2020 AUDI A3 suspension

8V2012721BK
Quick access




























Transmission
=> page 77
Drive system
=> page 82
Drive system
=> page 82
Drive system
=> page 82, > page 302
Drive system
=> page 82, > page 302
Drive system
=> page 82
Vehicle sound
=> page 82
Electromechanical parking brake
=> page 88
Hill hold assist
=> page 88
Engine start system
=> page 73
Keys
=> page 73
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC) ¥
=> page 93,>page 95
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC) ¥
=> page 93
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC)
=> page 94, > page 93
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ¥
=>page 95
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) Y
=> page 95
Steering
=> page 92
Steering lock
=> page 92
Suspension control
=> page 92

Engine speed limitation
=>page 16
Tank system
=> page 300
Electrical system
=> page 314
Engine oil level (MIN)
=> page 308
Engine oil sensor
=> page 308
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
v
=> page 303
Washer fluid level
=> page 317
Windshield wipers
=> page 52
Charging system
=> page 111
Tire pressure
=> page 337, or > page 339
Tire pressure
=> page 337, or > page 339
Bulb failure indicator
=> page 45
Headlight range control system
=>page 45
Adaptive light
=>page 45
Light/rain sensor
=> page 45, > page 52
Driver's door
=> page 29
Battery in remote control key
=> page 27
Power top
=> page 38
Side assist
=>page 135
11

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


climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle
could tip or slide.
— Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines
and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you
must immediately start steering in the di-
rection of the downward slope to reduce the
risk of an accident.
— Always be ready to brake when using the hill
descent control function.
Driving through water
If you must drive through water, follow these in-
structions:

— Check the stability of the ground, the current,
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,
there is a strong current, or there are waves,
the water must only reach up to the lower edge
of the body at the most.
— Deactivate the Start/Stop system*.
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from
creating waves, because they could splash
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Drive in reverse.
— Do not turn the engine off.

ZA\ WARNING
After driving through water, press the brake
pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the
full braking effect will be restored.
@) Note
Vehicle components such as the engine, drive
system, suspension, or electrical system can
be severely damaged by driving through wa-
ter.
G) Tips
If possible, avoid driving through salt water
because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use
fresh water to clean any vehicle components
that come into contact with salt water.

90

8V2012721BK
Driving dynamic

Driving dynamic
Audi drive select
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
Drive select makes it possible to experience dif-
ferent types of vehicle characteristics in one vehi-
cle. With different driving modes, the driver can
switch the setting, for example from sporty to
comfortable. This allows you to adjust the set-
tings to your personal preferences. This makes it
possible to combine settings such as a sporty
drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.
Selecting an Audi drive select mode
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
The ssise button is located above the selector lever
in the center console.
> Press the sis@ button repeatedly until the de-
sired mode appears in the instrument cluster or
center display, or:
> In the Infotainment system, select: [MENU
button > Vehicle > left control button > Audi
drive select.


You can change the driving mode when the vehi-
cle is stationary or while driving. If traffic per-
mits, briefly remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal after changing modes so that the mode
you have selected will be activated for the drive
system.
The following modes may be available depending
on the equipment:
comfort - Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle
setup and is suited for long drives on highways.
auto - Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-
namic driving feel and is suited for everyday use.
dynamic - Gives the driver a sporty driving feel
and is suited to a sporty driving style.
individual - Provides the option for personalized
vehicle settings > page 91.
@) Tips
When the ignition is being switched on, indi-
vidual systems, such as the drive system, will
be reset to a balanced setting. Select the cur-
rent mode again to attain its full configura-
tion.
Adjusting the “individual” mode
> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > Audi drive select> Individual >
right control button.


The equipment in your vehicle will determine
which settings you can adjust.
Engine/transmission
The drive system will react to accelerator pedal
moves more quickly or in a more balanced man-
ner. The shift points are Located in higher or low-
er engine speed ranges on vehicles with automat-
ic transmissions.
Steering
The power steering will adapt. Light steering is
suitable for long trips on highways or smooth
driving around curves, for example.
quattro
The all wheel drive system controls balanced to
sporty profiles.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to
sporty.
ACC
The driving behavior of the adaptive cruise con-
trol adjusts based on the acceleration and reac-
tion to vehicles driving ahead.
Suspension control
The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more
comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-
ing for uneven spots on the road.
91

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
Airbag system


entered in your Audi Warranty & Mainte-
nance booklet under AIRBAG REPLACEMENT
RECORD.
— Applies to plug-in hybrid* vehicles: In the
event of a collision where the airbags de-
ploy, the electrical connection to the high
voltage battery is automatically disconnect-
ed. This prevents a short circuit.
Other things that can affect Advanced
ONY em ace lie
Changing the vehicle's suspension system can
change the way that the Advanced Airbag System
performs in a crash. For example, using tire-rim
combinations not approved by Audi, lowering the
vehicle, changing the stiffness of the suspension,
including the springs, suspension struts, shock
absorbers etc. can change the forces that are
measured by the airbag sensors and sent to the
electronic control unit. Some suspension changes
can, for example, increase the force levels meas-
ured by the sensors and make the airbag system
deploy in crashes in which it would not deploy if
the changes had not been made. Other kinds of
changes may reduce the force levels measured by
the sensors and prevent the airbag from deploy-
ing when it should.

ZX, WARNING
Changing the vehicle's suspension including
use of unapproved tire-rim combinations can
change Advanced Airbag performance and in-
crease the risk of serious personal injury ina
crash.
— Never install suspension components that
do not have the same performance charac-
teristics as the components originally instal-
led on your vehicle.
— Never use tire-rim combinations that have
not been approved by Audi.


Knee airbags
Pregl) aCe ola ACLs eh)
Applies to: vehicles with knee airbags
The knee airbag system can provide supplemen-
tal protection to properly restrained front seat
occupants.

Fig. 219 Driver's knee airbag
The driver knee airbag is in the instrument panel
underneath the steering wheel > fig. 219, the
airbag for the passenger is at about the same
height in the instrument panel underneath the
glove compartment.
The knee airbag offers additional protection to
the driver's and passenger's knees and upper and
lower thigh areas and supplements the protec-
tion provided by the safety belts.
If the front airbags deploy, the knee airbags also
deploy in frontal collisions when the deployment
threshold stored in the control unit is met
=> page 263, More important things to know
about front airbags.
In addition to their normal safety function, safe-
ty belts help keep the driver or front passenger in
position in a frontal collision so that the airbags
can provide supplemental protection.
The airbag system is not a substitute for your
safety belt. Rather, it is part of the overall occu-
pant restraint system in your vehicle. Always re-
member that the airbag system can only help to
protect you if you are wearing your safety belt
and wearing it properly. This is why you should al-
ways wear your safety belt, not just because the
law requires you to do so > page 245, General
notes.
269

8V2012721BK

Steps for determining correct load limit... 334
Stopover (navigation) « w... . . ec. ss exw « 194
Storage Options'as« < sews « = newp + pees oe ve 60
Streaming
refer to Online media................. 215
Subtitles (DVD) scawos 0 = wesw oe ssowe 2 wove 2 222
SUDWOOTED wsny: a x cayea oy ee + x ayer 4 234, 358
SUIVISOTS sway 7s ane @ 2 Ree aE @eeE a NOE ae 49
SUPMOUNG ss ¢ 3 naw a & nays 5% aeIR a bere Has 234
Suspension ....... 0.00.0 cece eee eee eee 92
Swap call... 6... 2. eee eee eee eee 174
Switching tabs
refer to Multifunction
steering wheel................. 17,19, 20
Symbols): « = sees ss gece « ¥ yee ee Seow ee oe 155
Navigation. 5 + sss a 6 semen av ¥ nse 9 6 sae 6 199
also refer to Indicator lights............. 10
Synchronization (climate control system) .... 66
System settings (MMI)..............005 230
Systemrupdate (MMI). « « sicss « «cee soa 234
SystemMVOlUMC iis ss ccwws ao nie a cow owe 235
T
Tachometer ies «2 soe 2 s eases oo ewe 2 ese 14,15
Tail WiGht(S) x: « = wcem: © s somes 2 eee go oe eg 43
Technical data : 2 emp « » meee x o sees s yee y 379
Technical modifications................. 374
Telephone....... 0... eee eee eee eee ee 169
Audi phone box: « « 200 ys eyes ee seen eee 171
Connecting acell phone............... 169
Dialing anumber................-.0.- 173
Options during a phone call............ 174
Playing MUSIC: = 2 scene 2 x ereeee av eras 2 we 214
SettingS ... 0.6... eee eee 180
Temperature display (outside temperature)... 17
Temperature gauge
Coolant... 0... cece eee eee eee eee eee 14
Tether anchors ..........seseeee eee enee 294
Tether strap... 2. eee eee 294
Text MESSAGES cc + nanos © enone wv ameuenD 6 see 175
also refer to Text messages............ 175
Tie-downs ... 0.6... cee ees 62
THM « vxesine © « osnsiion » owzase © 9 agemane 0 of eneraue wo 4 230
tiptronic
refer to Manual shifting................ 76
Tire Mobility System (tire mobility kit) ..... 349
TUROS s ncsaa 2 2 oem © pra a a meee a © oR & @ HB 319
Low-profile tires.................000. 336
Mobility Kits « swe & x acme ¢ ¢ Sos >t eevee ei 349
RepainiSete. so scm s wane ov case 2 o oe 3 oo 348
Replacing......... cece eee eee eee 352
Service life....................0.000. 328
Tire PrOSSUlC as ss mses + waws ye meres a oH 330
Tire pressure monitoring system.... 337,339
Tire pressure table..............000005 331
Tire pressure (trailer towing mode) ...... 113
Treadwear indicators.................. 328
Unidirectional...................50-- 321
Uniform tire quality grading............ 336
Tires and wheels
Glossary of tire and loading terminology. . 322
Tires and vehicle load limits............ 332
Tone (sound)
refer to Adjusting the sound............ 234
oe) Ca 348
Torn or frayed safety belts............... 248
Touch
referto MMI touch................00- 149
Towing
Front:towing lOOps « seas ss ame sv mews a x 368
Rear towing loop ssascrs x anon: x « wmasicn © = oes 368
Tow truckS .... 2... eee eee ee 367
Towing protection monitor.............0. 30
TPMS
Tire pressure monitoring system........ 337
GISOTEPEF TO TIES sree x & sates x % eater ¥ 28 337.
TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system)
Indicator light « sss + «ows ss ease oe wean 341
Tire pressure monitoring system........ 339
Traffic information..................00. 204
Trailer mode (navigation)............... 197
Trailer towing iwi so seca ee eee 2 vam ee aes 113
Trailer towing mode
Tongue weight..............--000000) 113
Trailer load... 6... eee eee eee 113
Treble (sound) ...... 0. cece cece eee eee 234
Trip computer (analog instrument cluster)... 22
Trip computer (Audi virtual cockpit) ........ 22
Trunk lid
Trunk escape latch...............00005 348
Turn signal... 00... cece eee ee eee eee 44
393