2009 AUDI S3 warning light

On th e road 1111
--------------~:.:..--J
- Drive for longer than 5 minutes at more than 5 mp h
(10 km/h) above the stored speed .
Switchin g o ff compl ete ly
- Press lever into position@ (clicked into place), or
- Switch the ign ition of f.
The system retains the saved speed if you deactivate the cruise
control temporarily. To resume the saved speed, release the brake or
clutch pedal and pull the lever to position
G) .
Switching the ignition off erases the saved speed.
& WARNING
You s hould only return t o th e sa ved sp ee d if it i s not to o fast fo r
the curre nt traff ic condi tio ns -ris k of an a ccident! •
Applies to ve hic les: with m agn etic r id e
Audi magnetic ride
Damping can be adjusted to the driver's preference and it
adapts automatically to the curren t driving situation.
t 9 1 ] J
Fi g. 11 8 Ce nte r
co nso le: Sw itc h for
A ud i m agn etic rid e
Press the switch ~ fig. 118 to turn sport setting on or off.
Con tro ls and eq uip­
ment
Audi magnetic ride is an e lectronically control led damping system.
This chassis system assists the driver by adapt ing to the particular
s ituation through imperceptible control processes . The
dampin g
provides individua l modulation of damping forces . For example,
with damping characteristics set to provide greater comfort ,
damping is set somewhat harder for a brief period on ly as required,
when rounding a curve and when braking.
Standard settin g
Select the standard setting if you prefer a suspension setting
emphasizing comfort .
Sp or t setting
Select the sport setting if you prefer a sporty suspension setting .
The LE D in the switch comes on to indicate sport setting .
[ i ] Tip s
The warning/indicator light in the instrumen t cluster comes on in
the event of a malfunction. Drive to the closest authorized Audi
dea le r as soon as possible and have the malfunction repaired .•
Vehicle care I I irechnical data

Transmission -_______________ ___.
& WARNING
Hill Descent Assist cannot overcome physical limitations, so it
may not be possible to maintain a constant vehicle speed under all
circumstances. Always be ready to apply the brakes. •
Applie s t o veh ic les : w iths tron ic @
tiptronic operation
Tiptronic allows the driver to shift gears manually.
Contro ls and eq uip­
ment "'
"' ...
-a: ., m
Fig
. 123 Center
console: Manual
shifting (tiptronic)
Fig . 124 Display :
Manual shifting
(tiptronic)
Switching to manual
Push the selector lever to the right from D. As the trans­
mission has switched, 6 5 4 3 2 1 appears in the display,
w ith the gear that is engaged highlighted.
Upshifting Tap the selector lever forward (in the tiptronic setting)
=> fig. 123 0-
Downshifting
Tap the selector lever backward (in the tiptronic setting)
o .
Switching to manual can be carried out with the vehicle stationary
as well as moving.
When accelerating, the transmission shifts into the next gear in
gears 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 shortly before the maximum permissible
engine speed is reached.
If you have selected a lower gear than the current one, the transmis­
sion will only shift down when the engine cannot be overspeeded .
If kick -down is actuated, the transmission shifts into a lower gear
independently of speed and engine rpm. •
Vehicle care
I I irechnical data

-Tr
ansmi ssio n
..__ ______________ _
Applies to vehic les: with S Ironic® and with Tip tronic contro ls on the steering whee l
Steering wheel with Tiptronic ® controls
The selector paddles allow the driver to keep both hands
on the steering wheel when shifting gears.
Shifting up
Fig . 125 S port
s teer ing wheel w it h
se lector padd les
- Pu ll the right paddle, marked G) => fig . 125 briefly
towards you.
Shiftin g down
Pu ll the left paddle, marked O => fig. 125 briefly towards
you .
The selector paddles on the steering wheel are activated when the
selector lever on the center console is in
D, S, or in the manual posi ­
tion (Tiptronic mode).
You can also shift gears in the Tiptronic mode using the selector
lever on the center console.
[ i ] Tips
With the gear selector lever in either "D" or "S" the transmission wi ll
switch back to the automatic mode if you do not use the paddles
within approx . 30 seconds .•
Ap plies to vehicles: wi th S tronic®
Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration .
If you depress the accelerator pedal fu lly beyond the full -throt tle
position, the transmission automatically downshifts one gear,
depending on vehic le speed and engine rpm. The upshift into the
next higher gear takes place as soon as the maximum specified
engine speed is reached.
& WARNING
Pleas e n ote t hat th e dr ive whee ls ca n sp in if th e kick -do wn i s used
o n a s mooth slipp ery road -ris k of skiddin g!•
Ap plies to vehic les: with S tron ic®
Launch Control Program
The Launch Control Program permits maximum accelera­
tion.
In order to use Launch Control, the ASR (Anti-Slip Regu la­
tion) must be disabled. When ASR is disabled, the ESP
warning/indicator light in the instrument cluster illumi ­
nates . So that Launch Control can be used, the engine must
be at operating temperature and the steering wheel must
not be turned.
- With the engine running, briefly press the ESP button.
The message "ASR off" appears in the instrument cluster
d isplay.
- Shift the gear lever to "S" or the tiptronic® position.
- Step on t he brake pedal with your left foot a nd keep the
brake pedal fully depressed fo r at least one second. _,,,

Transmission -_______________ ___.
- With your right foot, step on the accelerator to the wide­
open throttle position or Kickdown. The engine speed
settles at about 3,200 rpm.
Take your left foot off the brake.
The S tronic® in your vehicle is electronically controlled. A special
Launch Control Program provides the best acceleration from a
standing start.
& WARNING
• Always adapt your driving to the traffic flow.
• Only use Launch Control when road and traffic conditions allow
it and other drivers will not be endangered or annoyed by your
driving and the acceleration of the vehicle.
• Make sure that ESP remains enabled . With the ESP disabled,
the vehicle could brake away, particularly on a slick and slippery road -risk of skidding!
• Once acceleration is finished, switch ASR on again by briefly
pushing the ESP button. •
Applies to veh ic le s: w ith S t ron ic ®
Back -up program
In the event of a system ma/function, there is an back-up
program.
In the event of system malfunction, the automatic transmission
switches to the fail-safe mode. All of the selector lever position
displays for the automatic transmission are highlighted with a light
background in the instrument cluster display. In some cases you
cannot drive in the reverse gear any more.
If the transmission switches to fail-safe mode, you should take the
vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership as soon as possibl e to have
the condition corrected. •
Contro ls and eq uip­
ment
Ap plies to vehic les: w ith S tron ic ®
Emergency release for selector lever
If the vehicle's power supply fails, the selector lever can
be released in an emergency.
~ ..
-ti. ., m
Fig. 126 Selector lever :
Remove selector lever
sleeve
Fig . 127 Selectorlever :
emergency release
from the Park position
The emergency release mechanism is located on the right
front under the selector lever shift gate. The release proce­
dure requires professional dexterity. We recommend that
you seek assistance.
Removing the selector lever boot
- Engage the parking brake.
Vehicle care I I Technical data

________________________________________________ D_r_iv _ i _n_ g~ S_ a_ fe_ ly __ !II
Important things to do before driving
Safety is everybody's job! Vehicle and occupant safety
always depends on the informed and careful driver.
For your safety and the safety of your passengers, before
driving always:
-Make sure that all lights and signals are operat ing
correctly.
- Make sure that the tire pressure is correct.
- Make sure that all windows are clean and afford good
visibility to the outside.
- Secure all luggage and other items carefully =>
page 94.
-Make sure that noth ing can interfere w ith the pedals.
- Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors correctly for your height .
- Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints
according to their height.
- Make sure to use the right ch ild restraint correctly to
protect children =>
page 169, "Child Safety ".
- Sit properly in your seat and make sure that your passen ­
gers do the same=>
page 74, "General recommenda ­
tions".
- Fasten your safety belt and wear it p roperly. Also instruct
your passengers to fasten the ir safety belts properly
=>
page 137. •
Controls and equip­
ment Safety first
Vehicle operation
What impairs driving safety?
Safe driving is directly related to the condition of the
vehicle, the driver as well as the driver's ability to concen­
trate on the road without being distracted.
The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and all
of its occupants. If your ability to drive is impaired, safety
risks for everybody in the vehicle increase and you also
become a hazard to everyone else on the road =>& .There ­
fore:
Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers or by
using a cellular telephone .
NEVER drive when your driving ability is impaired (by
medications, alcohol, drugs, etc.).
- Observe all traffic laws, rules of the road and speed limits
and plain common sense .
- ALWAYS adjust your speed to road, traffic and weather
conditions.
- Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive for more
than two hours at a stretch.
- Do NOT drive when you are tired, under pressure or when
you are stressed .
& WARNING
Impaired driving safety increases the risk of serious personal
injury and death whenever a vehicle is being used. •
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Technical data

___ D_ r _i_v _i_n -=g =--- S_ a_ f_ e____, ly'----------------------------------------------------
Proper occupant seating positi ·ons
Proper seating position for the driver
The proper driver seating position is important for safe,
relaxed driving.
Fig . 128 The correct
distance between
driver and steering
wheel
Fig . 129 Correct head
restraint position for
driver
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the
event of an accident, we recommend that you adjust the
driver's seat to the following position:
- Adjust the driver's seat so that you can easily push the
pedals all the way to the floor while keeping your knee(s)
slightly bent=:>& . - Adjust the angle of the seatback so that
it is in an upright
position so that your back comes in full contact with it
when you drive.
- Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 10 inches (25 cm) between the steering wheel and
your breast bone=:> fig. 128. If not possible, see your
authorized Audi dealership about adaptive equipment.
- Adjust the steering wheel so that the steering wheel and
airbag cover points at your chest and not at your face.
- Grasp the top of the steering wheel with your elbow(s)
slightly bent.
- Adjust the head restraint so that the upper edge is as
even with the top of your head as possible but no lower
than eye level and so that it is as close to the back of your
head as possible=:> fig. 129.
- Fasten and wear safety belts correctly=:>
page 141.
- Always keep both feet in the footwell so that you are in
control of the vehicle at all times.
For detailed information on how to adjust the driver's seat, see
=>
page 75, "Adjusting front seats manua lly" or=> page 76,
"Adjusting the power seat".
& WARNING
Drivers who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the airbag
can be seriously injured by an airbag as it unfolds. To help reduce
the risk of serious personal injury:
• Always adjust the driver's seat and the steering wheel so that
there are at least 10 inches (25 cm} between your breastbone and
the steering wheel. .,_

Safety belts -----------------=-------
Safety belts
General notes
Always wear safety belts!
Wearing safety belts correctly saves lives!
This chapter explains why safety belts are necessary, how
they work and how to adjust and wear them correctly.
- Read all the information that follows and heed all of the
instruct ions and WARNINGS.
& WARNING
Not wearing safety belts or wearing them improperly increases
the risk of serious personal injury and death.
• Safety belts are the single most effective means available to
reduce the risk of serious injury and death in automobile acci­
dents . For your protection and that of your passengers , always
correctly wear safety belts when the vehicle is moving.
• Pregnant women, injured, or physically impaired persons must
also use safety belts . Like all vehicle occupants, they are more
likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts . The
best way to protect a fetus is to protect the mother -throughout
the entire pregnancy. •
Number of seats
Your Audi has a total of five seating positions: two in the front and
three in the rear. Each seating position has a safety belt.
Controls and equip­ ment Safety first
Vehicle operation
& WARNING
Not wearing safety belts or wearing them improperly increases
the risk of serious personal injury and death .
• Never strap more than one person, including small children,
into any belt. It is especially dangerous to place a safety belt over
a child sitting on your lap.
• Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are safety
belts available.
• Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is properly restrained
with a separate safety belt or child restraint. •
Safety belt warning light ~
Your vehicle has a warning system for the driver and front
seat passenger (on USA models only) to remind you about
t he importance of buckling-up.
Before driving off, always:
Fig. 132 Safety belt
warning light in the
instrument cluster -
enlarged
- Fasten your safety belt and make sure you are wearing it
properly.
1J,,
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Technical data

___ S_a_ f_ e_ t-= y_ b_e_ l_ t _s _______________________________________________ _
- Make sure that your passengers also b uckle up and prop­
erly wea r th eir sa fety belts.
Protect children wit h a child restraint system appropriate
for the size and age.
The warning light i in the instrument cluster lights up when the
ignition is switched on as a reminder to fasten the safety belts. In
addition , you will hear a warning tone.
After the ignition is switched on, the warning light in the instrument cluster will a lways come on for about 6 seconds and if the driver has
not fastened the safety belt, a warning tone will also sound for
about 6 seconds . As soon as the driver has fastened the safety belt,
the warning tone will stop and the warning light will go out .
If the driver or front seat passenger have not buckled -up within
about 10 seconds after the warning tone has stopped and the
vehicle is moving faster than about 15 mph, the warning tone will
sound again for about 6 seconds and then stop for 24 seconds and
then repeat this reminder sequence for a maximum of 2 minutes. At
speeds be low 5 mph, the warning tone will not sound.
Fa sten your safe ty belt and m ake su re that your p assengers also
properl y put on th eir s afet y belts .
& WARNING
• Safety belt s are the single mo st effective mean s available to
reduce th e risk of ser ious injur y and death in a utomobile acci­
dent s. For your prote ction and th at of your pas senger s, alwa ys
c orre ctl y we ar safety belt s when t he vehicle is moving .
• Failure t o pay att ention to th e warning light that co me on,
c ould lead to per sonal injury .•
Why safety belts?
Frontal co11isions and the law of physics
Front al crashes create very strong forces for pe ople riding
in vehicles.
F ig. 13 3 Unbel ted
o cc up ants i n a ve hicle
he ading for a wa ll
Fi g. 13 4 The vehi cle
c ras hes in to t he wa ll
The physical principles are simple. Both the vehicle and the passen­
gers possess energy which varies with vehicle speed and body
we ight . Engineers cal l this energy "kinetic energy ."
T he higher the speed of the vehicle and the greater the vehic le's
we ight, the more energy that has to be "absorbed" in the crash .
Vehicle speed is the most significan t factor. If the speed doubles
from 15 to 30 mph (25 to 50 km/h), the energy increases 4 times! .,