2020 AUDI A3 warning light

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







LED on vehicle © Meaning Solution
Have the power supply or power
supply system inspected. Check
No power supply was recognized | the status display on the control
On even though the charging cable is | unit > table on page 107. See an
Yellow plugged in. authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance if necessary.
‘ The selector lever in notin the P | Move the selector lever into the P
Flashing vps ue
position. position.
Check if the charging connector is
inserted correctly. Remove the
The charging connector could not | charging connector and insert it in-
On be correctly locked in the vehicle | to the charging port again. See an
charging port. authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assis-
Red tance if necessary.
Fault in the charging system. The
ong penne meme See an authorized Audi dealer or
Flashing cargec. . . authorized Audi Service Facility for
Or: the outside temperature is too . .
: assistance if necessary.
low. The high-voltage battery
could not be fully charged.


@) Tips
The operation status indicated by the LED G)
on the vehicle is also displayed in the instru-
ment cluster/Infotainment system.
Indicator lights and
messages
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
If the Ey indicator light turns on, the high-volt-
age battery is charging or is already completely
charged.
If the EX indicator light stays on, there is a mal-
function in the charging system. Have the prob-
lem corrected immediately by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
Charging connector still attached. Vehicle
cannot be driven
This message appears when the charging system
is still connected to the vehicle. Remove the con-
nector > page 106.
Incompatible charging system. Please check
charging system
This message appears when the charging system
is incompatible. Only charge using the charging
system that is designed for your vehicle.
Eg AC charging system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the charging system. Have the problem corrected
immediately by an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility.
Warning! Charging unit cover is unlocked.
See owner's manual
This message appears if the charging unit cover is
open. Close the cover and lock it > page 107.
111

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

Trailer towing

Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations regarding the light-
ing equipment on your trailer. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
G) Tips
— Block the wheels with chocks when parking
on inclines if the trailer is loaded.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.
Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations specific to the country.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
114
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Downshift before driving on hills to utilize the en-
gine braking effect > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.
Engine coolant temperature
Pay attention specifically to the coolant tempera-
ture display when there are high outside temper-
atures, and when driving on long inclines
=> page 15. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

Z\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

8V2012721BK
Assist systems

Assist systems
Speed warning system
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
The speed warning system helps you to stay be-
low a specified maximum speed that can be set,
changed or deleted in the Infotainment system.
The speed warning system warns you if you are
exceeding the maximum speed that you have set.
A warning tone will sound as soon as your speed
exceeds the stored value slightly. The ow in-
dicator light will appear at the same time in the
instrument cluster display along with a message.
The fe) indicator light and the message turn
off if the speed falls back below the stored maxi-
mum speed.
Setting a threshold is recommended if you would
like to be reminded when you reach a certain
maximum speed. Situations where you may want
to do so include driving in a country with a gener-
al speed limit or if there is a specified maximum
speed for winter tires.
Setting the warning threshold

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Driver as-
sistance > Speed warning > Manual.
G) Tips
Regardless of the speed warning system, you
should always monitor your speed using the
speedometer and make sure you are following
the legal speed limit.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
Manually set speed limit XX mph
(km/h) exceeded

The stored speed was exceeded.
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.
@) Note
— Conventional drive system: before driving
downhill a long distance on a steep hill, de-
crease your speed and select a lower gear.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: before driving downhill
a long distance on a steep hill, decrease
your speed and use the recuperation braking
effect > page 78. This reduces the load on
the brakes.
(i) Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.

115

Assist systems

Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

@ #
©
f°
Fig. 107 Lever: switching on the cruise control system

Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @).
The (a or 8] indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

ZA WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, it may shut off automatically.
Preselecting or activating a cruise control
Cy ey-t-te)
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 116, fig. 107.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever toward position @ while driving, or
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the ICRUISE| or i=} indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
116
Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in increments, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 116, fig. 107.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, press and hold the lever to-
ward @/@).
Overriding or deactivating the cruise
control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
You can override or deactivate the cruise control
system. When you deactivate the system, your
cruise control speed will be stored and you can
resume that speed.
Requirement: the system must be switched on
and activated.
Overriding
> To temporarily override the cruise control
speed, press the accelerator pedal.
> Once you release the accelerator pedal, the sys-
tem will adjust back to the stored cruise control
speed.
If you override the cruise control system for a
long period of time, the cruise control system
will be deactivated. The ICRUISE| or indicator
light will be displayed and the cruise control
speed will be saved.
Deactivating
> To deactivate the cruise control speed, press
the lever toward (2) (not locked into place)
=> page 116, fig. 107.
> Press the brake pedal.

ZA WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-

vent braking interventions by the system.

8V2012721BK
Assist systems

Switching the system off
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When you switch the system off completely, the
cruise control speed will be deleted.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To switch the system off, press the lever toward
@ (locked into place) > page 116, fig. 107, or
> Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
ICRUISE| / 3) Speed control system: currently un-
available. See owner's manual
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the cruise control system has been deac-
tivated. There is a temporary malfunction, for ex-
ample the brakes are overheating. Switch the
cruise control system on again later.
Lap timer
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer
You can measure and analyze lap times with the
lap timer in the display.
Opening the lap timer
> Open the first Vehicle tab (trip computer) using
the |<>] button on the multifunction steering
wheel.


> Applies to: vehicles with analog instrument
cluster: Press the [=] button on the multifunc-
tion steering wheel and select Lap timer in the
menu.
> Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit:
On the multifunction steering wheel, select:
left control button > Lap times.
Operating the lap timer
> On the multifunction steering wheel, turn the
left thumbwheel @) > page 17 or @ > page 20
until the desired menu item is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
> Press the left thumbwheel to confirm the selec-
tion.

ZX WARNING
Your focus should always be on driving your
vehicle safely. As the driver, you have com-
plete responsibility for safety in traffic. Only
use the functions such as the lap timer in such
a way that you always maintain complete con-
trol over your vehicle in all traffic situations.
(i) Tips
You can retrieve information from the trip
computer while the lap timer stopwatch is
running.
times and timing
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer

Requirement: the lap timer must be open
=> page 117.
Timing laps
> To start timing, select Lap 1 - press OK or Start
lap 1 in the menu.
> Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit: To
start timing automatically when you start driv-
ing, select Start lap 1 by driving off or Start by
driving off in the menu.
> To measure the lap time, select New lap - press
OK or New lap in the menu. This starts timing
the next lap at the same time.
After completing, the difference between the last
lap and the previous best lap time will be indicat-
ed witha “—"@ or “"/.
Pausing timing and displaying a split time
> To insert a pause i select Pause in the menu.
> To continue timing, select Press OK to resume
or Resume in the menu.
> To display a split time, select Split time in the
menu. The split time {@] appears for approxi-
mately 10 seconds in the instrument cluster.
The timing of the current lap continues.
Resetting timing
> Using the multifunction steering wheel, select
Reset or Reset times in the menu. >
117

8V2012721BK
Assist systems

@® Indicator lights
B - Adaptive cruise control must be switched
on. No vehicles are detected ahead. The stored
speed is maintained.
B - Avehicle driving ahead was detected. The
adaptive cruise control system regulates the
speed and distance to the vehicle ahead and
brakes/accelerates automatically.
B - Adaptive cruise control must be switched
on. A vehicle was detected ahead. Your vehicle re-
mains stopped and will not start driving auto-
matically.
B - The automatic braking is not enough to
maintain a sufficient distance to a vehicle driving
ahead. You must intervene > page 124, Driver in-
tervention request.
@ Instrument cluster display
If adaptive cruise control is not shown in the in-
strument cluster display, you can call it up using
the multifunction steering wheel buttons
=> page 17.
Based on the graphics in the display, you can de-
termine if the system is maintaining a distance to
a vehicle ahead and what that distance to this ve-
hicle is:
No vehicle - No vehicle was detected driving
ahead.
Silver vehicle - A vehicle was detected driving
ahead.
Red vehicle - Request for driver intervention
=> page 124.
The five distance bars on the gauge (4) represent
the set distance (refer to > page 123 for infor-
mation on how to change the distance). If you
fall below the selected distance, the distance
bars become red from the bottom upward.

ZA\ WARNING
If you press the [SET] button when driving at
speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), the vehicle
accelerates automatically up to 20 mph (30
km/h), which is the minimum speed that can



be set.

@) Tips
— If you switch the ignition or the adaptive
cruise control system off, the set speed is
erased for safety reasons.
— The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC)
and the Anti-Slip-Regulation (ASR) are auto-
matically switched on when the adaptive
cruise control is switched on.
Changing the speed
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

[RAZ-0344


Fig. 114 Operating lever: changing the speed
> To increase or decrease the speed in incre-
ments, tap the lever in the @/G) direction.
> To increase or decrease the speed quickly, hold
the lever toward )/G) until the red LED @)
=> page 120, fig. 113 reaches the desired
speed.
You can also preselect the speed when adaptive
cruise control is not active by moving the lever in
the desired direction @)/©). Activate the previ-
ously selected speed by pulling the lever into po-
sition @ > page 120, fig. 112.
After each change, the new stored speed appears
briefly in the status line > page 120, fig. 113 ©.
When adaptive cruise control is active, the or
a indicator light turns on, and when adaptive
cruise control is not active, the gy indicator light
turns on. In the Audi virtual cockpit*, the indi-
cator light turns on instead.
121