Instruments and indicator lights
AIR
BAG
"O~ I I ~ ,,
TPMS
12
USA models: safety systems
¢page 17
Canada models: safety systems
¢page 17
Brake pads
¢page 17
Electromechanical parking brake
¢page 14
Tire pressure monitoring system,/
¢page 229, ¢page231
Tire pressure monitoring system
¢ page 229, ¢ page 231
Engine control (gasoline engine),/
¢page 17
Engine control (diesel engine),/
c::>page 17
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
,I
¢page 17
Diesel particulate filter*
¢page 17
Engine speed limitation
¢page 18
Engine oil level
¢page 15
Engine oil sensor
¢page 18
Engine warm-up request
¢page 18
Battery charge
¢page 14
Tank system
¢page 18
Washer fluid level
¢page 18
Windshield wipers
¢page 18
Remote control key
¢page 69
Remote control key
¢page 71
Battery in remote control key
¢page29
Bulb failure indicator
¢page 19
Rear fog lights
<=>page 19
Headlight range control system
¢page 19
Adaptive light*
¢page41
Light/ra in sensor
¢ page 19
Active lane assist*
¢page 97
Suspension control*
<=> page 19
Transmission
¢page 81
Transmission
<=>page 81
Steering lock
¢page 15
Engine start system
<=>page 15
Brake booster
<=>page 16,
Central indicator light
¢page 10
Electromechanical power steering,
dynamic steering*
¢ page 124
Rear spoiler
<=>page 125
Air suspension*
¢page 16
Sport differential*
¢page 19
Ad Blue*
<=>page 195
Ad Blue*
¢page 195
Other indicator lights
--------------
Tu rn signa ls
c:>page 19
USA models:
cruise control system
c:> pageBS
Canada models :
cruise con trol system
c:>page BS
Adaptive cruise control*
c:> page 91
Adaptive cruise control*
c:>page 91
Adaptive cr uise control *
c:>page 91
Active lane assist*
c:> page97
Start/S top system *
c:>page 71
Start/S top system*
c:>page 71
High beam assistant*
c:> page 41
High beams
c:> page41
BRAKE /(0) Brake system
If th is ind icator lig ht tu rns on, there is a ma lfunc
tion in the brake system.
1111 ( USA models ) / . (Canada models ) Stop
vehicle and check brake fluid level.
St op the veh icle and che ck the bra ke f lu id leve l.
See an au tho riz e d Au di dea ler o r aut ho riz e d Aud i
Service Fac ility for assistance if necessa ry .
1111 (USA models ) /. (Canada models )
Brake s: malfunction! Please stop vehicle safely
If the ABS indica to r light ~ (U SA mode ls) /
~ ¢ej (Canada models), the ESC indica to r li ght Gl
~ an d the brake system in dicator light 1111 (USA
8 models) /. (Canada mode ls) all tur n on and
00 \.J '
t hi s message appears, then the ABS, ESC an d
bra king distribution a re ma lfunctioning
c:> ,&. .
Do no t continue dr iv ing . See a n author ized Audi
dealer or au thor ized A udi Se rvice Fa cility for as
s istance
c:> &. .
1111 (USA models). (Canada models) Park
ing brake: System fault! See owner' s manual
- If the ind icator lig ht and the message appea r
when the vehicle is stationary or after switch
ing the ignition on ,
check if yo u can re lease the
pa rk ing br ake. If you canno t relea se t he p ark
ing b rake, see your au thor ized A udi de aler or
author ized A udi Se rvice Facility . If you can re
lease the parking brake and the message sti ll
appears, see an authorized Audi dea ler or au
thorized A udi Service Fac ility immediately to
have the ma lfunction co rrected.
- If the ind icator light and message appear
while
driving ,
the hill start ass ist or emergency brak
ing function may be ma lfunctioning. It may not
be possible to set the parki ng brake or release
it o nce it has been set. Do no t park yo ur vehicle
on hills , See an aut ho rized Audi dea le r or au
t hor ized A udi Se rvi ce Fa ci lity for assistan ce.
Applies to: USA models
If the 1111 and EiJ tur n on a t the same time, the
bra ke pads are wo rn o ut
c:>page 17.
_& WARNING
-Read and fo llow the w arning s in
c:> page 199, W orking in the engine com
partment
before o pening the hoo d and
checking the brake fluid level.
- If the b rake syst em i ndi cat or li ght does not
turn off or i t turns on wh ile driving, the
b rake fl uid level in the reservo ir is too low,
an d this increases the risk of an accident.
Stop the vehicle and do not contin ue d riv
ing. See an autho rized Aud i deale r or au
thor ized A udi Se rvice Facility for assistance.
- If the b rake system indicator light turns on
together with the ABS and ESC indicato r
lights, the ABS/ESC regu lating fu nction may
be malf unct ion ing . Funct io ns that stabilize
th e vehicle are no longe r av ailabl e. This
could c ause the vehicle to swerve, whi ch
13
Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
General information
Your Audi was designed primarily for passenger
transportation.
If you plan to tow a trailer, please remember that
the additional load will affect durability, economy and performance.
Trailer towing not on ly places more stress on the
ve hicle, it also ca lls for more concentration from
the dr iver.
F or this reason, always follow the operating and
driving instructions provided and use common
sense.
@ Note
If you are going to tow a trailer, you must ac
tivate the tra ile r operation mode
¢ page 82, Operating instructions.
Technical requirements
Traile r hitch
Use a weight-carrying hitch conforming to the
gross trai ler weight. The hitch must be suitab le
for your ve hicle and tra iler and must be mounted
securely on the vehicle 's chassis at a
technically
sound
locat ion . Use on ly a trailer hitch with a re
movable ba ll mount . Always chec k w it h t he t rail
er hitch man ufactur er to make s ure t hat you a re
using the co rrect hi tc h.
Do not use a bumper hitch.
The hitch m ust be installed i n such a way that it
does not interfere with the impact -absorbing
bumper sys tem . N o mod ificat ions should be
made to the vehicle exhaust and b rake systems .
Fr om t ime to t ime, che ck t hat all hitch mo unti ng
bol ts rem ain securely faste ned.
W hen you are not tow ing a tra iler, remove the
tra ile r hitc h ba ll mount . This prevents the hitch
from ca using damage shou ld your veh icle be
s truck from behind¢ &..
82
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped wi th a bra king sys tem,
c h ec k t o be sure that it con forms to all regu la
tions.
The trailer hydrau lic br ake system mus t not be
directly connecte d to the vehicle's hydr auli c
brake system .
Safety chains
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
a nd t he tra ile r.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must meet all regulations. Be sure
to check w ith your Aud i dea ler for correct wir ing,
switches and relays.
Mirrors
If you a re unab le to see the traffic behind you us
i ng the regular outs ide mir rors, then you
must in
stall extended mirrors. It is important that you
always have clear vision to the rear.
A WARNING
Afte r remov ing the tra ile r hi tch, do not s to re
i t in yo ur vehicle. In cas e of sudden brak ing,
the hit ch could fly fo rwa rd and injure you or
your pas sengers.
Operating instructions
Maximum trailer weight
A tra ile r f or yo ur vehicle is lim ite d to a typical
cla ss 1 or class 2 trailer.
Trailer load distribution
Be sure the load in the trai ler is held sec urely in
place to p revent it from shifting forward , back
ward or si deways .
Never allow a pas senger to ride in a trailer ¢ &.
in Driving instructions on page 84.
Engine cooling system
Towing a tra ile r makes the engine wor k harder . It
i s impo rtant that the cooling system's perform
ance is up to the additional load. Ma ke sure that
the cooling system has enoug h fluid.
IJJ,,,
co
co
.... N
" N .... 0
00
\.J '
the brakes in wet weather.
The braki ng effect can also be red uced if you are
driving on salted roads and you do not apply the b rakes for long periods of time . The layer of salt
on the brake rotors and pads must be worn off
f irst when the brakes are app lied.
Due to its surface, the ceramic bra ke rotor* ab
sorbs moisture in certa in situations. There fore,
there will temporarily be less braking force than
when the brakes are dry . You can compensate for
this by pressing the brake pedal harder.
Cor rosion
L eaving the vehicle parked fo r long periods of
time, low mi leage and avoiding heavy braking
can contribute to corrosion on the brake rotors
and to dirty brake pads.
I f you usually avo id heavy braking or if there is
corrosion present , occasional heavy braking at
high speeds is recommended to clean the brake
rotors and pads
q ,& .
Brak e system malfunct ion
if you notice that the brake pedal travel has sud
denly increased, then a brake c ircui t in the dual
circuit brake system may have malfunctioned. Drive to an authorized Audi dea ler or a uthorized
Aud i Service Facility immediately to have the
problem corrected. On the way there, drive with
reduced speed and keep in mind that you w ill
need a longer distance to stop and you w ill need
to p ress the b rake pedal harde r.
L ow brake fluid level
When the brake fl uid level is low, malfunct ions in
the brake system may occur . The brake f lu id level
is electronically monitored.
Br ak e boost er
The brake booster amplifies the pressure you ap
p ly to the brake peda l. It only works when the en
g ine is running.
A WARNING
- Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system whe n road and
-
Intellig ent Technology
traffic conditions permit. You must not en
danger other road users. This increases the
risk of an accident.
- Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
- New brake pads do not ach ieve the ir full
braking effect during the first 250 m i
(400 km). They m ust be "broken in" first.
The break-in per iod ca n be cons iderably lon
ge r fo r vehicles with ceram ic brake rotors* .
H owever, you can compensate fo r the
slightly reduced braking force by pressi ng
fi rm ly on the brake pedal. Avo id heavy b rak
ing du ring the break -in pe riod.
- Ce rtain weathe r and ope rating condi tions
such as driving through water, dr iv ing in
heavy rain o r driv ing after was hing your ve
hicle can impa ir the effect iveness of the
brakes. In the winter, ice may build up on
the brake pads, rotors and drums . Check
these components by braking carefully. Ap
p lyi ng the brakes carefully several times
d ries the b rakes and removes ice build-up .
- The efficiency of the brakes can also be im
pa ired by dr iv ing for long stretches on roads
covered with sa lt without using the bra kes .
You can remove salt deposits from the
b rake rotors and pads by carefully applying
t he brakes several times .
- I f the fron t spoiler is damaged o r yo u install
another spoi ler, make su re the front wheel
b rakes are ven tilated properly . Othe rw ise,
the brake system co uld overheat, which re
duces their effectiveness .
- Fa ilure of a brake circuit impairs brak ing
pe rformance, which increases b raking dis
tance. Avo id driving the vehicle and have it
towed it to the nearest a uthorized Audi
deale r or authorized Aud i Serv ice Facility.
- I f the brake booster is not working, yo u w ill
have to p ress much harder on the brake
pedal to compensate fo r the lack of the
booster.
Q) Note
- Never let the brakes "rub" by pressing the
peda l lightly when braking is not actually
123
co
co
.... N
" N .... 0
00
\.J '
complete ly empty . The engine cou ld mis
fire. Unburned fuel could also get into the
exhaust system and this cou ld cause the
catalytic converter to overheat.
- Do not switch off the ignition while the vehi
cle is moving.
- Do not continue to operate your vehicle un
der these conditions, as otherwise fuel can
reach the catalytic converter. This could re
sult in overheating of the converter, requ ir
i ng its replacement.
- To assure efficient operation of the Emis
sion Control System:
- Have your vehicle maintained properly and
in accordance with the service recommen
dations in your Warranty
& Maintenance
book let.
- Lack of proper maintenance as we ll as im
proper use of the vehicle will impair the
function of the emission control system and could lead to damage.
® For the sake of the environment
Even when the Emission Control System is op
erating properly, the exhaust gas can have a
sulfur-like exhaust gas smell under some op
erat ing states. This depends on the su lfur
content of the fuel being used. Using a differ
ent brand of fue l may help, or filling the tank
w ith lead-free super grade gasoline .
Diesel particulate filter
Applies to: veh icles with diesel engine
The diesel particulate filter filters nearly all of
the soot particles out of the exhaust. The filter
cleans itself automatically under normal driving
conditions . If the filter cannot clean itself (for ex
ample , because you are only driving short distan
ces), the fi lter becomes clogged with soot and
the
II symbo l for the diesel particulate filter il
luminates
¢ page 17.
A WARNING
-Do not park your vehicle over flammable
materials such as grass or leaves because
-
Checking and Filling
the high temperature of the diesel particu
late filter could start a fire.
- Do not apply an underbody protectant in the
exhaust system area or a fire could start.
Engine compartment
Working in the engine compartment
Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
For work in the engine compartment, such as
checking and filling fluids, there is a risk of in
jury, scalding, accidents, and burns. For this
reason, follow all the warnings and general
safety precaution s provided in the following in·
formation . The engine compartment is a dan
gerous area on the vehicle.
¢ ,&..
A WARNING
= =--
- Turn the engine off.
- Switch the ignition off.
- Set the parking brake.
-Select the P selector lever position.
- Let the engine cool down.
- Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compart
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping .
- Keep children away from the engine com
partment .
- Never sp ill fluids on a hot engine. These flu
ids (such as the freeze protection contained
in the coolant) can catch fire.
- Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.
- When working in the engine compartment,
remember that the radiator fan can switch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of personal injury.
- Never open the cap on the coolant expan
sion tank when the engine is warm . The
coo ling system is under pressure.
- To protect your face, hands, and arms from
hot steam or coolant, cover the cap with a
large cloth when opening.
199
Checking and Filling
-Do not remove the engine cover under any
circumstances . This increases the risk of
burns.
- If tests need to be performed with the en
gine running, there is additional danger due
to moving components (such as the ribbed belt, alternator and radiator fan) and from
the high voltage ignition system.
- Do not under any circumstances give gas in
advertently (for example, by hand from the
engine compartment) if the vehicle is sta
tionary but the engine is running and a gear
is engaged. Otherwise, the vehicle will start
to move immediately and this could result
in an accident.
- Pay attention to the following warnings list
ed when work on the fuel system or on the
electrical equipment is required.
- Do not smoke .
- Never work near open flames.
- Always have a working fire extinguisher
nearby
- All work on the battery or electrical system
in your vehicle can result in injuries, chemi·
cal burns, accidents or burns. Because of
this, all work must be performed
only by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
- To reduce the risk of electric shock and in
jury, never touch the following components when the engine is running or is being start
ed :
- Ignition cable
- Other components in the electronic high-
voltage ignition system
-If you must check or perform work on the
engine while it is running:
- Set the parking brake and place the selec
tor lever in the P (park) position first .
- Always proceed with extreme caution so
that clothing, jewelry or long hair do not
become caught in the radiator fan, fan
belt or other moving components or do
not come into contact with hot compo
nents. Tie back long hair before beginning
work and do not wear clothing that can
hang down into the engine.
200
-Limit your exposure to exhaust and chemi
cals to as short a time as possible
c> A .
A WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
- Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of Cali
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm . In addition, certain flu
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
- Battery posts, terminals and related acces
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harms.
Wash hands after handling.
(D Note
When filling fluids, be sure not to mix the flu
ids up. Otherwise severe malfunctions and en
gine damage will occur.
@:) For the sake of the environment
You should regularly check the ground under
your vehicle in order to detect leaks quickly. If
there are visible spots from oil or other fluids, bring your vehicle to an authorized Audi deal
er or authori zed Audi Service Facility to be
checked.
Checking and Filling
Engine compartment overview
The most important check points.
Fig. 184 Typical location of the rese rvoir and the engine o il fil le r open ing
(D Jump start po int(-) with hex head screw
<::;> page 208, <::;> page 254
@ Ju mp start point(+) under a cover
<::;> page 208, ¢ page 254
® Engine oil label* with VW standard
<::;> page 202
@ Brake fluid reservoir ((0)) <::;> page 207
® Engine oil filling opening (~)¢page 204
@ Coolant reservoir (- L) ¢ page 206
(j) Washer fluid reservoir (0) ¢ page 209
The engine oil f illing opening (item@) may be
located in a differe nt area depending on the en
gine version .
A WARNING
Read and follow the WARNINGS before
checking anything in the engine compartment
¢ .&. in Working in the engine compartment
on page 199.
202
Engine oil
Engine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conform to exact speci
fications.
The service interval display in the instrumen t
cluster of your vehicle will inform you when it is
time for an oi l change. We recommend that you
have your oi l changed by an authorized Audi Serv
ice Advisor.
If you must add oil between oil changes, use an
oi l that matches the Audi oil quality standard
listed on the sticker. The sticker is located at the
front of the eng ine compartment ¢
page 202,
fig. 184 .
Audi recommends
~Castrol /fg/j;Sf.g;fg f'r
engine oil from Aud i Genuine Parts .,_
co
_& WARNING
-The cooling system is under pressure. Do
not open the coolant expansion tank cap
when the engine is hot. This increases the
risk of burns .
- The coolant add itive and the coolant can be
dangerous to your health. For this reason,
keep the coolant in the original container
and away from children. There is a risk of
poisoning.
- When working in the engine compartment ,
remember that the radiator fan can sw itch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of injury.
CD Note
Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could enter the cooling system and
damage the engine. If this is the case, do not
continue driv ing. See an authorized Audi deal
er or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis
tance .
Brake fluid
N
N
-N
" co IXl
Fig. 187 Engine co mp artment : cap on brake fl uid re se rv oir
Observe the safety precautions c:> &. in Working
in the engine compartment on page 199.
Checking the brake fluid level
" Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid
reservoir i=>page 202, fig . 184. The brake fluid
level must be between the MIN and MAX mark
ings
c:> &_ .
~ The brake fluid level is mon itored automatically .
" N .... 0
00
<..:l 'SI"
Checking and Filling
Changing the brake fluid
Have the brake fluid changed regularly by an au
thorized Audi deal er or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
A WARNING
-
- If the brake fluid level is below the MIN
marking, it can impair the braking effect
and driving safety, which increase the risk of
an accident . Do not continue dr iving . See an
author ized Audi dealer or author ized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
- If the brake fluid is old, bubbles may form
in the brake system dur ing heavy braking .
This would impair braking performance and
driving safety, which increases the r isk of an
accident.
- To ensure the brake system functions cor
rectly, only use brake fluids that comply
with VW standard 50114 or FM VSS -116 DOT 4.
CD Note
-If the brake f luid level is above the MAX
marking, brake f luid may leak out over the
edge of the reservoir and result in damage
to the vehicle.
- Do not get any brake fluid on the vehicle
paint, because it wi ll corrode the paint.
Battery
General warnings about batteries
Because of the complex power supply, all wo rk
on batter ies such as disconnecting, replac ing,
etc. should
only be performed by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fac il ity
c:> & .
The term "vehicle battery" refers to the 12 Volt
battery in your vehicle.
Detailed warnings for the vehicle battery:
® Wear eye protection.
I.)._ Bat~ery acid is highly corrosiv~. We ar p ro -
~ tect1ve gloves and eye protection. Ill-
207