2008 AUDI S4 engine overheat

Instruments and warning/indicator lamps
12Warning symbol in instrument cluster

If the symbol
 lights up in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low
⇒ page 33 .
If the needle is at the top end of the dial, this means the coolant
temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down. If the warning lamp starts flashing again
after just a short distance, contact a qualified workshop.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the coolant level,
please observe the warning information on ⇒page 255, “Working
on components in the engine compartment”.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compar tment; there is a risk of being
scalded. Wait until you can no lo nger see or hear escaping steam
or coolant.Caution
•
Additional lights and other accesso ries in front of the air inlet
reduce the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside tempera-
tures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the engine over-
heating.
•
The front spoiler also ensures proper distribution of the cooling
air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can
reduce the cooling effect, which could cause the engine to overheat.
You should obtain professional assistance.
Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolu-
tions per minute.You should select a lower gear if the engine speed drops below
1500 rpm. The start of the red zo ne on the dial indicates the
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine
is warm and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable
to change up a gear or move the se lector lever to “D” (or lift your
foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
Never allow the rev counter needle ⇒page 11, fig. 2 to go into
the red zone on the dial for more than a very brief period: there is a
risk of damaging the engine. The start of the red zone on the dial is
different for some engine versions.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise
engine noise.
button
This button has a number of different functions.
A2
SET
Fig. 3 Instrument
cluster: SET button
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps15
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Caution
Never run the tank completely dry. The irregular supply of fuel can
cause misfiring, which would allow unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system. This can lead to overheating and damage to the
catalytic converter.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

Dynamic steering
⇒page 16

Engine management (alternative
to)
⇒page 16

(alternative to
)
⇒page 16

Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
⇒page 17

Airbag system
⇒page 17

Tyre pressure monitoring
⇒page 17

Left turn signals
⇒page 18

Trailer turn signals*
⇒page 18

Seat belt warning lamp
⇒page 18

Emission control system
⇒page 18

lane assist (active)
⇒page 18

lane assist (inactive)
⇒page 18

Main beam headlights
⇒page 18

Right turn signals
⇒page 18

Cruise control system*
⇒page 19
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps
20When the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period, Audi
hold assist will automatically appl y the parking brake. In this case,
the green symbol
 will change to red
.
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 ig nition 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 Parking brake! 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 32 .
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 ch ecking the brake fluid level,
observe the warning information on ⇒page 255, “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 caus e the tail of the vehicle to skid
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified.
SET
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Driver information system33
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
easily when braking. This could caus
e 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 261 .
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 261.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, th e overheating may be caused by a
malfunction of the radiator fan. If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well
⇒page 32 , it is
possible that the drive belt has broken.
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 61, “Hazard
warning lights ”.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartm ent; there is a risk of being
scalded. Wait until you can no lo nger 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 255, “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 ab out the fault. This message
WARNING (continued)
SET
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Seats and storage89
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with 230 Volt Euro socketOn-board 230 Volt Euro socketElectrical equipment can be connected to the 230 Volt
Euro socket in the rear centre console.The 230 Volt Euro socket can only be used when the ignition
is on ⇒ .
– Fold up the lid to access the socket.
– Plug the Euro connector into the socket. This will auto- matically release the child safety device.LED in electrical socket
Appliances suitable for connection
Electrical equipment with a Euro plug connector can be connected
to the 230 Volt Euro socket. The appliances connected to the
230 Volt Euro socket must not exceed a power rating of 150 W
(300 W peak power). If you connect more than one applia
nce, 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 differ ently 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 extens ion 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 c onductive materials, su ch 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 overheat ing – Risk of injury!Caution
•
Please observe the operating instructions for the connected
appliances.
Steady green light:
The socket is ready for use.
Flashing red light:
The socket has tripped out due
to a power surge, overheating or
similar
Fig. 100 Rear centre
console: 230 Volt Euro
socket
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adaptive cruise control (ACC)137
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
The control lever has been pushed up / down to increase / reduce
the speed, but the resulting speed would be outside the range of 30
to 200 km/h.
ACC deactivation
The message ACC deactivation sometimes appears on vehicles with
a manual gearbox. If you press the clutch pedal for longer than
about 20 seconds, the adaptive crui se control will be automatically
deactivated and a warning tone will sound.
ACC not available
The text message ACC not available will appear if, for example, the
brakes are overheated. The adaptive cruise control will then tempo-
rarily not be available. This is indicated by a warning tone.
ACC not available!
The text message ACC not available! appears if a malfunction
should occur. The adaptive cruise control will then be switched off.
This is indicated by a warning tone. Have the system checked by a
qualified workshop.
ACC sensor blocked!
The text message ACC sensor blocked! appears if the ACC system
can no longer detect objects reli ably. The adaptive cruise control
will then be switched off. This is indicated by a warning tone.
The ACC sensor is obstructed by dirt or foreign objects (e.g. leaves
or snow). Clean the sensor to restore the function ⇒page 128,
fig. 136.
Engine speed !
On vehicles with manual gearbox, the text message Engine speed !
will appear if the driver does not change gear in time when the
adaptive cruise control accelerates or brakes the vehicle. The adap-
tive cruise control will automatically be deactivated if the engine
speed is not maintained within the permissible range. This is indi-
cated by a warning tone. ESP activation
The text message
ESP activation appears if the Electronic Stabilisa-
tion Programme (ESP) has intervened. In this case, the adaptive
cruise control will automatically be switched off. This is indicated by
a warning tone.
Speed (in km/h)
The target speed (in km/h) will appear in the display whenever it is
stored or changed ⇒page 131, “Setting the speed” and
⇒ page 131, “Setting a new speed”.
Speed range
The text message speed range appears if the current speed is too
low to set or to maintain the target speed.
To set a target speed, the speed of the vehicle must be at least
30 km/h. The cruise control system switches off if the speed falls
below 20 km/h.
If the speed exceeds 200 km/h (OVE RRIDE), the system will remain
active and will reduce the speed to 200 km/h once the driver stops
accelerating.
ACC functionality limited
The text message ACC functionality limited appears if the ACC
system does not detect any objects for an extended period. The
distance to vehicles in front is not being controlled while the
message is displayed. The ACC system is not deactivated, and so
extra care should be taken! The text message ACC functionality
limited can appear for the following reasons:
•
The ACC sensor is dirty. The ACC system is not responding or is
not responding correctly to the vehicles in front!
•
You may be driving on a country road with no traffic and no clear
roadside demarcation (e.g. safety barriers, traffic signs, trees). As
soon as the system detects a vehicle, distance control is resumed
and the text message disappears.
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Intelligent technology
222Intelligent technologyElectronic stabilisation program (ESP)DescriptionESP increases the car's stability. It reduces the tendency to skid and
improves the stability and roadhold ing of the vehicle. ESP detects
critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and
wheelspin on the driven wheels. It stabilises the vehicle by braking
individual wheels or by reducing the engine torque. The warning
lamp
 in the instrument cluster starts flashing as soon as the ESP
intervenes.
The ESP incorporates the functions of the anti-lock brake system
(ABS), the traction control system (ASR), the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the dynamic steering*.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking until the
vehicle has reached a virtual standstill. You can continue to steer the
vehicle even when the brakes are on full. Keep your foot on the brake
pedal and do not pump the brakes. You will feel the brake pedal
pulsate while the anti-lock brake system is working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can speed up the braking process and
shorten the braking distance. It au tomatically boosts the braking
force if you press the brake pedal quickly in an emergency. On vehi-
cles with adaptive cruise control*, the brake assist system will build
up a small amount of pressure in the hydraulic brake system if it
senses that you are too close to the vehicle in front.
Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the
engine torque to match the amount of grip available. This helps the
car to start moving, accelerate or climb a gradient. Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and
directs the power to the other driven wheel (or wheels on quattro*
versions). This function is active up to about 100 km/h.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the
EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The
vehicle can still be driven. The EDL will switch on again automati-
cally when the brake has cooled down.
Dynamic steering*
On vehicles with dynamic steering*, the ESP can also intervene in
the steering to stabilise the vehicle in critical situations.
WARNING
•
The grip provided by the ESP,
ABS, ASR, EDL and dynamic
steering* systems is still subject to the physical limits of adhesion.
Always bear this in mind, especia lly on wet or slippery roads. If
you notice the systems cutting in , you should reduce your speed
immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety provided tempt you into taking any risks when driving
– this can cause accidents.
•
Please remember that the acciden t risk always increases if you
drive fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you
follow too close behind th e vehicle in front of you. Please bear in
mind that even ESP, ABS, brak e assist, EDL, ASR and dynamic
steering* cannot compensate for the increased accident risk.
•
When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance
all four wheels on ice or snow), pr ess the accelerator gradually and
carefully. The driven wheels may ot herwise start to spin (in spite
of the integrated control systems), which would impair the car's
stability and could lead to an accident.
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Intelligent technology225
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
•
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and
discs, select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or
endanger other road users; do not risk an accident.
•
Never let the car coast with the engine switched off (this can
cause accidents).Caution
•
Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal
when you do not really intend to brake. This overheats the brakes,
resulting in longer stopping distances and greater wear.
•
Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to
reduce speed and move the selector lever to a lower gear. In this
way you will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the
load on the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to
brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.Note
•
If the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the
car has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal consid-
erably harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.
•
If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front
spoiler or wheel covers, it is impo rtant that the flow of air to the
front wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat.
Power steering (servotronic)The power steering assists th e driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed
to turn the steering wheel. The degree of power assistance is
adapted electronically , depending on the speed. If a fault should occur in the
servotronic system the power steering
will still operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no
longer adapt to different speeds. If the electronic regulating system
is not working properly, this is most noticeable when turning the
steering wheel at low speeds (for instance when parking) – more
effort will be required than usual. The fault should be corrected by
a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
The power steering does not function when the engine is switched
off. In this case the steering wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary,
this will place an excessive load on the power steering system. In
this case, the power steering system will make noises. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
Do not keep the steering in the full-lock position for longer than
15 seconds when the engine is running – this could cause damage
to the power steering system.
Note
•
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is
switched off (for instance when being towed), the car can still be
steered. However, more effort will be required to turn the steering
wheel.
•
If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to
a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•
The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The fluid
reservoir is located at the front of the engine compartment on the
left ⇒page 256 . The correct fluid level in the reservoir is important
for the power steering to function properly. The hydraulic fluid level
is checked at the Inspection Service.
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