2020 AUDI A7 warning light

4K8012721BC
Driving dynamic

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.
G) Tips
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly
when all four wheels have a similar wear
condition. Different tire sizes can lead to a
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
Limiting ESC (sport mode)
—To limit the ESC, press the So button briefly.
The B indicator light turns on.
109
>

Driving dynamic

— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Switching off ESC
—To switch off the ESC, press and hold the or
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.

ZA WARNING
— When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will
be limited. The driving wheels could spin
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or Limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC

as soon as possible.

@ Tips
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
B /ABS} / B & Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual
There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
110
Rear spoiler
The 3% button is located in the function bar on
the lower display.
The rear spoiler increases driving stability. The
rear spoiler extends automatically at speeds
above approximately 75 mph (120 km/h). It will
retract automatically when the speed drops be-
low approximately 50 mph (80 km/h).
You can also extend and retract the rear spoiler
manually.
> Extending: press > briefly.
> Retracting: press and hold 3% when driving at
speeds up to approximately 10 mph (20 km/h).
At speeds from approximately 10 mph (20
km/h) to 75 mph (120 km/h), press >* briefly.

ZA\ WARNING
— Make sure that the rear spoiler is extended
at speeds above 85 mph (140 km/h). Other-
wise, the reduced driving stability will in-
crease the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, make sure there
are no people or objects within range of the
rear spoiler when extending and retracting
it.
() Note
—To reduce the risk of damage, do not press
on the rear spoiler if pushing the vehicle.
—To reduce the risk of damage, never lean
against the rear spoiler or place heavy pres-
sure on it.

—To reduce the risk of damage when extend-
ing or retracting the rear spoiler, make sure
the luggage compartment lid is closed and
there
is nothing in the way of the rear spoil-
er.
Messages
If the x; or | turns on and a corresponding
message appears, the rear spoiler may not be
able to extend due to a malfunction. This could
change the vehicle's driving characteristics at >

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
ere eleurl lela)
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 >@®.
112
C@) 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. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— 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 251. 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.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where >

4K8012721BC
Trailer towing

you are operating the vehicle. 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.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 104
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 105.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 105.
For vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch, you
must switch on the air suspension trailer mode
manually.
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch it off again when you are no longer towing
a trailer.
When using carrier systems that are mounted di-
rectly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can also
switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 105.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the Com-
fort level will no longer be available, even if you
are lowering the vehicle manually.

ZA WARNING
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
() Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function checked by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
@) 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 that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
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.
113

4K8012721BC
Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Sica eel delay
ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
=>page 116.



@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving. The settings could have been
changed, for example, by other drivers or if
another personal profile was used.
System limitations
ZA\ WARNING
—The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.
— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
@) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.
— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.



115

Assist systems


Z\ WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with laser scanner
— The surface of the laser scanner can become
hot during operation, which increases the
risk of burns.
— The laser scanner contains a class 1 laser in
accordance with IEC 60825-1:2014. When
used according to regulations, the laser is
not dangerous. Opening the laser module
and removing covers is not permitted. Doing
so could cause permanent injuries to the
eyes.
— Any repair work on the laser module must
be performed by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility; other-
wise the vehicle's operating license may be
voided. Incorrect repairs may cause limited
functionality and eye damage.

@ Tips
Applies to: vehicles with laser scanner
— The possible emissions are below the
threshold for class 1 lasers.
— Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and
1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007.
G) Tips
— The locations of the sensors may differ
slightly depending on vehicle equipment.
— Some sensors are installed under vehicle
components and cannot be seen from the
outside.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 289.
118
Switching the systems
on and off



Fig. 85 Center console: driver assistance systems button
Description
You can switch some assist systems on and off in
the MMI. Depending on the equipment, it may be
in the standard display or the profile selection.
> Press the & button, or
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance.
Standard display
Applies to: vehicles with standard display
> To switch a system on or off, press CD for the
desired system.
> To show the brief description of a system, press
© for the desired system.
Profile selection
Applies to: vehicles with profile selection
> To select a profile, press the profile name on
the upper display or press the © button repeat-
edly until the profile is active.
> To list systems included in a profile, select J
on the upper display.
> To show the brief description of a system, se-
lect for the desired system.
> To switch individual systems on and off in the
Individual profile, select ¥ and GD for the de-
sired systems.
The following profiles can be selected:
— Maximum - All available systems are switched
on in this profile.
— Individual - You can switch the systems on and
off individually in this profile.

Driving information

Driving information
Speed warning system
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
The speed warning system helps the driver to
stay below a specified maximum speed. A warn-
ing threshold can be set in the MMI for this pur-
pose.
Once the speed slightly exceeds the stored
threshold, the speed warning system will alert
the driver with an indicator in the instrument
cluster and a warning tone. Once the speed drops
below the stored maximum speed, the indicator
will turn off.
Setting a threshold is recommended if you would
like to be reminded when you reach a certain
maximum speed. Situations where you may want
to do so include driving in a country with a gener-
al speed limit or if there is a specified maximum
speed for winter tires.
@ Tips
Regardless of the speed warning system, you
should always monitor your speed using the
speedometer and make sure you are following
the legal speed limit.
Setting the warning threshold
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > (<2) > Speed
warning.
@) Tips
Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
ey Manually set speed limit XX mph
(km/h) exceeded
The stored speed was exceeded.
120
Camera-based traffic
sign recognition
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition

Fig. 86 Instrument cluster: traffic sign recognition
The traffic sign recognition shows the traffic
signs detected by the front camera in the instru-
ment cluster display and in the head-up display”.
Data from the navigation system is also included
in the display. Up to three traffic signs can be dis-
played in the instrument cluster at once. The
speed limit that is currently applicable is dis-
played in the status line. If necessary, it will be
hidden if the system detects that turning right is
prohibited at a red light. The display in the head-
up display* can be switched off > page 26.
Within the limits of the system and depending
on the market, speed limit restrictions @ in
school zones, highways, construction zones, or at
night may be displayed.
Limitations
The traffic sign recognition is subject to certain
system limitations and may be unavailable or on-
ly partially available in the following situations:
— When visibility is poor, such as in snow, rain,
fog, or heavy spray
— When there is glare, for example from oncom-
ing traffic or the sun
— At high speeds
— If the camera's visual field > page 116 is cov-
ered, for example by dirt or stickers. Cleaning
information > page 261
— If the traffic signs are completely or partially
covered, for example by trees, snow, dirt, or
other vehicles

4K8012721BC
Driving information

— If traffic signs do not conform to the standard
format
— If traffic signs are damaged or bent
— If traffic signs are displayed on sign holders
with electronic signs
— If the traffic signs or the roadways have
changed, and the navigation data is no longer
up-to-date

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and respect
the limits of the assist systems, sensors,
and cameras > page 115.
— Under some circumstances, traffic sign rec-
ognition may not detect traffic signs correct-
ly or detect them at all. As a result, the sys-
tem may not display the correct speed limit
or any speed limit.

@) Tips
— Traffic sign recognition does not adapt your
vehicle's speed to match the speed Limit.
— The display in the instrument cluster is
based on the units of measurement used for
speed in the country where the vehicle is be-
ing operated. As a result, a display of 50 in
the instrument cluster can mean either mph
or km/h, depending on the country.
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition
Accessing traffic sign recognition
> Select in the instrument cluster: vehicle func-
tions tab > Traffic signs.
Setting a traffic sign based speed warning
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > (<3) > Speed
warning.
You can select a warning threshold. If it is ex-
ceeded, then the current detected speed limit
will be shown in the display with an exclamation
point for the duration that it is exceeded and it
will blink for a short time.
@) Tips
Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition
Traffic sign recognition: currently unavaila-
ble. Camera view limited due to surroundings
The camera’s visual field is covered. Clean the
windshield.
Traffic sign recognition: currently limited.
See owner's manual
This message appears if navigation system data
is not available, for example on newly-construct-
ed roads. The speed limit display will be tempo-
rarily limited, which increases the risk of an incor-
rect display. If this message continues to appear,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.
No traffic sign information available
Depending on the area, there is no valid naviga-
tion data and no speed limits were detected. This
may also appear if there is a recommended
speed, but no speed limit (for example when
driving on and off the expressway).
Malfunction! See owner's manual
The system may not function correctly so it has
been switched off. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
Function currently unavailable. See owner's
manual
If this message appears on vehicles without cam-
era-based traffic sign recognition, then the traffic
light
information function is currently unavaila-
ble. See > page 123.
121