2020 AUDI A3 ignition

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.

High-voltage system

High-voltage system
General information
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
All work done on the high-voltage system must
only be performed by certified high-voltage tech-
nicians at authorized Audi dealers or authorized
Audi Service Facilities in accordance with Audi
guidelines.
The high-voltage system is composed of the fol-
lowing high-voltage components, among other
things: the high-voltage battery, the power elec-
tronics, the electric motor, the high-voltage A/C
compressor, the high-voltage heater, the charg-
ing system and charging port, and the orange
high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located on the vehicle
underbody in front of the rear axle and does not
require any maintenance from the driver.

ZA WARNING
The voltage in the high-voltage system is life-
threatening. Touching a damaged high-volt-
age component can result in a fatal electric
shock. The components in the high-voltage
system are marked with a warning label which
warns against the high-voltage.
— The voltage level in the high-voltage system
is still dangerous and potentially life-threat-
ening when the ignition is switched off.
— Never perform work on the orange high-
voltage cables or on other high-voltage
components. Only authorized repair facili-
ties that are certified may perform work on
the high-voltage system.
— Never damage, alter or remove the orange
high-voltage cable or disconnect it from the
high-voltage system.
— Never perform any work using cutting, shap-
ing or sharp-edged tools or heat sources
near the high-voltage system and high-volt-
age cables.
— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.

96

— Damage to the high-voltage battery could
cause the high-voltage battery to leak im-
mediately or in the future, and poisonous or
flammable gases could escape. Do not in-
hale the gases!
— Do not expose yourself to any leaking fluids
and do not come into contact with them.
— The high-voltage battery electrolyte fluid is
caustic. If electrolyte fluid comes into con-
tact with the skin, flush the affected area for
at least 15 minutes with clean water. Then
wash the affected area with soap. Have the
affected area examined by a medical profes-
sional.
— In the event of a technical emergency, in-
form the responders that the vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage battery.
@) Note
— The high-voltage system can be damaged if
the vehicle underbody comes into contact
with the ground. Immediately drive your ve-
hicle to an authorized repair facility and
have it inspected.
— The electric drive motor can become very
hot during operation. Do not stop the vehi-
cle if there is oil, fuel residue or other flam-
mable substances under or next to the vehi-
cle.
Special considerations for the high-voltage
battery
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

Please first read and note the introductory infor-
mation and heed the warnings > page 96.
All batteries age with use and over time. There
are things you should know about the care of the
high voltage battery that will help it keep giving
you good service and reliability over time. Please
read and keep the following information in mind
while you enjoy the performance and economy of
your vehicle.
— Be sure to charge the high voltage battery be-
fore leaving the vehicle parked and unused for a
longer period of time. Ideally the high-voltage >

High-voltage system


— Store the Audi charging system or the spe-
cial charging cable* in the ski sack in the
luggage compartment.
— Always transport the ski sack in the luggage
compartment and never in the passenger
compartment (for example, on the seats or

in front of them).
©) Note
Always lift or transport the Audi charging sys-
tem as an entire unit and never by the cables.
Charging time
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

The length of the charging process using the Audi
charging system may vary based on the following
factors:
— The sockets that are used (household or indus-
trial* sockets)
— The system voltage and current strength that
are specific to a country
— The value set for the charging power level on
the control unit (50% or 100%).
— Fluctuations in the system voltage
— The temperature outside the vehicle
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
— Settings for the climate control inside the vehi-
cle
— Current capacity of the charging connector
— Whether the ignition is on or off
Example charging times

Connection Charging time at
100% charge

Household socket
(100 V, 10 A)
approximately 10
hours

Household socket
(120 V, 10 A)
approximately 8.2
hours

Household socket
(220 V, 8A)
approximately 5.2
hours

Household socket
(230 V, 10 A)
approximately 3.8
hours

Industrial socket (200 V,
16 A)
approximately 2.3
hours

104


Connection Charging time at
100% charge
Industrial socket (220 V, | approximately 2.3
16 A) hours
Industrial socket (230 V, | approximately 2.3
16 A) hours
Industrial socket (240 V, | approximately 2.3
16 A) hours

@ Tips
— Multiple versions of charging cables are of-
fered due to the different power supply sys-
tems in different countries. The maximum
charging power may potentially be unavaila-
ble because of this. Contact an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility for more information.
— Charging may take longer when tempera-
tures are extremely high or low.
—The charging time at public charging sta-
tions may vary from the times given in the
table > table on page 104.
Before charging
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

B8V-0447



Fig. 103 Radiator grille: charging port cap

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

Assist systems


—A maximum of 30 lap times (analog instru-
ment cluster) or 99 lap times (Audi virtual
cockpit*) can be measured.
— If timing is paused, you can continue it later
even if you switch the ignition off.
— Saved lap times cannot be individually de-
leted from the total results.
— The saved lap timer values will remain after
switching the ignition off.
Lap statistics
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer
Tips
Displaying lap statistics
You can display the number of laps driven, the
fastest lap “+”, the slowest lap “—”, and the aver-
age time “®” in the instrument cluster.
> Applies to: vehicles with analog instrument
cluster: Select Statistics in the menu using the
multifunction steering wheel.
» Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit:
On the multifunction steering wheel, select:
left control button > Lap statistics or Statis-
tics.
> Turn the thumbwheel down or up to display the
individual lap times.
> To return to the lap timing that was begun,
press the left thumbwheel.
Resetting lap statistics
Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit
> On the multifunction steering wheel, select:
the right control button > Reset statistics.

— The lap statistics list the lap times for the
last 30 laps.
— Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cock-
pit: The fastest and slowest lap times from
up to 99 timed laps will be displayed.
118

Audi adaptive cruise
control
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

B8V-0126

Fig. 108 Detection range
The adaptive cruise control system is a combina-
tion of speed and distance regulation. It assists
the driver by both regulating the speed and
maintaining a distance to the vehicle driving
ahead, within the limits of the system. If the sys-
tem detects a vehicle driving ahead, the adaptive
cruise control can brake and accelerate your vehi-
cle. This increases driving comfort during long
trips on highways and in stop-and-go traffic.
What can adaptive cruise control do?
The adaptive cruise control system uses radar.
The radar is subject to designated system limits
=> page 119.
On open roads with no traffic, it functions like a
cruise control system. The stored speed is main-
tained. When approaching a vehicle ahead and
the system detects it, the adaptive cruise control
system automatically brakes to match that ob-
ject's speed and then maintains the stored dis-
tance. As soon as the system does not detect a
vehicle driving ahead, adaptive cruise control ac-
celerates up to the stored speed.
Within the limits of the system, adaptive cruise
control can brake in stop-and-go traffic until the
vehicle is stationary and then begin driving again
under certain conditions > page 122, Driving in
stop-and-go traffic.