2009 AUDI S8 check engine

Driver information display
If the light illuminates, the electronic speed limiter may also be
malfunctioning. For more information~
page 28, "Electronic speed
limiter".
An improperly closed fuel filler cap may also cause the MIL light to
illuminate
~ page 305. •
On-Board Diagnostics
Fig. 15 Location of
Data Link Connector
(DLCl
On-Board Diagnostics monitors the components of your emission
control system . Each monitored component in your engine system
has been assigned a code. In case of a malfunction, the component
will be identified and the fault stored as a code in the control
module memory.
The MIL light may also illuminate if there is a leak in the on-board
fuel vapor recovery system. If the light illuminates after a refuelling,
stop the vehicle and make sure the fuel filler cap is properly closed
~ page 305.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, the stored data can only be
displayed using special diagnostic equipment (generic scan tool for
OBD).
In order to connect the special diagnostic equipment, push the plug
into the Data Link Connector (DLC). The DLC is located to the right of
the hood release
~ fig. 15. Your authorized Audi dealer or a qualified service station can inter­
pret the code and perform the necessary repair. •
Electronic speed limiter
Your vehicle may be factory equipped with tires that are rated for a
maximum speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). This is less than the
maximum speed of your vehicle. To reduce the risk of sudden tire
failure and loss of control if the vehicle is operated at excessive
speeds, your vehicle also has an electronic speed limiter. The elec ­
tronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from going faster than the
tire speed rating. For more information ~
page 338.
If the vehicle approaches the tire speed rating, the engine control
unit will turn off the fuel injectors. You will notice an immediate loss
of engine power and a drop in road speed.
If the engine control unit receives faulty vehicle road speed signals ,
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIU will illuminate. If this
occurs , contact the nearest authorized Audi dealer for assistance.
& WARNING
Always observe the posted speed limits and adjust your speed to
suit prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions. Never drive
your vehicle faster than the maximum speed rating of the tires installed. •
Auto Check Control
Introduction
The Auto -Check control monitors the function of certain vehicle
features and components. It simply makes sure these features and
components are working properly . The Auto -Check control works as
long as the ignition is on, as well as whenever the vehicle is driven .....

If a component is malfunctioning or if the need for an urgent repair
has been detected, this will appear in the instrument cluster display.
You will also hear an audible warning tone. The displays are color
coded in either red or yellow depending on their level of priority.
A red symbol means
Danger, a yellow symbol indicates Warning . In
certain situations, information message for the driver appear in
addition to the red and yellow symbols.
Function test: automatic transmission
The Auto-Check Control will automatically perform a test each time
you switch on the ignition. With the selector lever in
P or N, the
following message appears in the display:
When stationary apply foot brake while selecting gear.
When you a select a different gear (for example: R, D, etc.), the
message will disappear and the Auto-Check function is displayed.
I f there is a malfunction, then the malfunction message will appear
about 15 seconds after the you start the vehicle. At the same time
you will hear a warning tone. •
Driver information messages
Driver information messages are shown in the instrument
cluster display in addition to the red and yellow symbols.
Controls and equip ­
ment
Fig . 16 CHECK button
in the instrument
cluster
Driver information display
For example, if the transmission selector lever is not in the P posi­
tion when the engine is turned off, the following message appears:
Shift to P, otherwise vehicle can roll away. Doors do not lock if
lever is not in P.
The ignition key can only be removed with the selector in this posi­
tion. This and other messages are brought up if a function cannot
be carried out.
Driver messages and red symbols
If a red symbol appears in the display, a driver message can be
shown by pressing the
I CHECK] button.
For example, the symbol for a problem with engine oil pressure~
appears in the display. If you then press the !CHECK ] button, the
following driver message appears in the display:
Switch off engine and check oil level
The driver message in the display goes out after about 5 seconds.
The driver message can be displayed again by briefly pressing the
I CHECK] button.
Driver messages and yellow symbols
If a yellow symbol appears in the display, a driver message is also
displayed automatically.
For example, the symbol<., appears in the display, indicating low
windshield washer fluid level. The following message also appears:
Please top up washer fluid
The driver message disappears after a few seconds. The driver
message can be displayed again by briefly pressing the
I CHECK]
button. •
I • •

Driver informati on displ ay
Red symbols
A red symbol means DANGER.
Pull off the road.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the engine.
Fig . 17 Dis play : en gine
coola nt leve l warnin g
(pr iorit y 1
l
Check the malfunctioning system. Contact your aut ho­
rized Audi dea ler or a qua lified workshop for assistance.
Red symbols indicate a pr io rity malfunction -Danger !
With a priority 1 malfunction, a large symbol appears in the center area of the display => fig. 17. When the symbol appears,
three
warning tones sound in succession . The symbol continues to blink
until the malfunction has been repaired .
After a few seconds, the large symbol is replaced by a small symbol shown at the top left of the display. This symbol is displayed until
the fault is corrected.
If there are
more than one priority 1 malfunctions, the symbo ls
appear one after the other for about 2 seconds .
An additional driver message can a lso be d isplayed by briefly
pressing the
( CH ECK I button .
The red symbols mean:
BRAKE
U SA mod els:
Brake system malfunction
=> page 30
((D) C anada mod els:
Brake system malfunction
II=> page 30
Engine coolant level too => page 31
low/engine coolant temperature
too high
~ En gine o il p ress ure too low ]I=> page 32
-
~ Faulty steering => page 33
...
© F au lt y ig nition s witch
.....
=> page3 3
[ i ] Tips
• If the warning/indicator light BRAKE (USA models)/ {(D) (Canada
models) in the instrument cluster flashes, there is a brake system
malfunction. By pressing the [
CHECK] button, you can bring up a
driver message which exp lains the malfunction in more detail.
Please note =>
page 30.
• Speed warnings threshold 1 8 (USA modelsl/ 0 (Canada
models ) and threshold 2
8 , (USA modelsl/ 8 (Canada models) are
a lso shown as red symbo ls . The warning is a lways shown as a sma ll
symbo l in the upper area of the display=>
page 37 . •
Brake system malfunction
A malfunction in the brake system must be repaired as
soon as possible.
If the warning /indi cator light BRAKE (USA models)/ ((D)
(C anada models) in the instr ument cluster flashes, there is
a brake system malfunctio n. By pressing the
I CHECK] ~

button, you can bring up a driver message which explains
the malfunction in more detail.
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
-Pull off the road .
- Stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the engine.
- Check the brake fluid level=>
page 319.
- Contact your nearest authorized repair facility if neces-
sary.
Brake fault ! Drive carefully to nearest workshop
- Drive carefully to the nearest authorized repair facility
and have the malfunction corrected =>
&.
Parking brake ! Please contact workshop
- If the warning/indicator light flashes when the vehicle is
stationary or after the ignition is turned on, check to see
if the parking brake can be released. Drive to an autho­
rized repair facility as soon as possible and have the
malfunction corrected. If the parking brake cannot be
released, contact your nearest authorized repair facility.
- If the warning/indicator light flashes while you are
driving, it is possible that the traction control or the
emergency brake has malfunctioned. It is possible that
the parking brake cannot be applied. It is also possible
that the parking brake cannot be released after it has
been applied. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer to have
the malfunction corrected.
Controls and equip ­
ment
Driver information display
If the ABS, ESP and the brake force distribution fail , the ABS
warning/indicator light and the ESP warning/indicator light come
on along with the brake system malfunction warning/indicator light
=>& .
& WARNING
• Always observe the warnings in=> page 301, "Engine compart­
ment", before opening the hood and checking the brake fluid.
• Driving with low brake fluid is
a safety hazard. Stop the car and
get professional assistance .
• USA models: If the BRAKE warning light, the. warning light and
the "'L') warning light come on together, the rear wheels could
lock up first under hard braking. Rear wheel lock-up can cause loss
of vehicle control and an accident. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately by your authorized Audi dealer or a qualified work­
shop. Drive slowly and avoid sudden, hard brake applications.
• Canada models: If the brake warning light <, the warning
light and the ABS warning light
G come on together, the rear
wheels could lock up first under hard braking. Rear wheel lock-up can cause loss of vehicle control and an accident. Have your
vehicle repaired immediately by your authorized Audi dealer or a qualified workshop . Drive slowly and avoid sudden, hard brake
applications. •
Engine cooling system malfunction -L
A malfunction in the engine cooling system must be
repaired as soon as possible.
When the -L symbol in the display blinks, then either the
engine coolant
temperature is too high, or the coolant level
is too low. An additional driver message can also be
displayed by pressing the [CHECK] button:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
I • •

Driver information display
-Pull off the road.
- Stop the veh icle.
- Turn off the engine.
- Check coolant level~
page 317.
-Add coolant if necessary ~ page 318.
-Continue dr iving only after the eng ine coolant
warning/ indicator light goes out .
- Contact your authorized Audi dealer for assistance if
necessary .
If the engine coolant le ve l is correct, then the radiator fan may be
the cause of the malfunction.
If the generator warning/indicator light should also illuminate
~ page 18, then the fan belt may be damaged.
& WARNING
• If your vehicle should break down for mechanical or other
reasons, park at a safe distance from moving traffic, turn off the
engine and turn on the hazard warning lights
~ page 73, "Emer­
gency flasher
A".
• Never open the hood if you see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartment -you risk being scalded.
Wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant escaping.
• The engine compartment of any vehicle is a dangerous area.
Before you perform any work in the engine compartment, turn of
the engine and allow it to cool. Follow the warning stickers
~ page 301, "Engine compartment".
0 Note
Do not continue driving if the -~- symbol illuminates. There is a
malfunction in the engine cooling system -you could damage your
engine. •
Engine oil pressure malfunction "t=:?:
The red engine oil pressure warning symbol requires
immediate service or repair. Driving with a low -oil -pres ­
sure indication is likely to inflict severe damage to the
engine.
If the ~ symbol appears in the display and blinks, the oil
pressure is too low. An additional driver message can also
be displayed by pressing the
I CHECK] button:
Switch off engine and check oil level
Immediate actions
- Pull off the road.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the eng ine.
- Check the engine oil level
with the dipstick~ page 313.
Dipstick readings checks too low
- Top off oil to the proper level~ page 314.
-Make sure that the oil pressure warning symbol~
appears no longer in the display before you start driving
again. .,,,

Dipstick reading checks OK
-If the oil pressure warning symbol "t=:7: starts flashing
again even though the engine oil level checks OK on the
dipstick,
do not continue driving and do not let the
engine run in idle.
Instead, contact your authorized Audi
dealer for assistance.
[ i] Tips
• The engine oil pressure symbol ~ is not an indicator for a low
engine oil level. Do not rely on it . Instead, check the oil level in your
engine at regular intervals, preferably each time you refuel, and
always before going on a long trip .
• The yellow oil level warning indication .: requires oil refill or
workshop service without delay. Do not wait until the red oil pres­
sure warning
~ starts to flash before you respond to the low oil
level warning . By then, your engine may already have suffered
serious damage. •
Steering malfunction i
If there is a malfunction in the electronic steering column
lock, the steering cannot be unlocked.
If the i symbol in the display blinks, there is a malfunction
in the electronic steering column lock. An additional driver
message can also be displayed by pressing the [
CHECK]
button:
Do not drive vehicle: Steering defective
- Contact your nearest authorized repair facility.
- Do
not tow your vehicle.
Controls and equip ­
ment
Driver information display
& WARNING
Your vehicle must not be towed in the event of a malfunction in the
electronic steering column lock because it cannot be steered due
to the locked steering. If it is towed with the steering locked, there
is the risk of an accident. •
Ignition lock malfunction ~
A malfunction in the ignition lock must be repaired imme­
diately.
If the -Pe symbol in the display blinks, there is a malfunction
in the electronic ignition lock. An additional driver message
can also be displayed by pressing the [
CHECK] button:
Ignition lock defective. Contact workshop !
- Do not turn the engine off.
-Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer to have
the malfunction corrected.
If there is a malfunction in the electronic ignition lock, the ignition
cannot be turned off. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer to have the cause of the malfunction corrected.
If your vehicle has a Conv eni enc e key *, th e n you should not use the
I STOP I button to shut off the engine. You will not be able to start the
engine again once th e ignition is switched off. •
I • •

Driver information display
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol means WARNING.
Fig. 18 Display: low
fuel level warning
(priority 2)
Yellow symbols indicate a priority 2 malfunction -Warning!
When a y ellow warning symbol appears,
one warn ing ton e sounds.
A driver message appears as well to explain the malfunction in more
detail. The dr iver warning goes out after about
5 s e conds, bu t it can
be brought up again at any time by pressing the [
CHECK I button .
Check the displayed function as soon as possible . If
more than one
priority 2 malfunction is detected, all symbols will appear one after
the other for about
2 seconds .
Yellow symbols mean :
Worn brake pads
Electromechanical
parking brake
=> page 34
=> page 136
Check engine oil level => page 35
=> page 313
Engine oil sensor malfunction => page 35
Low fuel level => page 35
Windshield washer fluid => page 35
level low
Battery voltage
=> page 36
-
II Battery in remote control key => page 48
Convenience key * => page 133
Key not in vehicle
USA models: => page26
Defect ive brake light
Canada models: => page26
Defective brake light
Defective light bulb
=> page26
Engine speed limitation* => page 35
-
IIAdaptive Light* defective => page 36
Dynamic headlight range => page 36
control defective
Defect ive light -/rain sensor
=> page 36
Tire pressure monitoring sys-=> page 43
tern*
Loss of air pressure
-Tire pressure monitoring sys -=> page 46
tern*
ll system not ava ilable
•
Worn brake pads r
Brake pads!

If the warning light illuminates, immediate ly contact your autho ­
ri zed Aud i dealer or qualified workshop to have a ll brake pads
inspected . On USA models the warning light
.1 comes on together
with the warni ng light
BRA KE. Both set s of brake pads on an axle must
a lways be replaced at the same time .
& WARNING
Driving with bad brakes can cau se a colli sion and serious personal
injury.
• If the warning light and the warning light
BRAKE11 with the
mes sage Brake pads ! come s on in the in strument clu ster display ,
immediately conta ct your authorized Audi dealer or qualified
workshop to have all brake pads checked or replaced if nece ssary .•
Checking the engine oil level ~
.... ,. Plea se check oil le vel
When the symbo l illuminates, chec k the eng ine oi l leve l as so on as
possible=>
page 313 . Add oil if necessary=> page 374 . •
Engine oil sensor defective
~ Oil level ! sen sor defective
If the symbo l il luminates, contact your authorized Audi dea ler and
have the oi l sensor inspecte d. Until you have this done, check the o il
level each time you refuel just to be on the safe side=>
page 373. •
11 BRAK E: USA mode ls on ly
Controls and equip ­
ment
Driv er information display
Ap plies to vehic les: wit h eng ine s peed limita tio n
Engine speed limitation
!-1 Engine speed maximum XXXX RPM
The _-symbo l illuminates when there is an engine control malfunc ­
t io n. The indica to r light "in the instrument clus te r also illumi ­
nates . The engine speed is limited to the speed displayed in the
driver info rmation system . Keep in mind that the engine speed wil l
not e xceed the va lue d isplayed in the dr ive r info rm ation system, fo r
examp le when downshifting.
Please go to an au thorized Audi deale r or other qua lif ied workshop
to have the ma lfunction repaired .•
Fuel supply too low l
A Please refuel
When the symb ol i llu minates, this means there are abo ut 2.4
gallons
(9 l itres) of fuel left in the fuel tank . Time to refuel.
=>
page 304 .
If the symbo l lig hts up, eve n w hen there is ample fuel in th e tank,
and the text
Tank system malfunction ! Conta ct workshop appears
i n the d isp lay, t here is a fault in th e sys tem. C ontac t a q ua lified work ­
shop to have the fault rectified .•
' Windshield washer fluid level too low ~
Plea se top up washe r fluid
If t he symbo l illum inates, add windshie ld washe r fluid to the washe r
system and a lso to the headlight washer system=>
page 325. •
I • •