Light/rain sensor defective (auto-~ page 37
matic headlights)* defective
Ad aptiv e Li ght* def ective
~ page37
Tire pressure monitoring system*
~ page 37
When a yel low symbol appears, a warning tone wil l sound once.
Check the displayed function as soon as possible . If more than one
malfunction is detected, all symbols wil l appear one after the other
for about two seconds .•
Driver info rmation
In addition to the warning/indicator lights and the
symbols in the instrument cluster display, driver informa tion is displayed.
F ig . 21 S ectio n of
instrum en t c luster :
Set/C hec k butt on
Driver information appears in the display when a defective light
bulb is reported by the defective light bulb warning ~ page 36,
when the brake pads are worn and before you engage a gear on
vehicles with S tronic .
In addition, driver information may appear when a red symbol
flashes in the driver disp lay .
Con tro ls and eq uip
ment
Dri ver in form ati on syst em
To d is pl ay Driver inf orm ati on
As an example, the
t he display :
Switch off engine and che ck oil level
The driver message in the display goes out after about 5 seconds.
You can display the driver message again by br iefly pressing the
button. •
Brake system malfunction
BRAKE (USA models) /((D) (Canada models )
The indicator light flashes if the brake fluid level is t oo
low, if there is a malfunction in the ABS system or when the parking brake is engaged .
If the BRAKE /
s y stem. In addition to the symbol , one of two messages
appears in the display:
STOP Vehicle and check brake fluid
ABS FAULT! SEE OWNER'S MANUAL
- Pull off the ro ad an d stop the vehicle.
- Obtain professional assistance.
USA models: if there is a malfunction in the ABS system, the
warning/indicator light i llumina tes along with the BRAKE system
malfunction warning/indicator light~&.
Canada models: if there is a malfunction in the ABS system, the
warning/indicator light i llumina tes together with the CCD> brake
system malfunction warning/indicator light~& .
Vehicle care I I irechnical data
Driver information system
Parking brake set
The parking brake warning light Brake /((D) (Canada models) illumi
nates when the parking brake is set. In addition , a warning tone will
sound after you have driven for longer than 3 seconds and faster
than 3 mph (5 km/h).
L1}. WARNING
• Always observe the warnings in => page 209, "Engine compart
ment", before opening the engine hood and checking the brake
fluid.
• Driving with low brake fluid is a safety hazard! Stop the car and
get professional assistance.
• If the brake system warning/indicator light illuminates
together with the ABS warning/indicator light, then the ABS system is malfunctioning. The rear wheels could quickly lock up
when you apply the brakes. This could lead to loss of control and
your vehicle could slide! Drive carefully to the nearest authorized
Audi dealer and have the malfunction corrected. •
Engine cooling system malfunction ¾
A malfunction in the engine cooling system must be
repaired as soon as possible.
When the _t symbol in the display flashes, then either the
engine coolant
temperature is too high, or the coolant level
is too low. In addition to the symbol, the following message
also appears in the display:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
-Pull off the road and stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the engine.
- Check coolant level
~ page 225.
-Add coolant if necessary ~ page 225.
-Continue driving only after the engine coolant
warning/indicator light goes out.
- Contact your authorized Audi dealer for assistance if
necessary .
If t he engine coolant lev el is correct, then th e radia tor fan may be
the cause of the malfunction.
If the gene rator warning/indicator light should also illuminate
=> page 18, then the fan belt may be damaged.
L1}. 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 57, "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 off
the engine and allow it to cool. Follow the warning stickers
=> page 209, "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 9=;r;
The red engine oil pressure warning symbol requires
immediate service or repair.
If the ~ symbol appears in the display and flashes, the oil
pressure is too low. In addition to the symbol, the following
message also appears in the display:
Switch off engine and check oil level
- Pull off the road and stop the vehicle .
- Shut the engine down.
- Check the engine oil level~
page 221.
-Contact your authorized Audi dealer for assistance if
necessary .
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, top off oil to the proper level
=>
page 222.
Engine oil level OK
If the ~ symbol starts flashing again ev en though the engine oil
level checks OK on the dipstick,
do not start driving again and do not
let the engine run at idle .
Instead, contact your authorized Audi
dealer for assistance .
[ i J 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 symbol
~ starts to flash before you respond to the
Controls and equip
ment
Driver information system
low oil level warning = . By then, your engine may already have
suffered serious damage. •
Fuel supply too low Jl
When the L symbol illuminates, this means there are about 2.6
gallons
(10 liters) of fuel left in the fuel tank . Time to refuel!
=>
page 212.
If the symbol lights up , even when there is ample fuel in the tank,
and the text
Tank system malfunction! Please contact workshop
appears in the display, there is a fault in the system. Contact a qual
ified workshop to have the fault rectified. •
Checking the engine oil level .d'" ..
Please add max. 1 qt of engine oil!
If the symbol comes on, add 1 quart (1 liter) of oil at the next
opportunity=>
page 222. •
Checking the engine oil level -1.
When the _ symbol illuminates, check the engine oil level as soon
as possible =>
page 221. Top off the oil at your earliest opportunity
=>
page 222. •
Engine oil sensor defective • ...
If the symbol illuminates, contact your authorized Audi dealer
and have the oil sensor inspected. •
I • •
There are three reasons why the defective bulb message would
appear in the display:
• The light bulb has burnt out=>
page 278.
• The fuse is "blown"=> page 274, "Replacing a fuse".
• The wire connection to the light bulb is defective.
Have the bulb replaced or the connection repaired by your autho
rized Audi Service department.
& WARNING
• Light bulbs are pressurized and could explode while they are
being changed causing serious personal injury.
• Work with due care when handling the high-voltage section of
gas discharge (xenon) lamps. Failing to do so could result in death
or serious injury! •
Brake light defective i( r (USA
models)/ (Canada models)
In case of a malfunction or component failure, the symbol
(USA models)/ (Canada models) can appear . The following elec
trical components should be checked, repaired or replaced, as
necessary:
• Brake light bulbs
• All wiring connections
• Brake light switch
Contact your authorized Audi dealer for assistance if necessary.
[ i] Tips
The brake light switch is only inspected as part of the functional
check after the engine is started .•
Controls and equip
ment
Driver information system
Ap plies to veh ic les : w it h auto matic headli ghts
Light/rain sensor defective U
The indicator light indicates a defect in the automatic
headlights/automatic wiper system.
If the symbol illuminates, the light sensor has failed. For safety
reasons , the low beams are turned on permanently with the switch
in
AUTO. However, you can continue to turn the lights on and off
using the light switch . In the case of a defect in the rain sensor, the
windshield wiper lever functions are still available. Have the
light/rain sensor checked as soon as possible at an authorized Audi
dealer. •
Applies to v ehi cle s : with Ad aptive Light
Adaptive Light defective " )
Adaptive light defective
When this symbol l-illuminates, it means that Adaptive Light is
defective. Go to a qualified workshop to have the headlights or the
control unit for the Adaptive Light repaired. •
Applies to veh ic les : wi th tir e pr essu re m on it o ring sys tem
Tire pressure monitoring system
Tire pressure that is too low must be corrected as soon as
possible.
If the O symbol flashes for about one minute after the igni
tion is switched on and then remains on, there is a malfunc
tion in the system. Consult the nearest authorized Audi
dealer as soon as possible.
Additional information about the tire pressure monitoring system
can be found:=> page 253. •
I • •
& WARNING
• Wiper blades are crucial for safe driving! Only when they are in
good condition are they able to clear the windows properly to
provide uncompromising visibility. Worn or damaged wiper blades
are a safety hazard~
page 63, "Replacing front wiper blades"!
• The light/rain sensor* is only designed to assist and support
the driver. It remains entirely the driver's responsibility to monitor outside weather conditions and to manually activate the wipers as
soon as rain or drizzle reduces visibility through the windshield.
• The windshield must not be treated with water-repellent mate
rials. They can increase glare under poor visibility conditions such
as wetness, darkness, or when the sun is low on the horizon. In
addition, they can cause the windshield wipers to chatter.
0 Note
In freezing or near freezing conditions:
• Always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the glass
before you turn the wipers on. Loosen a wiper blade which is frozen
in place before operating the wipers to prevent damage to the wiper
blade or the wiper motor.
• Do not use the wipers to clear a frosted window . Using the
wipers as a convenient ice scraper will destroy the wiper blades.
• Before you take your vehicle to an automatic car wash, make sure
you have the windshield wiper system switched off (lever in position
0), otherwise the windshield wiper system could get damaged in the
car wash if it should suddenly come on.
[ i] Tips
• The rain sensor is part of the interval wiping system. Turning off
the ignition will also deactivate the rain sensor . To reactivate the
sensor, switch off the interval wiping function, then switch it back
on again.
Controls and equip
ment
Clear vision
• Worn or dirty windshield wiper blades cause smearing, which
can affect the operation of the light/rain sensor*. Check the condi
tion of your windshield wiper blades regularly.
• Applies to vehicles with light/rain sensor: When the wipers are
switched on manually and in rain conditions, the automatic head
lights* turn on~
page 52, "Sensor activated head and tail light
control" or off during the day when the wipers are no longer oper
ating. The automatic headlights * function is available in this case
only when the light switch is in the "AUTO" position~
page 52,
fig. 40.
• Make sure the washer fluid reservoir in the engine compartment
is topped off before going on a long trip. Look up~
page 233 for
checking and filling the washer container .
• The wipers only operate with the hood completely closed. •
Applie s to v ehi cles: with he adli gh t wash er syst em
Headlight washer system
The headlight washer system cleans the headlights.
Operate the windshield wiper/washer system=> page 60,
fig. 50 ® with the headlights turned on by holding the
lever for longer than one second.
The washer jets extend forward out of the front bumper driven by
water pressure to spray the front headlights with water .
You should inspect the headlights regularly (for example when refu
eling) and clean off any solid dirt or insects from the lenses.
To ensure the system works properly in winter, keep the washer jets
free of snow and remove any ice using a de -icing spray. •
I • •
Activating
The ESP is automatically activated when the engine is started and it
performs a self-test. You can activate a deactivated ASR if required
by pressing the=>
page 182, fig. 130 button. When it is activated,
the message
ESP/ASR on appears briefly in the display. Vehicles
with front -wheel drive a deactivated ASR automatically re -activates
itself at a speed of 40 mph (70 km/h).
Deactivating
You can deactivate the ASR if required by pressing the button (for
less than 3 seconds)=>
page 182, fig. 130. With the ASR deactivated,
the ESP check light comes on, see=>
page 17. The message ASR off
appears in the display as well. On vehicles with front -wheel drive:
deactivation is possible only up to 30 mph (50 km/h) for safety
reasons. Vehicles with all -wheel drive : the ASR can be deactivated
at any speed.
The ASR should normally be activated all the time. Only in certain exceptional situations when some slip is desirable does it make
sense to deactivate the ASR. Examples:
• when driving with tire chains
• when driving in deep snow or on loose ground and
• when rocking the vehicle loose after it has become stuck.
When the abnormal situation is over, you should activate the ASR
again.
& WARNING
The increased safety afforded by ASR does not mean that you can
take safety risks. Always adapt your driving style to the road
conditions and traffic situation.
[ i J Tips
To ensure that the ASR works properly, all four wheels must be fitted
with identical tires. Any differences in rolling radius of the tires can
Intelligent technology
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
See also ::::>
page 246, "New tires and replacing tires and wheels".
Rear spoiler
The rear spoiler improves vehicle handling and enhances
driver control.
Fig. 131 Switch for
rear spoiler
The rear spoiler deploys and retracts. Spoiler operation can be set
for automatic or manual operation .
Automatic mode (normal operation)
• Automatic deployment : At a speed of about 75 mph (120 km/h),
the rear spoiler deploys automatically.
• Automatic retraction: When speed drops below about 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear spoiler retracts automatically.
Manual mode
• Manual deployment: Tapping briefly on the switch ::::> fig. 131
deploys the rear spoiler .
• Manual retraction: At speeds up to about 10 mph (20 km/h),
retract the rear spoiler by pressing and holding the switch
::::> fig. 131. At speeds between 10 mph (20 km/h) and 75 mph (120
km/h), retract the rear spoiler by tapping on the switch=> fig. 131 .
Vehicle care I I irechnical data
• Be aware of the different than usual steering response and
adjust your steering force accordingly.
• Have the problem checked and set right by an authorized Audi
dealer as soon as possible.
• If a steering malfunction occurs, this is signaled with the or.
~ indicator lights and a warning tone, see.
[ i] Tips
• If the power steering system should fail, or if the engine is not
running (for example, while being towed} , you will still be able to
steer the vehicle. However, more effort will be required to do so.
• If the power steering system is not functioning properly, contact
your authorized Audi dealer immediately.
Ap plies to vehicles : w ith A ll Wheel Drive
0 iving w i h your quattro®
With All Wheel Drive, all four wheels are driven.
General information
With All Wheel Drive, power is distributed to all four wheels. This
happens automatically depending on your driving style and the
road conditions at the time. See also=> page
184, "Electronic differ
ential lock (EDU".
Winter tires
When driving in the winter , your vehicle with All Wheel Drive has an
advantage, even with regular tires. In winter road conditions it may
be advisable to mount winter tires (or all-season tires} for improved
driveability and braking : these tires must be mounted on all four
wheels. See also=> page 250, "Winter tires".
Controls and equip ment Safety first Vehicle operation
Intelligent technology
Snow
chains
Where tire chains are mandatory on certain roads, this normally
also applies to vehicles with All Wheel Drive=> page 251, "Snow
chains".
Replacing wheels/tires
Vehicles with All Wheel Drive must always have tires of the same
size. Also avoid tires with different tread depths . For details see
page => page 246, "New tires and replacing tires and wheels".
Off-Road driving?
Your Audi does not have enough ground clearance to be used as an
off-road vehicle. It is therefore best to avoid rough tracks and
uneven terrain as much as possible. Also refer to=> page 192.
& WARNING
Always adjust your driving to road and traffic conditions. Do not
let the extra safety afforded by All Wheel Drive tempt you into
taking extra risks.
• Although the All Wheel Drive is very effective, always
remember that braking capacity is limited by tire traction. You
should therefore not drive at excessive speeds on icy or slippery
road surfaces.
• On wet road surfaces, be careful not to drive too fast because
the front wheels could begin to slide on top of the water (aqua planing}.
If this should occur, you will have no warning from a
sudden increase in engine speed as with a front-wheel drive
vehicle . Always drive at speeds which are suited to the road condi
tions. -risk of crash. •
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Technical data
one half. Never drive faster than the posted speed limit and weather
conditi ons permit. •
Reducing unnecessary Idling
Even when your car is just idling it burns up fuel.
- Shut the eng ine off when you are not driving the vehicle .
- Do not warm up the vehicle by letting the eng ine run at
idle.
I t makes sense to shut off the engine in traffic jams, when waiting
for trains to pass at railroad crossings, or at traffic lights that have long waits on red. Turning the engine off for just 30 -40 seconds
saves more fue l than is burned s tarting the engine again .
It takes a long time for the engine to warm up fully when it is
running at idle . However, wear and noxious emissions a re especial ly
high when the engine is warming up . So you should drive away as
soon as you start the engine and avoid running at high RPMs whi le
the engine is stil l warming up .
0 Note
Do not leave engine idling unattended after starting . If warning
lights should come on to indicate improper operation, they would
go unheeded. Extended idl ing also produces heat, wh ich cou ld
result in overheating or other damage to the vehicle or other
property .•
Regular maintenance
A badly tuned en gine unnecessarily wastes a lot of fuel.
- Have your v ehicl e serv ice d at reg ular intervals.
Controls and equip
ment Safety first Vehicle operation
Dri
ving and environm ent
By having your vehicle regularly serviced by an Audi dea ler helps to
ensure that i t runs properly and economically . The conditio n of your
vehic le not only affects its safety and abi lity to hold its va lue, it also
affects
fuel consumption .
Check your oil each time you fill your tank.
The amount of oil used is related to engine load and speed .
I t is normal for the oi l consumption of a new eng ine to reach its
lowest va lue after a certain mi leage has been driven.
You must drive your vehicle about 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometres) be fore you can proper ly assess o il consumpt ion.
This also applies to fuel consumption and engine output .
0 Note
• Have your vehicle maintained properly and in accordance with
t he service recommendations in you r Warranty
& Maintenance
booklet. Lack of proper ma intenance as well as improper use of the
vehicle wi ll impair the function of the emission control system and
cou ld lead to da mage.
• Do not alter or remove any component of the Emission Contro l
System unless approved by the manufacturer .
• Do no t al te r or remove any device, such as heat shields,
switches, ignition wires, valves, which are designed to protect your
veh ic le' s Emission Contr ol System and o ther i mportant vehicle
components. •
Fewer short trips
Fu el con su mp tion wi ll alwa ys be rel atively high on shor t
tri ps.
- Try to avo id driving short dista nce s wi th a cold engine.
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself service Technical data