2008 AUDI S4 airbag

Airbag system209
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
The key-operated switch for deactivating the front
passenger's airbag is located in the glove box ⇒fig. 222.
– To deactivate the front passenger's airbag, insert the ignition key into the switch and turn it to position .
– The front passenger's airbag can be reactivated by turning the key to position .Deactivating front passenger 's airbag when a child
safety seat is in use
If you have no alternative but to i nstall a rearward-facing child safety
seat on the front passenger's seat you must deactivate the front
passenger's airbag beforehand.
We recommend, however, that child seats should be only fitted on
the rear seat so that the front passenger's airbag can remain func-
tional and provide protection in an accident ⇒page 210 .
Monitoring of airbag system
The airbag warning lamp will light up for a few seconds every time
the ignition is switched on.
If the front passenger's airbag ha s been deactivated via the key-
operated switch, the indicator lamp “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” will
light up constantly as a reminder ⇒page 209, fig. 223. Please refer
also to the description of the
 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 17 . When the front passenger's airbag is deactivated using the key-
operated switch, the seat belt warning lamp for the front passenger

⇒ page 18 is also switched off.
WARNING
•
If you have no alternative but to install a rearward-facing child
seat on the front passenger's se at, the front passenger's airbag
must be deactivated beforehand. Po tentially fatal injuries to the
child can result if the front passenger's airbag is not deactivated!
⇒ page 211, “Using a child safety seat on the front passenger's
seat”
•
If you have deactivated the fron t passenger's airbag, reactivate
it as soon as the chil d seat is no longer needed so that the airbag
can continue to give the required protection.
•
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated
switch is set to the correct position.Note
All the other airbags in the car will remain functional if the front
passenger's airbag has been deactivated with the key-operated
switch.
Fig. 223 Lamp indi-
cates that front
passenger's airbag has
been deactivated via
key-operated switch
AOFF
AON
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Child safety211
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
If children lean forward or are otherwise out of position when
the car is moving, they are at greater risk of injury in an accident.
This is particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front
passenger's seat and the airbag system is triggered in an accident.
There is then a risk of serious or potentially fatal injury.
•
To ensure proper protection, it is important to wear the seat
belts in the co rrect position ⇒page 197, “How to wear seat belts
properly”. Always check that th e belt is properly positioned
according to the instru ctions provided by the manufacturer of the
child safety seat. Incorrectly worn seat belts can give rise to inju-
ries even in a minor collision.
•
Never install a rearward-facing child safety seat on the front
passenger's seat if the front pass enger's airbag has not been deac-
tivated ⇒page 211 .
•
Extra caution is advised if you ar e installing a child safety seat
using the same mounting bolts as the existing car seat belts. The
bolts must be screwed in all the way to the full depth of the
mounting holes and ti ghtened to a torque of 50 Nm. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in potentially fatal injury. We
recommend having the installation performed by a qualified
workshop.
Using a child safety seat on the front passenger's seat
Whenever possible, child safety seats should always be
installed on the rear seat.For safety reasons, we recommend that child safety seats should be
installed on the rear seats whenever possible. However, if you have
to use a child seat on the front passenger's seat when there is no
other alternative , it is most important to note the following warn-
ings:
WARNING
•
Do not use a rearward-facing child safety seat on the front
passenger's seat unless the fr ont passenger's airbag has been
deactivated. The child seat would be directly in the path of the
airbag as it inflates, and the child could sustain serious or fatal
injuries if the airbag were to be deployed.
•
However, if you have no alte rnative but to use a rearward-
facing child seat on the front passenger's seat, the front
passenger's airbag must be deac tivated beforehand by means of
the key-operated switch* ⇒page 208. Failure to observe this
precaution could result in serious or potentially fatal injury.
•
Make sure that the front passen ger's airbag is reactivated by
means of the key-operated switch* as soon as the child seat is no
longer needed on the front passenger's seat.
•
When using a child safety seat of the type which faces in the
direction of travel, the front pass enger's seat must be moved back
to the rearmost position.
WARNING (continued)
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Child safety
212Applies to vehicles: with side airbagsImportant notes on side airbags and child safety
Children must never sit too close to the opening for the
side airbag.The side airbags offer increased protection in a side-on collision.
In order to be effective, the side airbags need to inflate very quickly
(within fractions of a second) ⇒page 205, “How the side airbags
work”.
The airbag inflates with such force that injury can be caused if the
occupant is not sitting upright, or if there are any objects close to
the opening for the side airbag. This applies particularly to children if they are travelling in a way
which does not comply with the statutory safety regulations.
Incorrect position – danger
of injury from the side
airbag
If the side airbag were to inflate in an accident, it would strike the
child on the head and most likely cause serious injury ⇒fig. 224.
Correct position – properly restrained in a suitable
child safety seat
The child is correctly seated in a suitable child restraint system on
the rear seat ⇒ fig. 225. There is enough space between the child
and the opening for the side airbag.
In an accident, the airbag would be able to inflate completely to
offer maximum protection.
WARNING
To help prevent serious injury, children travelling in the vehicle
must always be protected with a restraint system which is suited
to their age, he ight and weight.•
The child's head must always be well away from the opening
for the side airbag. There is a risk of suffering injury.
•
Do not leave or place any object s in the space next to the side
airbag. There is a risk of suffering injury.Note
If required, you can have the side airbags for the rear passengers
deactivated by a qualified workshop.
Fig. 224 Not properly
restrained, and too
close to the opening
for the side airbagFig. 225 Correctly
seated in a suitable
child safety seat
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Child safety213
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Child safety seatsChild seat categories
Only use child restraint systems that are officially
approved and suitable for the child.Child restraint systems are covered by the European standard
ECE R 44 (issued by the Economic Commission of Europe).
The child seats are divided into 5 categories:
Children who are taller than 1.5 metres can use the existing seat
belts without a booster cushion.
Child restraints that have been tested and approved under the ECE
R 44 standard bear the ECE-R 44 test mark on the seat (the letter E
in a circle with the test number below it).
Child safety seat: category 0 / 0+
A suitable child safety seat and a correctly worn seat belt
can protect your child.Babies up to about 9 months old / 10 kg and infants up to about
18 months old / 13 kg are best protected by child safety seats that
can be adjusted to a horizontal position ⇒fig. 226.
Follow the manufacturer's instru ctions and observe any statutory
requirements when installing and using child restraints
⇒ page 210, “Important safety notes for using child safety seats”.
WARNING
Never install a rearward-facing child safety seat on the front
passenger's seat if the front pass enger's airbag has not been deac-
tivated ⇒page 211 . This can result in serious or possibly fatal
injury.
Category
Weight
0
0 -10 kg
⇒ page 213
0 +
up to 13 kg
⇒page 213
1
9 - 18 kg
⇒page 214
2
15 - 25 kg
⇒page 214
3
22 - 36 kg
⇒page 214
Fig. 226 Child safety
seat: Category 0 / 0+
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Child safety
214Child safety seats: category 1
A suitable child safety seat and a correctly worn seat belt
can protect your child.Babies and small children up to about 4 years of age weighing
between 9 and 18 kg are best protected by child safety seats of the
type where the child faces the front of the vehicle ⇒fig. 227.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory
requirements when installing and using child restraints
⇒ page 210, “Important safety notes for using child safety seats”.
WARNING
Never install a rearward-facing child safety seat on the front
passenger's seat if the front pass enger's airbag has not been deac-
tivated ⇒page 211 . This can result in serious or possibly fatal
injury.
Child safety seats: category 2/3
A suitable child safety seat and a correctly worn seat belt
can protect your child.Children up to about 12 years of age weighing between 15 and 36 kg
but less than 1.5 metres tall are best protected by a child safety seat
in conjunction with the three-point seat belts ⇒fig. 228 and
⇒ fig. 229.
Follow the manufacturer's instru ctions and observe any statutory
requirements when installing and using child restraints
⇒ page 210, “Important safety notes for using child safety seats”.
Fig. 227 A category 1
forward-facing child
seat fitted on the rear
seat
Fig. 228 A category
2/3 forward-facing
child seat (with back-
rest) fitted on the rear
seatFig. 229 A category
2/3 forward-facing
child seat (without
backrest) fitted on the
rear seat
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Child safety
218Possible alternatives for securing a child safety seat
A child safety seat can be secured on the rear seats and
on the front passenger's seat.The following alternatives are available for safely securing a child
safety seat on the rear seats and on the front passenger's seat.•
Child safety seats of the categories 0 to 3 can be secured with the
standard three-point seat belts.
•
Child safety seats of the categories 0, 0+ and 1 with the “ISOFIX”
system can be secured without seat belts using the “ ISOFIX”
retainers* ⇒page 218 .
Compatibility of vehicle seat positions for child safety seats
(according to EC directive 77/541):
“universally compatible”
The front passenger's backrest must be set as far forward as
possible or adapted to the child safety seat as required, and the
seat height must be adjusted to its highest position.
The front passenger's airbag must be deactivated if a rearward-
facing child seat is used.
The front passenger's seat ca n be equipped with optional
“ ISOFIX ” retainers.
The rear seats can be equipped with optional “ ISOFIX” retainers.
WARNING
While the vehicle is moving, chil dren must always be protected
with a restraint system which is suited to their age, height and
weight. Please refer to the chapter “Child seat categories”.•
Never install a rearward-facing ch ild safety seat on the front
passenger's seat unless the fr ont passenger's airbag has been
deactivated. This could result in potentially fatal injuries. If you
have no alternative but to let a ch ild travel on the front passenger's
seat, the front passenger's airbag must be deactivated before-
hand. Please refer to the chapter “Deactivating airbags”.
•
Note the important information and warnings concerning the
use of child safety seats found in the chapter “Important safety
notes when using child safety seats” and in the installation
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the child safety
seat.
Applies to vehicles: with ISOFIX system“ISOFIX” child seat mounting system
Child safety seats with the “ISOFIX” system can be
secured quickly and easily.When removing or fitting the child safety seat, please be
sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Weight class
Front passen-
ger's seat
Rear seats
0, 0+
u, a, b, c
u, d
1
u , a, b, c
u, d
2
u, a
u
3
u, a
u
AuAaAbAcAd
Fig. 231 The ISOFIX
child safety seat is
pushed into the protec-
tive sleeves.
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Checking and topping up fluids263
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Changing brake fluid
When required, the brake fluid should be changed by a
competent mechanic with the proper equipment.Brake fluid gradually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. If the
water content in the brake fluid is too high, this may cause corrosion
in the brake system over time. In addition, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect
the braking ability in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has
to be changed.
It is advisable to have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular
Inspection Service at your Audi workshop. They are familiar with the
procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as
well as the proper facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Qualified
workshops know that the brake fluid “DOT 4” is approved by Audi.
The brake fluid must be fresh and unused.
WARNING
•
Brake fluid is poisonous; store it in the sealed original container
in a safe place out of reach of children.
•
Heavy use of the brakes may caus e a vapour lock if the brake
fluid is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect
the efficiency of the brakes and th e safety of the car – risk of acci-
dent.Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
For the sake of the environment
If the fluid has to be drained out of the brake system, use an appro-
priate container to catch the used brake fluid and dispose of it in the
proper manner.BatteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is virtually maintenance-free. It is checked as part of the
Inspection Service.
We recommend that you replace a ba ttery once it is older than 5
years.
When an airbag is triggered, the battery will, under certain circum-
stances, be disconnected from the on-board power supply for
safety reasons ⇒ in “General notes on airbag system” on
page 201 .
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will
become inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will
require resetting after the battery is reconnected. For this reason,
the battery should only be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical
system when absolutely necessary.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of several days or weeks,
the power management will gr adually shut off the on-board
systems one by one, or reduce the amount of current they are using.
This limits the amount of power consumed and helps to ensure reli-
able starting even after a long period ⇒page 226 .
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Accessories and modifications to the vehicle277
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Accessories and modifications to the vehicleAccessories and replacement partsAlways ask your dealer or specialist retailer for advice
before purchasing accessories and replacement parts.Your car is designed to offer a high standard of active and passive
safety. For this reason, we recommend that you ask an Audi dealer
for advice before fitting accessories or replacement parts. Audi
dealers have the latest information from the manufacturer and can
recommend accessories and replacement parts which are suitable
for your requirements. They can also answer any questions you
might have regarding official regulations.
We recommend you to use only Audi accessories and Audi Genuine
parts
®. Audi has tested these parts and accessories for suitability,
reliability and safety. Audi dealers have the necessary experience
and facilities to ensure that the parts are installed properly.
Although the market is constantly scrutinised, Audi cannot judge or
assume responsibility for the reliability, safety and suitability of
non-genuine products - even though in some instances, these parts
may have been approved by an officially recognised technical
testing authority or accompanied by an official approval certificate.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on the vehicle
and/or the way it is driven (e.g. cruise control system or electroni-
cally-controlled suspension) must be approved for use in your
vehicle and bear the e mark (the European Union's approval
symbol).
If any additional electr ical components are fitted which do not serve
to control the vehicle itself (for inst ance a refrigerator box, laptop or
ventilator fan, etc.), these must bear the CE mark (manufacturer
conformity declaration in the European Union).
WARNING
Never attach accessories (such as cup holders or telephone
brackets) to the surfaces covering the airbag units or the areas
around the airbags: this could cause injury if the airbag is
triggered.ModificationsModifications must always be carried out according to
our specifications.Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or soft-
ware in the vehicle may cause malfunctioning. Due to the way the
electronic components are linked together in networks, other
systems may be affected by the faults. This can seriously impair
safety, lead to excessive wear of components, and also invalidate
the type approval for your vehicle.
You will appreciate that your Audi dealer cannot be held liable for
any damage caused by modifications and/or work performed incor-
rectly.
We recommend that all work should be performed by an Audi work-
shop using Audi Genuine parts
®.
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other work on your vehicle
can lead to malfunctions and cause accidents.
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