
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Intelligent technology193
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Points to remember
Starting ability has first priority.Short trips, city traffic and low temperatures all place a heavy load
on the battery. In these conditions a large amount of power is
consumed, but only a small amount is supplied. The situation is also
critical if electrical equipment is in use when the engine is not
running. In this case power is consumed when none is being gener-
ated.
In these situations you will be aware that the power management
system is intervening to control the distribution of electrical power.
When the vehicle is parked 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.
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.
With the engine switched off
If you listen to the radio or use the other MMI functions when the
engine is not running, this will discharge the battery.
The MMI display will show this warning message before the battery
power drops to a level where the starting ability is impaired.
Please start engine, otherwise system will switch off
in 3 minutes.
This message warns you that the system you are using will be
switched off automatically after 3 minutes. You should therefore
start the engine if you wish to continue using the system.When the engine is running
Although the alternator generates electrical power, the battery can
still become discharged while the vehicle is being driven. This can
occur when a lot of power is being consumed but only a small
amount supplied, especially if the battery is not fully charged
initially.
To restore the necessary energy balance, the system will then
temporarily shut off the electrical components that are using a lot
of power, or reduce the current they are consuming. Heating
systems in particular use a large amount of electrical power. If you
notice, for instance, that the seat heating* or the rear window
heater is not working, they may have been temporarily switched off
or regulated to a lower heat output. These systems will be available
again as soon as sufficient electrical power is available.
You may also notice that the engine runs at a slightly faster idling
speed. This is quite normal, and no cause for concern. The increased
idling speed allows the alternator to meet the greater power
requirement and charge the battery at the same time.
Driver message in the instrument cluster displayIf battery power drops to a level at which you may encounter prob-
lems when starting the engine, the following message will appear
in the instrument cluster display:
Low battery charge: Battery will be charged while driving
This message reminds you that the starting reliability may be
impaired. The message will disappear as soon as you set off and the
battery is charged.
Message comes on and goes out again
If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched
on or while driving, and goes out again after a period of time, the
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a trailer 200
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road
and traffic conditions. Do not let the trailer stabilisation system
tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause acci-
dents.•
The ESP and trailer stabilisation system cannot defy the laws
of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery
and wet roads and when towing a trailer with a light load.
•
The trailer stabilisation system is functional, regardless of
whether the trailer has a mechanical overrun brake or not.
•
The trailer stabilisation system is not always able to detect
swaying of trailers with a light load and will therefore not inter-
vene.
•
A trailer can still “jack-knife” on slippery roads with little grip,
even if the towing vehicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisation
system.
•
Trailers with a high centre of gravity may even tip over before
they start to sway sideways.
•
If you are not towing a trailer, but the trailer socket is being
used (e.g. for an illuminated bicycle rack), the trailer stabilisation
system may be activated in extreme driving conditions.
•
Please note the additional information and warnings
⇒page 200.
Notes on towing
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
Try to avoid towing a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle. If this
cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow for the unbalanced
weight distribution.Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed.
For this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permis-
sible top speed in unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions.
This applies especially on a downhill gradient.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows
the slightest sign of swaying. Never try to stop the swaying by accel-
erating further.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking
that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking. Change down in
good time before going down a steep hill so that you can use the
engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recom-
mend having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a
high trailer weight. They can be purchased and installed at an Audi
dealer.
Overheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running
fast in low gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature
gauge ⇒page 11. Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to
the top end of the scale. If the temperature warning lamp
in the
instrument cluster should start flashing, stop the car and let the
engine cool down by running it at idling speed for a few minutes.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a trailer201
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Accessories
Before mounting equipment and accessories (e.g. bicycle
rack) please observe the following notes.The equipment/accessories mounted must not protrude more than
700 mm from the ball joint .
The total weight (mounted equipment plus the load) must not
exceed 75 kg.
The maximum load depends on where the centre of gravity lies.
The maximum weight decreases as the distance between the centre
of gravity and the ball joint increases.
The following limits apply:
If the distance is 300 mm, the total weight (incl. the equipment
mounted) must not exceed 75 kg.
If the distance is 600 mm, the total weight (incl. the equipment
mounted) must not exceed 35 kg.
Only bicycle racks for a maximum of three bicycles may be used.
Equipment mounted on the towing bracket
We recommend that you only mount equipment (e.g. bicycle rack)
which has been approved by Audi on the ball joint. If you wish to
attach other equipment please make sure that it has been approved
by the manufacturer for use on the ball joint. If you mount unsuit-able equipment, this can cause damage to the towing bracket. In an
extreme case, damage to the towing bracket could cause it to break
⇒.
WARNING
•
If you wish to mount equipment which has not been approved
by Audi please ensure that it is suitable for use on Audi vehicles.
•
Use of unsuitable equipment can result in severe damage to
the towing bracket. The towing bracket could then break while
pulling a trailer and cause an accident.
•
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball
joint. This could damage the mechanism which locks the ball joint
in place and impair its safety (accident risk).
Removable towing bracketApplies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketIntroduction
Special care is required when fitting and removing the
towing bracket.
Fig. 194 Load distribu-
tion of equipment and
accessories
A1A1
AAAB
Fig. 195 Luggage
compartment with
towing bracket
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a trailer 202The removable ball joint attachment for the towing bracket is stored
under the floor panel on the left-hand side of the luggage compart-
ment.
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
WARNING
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball
joint. This could damage the mechanism which locks the ball joint
in place and impair its safety (accident risk).
Note
•
Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball joint or other towing
bracket components.
•
Should you have any difficulties when using the towing bracket,
or suspect that it is not fitted properly, contact a qualified workshop.
•
Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured
properly ⇒page 204.
•
Never disengage the ball joint with the caravan / trailer still
hitched or with a bicycle rack or similar accessory still attached.
•
It is advisable to remove the ball joint when you are not towing a
trailer. Fold the socket back to its original position so that the
mounting fixture is properly closed.
•
The ball joint must be removed if you intend to clean the car with
a steam cleaning attachment. Make sure that the mounting fixture
is properly closed.
•
For installation and removal of the ball joint we recommend that
the gloves provided be used.
Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketFitting the ball joint (step 1)– Remove the bumper cover to access the socket unit.
– Fold the socket unit all the way out in the direction of the
arrow ⇒fig. 196.
– The cover piece is held automatically in the open posi-
tion.
– Check that the mounting for the towing bracket, which
will now have become visible -arrow- ⇒fig. 197, is free of
dirt, and clean if necessary ⇒.
Fig. 196 Area below
rear bumper: Folding
down the socketFig. 197 Socket
(folded down)
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a trailer203
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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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a trailer205
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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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuel and filling the tank217
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Fuel and filling the tankPetrolPetrol grade
The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the fuel tank
flap.The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter and must only be
run on unleaded petrol. Unleaded petrol must comply with the
European EN 228 standard. The petrol grades have different octane
ratings (RON). If, in exceptional circumstances, the correct octane
rating is not available, please note the following:
Your engine normally requires Super Plus unleaded petrol (98 RON)
according to ⇒page 281, “Performance, weights and dimensions”.
Premium unleaded fuel with 95 RON can also be used. This can,
however, result in a slight loss of power under certain driving condi-
tions. If premium unleaded petrol is not available, the engine can be
run on regular unleaded petrol with 91 RON as an emergency
measure. In this case only use moderate engine speeds and a light
throttle. Avoid using full throttle. Fill up with premium or Super Plus
petrol as soon as possible.
Caution
•
Petrol complying with the EN 228 standard can contain small
quantities of ethanol. However, “bioethanol fuels”, which are
retailed under various different names such as E50 and E85, and
which contain a large proportion of ethanol, must not be put into
the vehicle, as this would damage the fuel system.
•
Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the
efficiency of the catalytic converter.
•
High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when
using petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for
the engine.
Filling the tankFilling the tankThe flap that covers the tank cap is unlocked and locked
automatically by the central locking.
Unscrewing the tank cap
– Press the left side of the flap to open it ⇒fig. 207 -arrow-.
– Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise.
Fig. 207 Vehicle as
seen from the rear
right: Opening fuel
tank flapFig. 208 Fuel tank flap
with tank cap attached
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