2019 AUDI E-TRON warning

High-voltage system

High-voltage system
General information
Introduction
All work done on the high-voltage system must
only be performed by certified high-voltage tech-
nicians at authorized Audi dealers or authorized
Audi Service Facilities in accordance with Audi
guidelines.
The high-voltage system is composed of the fol-
lowing high-voltage components, among other
things: the high-voltage battery, the power elec-
tronics, the electric motors, the high-voltage A/C
compressor, the high-voltage heater, the charg-
ing system and charging port as well as the or-
ange high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located on the vehicle
underbody and does not require any maintenance
from the driver.

ZA WARNING
The voltage in the high-voltage system is life-
threatening. Touching a damaged high-volt-
age component can result in a fatal electric
shock. The components in the high-voltage
system are marked with a warning label which
warns against the high-voltage.
— The voltage level in the high-voltage system
is still dangerous and potentially life-threat-
ening when the ignition is switched off.
— Never perform work on the orange high-
voltage cables or on other high-voltage
components. Only authorized repair facili-
ties that are certified may perform work on
the high-voltage system.
— Never damage, alter or remove the orange
high-voltage cable or disconnect it from the
high-voltage system.
— Never perform any work using cutting, shap-
ing or sharp-edged tools or heat sources
near the high-voltage system and high-volt-
age cables.

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— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.
— Damage to the high-voltage battery could
cause the high-voltage battery to leak im-
mediately or in the future, and poisonous or
flammable gases could escape. Do not in-
hale the gases!
— Do not expose yourself to any leaking fluids
and do not come into contact with them.
— The high-voltage battery electrolyte fluid is
caustic. If electrolyte fluid comes into con-
tact with the skin, flush the affected area for
at least 15 minutes with clean water. Then
wash the affected area with soap. Have the
affected area examined by a medical profes-
sional.
— In the event of a technical emergency, in-
form the responders that the vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage battery.
@) Note
The high-voltage system can be damaged if
the vehicle underbody comes into contact
with the ground. Immediately drive your vehi-
cle to an authorized repair facility and have it
inspected.
Vehicle transport
This section contains information you should
know about transporting your vehicle.

A lithium-ion high-voltage battery system equip-
ped in your vehicle has passed test 38.3 in ac-
cordance with the UN Tests and Criteria hand-
book and is manufactured in accordance with a
quality management program. The vehicle may
be transported with the high-voltage battery in-
stalled as conventional class 9 hazardous materi-
als without additional official authorization for
air and sea shipment (current law IATA-DGR and
IMDG code 01.01.2018).

High-voltage system

Charging at household and industrial sockets
or at public charging stations with
alternating current (AC)
The vehicle's high-voltage battery can be charged
with alternating current (AC) via the charging
port (5). Depending on the vehicle equipment,
there may be a second charging port ©) on the
opposite side of the vehicle. Both charging ports
have the same charging power. You can use
whichever charging port is more convenient for
your charging setup. When using one charging
port, the opposite charging port is locked.
Quick charging at public direct current (DC)
charging stations
The vehicle’s high-voltage battery can be charged
at a direct current (DC) charging station via the
charging port on the driver's side (). There is a
significant decrease in charging time. The charg-
ing cable being used may be a maximum of 30 m.
Charging time
The duration of the charging process may vary
based on the following factors:
— Sockets being used (household or industrial
sockets)
— Country-specific system voltage, current
strength and number of available phases
— Household connection
— The value set for the charging power level on
the Audi charging system control unit
— Fluctuations in the system voltage
— The temperature outside the vehicle
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
and the Audi charging system control unit.
— Settings for the climate control inside the vehi-
cle
— Current capacity of the charging connector
— Whether the ignition is on or off
ec e laa eed
ZA\ WARNING
Short circuiting, electric shock, explosions,
fire and severe burns can result from not
charging the battery correctly (for example,
disregarding general safety precautions, using

unsuitable or damaged sockets and charging
cables, and charging at an unsuitable electri-
cal equipment) and can lead to serious and fa-
tal injuries.
— Only charge at sockets that are installed cor-
rectly, that are tested and that are not dam-
aged, or at electrical equipment that is func-
tioning correctly.
— Never use damaged and/or dirty charging
equipment. Check the charging equipment
for damage before every use.
— Never modify or repair any electrical compo-
nents, especially the high-voltage system.
— Never charge in areas at risk for explosions.
The components in the charging equipment
can trigger sparks, which can cause flamma-
ble or explosive fumes to ignite. To reduce
the risk of explosions, especially in garages,
make sure the Audi e-tron charging system
control unit is at least 19 inches (50 cm)
above the floor when charging.
— Never use the charging equipment with an
extension cord, a cable reel, a power strip,
or an adapter, for example, a travel adapter
or timer.
— Do not touch the contacts on the vehicle
charging port or charging equipment.
— Do not insert any objects in the vehicle
charging port or in the charging equipment.
— Always protect the sockets and connections
from water, moisture and other fluids.
— Never charge with both vehicle charging
ports at the same time.
— Only use the charging equipment provided
by the factory or the charging station cable.



Z\ WARNING
Applies to: Audi charging systems
Sockets that are installed incorrectly can
cause electric shock or fire when charging the
high-voltage battery using the vehicle charg-
ing connection.
— Read all information and safety precautions
for Audi charging systems before using
them.
— Monitor the Audi charging system if it is be-
ing used near children.



106

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High-voltage system

—If the battery has been charged to the desired
level, the charging unit cover will automatically
relock. Otherwise, the cover must be manually
locked. To do this, press the center of the but-
ton @,.
— Disconnect the charging cable from the power
supply if necessary or return it securely to the
charging station.
— Install the protective caps on the charging ca-
ble again.
— If you are transporting the charging cable in
the vehicle, store it securely > page 113.
If the charging connector cannot be removed,
you must unlock it manually > page 111.


ing, drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the malfunction corrected to re-
duce the risk of injury.


ZA WARNING
— When closing the cover on the charging
unit, make sure the area where the cover is
closing is clear to reduce the risk of injury.
— Do not disconnect the charging cable from
the socket or the vehicle charging port while
the vehicle is charging. End the charging
process before removing the charging cable
from the socket in order to reduce the risk of
damaging the connector contacts from
sparks.
— Never drive with the charging unit open. If
the cover on the charging unit is open, it
could hit other road users and potentially
cause injury.
— If a charging unit is damaged, the vehicle
must not be charged at the damaged charg-
ing port or at the charging port on the other
side* to reduce the risk of injury.
— If the charging unit is damaged or the
charging unit cover cannot close or is miss-

@) Note
— If you drive with an open charging unit, both
the cover and the electronics installed be-
hind it could be damaged. Check before ev-
ery drive after charging if the cover is
locked.
— Applies to: vehicles with charging ports on
the driver and front passenger’s side: Never
attempt to charge the vehicle using both
charging ports at the same time, because
this could damage the charging infrastruc-
ture.
(i) Tips
— Applies to: MMI: in addition to other set-
tings, you can also select if the charging
connector should be released automatically
after the immediate charging process is
complete. To do this, select on the home
screen: VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency >
Charging > <3 > DC connector: unlock after
charging ends.
— The parking brake may make noises when
connecting the charging connector.
— Remove ice and snow in the charging unit
using a hand brush and solvent-free deicing
spray.
— The vehicle radio and TV systems may have
limited reception when charging the vehicle.
Charging display
The charging display is an LED light on the charg-
ing unit and shows the charging status. A label
on the charging unit @) > page 108, fig. 90 in-
forms you about the various displays. The key for
the LED light is explained in the following table.

LED on the charging unit Meaning

Vehicle charging system is in sleep mode. A timer may be active,
Off but charging has not started yet.


Charging process is interrupted. >

109

High-voltage system

> Open the cover in the motor compartment on
the side of the applicable charging port.
> Loosen the yellow loop (2) from the retainer
and then pull on the loop carefully >@).
> Remove the charging connector.
> Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
If the charging connector still cannot be removed
after using the emergency release, see an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for assistance.
After releasing manually, secure the loop(s) on
the retainer and close the cover in the motor
compartment.
() Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You
will not hear it release. If you continue to
pull, you could damage the emergency re-
lease mechanism.
Messages
If the or =] indicator light turns on, then the
range is low or very low. Charge the high-voltage
battery.
Esq Warning! Please check the charging unit
cover. See owner's manual
This message appears if the charging unit cover is
opened while driving. Stop the vehicle as soon as.
possible and try to close the cover using the but-
ton @ © page 108, fig. 89 or by hand. If the cov-
er cannot close and/or the message continues to
appear, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately and
have the malfunction corrected > A\ in Charging
on page 109; >@ in Charging on page 109.
B AC charging system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
B DC charging system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the charging system. Drive to an authorized Audi
112
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately.
Incompatible charging system. Please check
charging system
This message appears when the charging system
is incompatible. Only charge using the Audi
charging system that is designed for your vehicle.
EB charging system: malfunction
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the vehicle charging infrastructure or the charg-
ing station. Use a different charging station. If
this message does not turn off, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
Charging equipment
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the Audi e-
tron compact charging system may be available.
Using the charging equipment
Pay attention to the following information for
safe handling of the charging equipment:
— Secure the charging equipment against any
strain, such as being run over, falling, pulling,
bending, and crushing.
— Do not submerge the charging equipment in
water and do not cover it with snow or ice.
— Only pull at the plugs when removing the
charging cable from the vehicle and from the
power supply.
— Put the cap on after using the charging cable.
— Only operate the Audi charging system ina
power supply system with a frequency of
50 Hz/60 Hz.
— Only operate or store the Audi charging system
at a humidity level between 5% and 95% (no
condensation).
— The Audi charging system is protected against
dust and splashing water (IP55 (USA: Enclosure
3).
Depending on the country, different warnings
may be on the charging equipment.

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High-voltage system


Symbol Meaning Meaning

Operate or store the Audi charging
system at temperatures between
-22 °F (-30 °C) and +122 °F
(+50 °C).

Operate or store the Audi charging
system at a maximum elevation of


4000m_
13,000 ft (4,000 m) above sea lev-
el.
The Audi charging system is equip-
ped with a ground conductor that is
not connected.


©
The Audi charging system is equip-
ped with a connected ground con-
ductor.


&
Do not operate the Audi charging
system in power networks that are
not grounded (for example, IT net-
works). Only operate the Audi
charging system in grounded power
networks.


Surfaces can become very hot when
in direct sunlight.


Incorrect use increases the risk of
electric shock.


Pay attention to the applicable own-
er's manual, particularly the safety
precautions.

Pay attention to all applicable dis-
posal regulations when disposing.

Do not use any extensions cords or
cable reels.

Do not use any travel adapters.
y Do not use any charging cables with
oo, damage to the electronics or the
connecting wires.

Operate the Audi charging system
in single-phase power supplies.

Grounding instructions
Audi charging systems must be grounded. If it
should malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric
current to reduce the risk of electric shock. Audi
charging systems are equipped with a cord hav-
ing an equipment grounding conductor and a
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into
an appropriate outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.

Z\ WARNING
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor is able to result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified elec-
trician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to
whether the product is properly grounded. Do
not modify the plug provided with the product
- if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper out-
let installed by a qualified electrician.
Always store the charging equipment securely
before transporting.

> Open the hood > page 236.
> Open the front storage compartment
=> page 76.
>» Stow the charging equipment in the front stor-
age compartment.
> Close the front storage compartment and the
hood.


Do not use any power strips.

Z\ WARNING
If the charging equipment is not secured or
positioned correctly, it can slide out of place
and endanger vehicle occupants when brak-
ing, when changing directions, or in a colli-
sion. >

113

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High-voltage system

> Tighten the screw (3) using the screwdriver pro-
vided.

ZA\ WARNING
— Note the warnings for charging > A in
Charging on page 109.
— Before switching the power cable, always
unplug the power cable from the socket.
— Only change cables in a dry environment.
— The Audi charging system may only be used
as a complete unit consisting of the power
cables, the control unit, and the vehicle ca-
ble. We recommend using only cables ap-
proved by Audi.

i) Tips
The power cable with the power connector for
industrial sockets and the Audi charging sys-
tem control unit are designed to work togeth-
er. Changing the power cable to another con-
nector type may reduce the available charging
power of the entire system.
Wall mount clip
Applies to: vehicles with wall mount clip

RAZ-0638


Fig. 95 Wall mount clip: securing the Audi charging system
Securing the Audi charging system
> First insert the control unit in the bottom tabs
on the wall mount clip and then into the upper
tabs.
> Push the control unit in the direction of the ar-
row toward the rear > fig. 95 and let it lock into
place.
> Wrap the excess length of cable around the
charging connector mount @) when you are not
charging the high-voltage battery.
> Plug the power cable into the socket (2).
> After charging, you can hook the vehicle charg-
ing connector to the charging connector mount
©.
Locking and unlocking the Audi charging
system
> You can lock or unlock the Audi charging sys-
tem using the key provided by turning it to the
lock position @) or the unlock position 6).
Removing the Audi charging system
> Remove the power cable connector from the
socket (2).
» Unwind the cable from the charging connector
mount @).
> To loosen the control unit from the bracket,
push the locking mechanism (@) upward.

ZA\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions in the assem-

bly instructions for the wall mount clip.

119

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
ere eleurl lela)
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

ZA WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Certain requirements must be met when towing
a trailer.

Trailer hitch
Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
120

AN WARNING
— Never mount a "weight-distributing" or
"load-balancing" trailer coupler as the trailer
hitch. The vehicle was not designed for
these types of trailer hitches. The trailer
hitch can malfunction and the trailer can
break off from the vehicle.
— If the trailer is equipped with electronic
brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by
a factory-installed control system, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, always remove
the ball hitch mount if no trailer is mount-
ed.
Oo} T-Te lalate mie as (olay
Towing capacity

The permitted towing capacity must not be ex-
ceeded under any circumstances > page 292.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
The towing capacities given only apply to eleva-
tions up to 3,200 feet (1,000 m) above sea level.
As the elevation increases, the motor power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressure. This
reduces the hill climbing ability and towing ca-
pacity. For every additional 3,200 ft (1,000 m),
the maximum permitted towing weight must be
reduced by approximately 10%. The permitted
towing weight is the combined weight of the
(loaded) vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must
not be exceeded.
Having the tongue weight too low affects the ve-
hicle's handling. For driving safety, always using
the maximum permitted tongue weight is recom-
mended, but not exceed it. Distributing the cargo
in the trailer correctly will help to achieve this
weight.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.

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Trailer towing

The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 292.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 253. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
Air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 98
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 99.
For vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch, you
must switch on the air suspension trailer mode
manually.
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch it off again when you are no longer towing
a trailer.
When using carrier systems that are mounted di-
rectly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can also
switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
> page 99.
You can also increase ground clearance by select-
ing the Audi drive select* offroad or allroad
modes > page 98.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no Longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.

ZA WARNING
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.

121