2019 AUDI Q3 ECU

83A012721BA
Driving

— D (Drive): Drive forward
Selecting a gear
Requirement: The ignition must be switched on.
— Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the
brake pedal.
— Press the release button @ on the selector lev-
er.
—To select a gear, move the selector lever into
the corresponding position.
— The label next to the selector lever for the se-
lected gear will light up.
“N” (Neutral) gear
In the “N” gear, power is not transmitted to the
driving wheels. Use the “N” gear in a car wash
(with conveyor belts), for example.
If you unintentionally select “N” while driving
(faster than 1 mph (2 km/h)), you can also shift
back to “D” without pressing the brake pedal.
For safety reasons, the vehicle cannot be locked
when the transmission is in the "N” gear.
“p” (Park) gear
The vehicle is secured from rolling away by the
parking lock when in the “P” gear.
If you cannot shift out of “P”, for example be-
cause the vehicle has no power, you may need to
use the emergency release for the parking lock
=>page 85.
Selecting a driving program
Various driving programs can be selected when in
the “D” gear. The programs influence when the
transmission shifts and how the accelerator ped-
al responds.
The selected driving program is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
— D (Drive): Normal driving mode
—S (Sport): Sporty driving mode
If you select the Dynamic mode in Audi drive se-
lect*, the “S” driving program will be activated.
When the ignition is switched off, the driving pro-
gram may be reset to “D”.
To switch between the current driving program
and “S”, push the selector lever toward the rear.

Z\ WARNING
— Before starting to drive, check if the desired
gear is displayed next to the selector lever.
— Always secure your vehicle from rolling
away. Press the brake pedal or shift to “P”.
When leaving the vehicle, also set the park-
ing brake.
— Power is still transmitted to the wheels
when the engine is running at idle. To pre-
vent the vehicle from “creeping”, you must
keep your foot on the brake in all selector
lever positions (except "P" and "N") when
the engine is running.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, do not
press the accelerator pedal when changing
gears if the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is running.
— Never select the “R" or "P” gears while driv-
ing. Doing so could cause an accident.
— The vehicle can roll even if the ignition is

switched off.

@ Tips
If you shift between “D” and “R” within one
second, you do not need to press the brake
pedal. This makes it possible to “rock” if it is
stuck, for example.
83

83A012721BA
Driving

Manually releasing the parking lock

RAZ-0492
Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
> Use the screwdriver to press the yellow release
button downward.
> At the same time, press the unlock button on
the
selector lever and move the selector lever
to the “N” position.
Attaching the shift cover
> Clip the shift cover back into the shift gate.


RAZ-0497


Fig. 85 Selector lever: Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
The emergency release is located under the selec-
tor lever shift gate on the left side. Using the
emergency release can be complicated. See an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
You will need the screwdriver from the vehicle
tool kit to release it > page 242. Use the flat side
of the reversible screwdriver blade.
Removing the shifter boot
> Set the parking brake to secure your vehicle
from rolling away. If this is not possible, secure
your vehicle from rolling using another meth-
od.
> Switch the ignition off.
> To loosen the shifter boot, carefully insert the
flat side of the screwdriver sideways into the
slit near the shifter boot > fig. 84.
> Carefully pry the shifter boot out with the
screwdriver while gripping the boot at the fold
with your hand and pulling it upward and out
until all four corners are released > fig. 85.
> Fold the shifter boot up around the shifter
knob.
/\ WARNING
— The parking lock may only be released using
the emergency release if the parking brake
is set. If it is not working, secure the vehicle
from rolling using the brake pedal or other
suitable means, such as blocking a front and
a rear wheel. An unsecured vehicle may roll
away, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
— Only activate the emergency release while
ona level surface or a slight slope.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you must
not drive when the emergency release is ac-
tivated.

& Transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle
Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible in a safe location and secure it so it
does not roll. See an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
& Transmission: too hot. Please stop vehicle
Do not continue driving. Select "P" and contact an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
fl Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving
style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly. Drive very cautiously or take a break
from driving until the temperature returns to the
normal range and the indicator light turns off.
8s
>

Driving

necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Before driving on long stretches with steep
hills, reduce the vehicle speed and shift to a
lower gear to use the engine braking effect.
This reduces the load on the brakes. If you
need to brake additionally, brake in intervals
and not continuously.
@ Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 211.
Messages
Ga / @ Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
ES / Gana also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A\.
Ga / @ Warning! No brake booster function
If the brake booster is not working, you have to
use much more force when braking the vehicle.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
EG / fe) Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality. You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
90
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual
The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-
od of time after switching off the ignition. Secure
the vehicle from rolling by selecting “P” and set-
ting the parking brake.

ZA\ WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that stabi-
lize the vehicle will no longer be available.
This could cause the vehicle to swerve, which
increases the risk that the vehicle will slide.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.

Electromechanical
parking brake
The @) switch is located under the selector lever
in the center console.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electromechani-
cal parking brake. The parking brake is designed
to prevent the vehicle from rolling unintentional-
ly and replaces the hand brake.
Setting/manually releasing the parking
brake
> Pull the ©) switch to set the parking brake. The
LED in the switch turns on. The PARK | indi-
cator light also turns on.
> To release the parking brake manually, press
the brake or accelerator pedal while the igni-
tion is switched on, and press the ©) switch at
the same time. The LED in the button and the
indicator light will turn off.
Releasing the parking brake automatically
Requirement: the doors must be closed and the
driver's safety belt must be fastened.

83A012721BA
Driving

> To start driving and release the parking brake
automatically, press the accelerator pedal as
usual.
In addition to releasing the parking brake auto-
matically, other convenience and safety functions
are available when you start driving > page 92,
Hold assist.
Preventing the automatic parking brake
release
The vehicle could begin rolling unintentionally,
depending on the hill or if towing a trailer.
> To prevent the parking brake from releasing au-
tomatically, pull and hold the switch and
press the accelerator pedal. The parking brake
remains set and prevents the vehicle from roll-
ing backward.
> You can release the ©) switch again once you
are sure that you are giving enough driving
force
to the wheels by pressing the accelerator
pedal.
Emergency braking function
You can use the emergency braking function in an
emergency situation, or if the standard brake op-
eration malfunctions or is disabled.
> Pull and hold the ©) switch.
> As soon as you release the ©) switch or acceler-
ate, the braking will stop.
Pulling and holding the ©) switch while driving
the vehicle activates the emergency braking func-
tion. The vehicle is braked at all four wheels by
activating the hydraulic brake system. The brak-
ing effect is similar to heavy braking > A\.
To reduce the risk of activating the emergency
braking by mistake, a warning tone (buzzer)
sounds when the ©) switch is pulled. Emergency
braking stops as soon as the ©) switch is released
or the accelerator pedal is pressed.
Parking
> Press the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
> Pull the ©) switch to set the parking brake.
> Select “P”.
> Turn the engine off > A\.
> Turn the steering wheel when parking on in-
clines so that the wheels will roll into the curb
if the vehicle starts moving.

ZA\ WARNING
— Do not press the accelerator pedal inadver-
tently if a gear is selected when the vehicle
is stationary and the engine is running. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle will start to move imme-
diately and this could result in an accident.
— Emergency braking should only be used in
an emergency, when the normal brake pedal
has failed or the brake pedal is obstructed.
During emergency braking, your vehicle will
brake similar to heavy braking. ESC and the
associated components (ABS, ASR, EDL) can-
not overcome the laws of physics. Around
curves and when road or weather conditions
are bad, a full brake application can cause
the vehicle to skid or the rear end to swerve,
which increases the risk of an accident.
— Always set the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, even if for a short period of
time. If the parking brake is not set, the ve-
hicle could roll away, increasing the risk of
an accident.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake if it is released. In this case,
park the vehicle on level ground and secure
it by engaging the "P” gear. Contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
— If you leave the vehicle, switch the ignition
off and take the key with you. This applies
particularly when children remain in the ve-
hicle. Otherwise, children could start the ve-
hicle, release the parking brake, or operate
electrical equipment such as power win-
dows, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
— No one, especially children, should remain in
the vehicle when it is locked. Locked doors
make it more difficult for emergency work-
ers to get into the vehicle, which puts lives

at risk.

91

Driving

@) Note
Do not leave your vehicle unattended while
the engine is running, because this increases
the risk of an accident.
@ Tips
When stopping at a traffic signal or stopping
in city traffic, you can set the parking brake
manually. The vehicle does not have to be
held with the brake pedal. The parking brake
eliminates the tendency to creep when a se-
lector lever position is engaged. As soon as
you press the accelerator pedal, the parking
brake releases automatically and the vehicle
starts to move > page 92, Hold assist.
G) Tips
If you leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are
engaged, the parking brake will be set auto-
matically.
G) Tips
— Occasional noises when the parking brake is
set and released are normal and are not a
cause for concern.
— The parking brake goes through a self-test
cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is
stopped. Any noises associated with this are
normal.
Hold assist
Various convenience and safety functions may be
available when the vehicle begins driving, de-
pending on vehicle equipment.
Starting on hills with the parking brake set
Requirement: the doors must be closed and the
driver's safety belt must be fastened.
> To start driving comfortably when ona hill, set
the parking brake and begin driving as usual.
The braking force of the parking brake does not
release automatically until the wheels build up
enough driving force.
92
Starting on hills with hill hold assist
Applies to: vehicles with hill hold assist
Hill hold assist makes it easier to start on hills.
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed
and the engine must be running.
> To activate hill hold assist, press and hold the
brake pedal for several seconds. The vehicle
must be in an uphill direction of travel.
After releasing the brake pedal, the braking pow-
er is maintained for a brief moment > A\ to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling back when starting.
During this time, you can easily begin to move
your vehicle.

ZA\ WARNING
— Ifyou are using hill hold assist and do not
begin driving immediately after releasing
the brake pedal, your vehicle may begin to
roll backward. Press the brake pedal or set
the parking brake immediately.
— The intelligent technology of hill hold as-
sist* cannot overcome the limitations im-
posed by the natural laws of physics. The in-
creased comfort offered by hill hold assist*
should not cause you to take safety risks.
— Hill hold assist* cannot hold the vehicle in
place on all hills (for example, if the ground
is slippery or icy).
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
If the Zi P © indicator light flashes, the brak-
ing force has not built up enough or it has de-
creased. Select the "P" gear to help secure the ve-
hicle. Make sure the indicator light is off before
you start driving.
EG / @ Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual

If the indicator light and the message appear
when the vehicle is stationary or after switching
the ignition on, check if you can release the park-
ing brake. If you cannot release the parking
brake, see an authorized Audi dealer or

83A012721BA
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
General information
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.

Z\ 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.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @.

Z\ 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
® Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity

Never exceed the maximum permitted weights
=> page 264.
In some scenarios, the load in trailer mode can
be reduced due to the permitted towing weight.
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 ft (1,000 m) above sea level. As
the elevation increases, the engine power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressures. 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.
101

Trailer towing

Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head may
not be exceeded.
If the tongue weight is too low, this affects the
trailer's handling. For driving safety, we recom-
mend to always utilize the maximum permitted
tongue weight, but not exceed it. You can reach
it, for example, by distributing the cargo in the
trailer correctly.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 264.
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 preferably in the vehicle luggage
compartment. 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 from sliding out of place.
— 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 226. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's recom-
mendation.
Winter tires should be mounted on the vehicle
and on the trailer during winter temperatures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
102
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 starting to drive, check all lighting equip-
ment on the hitched trailer.
The headlight range control adjusts automatical-
ly to 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.
@) Note
Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer hitch
ball head. In cases of damage, have the func-
tion checked by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
G) Tips
— Use chocks when parking on inclines if the
trailer is loaded.
—We recommend also having the vehicle in-
spected between the inspection intervals if
you are towing a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.
Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.

Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Safety precautions

ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
=> page 105 or > page 106.

@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving.
104
System limitations
ZA WARNING
— The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.

— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
G) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.


— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.
— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
—In trailer mode, some assist systems may be
limited, may not react as usual, or may be
unavailable. Please refer to the instructions
for towing a trailer located in > page 101.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.