2008 AUDI A5 tow

Contents 2ContentsNotes on this Owner's
Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and displays
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and
warning/indicator lamps
. . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . .
Driver information system
. . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speed warning function . . . . . . . . .
Auto-check control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors and windows
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . .
Boot lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilting panorama roof . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and vision
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clear vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual adjustment of front seats
Easy-entry function . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjustment of front seats
Easy-entry function . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . .
Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and electrical
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On-board 230 Volt Euro socket . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . .
Heating and cooling
. . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner -
basic settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner
plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner
plus - basic settings . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary heating and auxiliary
ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine
with the advanced key . . . . . . . . . .
Electro-mechanical parking brake
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
multitronic® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi parking system
. . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid systems . . . . . . . . . . . .
parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
parking system plus . . . . . . . . . . . .
parking system advanced . . . . . . .
Towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special parking situations . . . . . . .
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HomeLink
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct sitting positions . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage safely . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why is it so important to use seat
belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forces acting in a collision . . . . . .
How to wear seat belts properly .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
7
9
9
11
11
15
20
20
25
28
29
39
39
42
48
50
52
54
54
60
61
6265
68
70
70
71
72
73
74
76
77
77
84
85
86
87
89
91
93
93
100
101
109
111
115
116
116
116
118
121
125130
130
137
137
137
138
140
147
148
150
152
154
154
161
162
162
164
167
168
170
170
171
173
175
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 2 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

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
227
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
272
276
278
282
282
283
284
286
288
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 3 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Instruments and warning/indicator lamps13
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The button has the following functions:
Activating clock, date, temperature and mileage
recorder displays
The display will appear for about 30 seconds if you press the
button ⇒page 12, fig. 3 when the ignition is switched off.
Starting check procedure (auto-check control)
The auto-check control checks important components and vehicle
systems. These background checks are run constantly, as long as
the ignition is switched on ⇒page 29.
You can start the “check procedure” manually by pressing the
button with the ignition switched on. This function check can be
started at road speeds up to 5 km/h.
Calling up driver messages again
A red or yellow symbol appearing in the instrument cluster display
is normally accompanied by a corresponding message. The
message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds. If
required, you can call up the message again by briefly pressing the
button.
Setting speed warning
You can press the button briefly to set speed limit warning 1
while the vehicle is moving ⇒page 28. If you press and hold the
button, this will cancel the speed warning.
Time and date displayQuart z clock
The date, time and display format can be changed using the sound
system or MMI* control console. Please refer to the Operating
Manual for the MMI or sound system for more details.
Radio-controlled clock*
When the clock is in “radio-control” mode the signal reception
symbol (a radio tower with radio waves) appears in the display
⇒fig. 4. It is then not possible to change the minutes or the date
manually.
Note
•
The digital clock and mileage recorder displays are switched on
for about 30 seconds when the driver's door is opened.
•
When the ignition is switched off, the clock and date display can
be switched on for about 30 seconds by pressing the button
⇒page 12, fig. 3 ⇒page 12.
SET
SETSET
SET
SET
SET
Fig. 4 Instrument
cluster: Time and date
display
SET
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 13 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

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.
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 17 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Driver information system 22
You can deactivate the gear-change indicator on the sound
system or MMI.
Switching the gear-change indicator on and off
– Select: Function selector button > Instrument
cluster > Suggested gear ⇒fig. 12.To familiarise yourself with the gear-change indicator, we recom-
mend driving in the normal way to start with. A gear change will be
recommended if the gear you are in is not the most economical
choice for the current driving conditions. The gear you are currently
in and the recommended gear will be displayed ⇒page 21, fig. 11.•
Shifting up a gear: The suggested gear appears to the right of the
current gear when a higher gear is recommended.
•
Shifting down a gear: The suggested gear appears to the left of
the current gear when a lower gear is recommended.
Gears may ocassionally be skipped (3 > 5).
If no gear change is recommended, you are already in the most
economical gear.Note
•
The gear-change indicator is intended to help save fuel. It is not
intended to recommend the right gear for all driving situations. For example, the display may not recommend a gear change while you
are overtaking, driving up a steep gradient or towing a trailer.
•
The gear-change indicator goes out when you press the clutch
pedal.
Applies to vehicles: with on-board computerDigital speedometerThe display shows the current speed. The speed is displayed in
increments of 1 km/h.
Fig. 12 MMI display:
Switching the
suggested gear on and
off
CAR
Fig. 13 Display: Digital
speedometer
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 22 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Driver information system33
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
•
If your vehicle should break down for technical reasons, stop it
at a safe distance away from moving traffic, switch off the engine
and turn on the hazard warning lights ⇒page 58, “Hazard
warning lights ”.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of being
scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping steam
or coolant.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous
place. Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and allow it to cool down. Please observe the
important safety warnings ⇒page 231, “Working on components
in the engine compartment”.Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol
 has come on to indicate a fault in
the cooling system, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the
engine.
Engine oil pressure too low

If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be recti-
fied immediately.If the

symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure 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 and check oil level
–Stop the vehicle.– Switch off the engine.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 234.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the engine oil level is too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 234.
If the engine oil level is correct
If the

symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain
professional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the
engine, not even at idle speed.
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp

is not an indicator for the oil
level. The oil level should therefore be checked regularly.
Fault in the steering system

The steering wheel cannot be unlocked if there is a fault
in the electronic steering lock.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied 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:
Do not drive vehicle. Steering defective
– You should obtain professional assistance.
–Do not have the vehicle towed away.
SET
SET
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 33 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Driver information system 34
WARNING
The vehicle must not be towed if there is a fault in the electronic
steering lock: the steering will be locked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. Towing a vehicle with locked steering can cause an acci-
dent.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Ignition lock defective

A fault in the ignition lock must be rectified immediately.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic ignition lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied 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:
Ignition lock defective. Contact workshop!
–Do not switch off the engine.
– Drive the vehicle without delay to a qualified workshop
and have the fault repaired.
The ignition cannot be switched off if there is a fault in the elec-
tronic ignition lock. For this reason, you should drive the vehicle
without delay to a qualified workshop and have the cause of the
fault repaired.
If the vehicle is equipped with the advanced key* feature, you
should not switch off the engine with the Stop/Start button because
it cannot be started again after the ignition has been switched off.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a malfunction or other item
requiring attention.Yellow symbols indicate a Priority 2 fault.
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The
symbol is accompanied by a driver message giving you more infor-
mation 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.
The function indicated should be checked as soon as possible. The
yellow symbol will only go out when the fault has been rectified.
If several Priority 2 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
SET
Fi g . 2 6 D i s p la y : Yel l o w
warning symbol
SET
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 34 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

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.
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 43 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10