2020 AUDI A3 power steering

Driving


— Plug-in hybrid drive: never leave the vehicle
unattended in drive ready mode while a gear
is engaged. The vehicle can start moving
(“creeping”) even if the gasoline engine is
switched off, since the electric motor is still
operating. This may cause collisions and se-
vere or fatal injuries. When the vehicle en-
ters drive ready mode, the status message
e-tron READY appears briefly in the instru-
ment cluster display and the needle in the
power meter points to READY > page 16.

@) Note
— Avoid high engine speed, full throttle, and
heavy engine load if the engine has not
reached operating temperature yet. You
could damage the engine.
— If the engine has been under heavy load for
an extended period of time, heat builds up
in the engine compartment after the engine
is switched off and there is a risk of damag-
ing the engine. For this reason, let the en-
gine run at idle for approximately two mi-
nutes before shutting it off.
G) Tips
— Brief noises are normal when starting and
stopping the vehicle and are no cause for
concern.
— For up to 10 minutes after stopping the en-
gine, the radiator fan may turn on again au-
tomatically or it may continue to run, even if
the ignition is switched off.
— It may not be possible to start the vehicle in
extremely low temperatures.
72
Ignition key
Applies to: vehicles with ignition lock

Fig. 85 Steering column: ignition lock
Starting the engine
> Press the brake pedal.
> Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock.
> Turn the key briefly to position @). The ignition
key automatically returns to position @). Do not
press the accelerator pedal when doing this.
> The engine will start and the vehicle will then
be ready to drive.
Equipment that uses a lot of electricity is switch-
ed off temporarily when you start the engine. If
the engine does not start immediately, stop the
starting procedure by turning the ignition key to
position © and repeat after 30 seconds.
When temperatures are low, the engine may only
start in “P”.
If it is difficult to turn the key to position @, turn
the steering wheel back and forth slightly to re-
lease the steering lock.
Stopping the engine
> Bring the vehicle to a full stop.
> Turn the key to position ©. The engine will
switch off.
The key can only be removed when the vehicle is
in “P”.
Activating the steering lock
Applies to: vehicles with steering lock
The steering lock helps prevent vehicle theft.
> Remove the ignition key.
> Turn the steering wheel until the steering
wheel audibly locks.

8V2012721BK
Driving

Switching the ignition on or off
If you would like to switch the ignition on or off
without starting the engine, follow these steps:
> Switching on: turn the key to position @.
> Switching off: turn the key to position ©).

ZA WARNING
—To reduce the risk of asphyxiation, never al-
low the engine to run in confined spaces.
— Never turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. Switching it
off before the vehicle has stopped may im-
pair the function of the brake booster and
power steering. You would then need to use
more force to steer and brake the vehicle.
The fact that you cannot steer and brake as
usual may increase the risk of accidents and
serious
injuries.
— Never remove the ignition key from the igni-
tion lock while the vehicle is moving. Other-
wise, the steering lock could engage and you
would not be able to steer the vehicle, which
increases the risk of an accident.

@) Note
— Avoid high engine speed, full throttle, and
heavy engine load if the engine has not
reached operating temperature yet. You
could damage the engine.
— If the engine has been under heavy load for
an extended period of time, heat builds up
in the engine compartment after the engine
is switched off and there is a risk of damag-
ing the engine. For this reason, let the en-
gine run at idle for approximately two mi-
nutes before shutting it off.
@ Tips
— Brief noises are normal when starting and
stopping the vehicle and are no cause for
concern.
— For up to 10 minutes after stopping the en-
gine, the radiator fan may turn on again au-
tomatically or it may continue to run, even if
the ignition is switched off.
— It may not be possible to start the vehicle in
extremely low temperatures.
5 Engine start system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
There is a malfunction in the engine starting sys-
tem. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.
B Key not in vehicle?
2 Remote control key: key not detected. Is the
key
still in the vehicle?
The vehicle key was removed from the vehicle
while the engine is running. If the vehicle key is
no longer in the vehicle, you cannot switch the ig-
nition on or start the engine once you stop it. You
also cannot lock the vehicle from the outside.
Key not recognized. See owner's manual
Remote control key: hold back of key
against the designated area. See owner's man-
ual
The battery in the vehicle key may be drained or
there may be a malfunction. To start the vehicle,
you must also hold the vehicle key against the lo-
cation shown ?) © page 71, fig. 84.
If the malfunction remains, drive immediately to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
When driving
Starting to drive, stopping, and parking
Starting from a stop
> Press and hold the brake pedal.
> Start the engine.
> Select a gear.
> Release the parking brake.
> Release the brake pedal. The vehicle may roll.
> Press the accelerator pedal to accelerate.
Stopping and parking
> Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press and
hold the brake pedal.
> Set the parking brake.
73

Driving


— 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.

iG) 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 the ve-
hicle if it is stuck”, for example.
Manual shifting

RAZ-0406


Fig. 87 Center console: shifting manually with the selector
lever

RAZ-0003|



—
Fig. 88 Steering wheel: shift paddles*
You can shift the gears manually when in “D”
mode. The transmission must be in tiptronic
mode.
Shifting with the selector lever
You can shift into manual shifting mode while the
vehicle is stationary or while driving.
> To switch to manual shifting mode, tilt the se-
lector lever toward the front passenger's side
> fig. 87. “M” will be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
> Upshifting: push the selector lever forward ().
76
> Downshifting: push the selector lever toward
the rear ().
> To switch back to automatic mode, tilt the se-
lector lever toward the driver's side.
Shifting with the shift paddles
Applies to: vehicles with shift paddles
> Upshifting: press the @) shift paddle > fig. 88.
> Downshifting: press the ©) shift paddle.
> Applies to: RS models: To engage the lowest
possible gear for maximum acceleration, press
and hold the ©) shift paddle.
> To switch back to automatic mode, press and
hold the (#) shift paddle or push the selector
lever toward the rear.
If you stop using the shift paddles temporarily,
the transmission will switch back to automatic
mode. To keep shifting manually, tilt the selector
lever toward the front passenger's side.
@ Tips
— The transmission only allows manual shift-
ing when the engine speed is within the per-
mitted range.
— The transmission automatically shifts up or
down before critical engine speed is
reached.
— Applies to: RS models: When accelerating,
the transmission will not automatically shift
to the next gear shortly before the maxi-
mum permitted engine RPM is reached.
Shift to the next highest gear at the right
time.
Accelerator pedal
Maximum acceleration
You can accelerate the vehicle using the accelera-
tor pedal. If you press the accelerator pedal all
the way down, the motor’s full power will be
used and you will reach maximum acceleration,
also called “kick-down”.
Applies to: vehicles with boost function: The elec-
tric motor can switch on for a brief period if the
accelerator pedal is pressed all the way down in
the “D” and “S” driving program. The availability
of this function depends on the charge level of >

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

8V2012721BK
Driving dynamic

Driving dynamic
Audi drive select
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
Drive select makes it possible to experience dif-
ferent types of vehicle characteristics in one vehi-
cle. With different driving modes, the driver can
switch the setting, for example from sporty to
comfortable. This allows you to adjust the set-
tings to your personal preferences. This makes it
possible to combine settings such as a sporty
drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.
Selecting an Audi drive select mode
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
The ssise button is located above the selector lever
in the center console.
> Press the sis@ button repeatedly until the de-
sired mode appears in the instrument cluster or
center display, or:
> In the Infotainment system, select: [MENU
button > Vehicle > left control button > Audi
drive select.


You can change the driving mode when the vehi-
cle is stationary or while driving. If traffic per-
mits, briefly remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal after changing modes so that the mode
you have selected will be activated for the drive
system.
The following modes may be available depending
on the equipment:
comfort - Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle
setup and is suited for long drives on highways.
auto - Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-
namic driving feel and is suited for everyday use.
dynamic - Gives the driver a sporty driving feel
and is suited to a sporty driving style.
individual - Provides the option for personalized
vehicle settings > page 91.
@) Tips
When the ignition is being switched on, indi-
vidual systems, such as the drive system, will
be reset to a balanced setting. Select the cur-
rent mode again to attain its full configura-
tion.
Adjusting the “individual” mode
> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > Audi drive select> Individual >
right control button.


The equipment in your vehicle will determine
which settings you can adjust.
Engine/transmission
The drive system will react to accelerator pedal
moves more quickly or in a more balanced man-
ner. The shift points are Located in higher or low-
er engine speed ranges on vehicles with automat-
ic transmissions.
Steering
The power steering will adapt. Light steering is
suitable for long trips on highways or smooth
driving around curves, for example.
quattro
The all wheel drive system controls balanced to
sporty profiles.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to
sporty.
ACC
The driving behavior of the adaptive cruise con-
trol adjusts based on the acceleration and reac-
tion to vehicles driving ahead.
Suspension control
The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more
comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-
ing for uneven spots on the road.
91

Driving dynamic

Suspension
CET NRC Ld
Applies to: vehicles with suspension control
The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con-
trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus-
pension will adapt to the driving conditions and
the driving situation. The settings are dependent
on the selected Audi drive select* mode.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature
— Change in load

Z\ WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one
gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-
ing, for example when cleaning the under-
body or the wheel housings.
@) Note
Always make sure there is enough clearance
above and below the vehicle. This is especially
important for entrances with height restric-
tions, for example, before driving into under-
ground garages. You could also scrape the
ground when driving over the edges of curbs
or on steep ramps, which could damage your
vehicle.

EET
| 8 | Suspension: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Steering
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's
steering movements by electronically adapting
the power steering depending on the vehicle
92
speed. The settings are dependent on the select-
ed Audi drive select* mode.
Progressive steering
Applies to: vehicles with progressive steering
The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-
creased by the steering ratio based on the steer-
ing wheel angle. The steering is very direct when
the steering wheel angle is sharp, and indirect
when the angle is low. This enables comfortable
maneuvering and a precise steering response at
higher driving speeds.
Messages
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
The power steering may have failed. Adapt your
driving style immediately to compensate for the
fact that it may be more difficult to turn the
steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-
cation as soon as possible. Do not continue driv-
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
|2—| Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Do not tow
your vehicle because it cannot be steered. See an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
a Steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. Steering may be more dif-
ficult or more sensitive. Adapt your driving style.
Have the steering system checked immediately
by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Please note that the red indicator
light may turn on after restarting the engine. Do
not continue driving if it does.
& Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.

8V2012721BK
Driving dynamic


ZA\ WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident.
@) Tips
If the & or El indicator light only stays on
for a short time, then you may continue driv-
ing.


ALL wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving around curves > page 94.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
engine power. Your vehicle is exceptionally pow-
erful and has excellent driving characteristics
both under normal driving conditions and on
snow and ice. Always read and follow safety pre-
cautions > A\.

Z\ WARNING
— Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you
should adapt your driving style to the cur-
rent road and traffic conditions to reduce
the risk of an accident.
— The braking ability of your vehicle is limited
to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it
is not different from a two wheel drive vehi-
cle. Do not drive too fast because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane’” if driving at speeds that
are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the engine RPM does not increase
suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-
planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-
tions to reduce the risk of an accident.


Electronic Stabilization
Control
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-
uations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or
understeering, or if the wheels are spinning. The
brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-
duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.
If the I indicator light blinks while driving, the
ESC is actively regulating.
If the BB indicator light turns on, the system has
switched the ESC off. In this case, you can switch
the ignition off and then on to switch the ESC on
again. The indicator light turns off when the sys-
tem is fully functional.
If the BB indicator light turns on, ESC was limit-
ed or switched off manually > page 94.
The following systems are integrated in the ESC:
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal. A pulsing in the
brake pedal indicates that the system is acting to
stabilize the vehicle.
Brake assist
The brake assist system can decrease braking dis-
tance. It increases braking power when the driver
presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency sit-
uations. You must press and hold the brake pedal
until the dangerous situation is over. Depending
on the activated driver assistance systems, the
brake assist system may react with increased sen-
sitivity.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
93