2020 AUDI A3 ECU

8V2012721BK
Driving

Electromechanical
parking brake
Operating the parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake is used to
secure the vehicle from rolling away
unintentionally.
The @) switch is located under the selector lever
in the center console. It turns on when the park-
ing brake is set. You can release the parking brake
manually or automatically when you start to
drive.
Setting and releasing the parking brake
> Setting: pull the ©) switch.
> ris @ appears, the parking brake is hold-
ing the vehicle. You can remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
> Releasing: when the ignition is switched on,
press and hold the brake pedal and press the ©)
button.
If the red indicator light flashes, the braking
force has not built up enough or it has decreased.
You can also secure the vehicle by selecting the
“P” gear or pressing the brake pedal. Make sure
the indicator light is off before you start driving.
Automatically releasing the parking brake
when starting to drive
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed
and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
> Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.

ZA\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. In this case, park the vehicle on

level ground and secure it by engaging the
"P” gear. Contact an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
@) Tips
— On steep inclines, especially when in trailer
mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unin-
tentionally when starting to drive. To re-
duces the risk of this happening, pull and
hold the ©) switch while pressing the accel-
erator pedal. If enough drive power has
built up at the wheels and the vehicle does
not roll backwards, then release the switch
to start to drive.
— If you leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are
engaged, the parking brake will be set auto-
matically.
— Noises when the parking brake is set and re-
leased 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.
Emergency braking function
Emergency braking should only be used in an
emergency, if the standard brake pedal is mal-
functioning or obstructed. When the emergency
braking function is activated, the braking effect is
similar to a heavy braking maneuver.


> Pull and hold the ©) switch while driving.
> An audio warning signal will sound and emer-
gency
braking will begin.
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency
braking will be canceled.

Z\ WARNING
Heavy braking while driving through curves or
in poor road or weather conditions can cause
the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to
swerve, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.

87

Driving

Messages
EG / @ Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
GG ti © Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
ww Parking brake: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle. See owner's manual
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines
and shift to “P”.
FS / (GETING / (@) Parking brake: caution! Ve-
hicle parked too steep
The braking force may not be enough to secure
the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in
a place with less of an incline.
fa f Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal to release the parking brake.
838
Releasing the parking
lock using the
emergency release
Description

RAZ-0492


Fig. 94 Selector lever: removing the shifter boot
The emergency release is located under the selec-
tor lever shift gate. Using the emergency release
can be complicated. See an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
You will need the screwdriver from the vehicle
tool kit to release it > page 348. 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. 94.
> Carefully pry the shifter boot out with the
screwdriver while gripping the boot at the fold
and pulling it upward and out until all four cor-
ners are released.
> Fold the shifter boot up around the shifter
knob.
Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
> Operate the emergency release > page 89.
Attaching the shift cover
> Clip the shift cover back into the shift gate.

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

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

> 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

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

8V2012721BK
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
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 > @.
CG) 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
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. To have the lowest im-
pact as possible, load the trailer according to
these criteria:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. 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 so that they do not slide.
— 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 330. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
113