2020 AUDI A3 tow

8V2012721BK
Driving


Z\ 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.
Emergency release operation


®@
RAZ-0760


Fig. 95 Selector lever: release button
> Press and hold the yellow release button on the
side with a screwdriver.
> Now press the unlock button on the selector
lever and move the selector lever to the “N” po-
sition.
Special driving situations
Sy Toa AS ENA Las |
Applies to: RS models
When driving in a sporty style, for example ona
driving track, the wear on all vehicle components
is greatly increased, especially on the engine,
transmission, tires, brakes, and suspension. This
can result in increased wear. Also note the fol-
lowing points:
— Make sure the vehicle is in good condition.
Make sure to check the brake pads, tire tread,
and tire pressure (when tires are warm).
— Beforehand, warm up the engine by driving no
higher than two-thirds of the maximum permit-
ted engine RPM. The engine oil must be
brought to a minimum temperature of 158 °F
(70°C).
— Before stopping the vehicle, allow the engine
and brakes to cool back down to a regular oper-
ating temperature by driving normally.
If necessary, use the following functions:
— Audi drive select* dynamic mode = page 91
— Launch Control > page 77
— Limit ESC > page 94
@® Tips
Wear caused by load does not constitute a ve-
hicle fault as defined by the terms of the war-
ranty.
Driving uphill and downhill
Please note the following when driving on in-
clines and hills:
— Drive slowly and carefully.
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-
verse.
— When driving down hills, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
down the hill and will attempt to maintain the
speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the
time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the
brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-
trol will switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving
downhill by selecting the “S” driving program
=> page 75. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Brake in intervals and do not press the brake
pedal continuously.

A WARNING
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill >

89

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

Driving dynamic

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are
slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth-
er wheels. This function is not available at higher
speeds.
In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off
to keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.
EDL will switch on again automatically when con-
ditions have returned to normal.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.
Selective wheel torque control
Selective wheel torque control is used when driv-
ing on curves. Braking is targeted toward the
wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This
allows more precise driving in curves.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
— The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that
would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

ing risks. This could increase your risk of a
collision.
— Please note the risk of a collision increases
when driving fast, especially through curves
and on slippery or wet roads, and when driv-
ing too close to objects ahead. There is still
a risk of accidents because the ESC and its
integrated systems cannot always prevent
collisions.
— Accelerate carefully when driving on
smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and
snow. The drive wheels can spin even when
these control systems are installed and this
can affect driving stability and increase the
risk of a collision.



ZA\ WARNING
— The ESC and its integrated systems cannot
overcome the limits imposed by natural
physical laws. This is especially important on
slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin
acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should
immediately alter your speed to match the
road and traffic conditions. Do not let the in-
creased safety provided tempt you into tak-

94

G) Tips
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly
when all four wheels have a similar wear
condition. Different tire sizes can lead toa
reduction in engine power.
— You may hear noises when the systems de-
scribed are working.
The 0 button is located above the selector lev-
er in the center console.
The ESC is automatically switched on when the
ignition is switched on. It may make sense in
some situations to limit the ESC so that the
wheels can spin:
— Rocking the vehicle to free it when it is stuck
— Driving in deep snow, on unpaved ground, or
with snow chains
Limiting ESC (sport mode)
—To limit the ESD, press the 0 button briefly.
The B indicator light turns on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Switching off ESC
—To switch off the ESC, press and hold the oF
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.

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

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.

8V2012721BK
High-voltage system

> Close the door.
> After charging, you can place the vehicle charg-
ing connector (6) > page 101, fig. 96 in the
holder on the charging dock door > fig. 98.
Removing the charging system from the
charging dock
> Open the door on the charging dock.
> Remove the power cable connector from the
socket in the charging dock.
> Unwrap the cable from the adapter ().
> To loosen the control unit from the holder,
press the release tabs above the control unit in
the direction of the arrow > fig. 99.
G) Tips
— Always keep the door on the charging dock
closed.
— Do not place any objects on the door or the
charging dock.
Charging clip
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive and charging clip


[RAZ-0075|
=O)

.
t
4—_(+)

Fig. 100 Charging clip: charging system connected
Connecting the charging system to the
charging clip
> First insert the control unit in the bottom tabs
on the charging clip and then into the upper
tabs.
> Push the control unit in the direction of the ar-
row toward the rear > fig. 100 and let it lock in-
to place.
> Wrap the extra cable length around the charg-
ing connector mount ().
> Plug the power cable into the socket @).


> After charging, you can hook the vehicle charg-
ing connector G) > page 101, fig. 96 to the
charging connector mount @) © fig. 100.
Removing the charging system from the
charging clip
> Remove the power cable connector from the
socket (2).
> Unwind the cable from the charging connector
mount (2).
> To loosen the control unit from the bracket,
push the locking mechanism@) upward
=> fig. 100.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
rT re} t g
> e 3

Fig. 101 Ski sack
Store the charging system and the special charg-
ing cable* in the bag before transporting.
> Always position the bag on the left side of the
luggage compartment > page 62.
> Secure the flat hook to the tie-down near the
edge of the cargo floor.
> Secure the carabiner hook at the tie-down near
the rear seat backrest.

Z\ WARNING
— If the vehicle charging cable is not secured
or positioned correctly, it can slide out of
place and endanger vehicle occupants when
braking, when changing directions, or in an
accident.
— Never transport the Audi charging system or
the special charging cable* without securing
them. >

103

High-voltage system


Indicator lights Meaning Solution





Q Flashing green |The control unit has overheat- | After the control unit cools down, the
O 0 off ed. The charging performance | malfunction will be automatically
will be reduced. cleared. Never leave the control panel in
O B Of P
direct sunlight for long periods or time.
© 1 Yeltow Until it cools down, charging perform-
9 Off ance will be reduced. If the malfunction
continues, have the control unit checked
by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility.
O Red The power cable has overheat- | After the cable cools down, the malfunc-
© © Yellow ed. The charging process has __| tion will be automatically cleared and the
been interrupted. charging process will resume. If the mal-
O & off
O 6 of function continues, have the control unit
checked by an authorized Audi dealer or
© Off authorized Audi Service Facility, or have
the power supply/household connection
checked by a qualified electrician.
O Red The control unit has overheat- | After the control unit cools down, the
O QO Off ed. The charging process has__| malfunction will be automatically cleared
been interrupted. and the charging process will resume.
O & Off
@ 0 Yew Never leave the control panel in direct
evo sunlight for long periods or time. If the
© Off malfunction continues, have the control
unit checked by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility.
© Red The charging infrastructure of | After the power supply/household con-
© @ Flashing yellow |the power supply/household | nection stabilizes, the malfunction will be
connection is restricted. Possi- | automatically cleared and the charging
O & off
O 6 of ble cause of the malfunction: | process will resume. If the malfunction
low voltage or poor power fre- | continues, have the power supply/house-
© Off quency. The charging process | hold connection checked by a qualified
has been interrupted. electrician.
O Red There is a malfunction inthe | After the vehicle charging system stabiliz-
O 0 Off vehicle charging system. The | es, the malfunction will be automatically
: charging process has beenin- | cleared and the charging process will re-
© & Flashing yellow ging ging
O 0 of terrupted. sume. If the malfunction continues, have
the vehicle checked by an authorized Audi
© Off dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
O Red The power cable or vehicle ca- | Have the power or vehicle cable replaced
O Q Off ble is faulty. Possible cause of | by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
the malfunction: the coding ized Audi Service Facility.
O B&B off
. resistance of the power or ve-
© 0 Flashing yellow hicle cable is not compatible.
9 Off

The charging process has been
interrupted.

108