g. “Applies to vehicles: with auxiliary
heater”. This optional equipment is also marked with an asterisk “*”.
Illustrations are intended as a general guide, and may vary from the
equipment fitted in your vehicle in some details.
At the beginning of this Owner's Manual, you will find a table of
contents showing all the items described in this manual in the order
in which they appear. An alphabetical index is included at the end
of the Owner's Manual.
All references to positions such as “left”, “right”, “front” or “rear”
are given as seen facing in the direction of travel.
* optional equipment
The section is continued on the following page.

Denotes the end of a section.
®Registered trademarks are marked ®. However, the absence of
this symbol does not constitute a waiver of the rights
concerning any proprietary name.
⇒ Refers to a “WARNING” within the same section. If the
WARNING symbol is followed by a page number the warning text
referred to is included in a different section.
WARNING
Texts with this symbol contain safety information. They warn you
of serious dangers, possibly involving accident or injury.
Caution
Texts with this symbol draw your attention to a possible risk of
damage to your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Texts with this symbol refer to points relevant to the protection of
the environment.
Note
Texts with this symbol contain additional information of a more
general nature.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps15
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Warning and indicator lampsOverview
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of
different functions and possible faults.Fig. 7 Instrument cluster with warning and indicator lamps
Note
A number of functions are monitored by the auto-check control
⇒page 20. 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 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.

Engine management (alternative
to)
⇒page 15

(alternative to
)
⇒page 16

Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
⇒page 16

Airbag system
⇒page 16

Left turn signals
⇒page 17

Trailer turn signals*
⇒page 17

Seat belt warning lamp
⇒page 17

Emission control system
⇒page 17

Main beam headlights
⇒page 17

Right turn signals
⇒page 17

Cruise control system*
⇒page 17

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
⇒page 18

Electro-mechanical parking
brake/Audi hold assist*
⇒page 19

Fault in brake system
⇒page 19
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 16
NoteIf 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.
Note
•
If the glow plug indicator lamp should start flashing while the
vehicle is moving, this indicates a fault in the engine management
system. The engine should be serviced without delay.
•
If the indicator lamp fails to light up when the ignition is
switched on, this can mean that the glow plug system is defective.
The engine should be serviced.
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program.The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It flashes when the ESP or traction control system (ASR) inter-
venes while the vehicle is in motion.
•
The warning lamp will light up continuously if the ESP or the
traction control system (ASR) has been switched off using the ESP
OFF button ⇒page 196.
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out
again after about 2 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working
properly.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the
ESP operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the battery has been disconnected, if the battery voltage is very
low, or if the engine has been started from an outside power source,
the ESP system will perform an initialisation of the various on-board
sensors while you drive the first few metres. The warning lamp will
light up during this period. It will go out when the initialisation has
been completed.
If the warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is
started, this may mean that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESP. In this case the ESP can be reactivated by
switching the ignition off and then on again. If the warning lamp
goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
For further information on the ESP ⇒page 196.
Airbag system

This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt
tensioner system.The warning lamp
 should light up for a few seconds when the
ignition is switched on.
If the warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up, flashes or
flickers when the vehicle is moving, this indicates a malfunction in
the system. This is also the case if the warning lamp does not light
up when the ignition is switched on.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 18Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the electronic
differential lock (EDL).The warning lamp
 lights up for a few seconds when the ignition
is switched on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes
out again once the system has run through an automatic test
sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
the warning lamp
 does not light up when the ignition is
switched on,
•
the warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds,
•
the warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the
ABS control function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a
qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further information on
the ABS ⇒page 197.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up.
Fault in the main brake system
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake
warning lamp
 ⇒page 31, this indicates a fault in the ABS func-
tion, and possibly a malfunction in the main brake system as well
⇒.
If there is a malfunction in the brake system the symbol
 will light
up in the instrument cluster. Please refer to ⇒page 31.
Fault on the electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should
occur in the EDL, this is indicated by the ABS warning lamp .
Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
For further information on the EDL ⇒page 199.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,
observe the warning information on ⇒page 231, “Working on
components in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the
ABS warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the
brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level has dropped
below the "MIN" mark you must not drive on - otherwise there may
be an increased accident risk. You should obtain professional
assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is OK, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. As a
result the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. This
could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully
to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi hold assistAudi hold assist

This warning lamp monitors the Audi hold assist function.Audi hold assist helps the driver to keep the vehicle stationary while
the engine is running, for instance on steep gradients, at traffic
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.
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  will change to red
.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps19
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Electro-mechanical parking brake

This warning lamp monitors the electro-mechanical
parking brake.The warning lamp
 lights up when the parking brake is applied
with the ignition on. After the ignition has been switched off the
lamp will stay on for about 30 seconds. The warning lamp will light
up for about 30 seconds if the parking brake is applied with the igni-
tion switched off.
The warning lamp should go out when the parking brake is released.
If the warning lamp flashes continuously after the parking brake has
been applied, the brake may not be strong enough to hold the
vehicle on a slope. This may be due to the brakes overheating.
Please note the following points:
•
If the gradient is too steep to park the vehicle safely, the display
will show the message Caution: Vehicle parked too steep.
•
In the event of a fault in the parking brake system the symbol

will also appear in the instrument cluster display together with the
message Parki ng b rake! You should have the fault corrected by a
qualified workshop without delay.
Brake system

The warning lamp flashes if the brake fluid level is too low
or if there is a fault in the ABS system or the parking
brake.If the warning lamp
 flashes, there is a fault in the brake system.
The symbol
 in the instrument cluster display will flash at the
same time. You can press the button to obtain a message
explaining the fault ⇒page 31.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp
 will
light up together with the brake warning lamp
 ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,
observe the warning information on ⇒page 231, “Working on
components in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up
when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low – this
may cause an increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not
drive on. You should obtain professional assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS
warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS
is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively
easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified.
Fuel gaugeThe gauge only works when the ignition is switched on.
When the needle reaches the reserve zone, the symbol
 lights up
in the instrument cluster display ⇒page 36 together with the
message Please refuel. At this point there are still about 8 litres of
fuel left in the tank. This is your reminder to fill up soon.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data
section ⇒page 293.
Caution
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel supply,
misfiring can occur. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.
SET
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Driver information system31
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the function displayed. Obtain professional assist-
ance if necessary.The red symbols indicate a Priority 1 fault (serious malfunction).
Should a Priority 1 fault occur, a red warning symbol will appear at
the top of the display ⇒page 30, fig. 25. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information about the
fault. This symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The
symbol will keep flashing until the fault is corrected.
If several Priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
This message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can call
it up again at any time by pressing the button ⇒page 30.Alternator fault

If the symbol
 flashes in the instrument cluster display, there is an
alternator fault or a fault in the vehicle's electrical system. In addi-
tion, a message will appear. This message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by pressing the
button.
You should normally be able to drive to the next available qualified
workshop. However, you should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this will drain the battery.
Caution
If the coolant warning lamp
 in the instrument display lights up
as well as the alternator warning lamp while driving ⇒page 32, stop
the vehicle immediately and switch off the engine. In this case the
coolant pump is no longer being driven, and there is a risk of engine
damage.
Fault in the brake system

A fault in the brake system should be corrected as soon as
possible.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a fault in the
brake system. The symbol is accompanied 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:
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Check the brake fluid level ⇒page 238.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Warning! Fault in ABS brake system. Contact
workshop
– Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified ⇒.

Alternator fault
⇒page 31

Fault in brake system/ parking
brake
⇒page 31

Coolant level too low / coolant
temperature too high
⇒page 32

Engine oil pressure too low
⇒page 33

Fault in the steering system
⇒page 33

Ignition lock defective
⇒page 34
SET
SET
SET
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Driver information system 32
Parking brake ! Please contact workshop
– If the symbol appears after you switch on the ignition
when the vehicle is stationary, please check whether you
can release the parking brake. If this is possible, you
should drive without delay to the nearest qualified work-
shop and have the fault rectified. If the parking brake
cannot be released you should obtain professional
assistance.
– If this symbol should appear while driving, there may be
a malfunction in the drive-away assist or the emergency
brake functions. You may not be able to apply the parking
brake. It is also possible that you cannot release the
parking brake after it has been applied. Drive the vehicle
to a qualified workshop and have the fault repaired.If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp
 will light up together with
the brake warning symbol
 ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,
observe the warning information on ⇒page 231, “Working on
components in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could
result in an accident. Do not drive on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS
warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS
is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively
easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified.
Note
The warning lamp
 in the instrument cluster will start flashing as
well if there is a fault in the brake system.
Fault in the cooling system

Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immedi-
ately.If the
 symbol flashes in the display, this means that
either the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant
level is too low. The symbol is accompanied 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:
Switch off engine, check coolant level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 236.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 236.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a
malfunction of the radiator fan.
If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒page 31, it is
possible that the drive belt has broken.
SET
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Seats and storage 90If you connect more than one appliance, the total power rating of all
appliances must not exceed 150 W. If necessary, check the type
plates on the connected appliances for details of the power ratings.
Connected appliances must be in perfect condition and free of
defects.
WARNING
•
Heavy appliances or plugs (such as power supply units) can
damage the mounting of the 230 Volt Euro socket if they are
suspended directly from the socket – Risk of injury!
•
Make sure that all connected appliances are securely stowed
when driving to prevent them from being catapulted through the
car under braking or in an accident – Danger to life!
•
Never spill liquid over the socket – Danger to life! If the socket
does get wet, ensure that it is absolutely dry before using it again.
•
Improper use of the electrical socket or appliances connected
to it can cause injuries or fire – Risk of injury!
•
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle while the engine
is running – Risk of injury!
•
Connected appliances behave differently than when they are
connected to the public electricity grid. As a result, the connected
appliances may become hot during operation – Risk of injury!
•
When using adapters or extension cables, please remember
that the child safety device on the 230 Volt Euro socket is deacti-
vated and the socket is live – Risk of injury!
•
Do not insert conductive materials, such as knitting needles,
into the contacts of the 230 Volt Euro socket – Danger to life!
•
Switch off the connected electrical appliances if the inverter
trips out due to overheating – Risk of injury!Caution
•
Please observe the operating instructions for the connected
appliances.
•
If the power drawn by the connected appliances is above 150 W,
the inverter in the socket will get warm. The inverter will trip out if
the temperature exceeds a certain limit. The inverter can trip out on
hot days even when an appliance with a suitable power rating is
used. The inverter will switch on again automatically after it has
cooled down. Appliances which are already connected and
switched on will be activated again automatically ⇒.
•
Do not connect lamps which contain a neon tube. For technical
reasons, this may damage the lamp.
•
Do not connect 115 Volt appliances to the 230 Volt Euro socket.
This may cause irreparable damage to the appliance. Check the type
plate on the appliance if you are unsure of the voltage rating.
•
With some power supplies (e.g. on laptop computers), the inte-
grated surge suppressor prevents the equipment from being
switched on because the starting current is too high. If this
happens, please disconnect the power supply unit from the load
and wait for about 10 seconds before re-connecting.Note
•
Unshielded equipment can cause interference on the radio, TV
and vehicle's electrical system.
•
The Euro socket has an integrated child safety device. There is no
power at the socket until the Euro connector is fully inserted.
•
Some appliances may not function normally due to the lower
power rating (wattage).
•
The socket can be operated with 115 Volt power supplies, as is
the case in certain countries. In this case, a different type of inverter
must be installed in the vehicle. Retrofit kits are available from your
Audi dealer. Do not connect 115 Volt appliances to the 230 Volt Euro
socket.
•
Interference can occur on the radio's AM waveband if electrical
appliances are used near the rear window aerial.
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