2008 AUDI A5 airbag

Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data 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 . . . . . . .
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and modifications
to the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio transmitters and business
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To o l s a n d T y r e M o b i l i t y S y s t e m . . .
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 turn signals . . .
Changing bulb for side lights . . . . .
Changing bulb for front fog lights
Changing bulbs for rear lights in
side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing bulbs in boot lid . . . . . . .
Number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
176
178
180
181
183
185
185
186
189
195
196
196
199
201
201
202
205
205
205
205
206
207208
208
211
219
220
220
220
223
227
227
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228
230
230
232
233
235
238
239
242
243
243250
250
250
251
253
254
254
254
255
255
256
257
260
265
267
272
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276
278
282
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283
284
286
288
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Controls and displays9
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Controls and displaysOverview
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for turn signals and main beam headlights . . . .
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel with:
−Horn
−Driver's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Controls for audio, TV*, telephone and speech
dialogue system*
−Paddle levers for tiptronic gearshift . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SET button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control lever for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlets with thumbwheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−For deluxe automatic air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . .
−For deluxe automatic air conditioner plus . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−Radio
−CD changer
Depending on equipment fitted:−Radio display
−MMI display
1)
Hazard warning lights
Glove box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switches for the following (as applicable):
−Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electric sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner, depending on equipment fitted:
−Deluxe automatic air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Deluxe automatic air conditioner plus . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray with cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on gearbox fitted, gear lever or selector
lever for:
−multitronic
® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Manual gearbox
Depending on equipment fitted:
−MMI control console or
−Switch for Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Switch for Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP
OFF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Switch for electric sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start/stop button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electro-mechanical parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A1A2
47
A3
67
A4
74
A5
54
A6
57
A7
59
A8
57
A9
178
135
A10
12
A11
11
A12
14
A13
62
25
A14
116
A15
108
99
108
A16A17
1)Depending on the MMI system fitted in your vehicle the display screen is
either two-coloured or multi-coloured. As the two displays are more or less
identical this Owner's Manual uses the multi-coloured displays for illustra-
tion purposes.A18A19
91
A20
178
A21
138
196
61
A22
93
101
A23
86, 87
A24
130
A25
138
196
61
A26
118
A27
121
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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 lamps17
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immedi-
ately by a qualified workshop. If this is neglected, there is a risk
that the airbag system and/or belt tensioners may not be acti-
vated in an accident.Turn 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 59.
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 170.
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 205.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 59.
Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemCruise control

The indicator lamp
 in the instrument cluster lights up when the
cruise control system is operating.
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Doors and windows41
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Pull the emergency key out of the remote control key.
– Press the release catch ⇒page 40, fig. 30 on the
battery carrier and at the same time pull the battery
carrier out of the remote control key in the direction of
the arrow.
– Insert the new CR 2032 battery with the “+” symbol
facing downwards.
– Slide the battery carrier carefully into the remote control
key.
– Insert the emergency key.
For the sake of the environmentUsed batteries must be disposed of appropriately and must not be
discarded with ordinary household waste.
Note
The new battery must be of the same type as the original one
(CR 2032).Removing the emergency key
– Press the release button ⇒fig. 31.
– Pull the emergency key out of the remote control key.You can use the emergency key to ...•
activate and deactivate* the front passenger's airbag
⇒page 183.
•
lock and unlock* the front passenger's storage compartment
⇒page 91.
•
lock and unlock the lockable rear seat ⇒page 82.
•
manually lock and unlock the vehicle if this is not possible using
the remote control key ⇒page 46.
Emergency release for ignition key
In the event of a malfunction in the vehicle's electrical
system, it may no longer be possible to remove the igni-
tion key.If you are not able to remove the ignition key because the
vehicle battery has discharged (for example), remove the
key as follows:
ABAA
Fig. 31 Remote control
key: Removing the
emergency key
AAAB
Fig. 32 Ignition lock
with key
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Doors and windows43
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Lock function can be switched on and off on the sound system or
MMI* ⇒page 44.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags inflate, the doors
will be automatically unlocked to facilitate access and assistance.
Deadlock mechanism
The central locking system is combined with a deadlock mecha-
nism. Once the vehicle has been locked from the outside, the door
handles on the inside are deactivated. This makes it more difficult
to break into the vehicle.
Anti-theft alarm system*
If the anti-theft alarm system senses interference with the vehicle it
triggers an audible and visible alarm.
The anti-theft alarm system switches on automatically when the
vehicle is locked. It switches off automatically if you unlock the
vehicle using the remote control.
If you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key in the drivers door, the
ignition must be switched on within 15 seconds, otherwise the
alarm will be triggered. On some export versions, the alarm is trig-
gered immediately when you open a door.
To deactivate the alarm, press the unlock button on the remote
control key or switch on the ignition. The alarm will also switch itself
off when it comes to the end of its cycle.
Switch off the interior monitor and tow-away protection if you wish
to prevent the alarm from being triggered accidentally.
Turn signals
The turn signals will flash twice when the vehicle is unlocked and
once when the vehicle is locked. If the turn signals do not flash, one
of the doors, the bonnet or the boot lid is still open.
Accidental lock-out
The central locking system prevents you from being locked out of
the vehicle in the following situations:
•
When the driver's door is open, it cannot be locked together with
the other door by pressing the central locking switch and then
closing the door ⇒page 47.
•
On vehicles with advanced key*, the boot lid will be released
again automatically if the remote control key that was last in use is
left inside the boot when the boot lid is closed ⇒page 48.
To prevent yourself from being locked out, do not lock the vehicle
with the remote control key before closing the doors or boot lid.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Note
•
Never leave any valuable items in the vehicle unattended. Even a
locked vehicle is not a safe.
•
If the diode on the driver's window sill lights up for about 30
seconds when the vehicle is locked, the central locking system or
anti-theft alarm* is not working properly. Please have the malfunc-
tion repaired by an Audi dealer or qualified workshop.
•
The interior monitor of the anti-theft alarm* system will only
function as intended if the windows and the tilting panorama roof*
are closed.
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Doors and windows47
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Central locking switch– Press the
 button to unlock the vehicle ⇒fig. 39 ⇒.
– Press the  button to lock the vehicle.
Please note the following when you use the central locking switch
to lock your vehicle:•
The doors and the boot lid cannot be opened from the outside
(for safety reasons, when stopped at traffic lights, etc.).
•
The LED in the central locking switch lights up when both of the
doors and the boot lid are closed and locked.
•
You can open the doors individually from the inside by pulling
the inside door handle.
•
In the event of an accident in which the airbags inflate, doors
locked from the inside will be automatically unlocked to facilitate
access and assistance.
WARNING
•
The central locking switch is still operative when the ignition is
switched off and will automatically lock the entire vehicle when
pressed.
•
The central locking switch inside the vehicle is not operative if
you lock the vehicle from the outside.
•
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, poten-
tially putting lives at risk. Do not leave anyone (especially children)
in the vehicle.Note
The doors and the boot lid are locked automatically when the
vehicle reaches a speed of about 15 km/h (Auto Lock) ⇒page 42.
You can unlock the vehicle again via the central locking switch.Applies to vehicles: with anti-theft alarm systemDeactivating the interior monitor and tow-away protectionWhen the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered if
movements are detected in the interior (e.g. by animals) or
if the vehicle's inclination is changed (e.g. during transport).
You can prevent the alarm from being triggered accidentally
by switching off the interior monitor and/or tow-away
protection.
Fig. 39 Driver's door:
Central locking switch
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 40 Front end of
the driver's door:
Swtiches for interior
monitor and tow-away
protection
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