2008 AUDI A5 sensor

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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Driver information system35
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Note
On some models the speed limit warning 1
 and speed limit
warning 2
 will also be displayed as yellow symbols. These always
appear as a small symbol at the top of the display ⇒page 28.
Applies to vehicles: with advanced keyKey not in vehicle

 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. You will also not be able to lock the vehicle from the
outside.
Light sensor/ rain sensor defective

 Automatic headlights/ automatic wipers defective
If the  symbol appears, this means that the light sensor/ rain
sensor is not functioning. For safety reasons, the dipped beam
headlights will then be switched on permanently when the light
switch is set to the AUTO position. However, you can still switch the
lights on and off in the normal way with the light switch. If the rain
sensor is defective, the functions operated via the windscreen wiper
lever will still be available. You should have the light sensor/ rain
sensor checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

Brake pads worn
⇒page 36

Battery power*
⇒page 36

Bulb monitor*
Bulb failure*
⇒page 36

Check engine oil level
⇒page 37

Engine oil sensor defective
⇒page 37

Fuel level low
⇒page 36

Washer fluid level low*
⇒page 36

advanced key*
Key not in vehicle
⇒page 35

Light sensor/ rain sensor defec-
tive
⇒page 35

Diesel particulate filter*
obstructed
⇒page 37

Dynamic headlight range con-
trol* defective
⇒page 37

Battery in remote control key
⇒page 40

Electro-mechanical
parking brake
⇒page 123

adaptive light* defective
⇒page 37

Ignition lock defective
⇒page 37

Windscreen wiper defective
⇒page 38
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Driver information system37
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Message comes on and does not go out
If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched
on or while driving, and does not go out again, the battery is not
being maintained at the proper power level. Starting reliability may
be impaired. You should have the battery checked by a qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
Check engine oil level

 Please check oil level
If the  symbol lights up, check the engine oil level as soon as
possible ⇒page 234. Top up the oil at the next opportunity
⇒page 234.
Engine oil sensor defective


Oil level ! Sensor defective
If the 
symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop
and have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to
check the oil level every time you fill up with fuel ⇒page 234.
Applies to vehicles: with diesel engine and diesel particulate filterDiesel particulate filter obstructed

 Particle filter. See Owner's Manual
When the symbol
 lights up you can assist the self-cleaning func-
tion of the filter by driving accordingly. You should drive at a speed
of at least 60 km/h (engine speed about 2,000 rpm) for about
15 minutes in 4th or 5th gear, or with the selector lever in position S
on vehicles with automatic gearbox*. As a result of the increase in
temperature the soot in the filter will be burned off. The symbol will
disappear once the cleaning process has been completed success-
fully.If the symbol
 does not go out, please contact a qualified work-
shop and have the fault rectified.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter ⇒page 205.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road,
terrain and traffic conditions. The recommended driving speed
must never lead to the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.Applies to vehicles: with dynamic headlight range controlHeadlight range control defective

 Headlight range control defective
This symbol
 indicates a malfunction in the dynamic headlight
range control. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the
dynamic headlight range control function repaired.
Applies to vehicles: with adaptive lightadaptive light defective

 adaptive light defective
This symbol
 indicates that the adaptive light is defective. Take
the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the headlights and/or
the control unit for the adaptive light repaired.
Ignition lock defective


Ignition lock defective
If the symbol

lights up in the display, there is a malfunction in
the electronic ignition lock. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop
to have the problem remedied.
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Doors and windows45
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
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
Do not use the remote control key when the vehicle is out of sight.Applies to vehicles: with advanced keyLocking and unlocking the vehicle with the advanced key
The doors and the boot lid can be locked and unlocked
without handling the remote control key.Unlocking the vehicle
– Take hold of the door handle. The door will be unlocked
automatically.
– Pull the door handle to open the door.Locking the vehicle
– Move the selector lever to position P (automatic
gearbox), otherwise it will not be possible to lock the
vehicle.
– Touch the sensor on the door handle once to lock the
vehicle ⇒.
– Touch the sensor a second time within 2 seconds to lock
the vehicle without activating the deadlock mechanism.
The vehicle can be locked and unlocked from any of the doors. The
driver's door will always be unlocked as well when the passenger's
door is unlocked. The remote control key has to be within a range of
about 1.5 metres of the relevant door or the boot lid. It does not
matter where you carry the key, for instance whether it is in your
jacket pocket or in a briefcase.
The unlocking function may be affected if the sensor area on the
door handle is touched while the vehicle is being unlocked.
The locking function may be affected if you grasp the door handle
while the vehicle is being locked.
Once the doors have been locked, they cannot be opened again
immediately. This will enable you to check that the doors are prop-
erly closed.
The system will either unlock both the doors or one door only,
depending on the settings you have chosen on the sound system or
MMI* ⇒page 44.
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.
Fig. 37 Audi advanced
key: Unlocking one of
the doors
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Doors and windows 46
NotePlease note the following points if the vehicle is left parked for long
periods:•
To save electrical power, the proximity sensors are switched off
after a few days. You will then need to pull the door handle once to
unlock the vehicle, and a second time to open it.
•
To prevent the battery from becoming discharged and thus
maintain the vehicle's starting ability for as long as possible, the
power management system will gradually switch off convenience
functions that are not required. In this case you may not be able to
unlock the vehicle with this convenience function.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle using the key
If the central locking system should fail to work, you can
still lock and unlock the driver's door by turning the emer-
gency key or spare key in the lock.Unlocking
– Turn the key to position ⇒fig. 38 to unlock the
vehicle.Locking
–Turn the key once to position ⇒ to lock the vehicle.
– If you turn the key to position a second time within 2
seconds, this will lock the vehicle without activating the
deadlock mechanism.
In order to switch off the anti-theft alarm*, you must switch on the
ignition within 15 seconds after opening the driver's door. Other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
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
•
The central locking switch and the release button for the boot lid

will function after the ignition is switched on.
•
If the vehicle is locked with the key when the central locking
system is operational, it is only possible to unlock all the doors and
the boot lid centrally with the key within the next 45 seconds. After
this period, the key will only unlock the driver's door.
Fig. 38 Lock on
driver's door
AA
ABAB
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Doors and windows51
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Convenience open function
– Press and hold the unlocking button
 on the remote
control key until all the windows have reached the
desired position and the tilting panorama roof* is open.
Convenience close function
– Press and hold the locking button
 on the remote
control key until the windows and the tilting panorama
roof* are closed ⇒.
Convenience close function with advanced key*
– Touch and keep your hand in contact with the locking
sensor on the door handle until the windows and the
tilting panorama roof* are closed.
The electric blind is opened and closed together with the tilting
panorama roof*.
WARNING
•
Take care when closing the windows and the tilting panorama
roof*. Careless or uncontrolled use can cause injuries.
•
For safety reasons, you should only use the remote control
open and close functions within about 2 metres of the vehicle. To
avoid injuries, always keep an eye on the windows when pressing
the button to close them. The windows and panorama roof stop
moving as soon as the button is released.
Settings for convenience open function
The driver can use the sound system or MMI* to select
which windows are opened.– Select: Function selector button > Windows >
Convenience open.If you wish to use the convenience open function for the windows
and the tilting panorama roof*, select on for the functions Front
windows and Sunroof*.What to do after a malfunction
The one-touch open and close function must be reacti-
vated if the battery has been disconnected.– Pull and hold the electric window switch until the
window is fully closed.
– Release the switch and then pull it again for at least one
second.
Fig. 46 MMI display:
Convenience open
menu
CAR
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Lights and vision 54Lights and visionLightsSwitching lights on and off

Switching on automatic headlights* (AUTO)
– Turn the light switch to AUTO ⇒fig. 50.
Switching on the side lights
– Turn the light switch to position

.
Switching on dipped headlights
– Turn the light switch to position

.
Switching off the lights
– Turn the light switch to position O.
The dipped beam headlights will only work with the ignition on.
The symbol
 next to the light switch will light up when the side
lights or headlights are on.Automatic headlight control (AUTO)*
When the switch is set to AUTO, the headlights switch on automati-
cally according to the ambient light conditions, for instance in a
tunnel, at sunset, or in the rain or snow. The
 symbol lights up
when the dipped headlights are on. The headlights are switched on,
regardless of the light conditions, when you switch on the fog
lights.
The headlights are switched off automatically when you switch off
the ignition.
On vehicles with a rain sensor, the headlights switch on automati-
cally after several windscreen wiper cycles. The instrument lighting
does not switch on, however.
While using the automatic headlights you can activate the main
beam headlights as normal if this function has been activated in the
MMI. However, if you switch on the main beam headlights while
using the AUTO function and then do not switch back to the dipped
headlights setting, only the dipped headlights will come on the next
time you switch on the AUTO function. To be able to use the main
beam headlights again you must first pull the main beam lever back
to the "off" position and then push it forward to "on".
Malfunction of light sensor
If a malfunction should occur in the light sensor, the instrument
cluster will show the message:
 Automatic headlights/ automatic wipers defective
For safety reasons, the dipped beam headlights will then be
switched on permanently when the light switch is set to the AUTO
position. However, you can still switch the lights on and off in the
normal way with the light switch. You should have the light sensor
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Fig. 50 Dashboard:
Light switch
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Lights and vision55
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
The automatic headlights are only intended to assist the driver.
The driver must always ensure that the headlights are used when
required, and may have to switch them on manually when the light
conditions or visibility are poor. For example, the light sensors are
not able to detect fog. Therefore, you should always switch on the
headlights
 in these conditions and when driving after dark.
Note
•
The light sensor for automatic headlight control is located in the
mounting for the interior mirror. Do not affix any stickers on this
section of the windscreen to avoid malfunctioning of the sensor.
•
The default sensitivity of the light sensor, which is set at the
factory, can be changed in the MMI menu Auto headlights
⇒page 56.
•
If the lights are left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, a buzzer sounds when the driver's door is opened.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant
statutory requirements.
•
The coming home/leaving home function is active only when the
light switch is set to AUTO.
Fog lights– Press button ⇒fig. 51 to switch on the front fog lights
.
– Press button to switch on the rear fog lights
.
Front fog lights
The side lights or headlights must be switched on. The green diode
at the edge of the switch lights up when the front fog lights are
switched on.
When the headlights are set to AUTO, the dipped headlights are
switched on automatically when you switch on the front fog lights.
Rear fog lights
The headlights or side lights and the front fog lights must be
switched on.
The yellow diode at the edge of the switch lights up when the rear
fog lights are switched on.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan equipped with a rear fog light
on a vehicle with a factory-fitted towing bracket, only the rear fog
light on the trailer or caravan will light up.
Fig. 51 Switch for
front fog lights
A1A2
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