2020 AUDI A3 service

8V2012721BK
Driving

the high-voltage battery and the temperature of
the drive system components, among other
things.

ZA WARNING
The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle
could swerve on slick or slippery road surfaces
when using kick-down, which increases the
risk of an accident.

ET een ace)
Applies to: vehicles with S tronic transmission and Launch
Control
Launch Control provides the best possible accel-
eration when starting from a stop.
Requirements
— The engine must be at operating temperature.
— The steering wheel must not be turned.
— Start/Stop system* must be deactivated
=> page 85.
— ESC must be limited > page 94.
— Driving program “S” > page 75 or the dynamic
Audi drive select* mode must be selected
=> page 91.
Using Launch Control
— Press the brake pedal with your left foot and
hold it all the way down for at least one second.
— With the brake pedal pressed, press the accel-
erator pedal all the way down with your right
foot at the same time.
— Once the engine reaches a constant speed, re-
move your foot from the brake pedal.
Once the vehicle has started moving, reactivate
the ESC so that it is fully functional.

Z\ WARNING
Only use Launch Control when road and traffic
conditions allow it and other road users will
not be endangered or impacted by your driv-
ing and the vehicle's acceleration. The driving
wheels could spin and the vehicle could
swerve, especially on slick or slippery road
surfaces, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.


CG) Note
When accelerating using Launch Control, all
vehicle components are subject to heavy
loads. This can result in increased wear.
G@) Tips
After accelerating using the Launch Control,
the temperature of some vehicle components
may increase greatly. If that happens, the
function will not be available for a few mi-
nutes to reduce the risk of damage. After a
cool-down period, Launch Control will be
available again.
Messages
& Transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle
Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible in a safe location and secure it so it
does not roll. See an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
& Transmission: too hot. Please stop vehicle
Do not continue driving. Select "P" and contact an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
fal Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving
style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly. Drive very cautiously or take a break
from driving until the temperature returns to the
normal range and the indicator light turns off.
[Gj Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. See owner's manual
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. You may continue driving. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected.
[8] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. Please contact
Service
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or >
77

Driving

may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
fs} Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. No reverse
gear
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
You cannot engage the reverse gear. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
i Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving in D until engine is off
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. If you turn the engine off, you will not be
able to select any other gears after restarting the
engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
fs} Danger of rolling away! P not possible.
Please apply parking brake
— The parking lock was released using the emer-
gency
release > page 88. Or
— The parking lock can no longer be engaged.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
Drive system
A new vehicle must be broken in within the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km) so that all moving parts
work smoothly together, which helps to increase
the service life of the engine and other drive com-
ponents.
Do not drive higher than two-thirds of the maxi-
mum permitted engine RPM during the first 600
miles (1,000 km) and do not use full accelera-
78
tion. The engine can be increased RPM gradually
during the next 300 miles (S500 km).
Conventional drive system
Applies to: vehicles with conventional drive system
Vehicles with a conventional drive system are
powered by a combustion engine. It uses fuel to
recover energy.
ate RMN elec: me Lah)
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
With plug-in hybrid drive, you can select between
the electric and combustion engine drive systems
or combine them > page 79, > page 76.
Coasting
Applies to: vehicles with coasting function
Similar to vehicles with a conventional drive sys-
tem, plug-in hybrid drive vehicles can also disen-
gage the combustion engine to save fuel. The ve-
hicle rolls without an engine braking effect in this
mode, which is “similar to coasting”. However,
the electric portion of the drive system remains
engaged and recuperates if necessary. You can
activate the coasting function in the “D” driving
program up to approximately 112 mph
(180 km/h). This occurs automatically when you
take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The vehicle is able to recover energy by using “re-
cuperation”. The electric drive system operates
like a generator and converts a large portion of
kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored
in the high-voltage battery. The vehicle is braked
during recuperation, which is similar to the en-
gine braking effect on a vehicle with a combus-
tion engine. This will happen automatically when
you press the brake pedal while driving in “D”
gear, or when you remove your foot from the ac-
celerator pedal.
The energy recovery is displayed in the energy
flow display > page 80. The recuperation

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

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.

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.