2020 AUDI A3 Owner´s Manual

8V2012721BK
Driving

strength can depend on various factors, for ex-
ample:
— If you are in tiptronic mode > page 76. Or
—If the sport driving mode "S" was selected.
Plug-in hybrid drive modes
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Adjusting the plug-in-hybrid mode
The <8" button is located above the selector lever
in the center console.
> Press the <$" button repeatedly until the de-
sired mode is displayed in the instrument clus-
ter.
The active mode is displayed the first time the
one electric mode and two hybrid modes.
Hybrid driving
If the <8Y button does not turn on, you are driv-
ing in hybrid mode. The vehicle can be driven
with the combustion engine or with the electric
motor if the conditions for it have been met
=> page 79, Conditions for electric driving.
© e-tron mode: Hybrid - The electric motor and
combustion engine are working efficiently to-
gether. Hybrid mode is particularly effective for
long trips.
* e-tron mode: Battery Hold - The vehicle is
driven predominantly with the combustion en-
gine to maintain the high-voltage battery charge
level for as long as possible.
Electric driving
ed on, the <®¥ button will turn on. The vehicle
can be driven by the electric motor if the condi-
tions for this have been met > page 79, Condi-
tions for electric driving.
Conditions for electric driving
— Driving program “S” must not be selected.
— The charge level of the high-voltage battery
must be sufficient.
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
must be adequate (outside temperatures not

below approximately 14°F / -10°C and not
above approximately 104°F / 40°C).
— The driving speed must be under approximately
80 mph (130 km/h).
— The accelerator pedal must not be pressed too
hard.
Indicator lights



Symbol |Meaning
EV mode is switched on and active.
You are driving only with electric
power.
EV mode is not available, because
the conditions for electric driving
have not been met.

The combustion engine is running.
The hybrid mode e-tron mode: Bat-
tery Hold is active.
The hybrid mode e-tron mode: Hy-










brid is active.
G) Tips
— When temperatures are below approximate-
ly 14 °F (-10 °C), the vehicle heat output in
EV mode is reduced in order to attain higher
ranges. If the windows fog up or a higher
heat output is desired, switch on the Hybrid
or Battery Hold mode.
— Applies to: Battery Hold mode: The high-
voltage battery charge level can still de-
crease depending on the driving behavior.
—If you select the sport driving mode "S", the
Battery Hold mode is automatically select-
ed
@
— It may be necessary for the gasoline engine
to run longer for technical reasons, such as
when condensation accumulates in the en-
gine. Driving exclusively in electric mode is
not possible in this phase.
— Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. When driving with a trailer, the
"S" selector lever position must be selected.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
Tips
79
>

Driving

If you need to brake additionally, brake in
intervals and not continuously.
nce md Cua SEN
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

B8V-0675


Fig. 89 Instrument cluster: energy flow display
An energy flow display can be shown in the in-
strument cluster display/Infotainment system )).
The image is animated in the Infotainment sys-
tem).
Display of energy flow indicator in the
instrument cluster display
> Open the first Vehicle tab (trip computer) using
the [<>] button on the multifunction steering
wheel.
> Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit:
Select on the multifunction steering wheel: left
control button > Energy flow.


Comfort
Auto
DES
Biante



Fig. 90 Infotainment system*: energy flow display
> Applies to: vehicles with analog instrument
cluster: Open the Energy flow indicator by
turning the left thumbwheel on the multifunc-
tion steering wheel.
Image in the Infotainment display”)

> In the Infotainment system, select: [MENU
button > Vehicle > left control button > Audi
drive select.





Component Color Meaning
@ Gasoline engine Orange The gasoline engine is running
Gray The gasoline engine is off
@ High-voltage battery Green High-voltage battery charge level
Green The high-voltage battery is charging
(animated in the
Infotainment sys-
tem?)

Gray

The vehicle is not in drive ready mode >


))_ Not available in all Infotainment systems.
80

8V2012721BK
Driving



Component Color Meaning
Motion arrow Green Electric driving
Orange Driving with the gasoline engine

Green-orange Driving with the gasoline engine and electric mo-
tor (boost)

Green

@®) Motion arrow

Recuperation

a) Not available in all Infotainment systems.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
RAX-0108, Range potenti
+3 miles (1)
net)
eis)
te ace aera etre)
Bt 15 mites —@)) =
Fig. 91 Range monitor

You can display the projected range of the vehi-
cle.

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Range &
statistics > Range.
@ Range potential (value)
@ Range potential (graphic)
@®) Total range (graphic)
@ Total range (value)
Range potential: the value indicates an addition-
al amount of distance that can be gained by turn-
ing off certain convenience functions. The con-
venience functions with high energy usage are
listed on the display.
@) Tips
— The range can also be displayed in the in-
strument cluster in the on-board computer.
— The values given are based on the latest
consumption values.
— The range that is indicated is based on the
previous and predicted consumption values.
For example, these can be affected if con-
venience functions are turned on.
Statistics
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
You can display statistics about the trips traveled
using electric power and those using fuel. The
values are taken from the short-term memory
and long-term memory of the on-board comput-
er.

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Range &
statistics > e-tron statistics.
Vehicle sound
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

The electric drive system generates considerably
less noise than a combustion engine. An artificial
engine sound is generated when driving electri-
cally so that the vehicle can be heard from the
outside when driving. The vehicle sound auto-
matically fades out at higher speeds when the
sounds from the tires and wind start increasing.

ZA WARNING
Other road users may not be able to defini-
tively hear electric vehicles when they are
driving. This increases the risk of an accident
particularly when driving in areas with little
traffic, when maneuvering, or when driving in
reverse.
aie e- Riedie liereliea lt)
driving
Your driving style greatly influences the amount
of fuel and energy consumed, the environmental
impact, and the wear on the engine, brakes, and
tires. Note the following information for efficient
and environmentally-conscious driving: >

81

Driving

— Turn off electrical equipment that is not need-
ed, for example seat heating*.
— Anticipate upcoming traffic situations while
driving to avoid unnecessary acceleration and
braking.
— Avoid driving at high speeds.
— Avoid adding extra weight to the vehicle if pos-
sible, for example by not leaving roof racks or
bike racks installed when they are not needed.
— Make sure the tire pressure is correct.
— Have maintenance performed regularly on the
vehicle.
— Do not drive with winter tires during the summ-
er.
— Do not let the engine run while the vehicle
parked.
— Use the Start/Stop system.
— Utilize the engine braking effect.
— Avoid driving short distances when possible.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: brake early and evenly to
use the recuperation function.
@) Tips
The amount of noise produced by the vehicle
can increase significantly when driving with a
sporty style. Show respect to others around
you and the environment with the way you op-
erate your vehicle, especially at night.
Energy management
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent ener-
gy management system for distributing electrici-
ty. This significantly improves the starting ability
and increases the vehicle battery life.
G) Tips
— If you drive short distances frequently, the
vehicle battery may not charge enough
while driving. As a result, convenience func-
tions for electrical equipment may be tem-
porarily unavailable.
— The vehicle battery will gradually drain if
the vehicle is not driven for long periods of
time, or if electrical equipment is used
when the engine is not running. To ensure
that the vehicle can still be started, the
82
electrical equipment will be limited or
switched off.
S Engine stopped: power steering and brake
booster not possible
There is a malfunction in the engine or the fuel
supply. More force is needed to steer and brake
the moving vehicle when the engine is stopped.
If the vehicle is rolling, try to bring it to a stop off
to the side from moving traffic. See an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for assistance.
EB EB Drive system: malfunction! Safely stop
vehicle
There is a malfunction in the plug-in hybrid sys-
tem. The brake booster and the power steering
may stop working. Stop the vehicle immediately
at a suitable location or as soon as possible. Park
the vehicle in a safe place outdoors that is not
near buildings, roof overhangs, carports or simi-
lar structures. Switch the ignition off. Have the
problem corrected by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility.
B i B Electric drive: overheated! Safely stop
vehicle and check coolant
The coolant level is too Low or the coolant tem-
perature is too high. Stop the vehicle in the out-
doors as soon as it is safely possible. Switch the
ignition off.
Read the important safety precautions > A in
Coolant on page 312 and check the coolant level
= page 312. If the coolant level is OK, the mal-
function may be caused by the system overheat-
ing. Let the vehicle's electric drive system cool
down for some time.
— If the message turns off after cooling down and
switching the ignition back on, you can contin-
ue driving. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
— If the indicator light stays on, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.

8V2012721BK
Driving

B / BI Drive system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
There is a malfunction in the drive system. Drive
slowly to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
B / BI Drive system: malfunction! Restart not
possible. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the plug-in hybrid sys-
tem. Do not open the hood. Drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
B / B Battery temperature too low. Vehicle
cannot be started. See owner's manual
The outside temperature is too low. The vehicle
can no longer start at temperatures below -18 °F
(-28 °C). Contact an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility.
| - POWER LIMIT| Warning! Limited performance
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, there may be an engine control mal-
function. The engine output is reduced. Drive to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected.
Drive system: engine must be running.
Please exit EV e-tron mode
It may be necessary for the gasoline engine to
run longer for technical reasons, such as when
condensation accumulates in the engine. Driving
exclusively in electric mode is not possible in this
phase.
Other indicator lights
If the B i Ha indicator light turns on, there may
be an engine control malfunction. Drive slowly to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the engine checked.

D In certain countries.

ZA WARNING
If the engine stops while driving, you will
need to use more force to brake the vehicle.
This increases the risk of an accident. There
will still be power steering if the ignition is
switched on while the vehicle is rolling and
there is sufficient vehicle battery charge. Oth-
erwise, you must use greater force when
steering.

Start/Stop system
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
The Start/Stop system can help increase fuel
economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
In Start/Stop mode, the engine shuts off auto-
matically when the vehicle is stopped, such as at
a traffic light. The ignition remains switched on
during this Stop phase. The engine will restart
automatically when needed.
The Start/Stop system is automatically activated
once the ignition is switched on.
Basic requirements for Start/Stop mode
— The driver's door must be closed.
— The driver's seat belt much be fastened.
— The hood must be closed.
— The vehicle must have driven faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h) since the last time it stopped.
@) Note
Always switch the Start/Stop system off when
driving through water > page 85.
@ Tips
The engine stops shortly before the vehicle
comes to astop ). The full function of the
brake booster and the power steering is still
available.
83

Driving

Stopping/starting the engine
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
2 S
Ss S.
= & a
|
Fig. 92 Instrument cluster: engine switched off (Stop
phase)
> Brake the vehicle to a stop. The engine stops
shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop or if
the vehicle is stationary ». Keep your foot on
the brake pedal. The AY indicator light ap-
pears in the display. The needle in the tachome-
ter also moves into the READY position.
> The engine starts again when you remove your
foot from the brake pedal. The indicator light
turns off.
Additional information
The engine stops in the "P", "N" and "D" selector
lever positions.
If you select the "R" selector lever position during
a Stop phase, the engine will start again.
Shift to "P" quickly to prevent the engine from
starting unintentionally when shifting through
"RH
You can control if the engine will stop or not by
reducing or increasing the amount of force you
use to press the brake pedal. For example, if you
only lightly press on the brake pedal in stop-and-
go traffic or when turning, the engine will not
switch off when the vehicle is stationary. If you
press the brake pedal harder, the engine will
switch off.
@ Tips
— Press the brake pedal during a Stop phase
to keep the vehicle from rolling.

D_Incertain countries.
84

— The ignition will turn off if you press the
START ENGINE STOP] button* during a


Stop phase. The needle in the tachometer
moves into the OFF position.
General information
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
Starting and stopping the engine automat-
ically
The system checks if certain conditions are met
before and during the Stop phase, and deter-
mines if the engine stops and how long it re-
mains stopped. For example, if power usage is
high, the engine will not be stopped. Along with
other conditions, the following factors influence
the automatic engine start or stop:
— Environmental conditions (slopes, inclines, ele-
vation, temperature)
— Battery (charge status, temperature, power us-
age)
— Engine temperature
— Assist systems
— Driving behavior
Depending on the engine, the indicator light
may appear if the engine is not stopped.

Z\ WARNING
To reduce the risk of asphyxiation, never allow
the engine to run in confined spaces.
@) Tips
If you select the "D" or "N" selector lever posi-
tion in a vehicle with an automatic transmis-
sion after shifting into reverse, the vehicle
must be driven faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
in order for the engine to switch off again.

8V2012721BK
Driving

Manually switching the Start/Stop system
koi
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
If you do not wish to use the system, you can
switch it off manually.
2 +
3}
g > & oO


Fig. 93 Center console: Start/Stop system button
> To switch the Start/Stop system off/on manual-
ly, press the [| button. The LED in the button
turns on when the system is switched off.
G) Tips
If you switch the system off during a Stop
phase, the engine will start again automati-
cally.
ee melee
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system


Start/stop system: deactivated. Please start
engine manually
This message appears when specific conditions
are not met during a Stop phase. The Start/Stop
system will not be able to restart the engine. The
engine must be started manually.
Start/stop system: malfunction! Function
unavailable
There is a malfunction in the Start/Stop system.
Drive the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Service Facility as soon as possible to
have the malfunction corrected.
Brakes
General information
You can apply the vehicle's brakes using the brake
pedal.
Operating noise
Noises may occur when braking depending on the
speed, braking force, and outside conditions such
as temperature and humidity.
Braking effect
The response time from the brakes depends on
the weather and environmental conditions. If the
brake system becomes damp, for example after
driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may be
delayed. Other factors that could temporarily in-
crease the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
To ensure the optimal braking effect, the brake
system is cleaned at regular intervals. This is
done by applying the brake pads to the brake ro-
tors for a short period of time when driving at
high speeds when the windshield wipers are
switched on.
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en frequently or for long distances. This can
cause noises when braking as well as an uneven
braking effect. In this case, braking heavily sever-
al times while driving at high speeds can clean
the brake rotors > A\.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style. >
8s

Driving


ZA WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not

place your foot under the brake pedal.
@) Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 89. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
@) 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 313.
Ga i © Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
EES / & and Ef 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-
86
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A\.
EG if @ Warning! Brake servo inoperative
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 - @® 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-
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.