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Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Also check the shaft section of the ball joint and its asso-
ciated mechanical parts to make sure they are clean and
undamaged.Continued ⇒page 203, “Fitting the ball joint (step 2)”.
WARNING
It is important to keep the mounting fixture clean. Otherwise the
ball joint may fail to engage securely (accident risk).Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketFitting the ball joint (step 2)The spring mechanism inside the ball joint must
be in the "ready" position.
– Check that the red marking ⇒fig. 198 on the knob is
inside the green zone on the ball joint.
– Check that the locking ball is inside the hole in the
shaft section of the ball joint.
– Check that the knob protrudes visibly from the ball joint,
so that there is a clear gap between the knob and the
ball joint.
The ball joint can only be installed if the internal spring mechanism
is in the ready position.
Continued ⇒page 203, “Fitting the ball joint (step 3)”.Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketFitting the ball joint (step 3)Setting the spring mechanism to the "ready"
position (if required)
– Insert the key ⇒fig. 199 for locking the ball joint into
the lock on the knob and turn it clockwise.
Fig. 198 Removable
towing bracket: Ball
joint
A2A1A3
Fig. 199 Removable
towing bracket:
Setting the spring
mechanism to the
"ready" positionFig. 200 Removable
towing bracket:
Inserting the ball joint
A4
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a trailer 204
– Pull out the knob in direction , hold and turn in direc-
tion until the locking ball engages ⇒.
Inserting the ball joint
– With the spring mechanism in the “ready” position,
insert the ball joint into the mounting fixture and push it
upwards ⇒page 203, fig. 200 in the direction indicated
(arrow) ⇒. The spring mechanism should then
engage automatically with an audible click.
– Lock the ball joint by turning the key anti-clockwise.
– Take out the key and press the cover cap provided onto
the lock.Continued ⇒page 204, “Fitting the ball joint (step 4)”.
WARNING
•
If it is not possible to set the spring mechanism to the "ready"
position as described above, do not use the ball joint. Please take
your vehicle to a qualified workshop.
•
To avoid injury, keep your hands away from the knob and the
cover piece when inserting the ball joint into the mounting fixture.Note
Make sure that the knob can turn freely when the ball joint is
inserted.
Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketFitting the ball joint (step 4)Safety check
– Check that the green marking ⇒fig. 201 on the knob
is inside the green zone on the ball joint.
– Check that the knob is directly against the ball joint, so
that there is no gap between the knob and the ball
joint.
– Check that the ball joint is locked and the key is removed
(so that the knob cannot be pulled out).
Aa
Ab
A5
Fig. 201 Removable
towing bracket: Safety
checkFig. 202 Area below
rear bumper: Electrical
socket for trailer
A6
A7
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Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Check that the ball joint fits tightly in the mounting
fixture (try moving it about to check).
Electrical socket for trailer
– The cable of the towing bracket can be connected to the
socket ⇒page 204, fig. 202.If the safety check is not satisfactory, the ball joint must be fitted
again properly.
WARNING
To avoid accidents, the ball joint must meet all the safety require-
ments listed in the safety check. The towing bracket must not be
used if any one of these requirements is not met. If this is the case,
you should contact a qualified workshop.Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketRemoving the ball joint
– Take off the cover cap and insert the key ⇒fig. 203 in
the lock on the knob.
– Unlock the ball joint by turning the key clockwise.
– Take hold of the ball joint and pull out the knob in direc-
tion .
– Keep hold of the knob and turn it as far as it will go in
direction .
– Release the knob. The spring mechanism will remain in
the "ready" position ⇒.
– Pull the ball joint down out of the mounting fixture.
– Then swivel the socket up ⇒fig. 204 as far as it will go.
The mounting fixture will be closed automatically.
– Fit the bumper cover over the opening on the bumper.
– Put away the ball joint attachment under the floor panel
in the luggage compartment.
Fig. 203 Removable
towing bracket:
Removing the ball joint
Fig. 204 Area below
rear bumper: Folding
up the socketA8
Aa
Ab
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Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components
in the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working in the engine compartment
(e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warn-
ings listed below and follow all normal safety precautions. The
engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially
hazardous area. ⇒.
WARNING
•
Switch off the engine.
•
Remove the ignition key.
•
Apply the parking brake.
•
Move the gear lever into neutral.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Keep children away from engine compartment.
•
Never spill fluids on hot engine components. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).
•
Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system,
especially when working on the battery.
•
Do not touch the radiator fan when the engine is hot. The fan
may start running suddenly.
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine
is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large,
thick rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
If any tests have to be performed with the engine running,
there is an extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
drive belts, alternator and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-
voltage ignition system.
•
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery.
−Do not smoke.
−Never work near naked flames.
−Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/ reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.Closing the bonnet– To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the spring
pressure.
– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒.
WARNING (continued)
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For the sake of the environmentIf 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 battery 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 166.
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 gradually 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 192.Please note that certain convenience features, such as the Audi
advanced key*, the remote control key or the electrical seat adjust-
ment may not be available when you unlock the vehicle. These func-
tions will be restored when you switch on the ignition and start the
engine.
Winter conditions
At low temperatures the battery has to work very hard. It also
provides only a fraction of the starting power it has at normal
temperatures.
For this reason, we recommend having the battery checked and
charged if necessary before the start of winter ⇒page 230.
WARNING
•
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. For queries
regarding the vehicle battery please contact an Audi dealership or
other qualified workshop (risk of chemical burns / risk of explo-
sion).
•
The battery must not be opened. Do not attempt to make any
changes to the electrolyte level of the battery. Otherwise, there is
a risk that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas can accumulate
and cause an explosion.Note
If the vehicle is to be left standing for a period of several weeks at
extremely low temperatures, the battery should be removed from
the vehicle. This ensures that it cannot “freeze up” and be
damaged.
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Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Important safety warnings for handling a car battery
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The vehicle battery is located under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as
well as the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and
the electrical system.•
Wear safety glasses. Do not allow acid or lead particles to come
into contact with eyes, skin or clothing.
•
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and
safety glasses. Do not tilt the battery - acid can leak out of the
vapour vent. If electrolyte should splash into the eyes rinse at once
for several minutes using clear water. Then seek medical care
immediately. Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing
with soap solution, and rinse off with plenty of water. If acid is
swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.
•
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away from battery. Avoid sparks (including those from static charges) when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never
cross the battery poles. The resulting high-energy sparks can
cause injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge. Only charge battery in a well ventilated
area.
•
Keep children away from the battery and battery acid.
•
Switch off all electrical equipment before starting any work on
the vehicle electrical system. Remove the ignition key. The minus
cable of the battery must be disconnected. When changing a light
bulb, it is sufficient to only turn off the light.
•
Before disconnecting the battery, turn off the anti-theft
system! Otherwise, the alarm will sound.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle's electrical
system, first disconnect the minus cable and then the plus cable.
•
Before reconnecting the battery, turn off all electrical equip-
ment. First connect the plus cable, then the minus cable. The
battery cables must not be connected to the wrong battery poles
- serious risk of cable fire.
•
Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery - risk of explosion
and chemical burns! A battery must be replaced once it has been
frozen. When it is discharged the battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 0°C.
•
Make sure that the vapour hose is always attached to the
battery.
•
Never use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the car's battery with the engine running or
with the ignition turned on, otherwise the electrical system or elec-
trical components will be damaged.
Wear safety glasses!
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protec-
tive gloves and safety glasses.
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and
lit cigarettes away from battery!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off
when the battery is under charge!
Keep children away from the battery and battery
acid.
WARNING (continued)
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D o n o t e x p o s e t h e b a t t e r y t o d i re c t s u n l i g h t o v e r a l o n g p e r i o d o f
time, as the intense ultraviolet radiation can affect the battery
housing.
•
If the car is left standing for long periods, protect the battery
from extreme cold temperature so that it does not “freeze up” and
become damaged.
Charging the battery
Terminals for charging the battery are fitted in the engine
compartment.–Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings
for handling a car battery” on page 229 and ⇒.
– Switch off all electrical equipment. Remove the ignition
key.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 220.
– Open the red cap on the positive terminal ⇒fig. 217.
– Follow the correct procedure for connecting the charger
cables to the jump-start terminals (terminal with red cap
= “positive”, terminal with hexagon = “negative”).– Now connect the battery charger to the mains and switch
on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger
and disconnect the mains cable.
– Now disconnect the charger cables.
– Refit the red cap onto the positive terminal.
– Close the bonnet ⇒page 221.
When it is discharged the battery can freeze at temperatures
around 0°C. A frozen battery must be thawed before charging ⇒.
However, it is advisable to replace the battery if it has frozen,
because the ice can crack the battery casing and allow the battery
acid to escape.
Charging the battery
Important: Before you charge the battery make sure you read the
manufacturer's instructions for using the battery charger.
When charging with a low current (for instance with a small battery
charger) the battery does not have to be disconnected. The battery
must not be opened while you are charging it.
Fast-charging the battery
For technical reasons it is not permissible to fast-charge the battery
using charging devices with an output voltage higher than 14.8 V.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen battery – it could explode.
Note
Use only the terminals in the engine compartment to charge the
battery.
Fig. 217 Engine
compartment: Termi-
nals for jump leads and
battery charger
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuses and bulbs 266•
Incorrect handling of the high-voltage element of xenon gas-
discharge bulbs* can have potentially fatal consequences.
•
When changing bulbs, please take care not to injure yourself on
sharp edges, in particular on the headlight housing.Caution
•
Always remove the ignition key before carrying out any work on
the electrical system - danger of short circuiting!
•
Switch off the lights or parking lights before you change a bulb.
•
Take good care to avoid damaging any components.
•
Removing the lights in particular can lead to the paintwork
becoming damaged. This is another reason why we recommend
having the bulbs changed by a qualified workshop.For the sake of the environment
Please ask your specialist retailer how to dispose of used bulbs in
the proper manner.
Note
Place the parts you have removed on a soft cloth so that they do not
become scratched.•
Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the
exterior lighting) on your vehicle is functioning properly. This is not
only in the interest of your own safety, but also in that of all other
road users.
•
Before changing a bulb, make sure you have the correct new
bulb.
•
Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands, use
a cloth or paper towel instead. Otherwise, the fingerprints left on
the glass will vaporise as a result of the heat generated by the bulb,
be deposited on the reflector and impair its surface.
Bulbs with a bayonet fastenerBulbs with a bayonet fastener must be changed as follows:
Removing the bulb
– Lightly press the defective bulb into the bulb holder, then
turn it anti-clockwise and remove it.
– Do not touch the glass part of the new bulb with your
bare hands, use a cloth or paper towel instead.
Fitting the bulb
– Fit the new bulb, pressing it into the bulb holder, and turn
it clockwise as far as it will go.
– If necessary, use a cloth to remove any fingerprints from
the glass part of the bulb.Bulb holders with a bayonet fastener
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 245 Diagram: Bulb
holder with a bayonet
fastener
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