2020 AUDI A4 service

Warm and cold

The maximum amount of air flows mainly from
the vents below the windshield. Recirculation
mode switches off. The temperature should be
set at +72°F (+22°C) or higher. The temperature
is controlled automatically.
You can switch the defroster on or off using the
& button. You can switch the function off by
pressing a knob (4).
@ Rear window defogger
The rear window defogger only operates when
the engine is running. It switches off automati-
cally after 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the
outside temperature.
To prevent the rear window defogger from
switching off automatically, press and hold @ for
more than three seconds. This is stored until the
ignition is switched off.
Vents
You can open or close the center and rear vents in
the cockpit and the vents in the rear center con-
sole using the ridged thumbwheels. The levers
adjust the direction of the airflow from the vents.
Residual heat
You can activate the residual heat function when
the ignition is switched off by pressing the knob
@ (left side). The residual heat from the coolant
is used to heat the vehicle interior. The residual
heat function switches off automatically after
about 15 minutes.

ZA WARNING
— You should not use the recirculation mode
for an extended period of time, because no
fresh air is drawn in and the windows can
fog when cooling mode is switched off. This
increases the risk of an accident.
— Individuals with reduced sensitivity to pain
or temperature could develop burns when
using the seat heating* function. To reduce
the risk of injury, these individuals should
not use seat heating”.

90
C@) Note
To reduce the risk of damage to the seat heat-
ing* elements, do not kneel on the seats or
place heavy pressure on one area of the seat.

Additional settings
Applies to: vehicles with 3-zone deluxe automatic climate
control system
You can adjust additional settings.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Climate control.
Auto recirculation
When switched on, automatic recirculation con-
trols the recirculation mode automatically. You
must press the §& button if fog forms on the win-
dows.
Steering wheel heating
Siem eRe
Applies to: vehicles with steering wheel heating
> Press the @ button on the multifunction steer-
ing wheel to switch the steering wheel heating
on and off.
G) Tips
The steering wheel heating settings are stor-
ed automatically and assigned to the vehicle
key that is in use.
Applies to: vehicles with steering wheel heating
@ Steering wheel heating: on/Steering wheel
heating: off
This message appears if you switched the steer-
ing wheel heating on or off by pressing the but-
ton on the multifunction steering wheel.
Steering wheel heating: malfunction! See own-
er's manual
If this message appears, there is a malfunction.
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.

8W1012721BB
Warm and cold

Fluids in the A/C system
Refrigerant in the A/C system
The sticker in the engine compartment provides
information about the type and amount of refrig-
erant used in the vehicle’s A/C system. The stick-
er is located in the front section of the motor
compartment or at the front or back of the hood.

Symbol | Meaning

Warning: the A/C system must only
A be serviced by qualified technicians.

Refrigerant type

wht Lubricant type

Refer to the service information
(only available for authorized Audi
dealers or authorized Audi Service
Facilities)
ie

The A/C system must only be serv-
iced by qualified technicians.

Flammable refrigerant
Se
|Be

Make sure all components are dis-
posed of correctly and never install
y components in the vehicle that have
been removed from old vehicles or
taken from recycling.


Lubricant in the A/C system
The exact specification and amount of lubricant
in the A/C system can be obtained from an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility or at https://erwin.audiusa.com/erwin.

ZA WARNING
To ensure secure and safe operation, the A/C
system must only be serviced by qualified
technicians.

G@) Tips
— Never repair the A/C system evaporator with
components from old vehicles or from recy-
cling.
— New replacement evaporators for portable
A/C systems must be certified and labeled
as such, so that they comply with the SAE
standard J2842 HFO-1234yf and R744.
91

8W1012721BB
Driving

reached operating temperature yet. You
could damage the engine.
— If the engine has been under heavy load for
an extended period of time, heat builds up
in the engine compartment after the engine
is switched off and there is a risk of damag-
ing the engine. For this reason, let the en-
gine run at idle for approximately two mi-
nutes before shutting it off.
@ Tips
— Brief noises are normal when starting and
stopping the vehicle and are no cause for
concern.
— For up to 10 minutes after stopping the en-
gine, the radiator fan may turn on again au-
tomatically or it may continue to run, even if
the ignition is switched off.
— It may not be possible to start the vehicle in
extremely low temperatures.
— Power will be fully available once the engine
is at operating temperature.
Messages
E Engine start system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
There is a malfunction in the engine start system.
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
BB Remote control key: key not detected. Is the
key
still in the vehicle?
The vehicle key was removed from the vehicle
while the engine is running. If the vehicle key is
no longer in the vehicle, you cannot switch the ig-
nition on or start the engine once you stop it. You
also cannot lock the vehicle from the outside.
Remote control key: hold back of key
against the designated area. See owner's man-
ual
The battery in the vehicle key may be drained or
there may be a malfunction. To start the vehicle,
you must also hold the vehicle key against the lo-
cation shown ?) > page 92, fig. 98.
If the malfunction remains, drive immediately to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
When driving

Starting to drive, stopping, and parking
Starting from a stop
>» Press and hold the brake pedal.
> Start the engine.
> Select a gear.
> Release the parking brake.
> Release the brake pedal. The vehicle may roll.
> Press the accelerator pedal to accelerate.
Stopping and parking
> Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press and
hold the brake pedal.
> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” selector lever position to secure
the vehicle from rolling away.
> Turn the steering wheel when parking on in-
clines so that the wheels will roll into the curb
if the vehicle starts moving.
> Switch off the ignition before leaving the vehi-
cle.
On hills, activate the parking brake first and then
shift into the "P" selector lever position. This pre-
vents too much stress from being placed on the
locking mechanism.

ZA\ WARNING
— Always set the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, even if for a short period of
time. If the parking brake is not set, the ve-
hicle could roll away, increasing the risk of
an accident.
— Do not leave your vehicle unattended while
the engine is running, because this increases
the risk of an accident.
— 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.

93

8W1012721BB

Driving


Manually releasing the parking lock
B8W-0047

B8W-0162

Fig. 103 Front cup holder: parking lock emergency release
The emergency release is located in the front cup
holder under a cover.
You will need the screwdriver and the socket
wrench from the vehicle tool kit in order to re-
lease > page 253. Use the flat side of the reversi-
ble screwdriver blade.
You need a narrow flat-head screwdriver to re-
lease.
Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
> 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.
> Remove the rubber mat.
> Pry the cover off the opening using the screw-
driver inserted in the slot.
> Insert the socket wrench from the vehicle tool
kit into the opening.
> Turn the socket wrench clockwise until it stops
@ and press it downward until it locks into
place @).
> Leave the socket wrench inserted.
Resetting the parking lock
> Press the brake pedal and start the engine.
> Keep the brake pedal pressed and engage the
following selector lever positions one after the
other: "N","D", and back to "N".
> Turn the engine off again.
> Grasp the socket wrench with both hands and
carefully pull it upward to remove.
> Reinsert the cover and rubber mat.

ZA\ 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.

@) Note
Due to the risk of damage, carefully remove
the socket wrench when you reset the parking
lock.
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.
i 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.
fs] Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving
style
97
>

Driving

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.
fs} 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.
fs} 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
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.
| 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 97. Or
98
— 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.
isl Selector lever: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. Please contact Service
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
i] P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine
off. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the "P" button on the
selector lever. The “P” gear is automatically en-
gaged when you turn off the engine. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
i] Selector lever: malfunction! Gear change on-
ly possible using both shift paddles
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. You can continue driving with restricted func-
tion. The selector lever is not working. Gears can
only be selected by tapping both shift paddles at
the same time when the vehicle is stationary. The
“P” gear is automatically engaged when you turn
off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
Move selector lever to automatic position
There is a malfunction in the tiptronic mode. End
tiptronic mode by pushing the selector lever to
the left into the "D/S" position.
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 >

8W1012721BB
Driving

miles (1,000 km) and do not use full accelera-
tion. The engine can be increased RPM gradually
during the next 300 miles (500 km).
ait e eRe al el eit ate li
driving
Your driving style greatly influences the amount
of fuel and energy consumed, the environmental
impact, and the wear on the engine, brakes, and
tires. Note the following information for efficient
and environmentally-conscious 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.
@ 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.
@) 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
electrical equipment will be limited or
switched off.
Messages
B Drive system: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle
There is a malfunction in the drive system. The
brake
booster and the power steering may stop
working. Stop the vehicle immediately or as soon
as possible and do not continue driving. Have the
problem corrected by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility.
B Drive system: malfunction! Please contact
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.
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 stopped, for example at a traffic
light. The ignition and important assist systems
such as power steering and the brake booster will
remain available during the Stop phase. The en-
gine will restart automatically when needed.
The Start/Stop system is automatically activated
once the ignition is switched on. >
99

8W1012721BB
Driving

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 with the
START ENGINE STOP] button.


Vehicle starting system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
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. To
ensure the optimal braking effect, the brake sys-
tem is cleaned at regular intervals. This is done
by applying the brake pads to the brake rotors for
a short period of time when driving at high
speeds when the windshield wipers are switched
on.
If the brake system becomes damp, for example
after driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may
be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
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. In this case,
braking heavily several 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.
Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. Due to the properties of the material,
they may cause noises at lower speeds. Ceramic
brakes also absorb more moisture in wet condi-
tions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less
braking force than when the brakes are dry. You
can compensate for this by pressing the brake
pedal harder.

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.

101

Driving

@) 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 104. 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 222.
WEEE Tel
GG 7 @ Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
fs) and 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-
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A.
Gia / © Warning! No brake booster function
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.
fia i 1] 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
102
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.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the indicator
light EG if @® turns on briefly to check the
function. If the indicator light does not turn on,
there is a system malfunction.
iff / stays on, there is a malfunction in
the brake system.
@® - There was a heavy load on the brakes. Fol-
low the instructions in the message to utilize the
engine braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

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.

Electromechanical
parking brake
Operating the parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake is used to
secure the vehicle from rolling away unintention-
ally.
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 >