2020 AUDI A3 trailer

Table of contents

About this Owner's Manual......
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Controls ataglance..................
Indicator lights overview...........0.
Display and operation............
Instrument cluster...............
Instrument cluster overview...........
Coolant temperature display...........
Tachometer.......... 0.0 eee eee eee
Power iiet@l ss « + wes + s wees 2 x ews 2 ae
Odometer icc oo sisiecs a wrens eo ooarae eo were
Outside temperature display...........
Multifunction steering wheel plus......
Multifunction steering wheel..........
Vehicle functions. ............000 000s
Starting and driving.............
Opening and closing.............
Central locking 2.2% ieee seven a eevee
Luggage compartment lid.............
Child safety lock... 0... 0... cece eee ee
Power windows..............2000005
Panoramic glass TOOf sis s « sayoe « x eoven xs
Power top........... 0. cece eee eee
Automatic power top.................
Wind deflector sicavi x 0 snare a 0 wesc a 0 acaven
Power top emergency operation........
Lights and Vision.................
Exterior lighting...................4.
Interior Ughtingcs « ¢ cean a cas cs ews 5
VISIONS « & comes oo man a 8 eee a a oa 3 oe
Windshield wipers...................
Digital compass.............0.-00 00
PrOntsS@ats = wise s x esven = ¢ eee + & ete os
Head restraimtst. +. coms + 0 anseans 4 2 omamm © # »
Steering wheel............00 2. eee ee
Stowing and using...............
Power sources ......... 00-00 e eee eaee
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10
14 14 14
15
15
16 17 17 17
20
21
25
25
25 31 33 33 35
36 36 39 39
43
43
46
47
49
52
54
54
54
56 58 59 59 59
Luggage compartment ...............
Roof rack... eee eee
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Climate control system...............
Steering wheel heating.............-.
Auxiliary climate control.............-
Fluids in the A/C system. ...........-.
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Starting the vehicle..................
Electromechanical parking brake.......
Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release............2..000.
Special driving situations..............
Driving dynamic..................
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SEOORIIAG » sinsoes ue vanes a» wisenge ou upnenie & ¥ ote
All wheel drive (quattro)..............
Electronic Stabilization Control.........
High-voltage system.............
General information.................
Charging the high-voltage battery......
Charging at public charging stations....
Charging the battery with the Audi
ChargingsySteM « wsccuc x x sewers a w anaes vv oe
Audi e-tron compact charging system...
Indicator lights and messages.........
Emergency releases. & iseiis 6 + wae w 6 wos
Trailer towing....................
Driving with atrailer.................
Driver assistance.................
Assist systems...................
Speed warning system..............--
Cruise control system............0005
Lap timer eens so cong s pees ss ees oo eee
Audi adaptive cruise control...........
Audi presense............-.002-000-
60
63
65
65
68 68 69
FE 71 73
78
83 85
87
88 89
SI 91
92.
92
93 93
96 96 97
100

8V2012721BK
Driving

strength can depend on various factors, for ex-
ample:
— If you are in tiptronic mode > page 76. Or
—If the sport driving mode "S" was selected.
Plug-in hybrid drive modes
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Adjusting the plug-in-hybrid mode
The <8" button is located above the selector lever
in the center console.
> Press the <$" button repeatedly until the de-
sired mode is displayed in the instrument clus-
ter.
The active mode is displayed the first time the
one electric mode and two hybrid modes.
Hybrid driving
If the <8Y button does not turn on, you are driv-
ing in hybrid mode. The vehicle can be driven
with the combustion engine or with the electric
motor if the conditions for it have been met
=> page 79, Conditions for electric driving.
© e-tron mode: Hybrid - The electric motor and
combustion engine are working efficiently to-
gether. Hybrid mode is particularly effective for
long trips.
* e-tron mode: Battery Hold - The vehicle is
driven predominantly with the combustion en-
gine to maintain the high-voltage battery charge
level for as long as possible.
Electric driving
ed on, the <®¥ button will turn on. The vehicle
can be driven by the electric motor if the condi-
tions for this have been met > page 79, Condi-
tions for electric driving.
Conditions for electric driving
— Driving program “S” must not be selected.
— The charge level of the high-voltage battery
must be sufficient.
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
must be adequate (outside temperatures not

below approximately 14°F / -10°C and not
above approximately 104°F / 40°C).
— The driving speed must be under approximately
80 mph (130 km/h).
— The accelerator pedal must not be pressed too
hard.
Indicator lights



Symbol |Meaning
EV mode is switched on and active.
You are driving only with electric
power.
EV mode is not available, because
the conditions for electric driving
have not been met.

The combustion engine is running.
The hybrid mode e-tron mode: Bat-
tery Hold is active.
The hybrid mode e-tron mode: Hy-










brid is active.
G) Tips
— When temperatures are below approximate-
ly 14 °F (-10 °C), the vehicle heat output in
EV mode is reduced in order to attain higher
ranges. If the windows fog up or a higher
heat output is desired, switch on the Hybrid
or Battery Hold mode.
— Applies to: Battery Hold mode: The high-
voltage battery charge level can still de-
crease depending on the driving behavior.
—If you select the sport driving mode "S", the
Battery Hold mode is automatically select-
ed
@
— It may be necessary for the gasoline engine
to run longer for technical reasons, such as
when condensation accumulates in the en-
gine. Driving exclusively in electric mode is
not possible in this phase.
— Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. When driving with a trailer, the
"S" selector lever position must be selected.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
Tips
79
>

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

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
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.

Parking aid

Parking aid
General information
Applies to: vehicles with parking system plus/rearview cam-
era/park assist
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, various
parking aids will help you when parking and ma-
neuvering.
The parking system plus assists you when park-
ing by audibly and visually indicating objects de-
tected in front of and behind the vehicle
=> page 137.
The rearview camera shows the area behind the
vehicle in the Infotainment system display. The
lines in the rearview camera image help you to
park or maneuver > page 138.
Park assist helps you to locate suitable parking
spaces when parallel or perpendicular parking,
and also helps when leaving a parallel parking
space > page 140.

Z\ WARNING
— Always look for traffic and check the area
around your vehicle by looking at it directly
as well. The parking system cannot replace
the driver's attention. The driver is always
responsible when entering or exiting a park-
ing space and during similar maneuvers.
— Please note that some surfaces, such as
clothing, are not detected by the system.
— Sensors and cameras have blind spots in
which people and objects cannot be detect-
ed. Be especially cautious of small children
and animals.
— Always pay attention to the area around the
vehicle - using the rearview mirror, too.
— The sensors can be displaced by impacts or
damage to the radiator grille, bumper,
wheel housing and the underbody. The park-
ing system may be impaired as a result.
Have an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility check their func-
tion.

136
@) Note
— Some objects are not detected or displayed
by the system under certain circumstances:
— objects such as barrier chains, trailer draw
bars, vertical poles or fences
— objects above the sensors such as wall ex-
tensions
— objects with certain surfaces or structures
such as chain link fences or powder snow
— If you continue driving closer to a low ob-
ject, it may disappear from the sensor
range. Note that you will no Longer be
warned about this obstacle.
— Maintain enough distance from the curb to
reduce the risk of damage to the rims.
@) Tips
— The system may provide a warning even
though there are no obstacles in the cover-
age area in some situations, such as:
— certain road surfaces or when there is tall
grass
— external ultrasonic sources such as from
cleaning vehicles
—in heavy rain, snow, or thick vehicle ex-
haust
— We recommend that you practice parking in
a traffic-free location or parking lot to be-
come familiar with the system. Practice
parking in good light and weather condi-
tions.
— You can change the volume and pitch of the
signals as well as the display > page 144.
— What appears in the infotainment display is
somewhat time-delayed.
— The sensors must be kept clean and free of
snow and ice for the parking aid to operate.