2020 AUDI A6 power steering

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
Fig. 90 Center console: Audi drive select button
> Press the left or right arrow key > fig. 90 until
the desired mode appears in the MMI. Or:
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > 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 are available depending on
the equipment:
offroad - Provides assistance when driving off-
road. The vehicle will be raised to the second-
highest level using the air suspension®. The ESC
will be restricted and the hill descent assist* will
be activated. The vehicle will exit this mode after
the ignition is switched off.
108

allroad - Provides balanced vehicle handling. The
vehicle will be raised to the second-highest level
using the air suspension*.
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. The “S”
driving program is selected.
individual - Provides the option for personalized
vehicle settings. Press to configure the mode
=> page 108, Individual settings.
@ 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.

In lsettings
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
The equipment in your vehicle will determine
which settings you can adjust.
Drive
The drive system will react to accelerator pedal
moves more quickly or in a more balanced man-
ner. The shift points are placed in higher or lower
speed ranges.
Depending on the setting, the drive power at the
rear axle will be distributed with the sport differ-
ential* to be more sporty or moderate
=> page 112.
Steering
The power steering will adapt. Light steering is
suitable for long trips on highways or smooth
driving around curves, for example.
Suspension
The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more
comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-
ing for uneven spots on the road.

Driving dynamic

Messages
B Air suspension: malfunction! You may con-
tinue driving slowly at max. XX mph (km/h)
There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be
limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. Do not
drive
faster than the speed given in the message.
B Air suspension: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle. Steering and ground clearance limited
There is a malfunction. Do not continue driving.
Stop the vehicle safely. Avoid turning the steer-
ing wheel, because the vehicle ground clearance
may be so low that turning the steering wheel
could result in damage to the wheels and wheel
housings.
| 8 | Suspension: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
|<] Air suspension: vehicle too low. Limited
ground clearance
The vehicle ground clearance is very low. Wait un-
til the air suspension system has restored normal
ground clearance. Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility repair the mal-
function immediately if the indicator light does
not turn off after a significant period of time.
B Air suspension: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction. The driving stability may
be limited and the ground clearance may be low.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension low-
ering. See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 30.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension lift.
See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 30.
110
Steering
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's
steering movements by electronically adapting
the power steering depending on the vehicle
speed. The settings depend on the selected 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.
Dynamic all-wheel steering
Applies to: vehicles with dynamic all-wheel steering
Active corrective steering at the front and rear
axles increases the driving dynamic and driving
stability. At low speeds, the rear wheels are
steered in the opposite direction from the front
wheels to reduce the steering effort needed by
the driver and to reduce the turning radius. Vehi-
cle handling improves. At high speeds, steering
the rear wheels in the same direction as the front
wheels improves the vehicle response and driving
stability. The vehicle reacts quickly and precisely
to the driver's steering movements.
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.
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle.
Pay attention to distance at side
The rear axle steering may have failed. More
space on the road may be needed at the side of >

4K0012721BD
Driving dynamic

the vehicle, and the turning radius may be much
larger. Slow down immediately, and stop your ve-
hicle as soon as possible in a safe location with
enough space at the sides of the vehicle. Do not
continue driving. 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.
El steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction in the steering system.
Steering may be more difficult or more sensitive.
Adapt your driving style. Have the steering sys-
tem checked immediately by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Please
note that the red indicator light may turn on af-
ter restarting the engine. Do not continue driving
if it does.
& Steering: malfunction! Adapt driving style.
Larger turning radius
The rear axle steering may have failed. The vehi-
cle will have a larger turning radius, and the sta-
bility when driving around curves will be compa-
rable to a vehicle without rear axle steering. Drive
carefully to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction
corrected.
|e —o| 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.
Dynamic steering: correcting steering wheel
position
The steering is reinitializing. The steering wheel
will move easily after starting the vehicle. Reiniti-
alization might be necessary if the steering wheel
was moved while the engine was switched off.
The display turns off if the initialization was suc-
cessful.

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 there is a malfunction, the steering wheel
may be crooked when driving straight.
—Ifthe a or a indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.

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 through curves
=> page 113.
Applies to: vehicles with quattro ultra: If the driv-
ing situation does not require all wheel drive,
then the rear section of the drivetrain will decou-
ple to save fuel. The system constantly deter-
mines and anticipates if all wheel drive is needed.
This allows the rear drivetrain to recouple shortly
before it is needed.
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\.

ZA\ 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 >

111

Driving dynamic


vehicle. Do not drive too fast because this
increases 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.

turns to the normal range and the indicator light
switches of.

ZA\ WARNING
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility if the sport differen-
tial is faulty or malfunctioning. The repair
must be performed by trained personnel us-
ing the correct oil in order to ensure safety.

Sport differential
Applies to: vehicles with sport differential
The sport differential distributes the drive power
to the rear axle based on the situation. The goal
is a high level of agility and ability to accelerate
on curves. The vehicle is very responsive to steer-
ing. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Messages
t-3| All-wheel drive: malfunction! You may con-
tinue driving. Please contact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
F3| Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
3] All-wheel drive: too hot. Please adapt driv-
ing style. See owner's manual
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive
in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-
turns to the normal range and the indicator light
switches of.
it-3| Sport differential: temperature too high.
Please adapt driving style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive
in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-
112
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 BA indicator light blinks while driving, the
ESC is actively regulating.
If the B 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 B indicator light turns on, ESC was limit-
ed or switched off manually > page 113.
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 >

4K0012721BD
Driving dynamic

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.
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

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-
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.
(i) 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 So button for controlling the ESC is located
in the center console, in front of the selector lev-
er.

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
113

Driver assistance

— The adaptive cruise assist does not respond to
people, animals, or objects that are crossing or
approaching from the opposite direction.

Z\ WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 118.
Display overview
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

3] S|
me Ny Iz G3

Fig. 104 Instrument cluster: driver assistance display
Indicator lights and messages in the speedome-
ter @ -@) inform you about the driving situation
and the settings. In the Driver assistance display
@ - @, you can find more detailed information
about the system. The displays depend on the
country and equipment.
Display in the speedometer
The display in the speedometer is not available in
all layouts*.
@ Marking for the set speed
@ Current vehicle speed
@® Available speed range for adaptive cruise as-
sist (example)
136
Image in the Driver assistance display
The display only appears when the Driver assis-
tance display is open in the on-board computer
=> page 16.
Messages and settings
Detected vehicle driving ahead
Set target distance
The set distance is not met. The distance bars
will be colored red from the bottom upward.
Your vehicle
©®
CC®
Availability of lane departure warning and
lane guidance for adaptive cruise assist
© Availability of lane guidance for adaptive
cruise assist
Indicator lights
A - The speed/distance control is active. No
vehicles were detected ahead. The stored speed
is maintained.
Ba - The speed/distance control is active. A vehi-
cle was detected ahead. The adaptive cruise as-
sist controls the speed and distance from the ve-
hicle driving ahead, and accelerates and brakes
automatically.
A - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. A vehicle was de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
BS - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. No vehicles were de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
aA - The automatic braking is not enough to
maintain a sufficient distance to a vehicle driving
ahead. You must intervene > page 141, Driver in-
tervention request.
& - The indicator light turns on if the system
does not detect enough steering activity by the
driver. Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so you can be ready to steer at any time.
The indicator light will also turn off, for example
if the steering power from the system is not suf-
ficient and adaptive cruise assist is canceled
=> page 139, Steering intervention request.

4K0012721BD
Driver assistance

— The driver's hands are not on the steering
wheel
— Visibility is obstructed by a rise or dip.
Steering intervention request
If no steering activity is detected or the steering
power from the system is not sufficient, the driv-
er steering intervention request will alert the
driver using audio and visual signals. Take over
the steering and keep your hands on the steering
wheel so that you will be ready to steer at any
time. The system will become inactive after a
short time and will only be active again later.
If the driver does not take over steering, adaptive
cruise assist will be canceled. If the vehicle is
equipped with emergency assist and it is ready to
function, it will be activated if possible
=> page 154.

ZA\ WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 118.

G) Tips
— Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so you can be ready to steer at any
time. The driver is always responsible for
adhering to the regulations applicable in
the country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
— It is recommended to only switch on lane
guidance on well-constructed roads.
— Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
—The & fig. 107 button switches lane guid-
ance availability and the lane departure
warning on or off simultaneously, if lane
guidance is preset in the adaptive cruise as-
sist settings.
Setting the distance
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

B4M-0234


Fig. 108 Operating lever: setting the distance
If you adjust the speed, you must also change the
time gap to the vehicle driving ahead. The higher
the speed, the greater the distance that is need-
ed.
> Tap the rocker switch to display the distance
that is currently set.
> To increase or decrease the distance in incre-
ments, tap the switch again toward G) or ().
The newly-set distance will be shown briefly, for
example with the indicator light. In the Driv-
er assistance display, a graphic display is shown
instead of the indicator lights > page 136,
fig. 104. The display matches the functions of
the indicator lights.
When approaching a vehicle driving ahead, the
adaptive cruise assist brakes to the set speed and
then maintains the set distance. If the vehicle
driving ahead accelerates, then the adaptive
cruise assist will also accelerate up to the speed
that you have set.
The following distances can be set:
139

4K0012721BD
Driver assistance

If the indicator light turns on, the lane depar-
ture warning is not ready to provide warnings.
This may be due to the following reasons:
— The necessary lane marker lines have not been
detected (for example, in a construction zone
or because the lines are obstructed by snow,
dirt, water, or lighting)
— The speed is below the activation speed
— The lane is too narrow or too wide
— The curve is too narrow
— The driver's hands are not on the steering
wheel
— Visibility is obstructed by a rise or dip.
Steering intervention request
If no steering activity is detected or the steering
power from the system is not sufficient, the driv-
er steering intervention request will alert the
driver using audio and visual signals. Take over
the steering and keep your hands on the steering
wheel so that you will be ready to steer at any
time. The system will become inactive after a
short time and will only be active again later.
If the driver does not take over steering, the lane
departure warning will no longer be ready to pro-
vide warnings. If the vehicle is equipped with
emergency assist and it is ready to function, it
will be activated > page 154.
Behavior when a turn signal is active
Applies to: vehicles with side assist: Even if the
system is ready to provide warnings, it will not
warn you if you activate a turn signal before
crossing the lane marker line. In this case, it as-
sumes that you are changing lanes intentionally.
Applies to: vehicles with side assist: If the turn
signal is activated, the lane departure warning is
ready, and a lane change has been classified as
critical by the lane departure warning due to
vehicles traveling beside you or due to approach-
ing vehicles, then a noticeable corrective steering
movement will occur shortly before exiting the
lane. This will attempt to keep your vehicle in the
lane.

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 118.
— The system warns the driver that the vehicle
is leaving the lane using corrective steering.
The
driver is always responsible for keeping
the vehicle within the lane.
— Corrective steering may not occur at all in
certain situations, such as during heavy
braking. Always be ready to intervene.

(i) Tips
— Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so you can be ready to steer at any
time. The driver is always responsible for
adhering to the regulations applicable in
the country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
— The system does not provide any corrective
steering or steering wheel vibrations if it de-
tects that you are passing another vehicle.
ONC mam Ks) Clea}
Applies to: vehicles with lane departure warning
You can switch the optional steering wheel vibra-
tion warning for the lane departure warning on
and off. The settings depend on the vehicle
equipment.
— Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > (<3) > Lane de-
parture warning > Vibration warning.
G) Tips
Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
tLe [4
Applies to: vehicles with lane departure warning
ray or {is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the lane departure warning and lane guid-
ance functions of the adaptive cruise functions
may be unavailable or limited.
A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
145
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