2020 AUDI A3 Owner´s Manual

8V2012721BK
Driving dynamic

— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.

Z\ WARNING
— When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will
be limited. The driving wheels could spin
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or Limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.

G) Tips
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
B /ABS} if BA © Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual
There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
95

High-voltage system

High-voltage system
General information
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
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 motor, the high-voltage A/C
compressor, the high-voltage heater, the charg-
ing system and charging port, and the orange
high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located on the vehicle
underbody in front of the rear axle 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.
— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.

96

— 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 ve-
hicle to an authorized repair facility and
have it inspected.
— The electric drive motor can become very
hot during operation. Do not stop the vehi-
cle if there is oil, fuel residue or other flam-
mable substances under or next to the vehi-
cle.
Special considerations for the high-voltage
battery
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

Please first read and note the introductory infor-
mation and heed the warnings > page 96.
All batteries age with use and over time. There
are things you should know about the care of the
high voltage battery that will help it keep giving
you good service and reliability over time. Please
read and keep the following information in mind
while you enjoy the performance and economy of
your vehicle.
— Be sure to charge the high voltage battery be-
fore leaving the vehicle parked and unused for a
longer period of time. Ideally the high-voltage >

8V2012721BK
High-voltage system

battery should have a charge level between
40 % and 60 % when parked for a Long time.
If the battery charge level is below 3 %, never
park the vehicle for more than 21 days without
charging the high-voltage battery. Should you
have to park the vehicle for a long time, make
sure that the charge level is sufficient to help
prevent the battery from aging prematurely.
Frequent and consecutive charging of the high-
voltage battery when the charge level is above
98 % can also decrease the capacity of the
high-voltage battery. Make sure the charge lev-
el is below 98 % when you start the charging
process.
Should the vehicle be parked for longer than
2 days at temperatures below - 13 °F (-25 °C),
the high-voltage battery could freeze and not
be able to provide energy to the electric motor.
The battery will start working again, once it
warms up. The battery can be warmed up when
the outside temperature rises or when the vehi-
cle is garaged appropriately. The battery will al-
so warm up when being used (switching on the
air conditioner, the heater or by driving the ve-
hicle). Should you have to park your vehicle at
very low temperatures for longer than 1 day,
make sure that the high-voltage battery does
not freeze by parking the vehicle in a garage
that is heated or protected from the outside
temperature.
The high-voltage battery can be damaged and
the capacity can be decreased when the vehicle
is parked for longer than 24 hours when the
ambient temperature is higher than 118 °F
(48 °C). Always make sure that the high-voltage
battery is not exposed to temperatures above
118 °F (48 °C) for a long time.
Never park the vehicle in areas that are likely to
be flooded, such as beaches or river banks, and
never drive the vehicle in WATER, on flooded
roads or through water that is higher than the
bottom of the vehicle body. The high-voltage
battery, along with other vehicle components,
can be damaged severely if the high-voltage
battery is exposed to open water especially for
a longer time. However, you can drive through
water on roads under certain conditions
=> page 90.
Failure to heed any of these requirements can
age the battery prematurely and lead to a perma-
nent decrease of the high-voltage battery’s ca-
pacity.
G@) Tips
Always make sure that the high-voltage bat-
tery is not exposed to extremely low and high
temperatures as well as to water especially
for a longer time. Failure to protect and care
for the high voltage battery can lead to seri-
ous damage and/or a decrease of the capacity
void coverage under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle transport
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
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 01.01.2019).
Charging the high-
voltage battery
General information
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Two options are available for charging the vehi-
cle:
— Charge at a public charging station with a spe-
cial charging cable* > page 100.
— Charge with household and industrial* sockets
using the Audi charging system > page 101.
Using the charging equipment
Pay attention to the following information for
safe handling of the charging equipment:
97

High-voltage system

— 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 the Audi charging system at a hu-
midity level between 5% and 95% (non-con-
densing).
— The Audi charging system is protected against
dust and splashing water (IP54 (USA: enclosure
3R)) or protected against dust and jet streams
of water (IP55 (USA: Enclosure 3))
Depending on the country, different warnings
may be on the charging equipment.

Symbol Meaning

Operate the Audi charging system
el at a temperature range of -22 °F
(-30 °C) to +122 °F (+50 °C).

Operate the Audi charging system
FAN at a maximum elevation of
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.



Symbol Meaning

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.

Do not use any power strips.

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

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.

ZA 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.


98

8V2012721BK
High-voltage system

Important safety precautions


Z\ WARNING
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 the Audi charging system before using
the Audi charging system.
— Monitor the Audi charging system when it is
being used near children.
— Installation and setup of the household con-
nection for the Audi charging system may
only be performed by a qualified electrician.
The qualified electrician is thereby fully re-
sponsible for adhering to applicable stand-
ards and regulations.
— Make sure that the selected charging con-
nector is suitable for drawing the current
specified on the Audi charging system.
— Make sure that the household socket is
grounded and shielded from water.
— The Audi charging system may only be used
with a power network that is grounded prop-
erly. It cannot be used with non-grounded
power networks (such as IT networks).
— Please follow the safety precautions in the
assembly instructions for the Audi charging
dock* or the Audi charging clip*.
— Do not touch the contacts for the vehicle
charging port and for the Audi charging sys-
tem.
— Do not insert any objects into the vehicle
charging port or into the Audi charging sys-
tem.
— Protect the sockets and connectors against
any moisture, water and other fluids.


ZA WARNING
If you are not familiar with the socket or the
electrical installation or it has not been
checked by qualified experts, never use it for
charging. Even very low charging currents can
cause serious damage and in particular fires if
the socket or electrical installation is in bad
condition. If necessary, get expert assistance
from a qualified electrical installation special-
ist.

Z\ WARNING
Incorrect handling of the connector contacts
can cause electric shock or fire.


ZA WARNING
Using a damaged or incorrect charging cable
or socket, using the Audi charging system in-
correctly, or disregarding the safety precau-
tions could cause short circuiting, electric
shock, explosions, fires, and burns.
— Do not use the Audi charging system if it is
damaged and/or dirty. Check the cable and
connector for damage and dirt before using.
— The Audi charging system must only be con-
nected to sockets that are installed correctly
and that are not damaged, or to electrical
equipment that is functioning correctly.
— Never use the Audi charging system with an
extension cable, a cable reel, a power strip,
or an adapter, for example, a travel adapter
or timer.
— Disconnect the Audi charging system from
the power network during a thunderstorm.
— Do not modify or repair any electrical com-
ponents.
— Never submerge the Audi charging systems
or the connectors in water.
— The Audi charging system must only be
cleaned when the control unit is completely
disconnected from the power supply and
from the vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean.
—If a 110 volt household socket is used for
charging, only connect one vehicle at a time
to the same circuit. Use a different circuit if
an additional vehicle needs to be charged at
the same time. Note the maximum permit-
ted current draw for the circuit. Contact a
qualified electrical technician if there is any
doubt.
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac-
cording to the specifications in the operat-
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact

99

High-voltage system


an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— Audi charging systems are intended for use
in private and semi-private areas (for exam-
ple, private property and company parking
lots). Depending on the country, charging in
mode 2 may be forbidden in public areas
and public spaces. Contact an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
— Do not disconnect the vehicle charging cable
from the socket or the vehicle charging port
while the vehicle is charging. End the charg-
ing process before removing the vehicle
charging cable from the socket in order to
reduce the risk of damaging the connector
contacts from sparks.

ZA\ WARNING
The components in the Audi charging system
can trigger sparks which can cause flammable
or explosive fumes to ignite.
—To reduce the risk of explosions, especially in
garages, make sure the control unit is at
least 19 inches (50 cm) above the floor
when charging.
— Do not use the Audi charging system in
areas at risk for explosions.
— The Audi charging system is only intended
for use on Audi vehicles and vehicles within
the Volkswagen Group. Using the device on
vehicles made by another manufacturer is
not authorized.

©) Note
—Aseverely drained high-voltage battery can
cause damage to the high-voltage battery
Once a O mi (0 km) electric range is dis-
played, charge the high-voltage battery
within two months. If the stationary time is
unknown with the electric range at 0 mi (0
km), charge the high-voltage battery imme-
diately. Even if the vehicle is not used, the
high-voltage battery charge level will natu-
rally reduce over time. To avoid a total bat-
tery drain during long periods without use
(more than one year), charge the high-volt-
100
age battery to the highest level possible be-
fore discontinuing driving it.
— Make sure that you always use the correct
power plug provided with the Audi charging
system for the country in which it is being
used. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for more in-
formation.
G) Tips
— Only use the factory-provided charging ca-
ble from Audi or the Volkswagen Group to
charge your vehicle.
— For an uninterrupted charging process, we
recommend only charging using sockets
that are connected to a separately protected
circuit.
— Using either NEMA sockets with a current
rating of at least 30 A or industrial sockets
in accordance with IEC 60309 when charg-
ing is recommended.
— When charging the high-voltage battery us-
ing household or industrial* sockets, the
electrical installation can be used at full ca-
pacity. Having a qualified electrician regu-
larly inspect the electrical installations that
are used for charging is recommended.
— The vehicle radio and TV systems may have
limited reception when charging the vehicle.
Charging at public
charging stations
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Use
the charging cable supplied at the public
charging station for charging. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
> Follow the operating instructions at the charg-
ing station to charge the high-voltage battery.
> Unlock the vehicle if necessary > page 25.
» Make sure that the selector lever is in the P po-
sition and drive ready mode is switched off.
» To open the charging port door, turn the lock to
a vertical position > page 104, fig. 102.
> Slide the cover carefully to the side if necessary.
> Remove the lock on the charging port
=> page 104, fig. 103.

8V2012721BK
High-voltage system

> Remove the cap from the charging cable.
> Connect the cable to the vehicle charging port.
> If a charging timer is not set, the charging proc-
ess will start automatically depending on the
charging station > page 106.
> The vehicle operating status is indicated by the
status LED > page 107.
> Also read the information found in > page 106,
After charging.
@) Tips
Only charge your vehicle at charging stations
that conform to the following standards, de-
pending on the country:
— GB/T 18487.1 and GB/T 20234 (China)
— IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (Europe)
— SAE J1772 (North America, Japan)
G) Tips
— It is not possible to charge using the charg-
ing timer at some charging stations.
— You can use your Audi charging system if
there is a household or industrial* connec-
tion available at the charging station.
Charging the battery
with the Audi charging
system
CET Ute Ret LAC hi
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive



Fig. 96 Audi charging system overview (example)
@ Power cable
@ Power plug (for industrial sockets)*
@®) Power plug (for household sockets)
@ Control unit

© Vehicle charging connector (connector for the
vehicle)
© Vehicle cable
The power cable (@) is plugged into the upper end
of the control unit and the vehicle cable ©) is
plugged into the lower end of the control unit @).
@ Tips
— Using the control unit while operating the
charging dock* > page 102 or charging clip*
=> page 103 is recommended. When this is
not possible, always position Audi charging
systems on a secure surface during the
charging process.
—To reduce the risk of overheating during op-
eration, do not place the Audi charging sys-
tem in direct sunlight for long periods of
time. If the control unit is overheated, the
charging process is automatically paused
until the temperature has lowered back
within the normal range.
Changing and attaching the power/vehicle
cable
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
PI @

B4G-0681

Fig. 97 Control unit: removing and attaching the cable
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you may
not be able to change the vehicle cable.
Requirements:
> The charging process for the high-voltage bat-
tery must be ended.
> The vehicle charging connector must be re-
moved from the vehicle charging port.
> The power cable must be removed from the
socket.
101

High-voltage system

Loosening the cable
> If necessary, loosen the screw () 9 fig. 97 us-
ing
the screwdriver provided.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Pull the connector (2) out just until you feel re-
sistance.
> Close the lever @ until it is resting on the con-
nector (2).
> Remove the connector (2) completely.
Attaching the cable
> Lift the lever @ up slightly.
> Insert the connector 2) into the control unit
just
until you feel resistance.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Insert the connector @) all the way into the
control unit.
> Close the lever @).
> Tighten the screw @) using the screwdriver pro-
vided.

ZA WARNING
— Always remove the power cable from the
socket before changing the power cable or
vehicle cable.
— Always follow the instructions given when
charging the high-voltage battery.
— 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. Depending on the country, the total
length of the power cable, control panel and
vehicle cable may be restricted, for example
to 24.6 ft (7.5 m) in the USA. We recom-
mend using only cables approved by Audi.

102
Charging dock
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive and charging
dock

B8V-0450

B8V-0451



Fig. 99 Charging dock: mounting the charging system
You can store the charging system in the charg-
ing dock.
Opening/closing the charging dock
> If necessary, you can unlock/lock the charging
dock using the key provided by turning it to the
unlocked position @) or locked position @)
> fig. 98.
> Opening/closing the door on the charging dock.
Mounting the charging system in the
charging dock
> Open the door on the charging dock.
> First insert the control unit in the bottom tabs
on the charging dock and then into the upper
tabs.
> Push the control unit toward the rear and let it
lock into place.
> Guide the vehicle cable through the opening @)
> fig. 99.
> Wrap the extra cable length around the adapter
®).
> Plug the power cable into the socket in the
charging dock.