2020 AUDI A7 emergency towing

Table of contents


Audi smartphone interface...... uy
Setup... eee eee ee eee 217
TrOuUBLESHOOtING wees « & wees « 2 eos so eee 218
Additional settings.............. 219
System settingS.......0seeecceeveees 219
Connected devices ...... 0.0... 000 e eee 220
Legalinformation..................5 221
Maintenance and Care........... 223
Checking and Filling............. 223
Fuel... 2. cece eee eee eee eee 223
Refuelingjecs ss sees se ane + eeee § s peme 224
Emissions control system...........4. 227
Engine compartment................. 227
ERGINGOtls seus 2 x seme « ¥ neue =e oRBER Fae 230
Cooling:system . « sscses v < ssesens vo eevee so ave 234
Brake fluid... 2... eee eee eee 236
Electrical SySteMi wis ¢ scm ae mews eg ey 236
Battery: « & cess 6 6 ceva © 5 mews « wenn ¥ © oi 237
Windshield washer system...........- 239
Service interval display............... 240
Wheels ........ 0... eee 241
Wheels and Tires . . 241
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 258
Care and cleaning................ 261
General information................. 261
Car washess « siscica ea suasen a i wana # w auavars a a 261
Cleaning and care information......... 262
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 266
Troubleshooting................. 267
Emergency assistance........... 267
General information..............0.. 267
Equipment.........-...00 2. cece eee 267
Tire Mobility’ Kit « sc ss ces scans 8 ees 267
Replacing wheels................-00. 269
Space-saving spare tire............... 273
Jump starting.....................0. 273.
TOWING scsvss = ¢ wesos « § eeons & 2 Keres 4 = HES 275
Fuses and bulbs.................. 278
FUSES an + x css 5 © ames + © eRe = Beem He 278
BULDSisi0e svowave 4 6 oniuen a a stants a Hanon w 8 ave 281
Customer information........... 282
Data privacy..................000. 282
Image recording............seeeeeees 282
Datamemoniesy. « s sscams sv sume ov ene a 0s 282
Transmitted information.............. 283
Accessories and technical
CHANGES... 1... eee eee eee 286
Warranty......... 00-000. e eee eee 286
Audi Literature Shop..............00. 286
Driving in other countries............. 286
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
MOGIFIcAatIONS vase x x mem = x saw x 2 sue 286
Accessories and parts................ 288
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 288
Declaration of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electronic systems............---0000- 289
Technical data..................8. 291
Identification data................00. 291
Vehicle dataiscs: = s xews 2s eens sp oes ye 291
Index... 0.2... eee 293

Opening and closing

Interior/towing protection monitor
The alarm will be triggered if there are move-
ments detected in the vehicle interior (for exam-
ple, by animals) or if there is a change in the vehi-
cle angle (for example, when the vehicle is being
towed).
You can prevent the alarm from being triggered
by deactivating the interior/towing protection
monitor.
Deactivating the interior/towing protection
monitor
There are the following options for deactivating
the interior/towing protection monitor:
> Press the & button on the vehicle key a second
time within two seconds. Or
» Applies to: vehicles with convenience key:
Touch the sensor on the door handle a second
time within two seconds. Or
> Turn the mechanical key in the door lock to the
close position a second time within 2 seconds.
If you lock the vehicle, then the interior/towing
protection monitor will stay off until the next
time the vehicle is unlocked.

ZX WARNING
No one, especially children, should stay in the
vehicle when it is locked from the outside, be-
cause the windows can no longer be opened
from the inside. Locked doors make it more
difficult for emergency workers to enter the

vehicle, which puts lives at risk.

(i) Tips
The interior/towing protection monitor only
functions correctly when the windows and the
panorama glass roof* are closed.
36


RAZ-0621



Fig. 25 Your vehicle key set
@ Vehicle key
You can unlock and lock your vehicle with the ve-
hicle key.
@ Mechanical key and release button for
mechanical key
A mechanical key is integrated in the vehicle key.
To remove it, press the release button and re-
move the mechanical key.
Using the mechanical key, you can:
— Lock or unlock the glove compartment.
— Manually unlock and lock the doors > page 35.
— Unlock the luggage compartment lid using the
emergency release > page 41.
@® Key fob with vehicle code
Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect vehicle control
Open the key tag and scratch to reveal the vehicle
code. You can unlock the Audi connect vehicle
control services* for your vehicle with this vehicle
code. For additional information, see
= page 176. If a key fob is lost, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
@ PANIC button
In an emergency, you can press the PANIC button
to trigger the alarm for the anti-theft alarm sys-
tem. The vehicle horn and emergency flashers
will turn on if you trigger the alarm.

—To trigger the alarm, press the [PANIC] but-
ton@ ® fig. 25.

4K8012721BC
Driving

ETM ace)
Applies to: vehicles with S tronic transmission and Launch
Control
Launch Control provides the best possible accel-
eration when starting from a stop.
Requirements
— The engine must be at operating temperature.
— The steering wheel must not be turned.
— Start/Stop system* must be deactivated
=> page 98.
— ESC must be limited > page 108.
— Driving program “S” > page 93 or the Dynamic
Audi drive select* mode must be selected
=> page 104.
Using Launch Control
— Press the brake pedal firmly with your left foot
and hold it all the way down for at least one
second.
— With the brake pedal pressed, press the accel-
erator pedal all the way down with your right
foot at the same time.
— Once the engine reaches a constant speed, re-
move your foot from the brake pedal.
Once the vehicle has started moving, reactivate
the ESC so that it is fully functional.

ZA WARNING
Only use Launch Control when road and traffic
conditions allow it and other road users will
not be endangered or impacted by your driv-
ing and the vehicle's acceleration. The driving
wheels could spin and the vehicle could
swerve, especially on slick or slippery road
surfaces, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
(@) Note
When accelerating using Launch Control, all
vehicle components are subject to heavy
loads. This can result in increased wear.
@) Tips
After accelerating using the Launch Control,
the temperature of some vehicle components
may increase greatly. If that happens, the

function will not be available for a few mi-
nutes to reduce the risk of damage. After a
cool-down period, Launch Control will be
available again.
Parking lock emergency release




Fig. 79 Center console: releasing the parking lock using
the emergency release
The emergency release is located in the front cup
holder under a cover. Read and follow the impor-
tant instructions about towing > page 275.
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 from the vehicle tool kit.
> Insert the socket wrench from the vehicle tool
kit in the opening so that the handle points to-
ward the front passenger's side.
» Turn the socket wrench clockwise (4) until it
stops and press it downward @) until it locks in-
to place.
> Leave the socket wrench inserted.
Resetting the parking lock
> Grasp the socket wrench with both hands, care-
fully pull it all the way up, and then turn it
back.
> Now remove the socket wrench.
> Reinsert the cover and rubber mat.
95

Driving


ZA WARNING
— The parking lock must be released using the
emergency release before towing the vehi-
cle:
— 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
on a level surface or a slight slope.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you must
not drive when the emergency release is ac-
tivated.
Messages
i 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
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.
96
[Gj 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.
1} 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.
i] 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} Selector lever: malfunction! Gear change on-
ly possible if 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 >

Driving

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.

ZA 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.
Messages
Ga / @ Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual


There is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level
ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
Gg / @ Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake
There
is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
102
gw Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines
and shift to “P”.
a / {Q) Parking brake: warning! Vehicle posi-
tion too steep
The braking force may not be enough to secure
the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in
a place with less of an incline.
if Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal
to release the parking brake.
Special driving situations
Driving uphill and downhill
When driving uphill, downhill, or at high alti-
tudes, note the following information:
— 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 93. 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.

ZA WARNING
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill >

4K8012721BC
Emergency assistance

Inflating a tire
> Move the switch (8) > fig. 160 on the compres-
sor into position I.
> Inflate the tire to between 29 psi (200 kPA)
and 36 psi (250 kPA) and read the pressure on
the gauge.
> If this tire pressure is not reached, remove the
filler hose. Drive slowly approximately 33 feet
(10 m) forward or in reverse so that the sealant
can be distributed in the tire. Inflate the tire
again > A\.
Z\ WARNING
— Read and follow the manufacturer's safety
precautions on the compressor and in the in-
structions on the bottle of sealant.
— Ifa tire pressure of 29 psi (200 kPA) cannot
reached after inflating for 6 minutes, then
the tire is too severely damaged. Do not con-
tinue driving.
— If the tire cannot be repaired with the tire
sealant, see an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
@® Tips
Do not operate the compressor for more than
six minutes continuously, or it can overheat.
Once the compressor has cooled, you can con-
tinue to use it.
(eyaay)Clalale)
Applies to: vehicles with tire mobility kit


> Affix the sticker that says "max. 50 mph (max.
80 km/h)" that is provided with the tire mobili-
ty kit within the driver's field of vision.
> Stop the vehicle after driving for about 10 mi-
nutes and check the tire pressure.
> If the tire pressure is lower than 19 psi (130
kPA), then the tire is too severely damaged. Do
not continue driving.

ZA WARNING
Pay attention to the following after repairing
the tire:
— Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).


— Avoid hard acceleration or braking and driv-
ing fast around curves.
— The vehicle may become more difficult to
control.
— If the tire is too severely damaged, see an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.

@) For the sake of the environment
You can give the used tire sealant bottle to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for disposal.
@ Tips
Remember to obtain a new bottle of sealant
from an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility after repairing a tire.
Replacing wheels
You must complete the preparation before
changing a tire.
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions > page 267.
>» Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” position.
> When towing a trailer: disconnect the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Lay out the vehicle tool kit > page 267 and the
spare tire > page 273.
> Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Select
on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings &
Service > Air suspension: wheel change.
> Switch the ignition off.

Z\ WARNING
The vehicle must also be secured to prevent it
from rolling when using the vehicle jack*. Use
suitable objects to block the front and back of
the wheel that is diagonal from the wheel
with the flat tire.

269

4K8012721BC
Emergency assistance


that conduct electricity when it is connected
to the positive vehicle battery terminal. This
can cause a short circuit.
— The plugs on the battery cells must not be
opened.
— Keep ignition sources (such as open flames,
burning cigarettes, etc.) away from the vehi-
cle batteries to reduce the risk of an explo-
sion.
— Route the jump start cables so they cannot
get caught in the moving parts in the other

vehicle's engine compartment.

@) Note
Please note that the connecting process previ-
ously described for the jump start cables is in-
tended for when your vehicle is being jump
started.
@) Tips
Make sure that the connected jump start ca-
bles have sufficient contact with metal.
Towing
General information
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
Towing requires a certain amount of practice.
Audi recommends contacting a towing company
to have the vehicle transported.
You should only have your vehicle towed by an-
other vehicle when disabled in exceptional cir-
cumstances. Inexperienced drivers should not
tow.
Notes on towing
When the engine is stopped, the transmission
will not be sufficiently lubricated if traveling at
high speeds and long distances:
— The maximum permitted towing speed is 30
mph (50 km/h).
— The maximum permitted towing distance is 30
miles (50 km).
Additional information on towing with a tow
truck
The vehicle may only be towed with the front axle
raised. Do not wrap any chains or cables around
the brake lines.
Tow bar and towing cable
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or tow-
ing cable. Both drivers should be familiar with
the special considerations when towing, especial-
ly when using a towing cable.
Always make sure the traction force does not ex-
ceed the permitted level and there are no shock
loading conditions. There is always the risk of the
coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-
road.
For the most safety and security, drive with a tow
bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow
bar is not available. Use a towing cable made of
synthetic elastic cable similar elastic material.

ZA WARNING
— Towing highly increases the risk of an acci-
dent, for example from colliding with the
towing vehicle.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, do not al-
low anyone to remain inside the vehicle
when it is being transported by a tow truck
or a special transporter.

CG) Note
— If normal towing is not possible, for exam-
ple if the transmission is faulty or if the
towing distance is greater than 30 miles
(50 km), then transport the vehicle on a
special carrier.
— If the vehicle is towed by a tow truck at the
axle that is not permitted, this can cause se-
vere damage to the transmission.
— The vehicle must not be tow started for
technical reasons.
(i) Tips
— If the power supply is interrupted, then it
will not be possible to move the selector
lever out of the "P" position. The parking
lock must be released using the emergency >
275

Emergency assistance

release before towing the vehicle
=>page 95.
— Switch Audi pre sense* off > page 146 when
loading the vehicle onto a vehicle carrier,
train, ship, or other type of transportation,
or when towing the vehicle. This can prevent
an undesired intervention from the pre
sense* system.
— Follow the local legal regulations for tow-
ing.
Read and follow the important information under
=>page 275.
Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loops > page 276,
=> page 277.
> Make sure the towing cable is not twisted. Oth-
erwise it could disconnect from the towing loop
while towing.
> Switch the emergency flashers on in both
vehicles > page 52. However, do not do this if it
prohibited by law.
Towing vehicle (front)
> Only start to drive when the towing cable is
taut.
> Press the brake pedal very carefully.
> Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
Vehicle being towed (rear)
> Make sure the ignition is switched on so that
the steering wheel is not locked and so that you
can use the turn signals, the horn, and the
windshield wipers if needed > A\.
> Switching it off before the vehicle has stopped
may impair the function of the brake booster
and power steering. You would then need to
use more force to steer and brake the vehicle.
> Release the parking brake > page 101.
> Select the “N” selector lever position.
> Make sure the towing cable is always taut.
276

A WARNING
Never tow a vehicle using a tow bar or towing
cable if the vehicle does not have electrical
power.
Front towing loop




Fig. 170 Front bumper: installing the towing loop
The threaded opening for the towing loop is lo-
cated on the right side of the front bumper.
> Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 267.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
=> fig. 170. The cap will loosen from the bump-
er.
> Tighten the towing loop in the threaded open-
ing until it stops and then tighten it with a
wheel wrench.
> After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.

ZX WARNING
If the towing loop is not tightened until it
stops when installing, the threads may be
pulled out when towing the vehicle and result
in an accident.
G) Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the
cover can vary.