2020 AUDI A8 parking brake

4N0012721BD
Driving


— 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.

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.
[8] 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.
fl 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.
[8] 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.
[8] 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 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.
il 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
off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
fs} 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.
fs] Danger of rolling away! P not possible.
Please apply parking brake
117

Driving

The parking lock was released using the emer-
gency release > page 116 or can no longer be en-
gaged. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
Move selector lever to automatic position
The transmission has switched out of tiptronic
mode. Switch back to automatic mode with the
selector lever > page 115.
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
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).
Conventional and mild hybrid drive system
Applies to: vehicles with a conventional drive system or a mild
hybrid drive system
Vehicles with a conventional or mild hybrid drive
system are powered by a combustion engine. It
uses fuel to recover energy.
Vehicles with a mild hybrid drive system have ad-
ditional battery technology.
Plug-in hybrid drive
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
With plug-in hybrid drive, you can select between
the electric and combustion engine drive systems
or combine them > page 119, > page 115.
Coasting
Similar to vehicles with a conventional drive sys-
tem, plug-in hybrid drive vehicles can also disen-
gage the combustion engine to save fuel. The ve-
hicle rolls without an engine braking effect in this
mode, which is like “coasting”. However, the elec-
118
tric portion of the drive system remains engaged
and recuperates if necessary. The coasting func-
tion can be automatically activated in the “D” or
“E” driving program. This occurs automatically
when you take your foot off the accelerator ped-
al.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The vehicle is able to recover energy by using “re-
cuperation”. The electric drive system operates
like a generator and converts a large portion of
kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored
in the high-voltage battery. The vehicle is braked
during recuperation, which is similar to the en-
gine braking effect on a vehicle with a combus-
tion engine. This will happen automatically when
you press the brake pedal while driving in “D”
gear, or when you remove your foot from the ac-
celerator pedal.
When you press the brake pedal, recuperation is
used to brake the vehicle. The brakes will only be
activated if necessary. When driving normally,
this makes it possible to brake using only recu-
peration just before coming to stop and to lose
little energy and range from braking.
Settings options
You can set if recuperation should be adjusted to
be proactive*, for example, to the road.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Efficiency
assist > Intelligent coasting.

Z\ WARNING
In certain situations, the recuperation may
brake proactively. However, the recuperation
braking effect is limited. Always be ready to
brake to reduce the risk of an accident.
G) Tips
If the ESC is limited or switched off, automat-
ic recuperation is not available and will not
brake.

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 126. 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 283.
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 / © Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality.You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
124
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 setting the parking
brake and select the “P” gear.
Other indicator lights
if is displayed when there is a malfunction,
the brakes were under heavy load. Follow the in-
structions in the message to utilize the engine
braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

Z\ 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
manually or automatically when you start to
drive.
Setting and releasing the parking brake
> Closing: Pull the © switch.
> 1* ©) appears, the parking brake is hold-
ing the vehicle. You can remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
> Releasing: when the ignition is switched on,
press and hold the brake pedal and press the
button.
If the red indicator light flashes, the braking
force has not built up enough or it has decreased.
You can also secure the vehicle by selecting the >

4N0012721BD
Driving

“P” gear or pressing the brake pedal. Make sure
the indicator light is off before you start driving.
Automatically releasing the parking brake
when starting to drive
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed
and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
> Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.

ZA\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. In this case, park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it by engaging the
"P” gear. Contact an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.

@) Tips
— On steep inclines, especially when in trailer
mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unin-
tentionally when starting to drive. To re-
duces the risk of this happening, pull and
hold the ©) switch while pressing the accel-
erator pedal. If enough drive power has
built up at the wheels and the vehicle does
not roll backwards, then release the switch
to start to drive.
— If you leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are
engaged, the parking brake will be set auto-
matically.
— Noises when the parking brake is set and re-
leased are normal and are not a cause for
concern.
— The parking brake goes through a self-test
cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is
stopped. Any noises associated with this are
normal.
Emergency braking function
Emergency braking should only be used in an
emergency, if the standard brake pedal is mal-
functioning or obstructed. When the emergency
braking function is activated, the braking effect is
similar to a heavy braking maneuver.
> Pull and hold the ©) switch while driving.
> An audio warning signal will sound and emer-
gency
braking will begin.
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency
braking will be canceled.

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
EG / @ 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.
125
>

Driving

25] 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 parked
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.
fa / 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 114. This especially applies when tow-
ing a trailer. This reduces the load on the
brakes.
— Brake in intervals and do not press the brake
pedal continuously.
126

Z\ WARNING
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill
climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle
could tip or slide.
— Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines
and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you
must immediately start steering in the di-
rection of the downward slope to reduce the
risk of an accident.
— Always be ready to brake when using the hill
descent control function.

Driving through water
If you must drive through water, follow these in-
structions:
— Check the stability of the ground, the current,
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,
there is a strong current, or there are waves,
the water must only reach up to the lower edge
of the body at the most.
— Deactivate the Start/Stop system.
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from
creating waves, because they could splash
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Drive in reverse.
— Do not turn the engine off.

ZX WARNING
After driving through water, press the brake
pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the
full braking effect will be restored.

@) Note
Vehicle components such as the engine, drive
system, suspension, or electrical system, can
be severely damaged by driving through wa-
ter?
@ Tips
If possible, avoid driving through salt water
because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use >

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system


— IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (Europe)
— SAE J1772 (North America, Japan)
— You can use your Audi charging system if
there is a household or industrial connec-
tion available at the charging station.
@ Tips
Applies to: Audi charging systems
— For an uninterrupted charging process, we
recommend only charging using sockets
that are connected to a separately protected
circuit.
— It is recommended to use Audi charging sys-
tems in the wall mount clip* during opera-
tion. If this is not possible, always position
Audi charging systems ona secure surface
during the charging process > A.
—To reduce the risk of overheating during op-
eration, do not place Audi charging systems
in direct sunlight for long periods of time. If
the control unit is overheated, the charging
process is automatically paused until the
temperature has lowered back within the
normal range.
Cee Tact)
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive


Fig. 106 Left rear side of the vehicle: opening the high-
voltage charging port door


RAZ-0835

Fig. 107 Charging unit: charging port and buttons/LED
Connecting the charging cable
If you charge your vehicle at a charging station,
the following sequence of steps may vary. Follow
the manufacturer guidelines and operating in-
structions for the charging station.
Requirement: the “P” gear must be selected, the
parking brake must be set, and drive ready mode
must have ended.
— If necessary, remove the charging cable from
the vehicle > page 144, Transport.
— Remove the cap from the charging cable if nec-
essary.
— First connect the charging cable to the power
supply, or remove it from the charging station.
— Unwind the charging cable completely.
— Unlock the vehicle.
— To open the charging port door, press on the
right
side of the door > fig. 106.
— Remove the cap from the vehicle charging port
and place it on the holder on the charging port
door.
— Plug the charging connector into the vehicle
charging port.
Starting to charge automatically (immediate
charging)
If charging is not delayed with a timer, the charg-
ing process will begin immediately. If necessary,
the charging station may need to be activated.
Follow the manufacturer guidelines and operat-
ing instructions for the charging station.
While charging
The charging display on the charging unit @) will
flash green while charging. It will pulse |} in the
instrument cluster. You can find the meaning of >
139

High-voltage system

the possible charging display colors under
=> page 140.
The charging connector is locked while charging
and cannot be removed.
If the driver's door is opened while the ignition is
switched off, the current battery charge level and
the high-voltage battery range will be displayed
in the instrument cluster. If charging is in prog-
ress, the remaining charging time will also be
displayed.
Immediate charging and timer charging
You can switch between the immediate charging
@ and charging timer @ options during the
charging process if a charging timer is set
= page 141. Press the desired button to do this.
Ending the charging process
You can interrupt the charging process at any
time.
— Unlock the vehicle or press the @/(@) button
when the vehicle is unlocked, and the LED will
turn on.
— Remove the charging connector. If the charging
connector is not removed within 30 seconds, it
will automatically relock and the charging proc-
ess may continue.
— Put the cap back on the charging port.
— Close the charging port door.
— Disconnect the charging cable from the power
supply if necessary or return it securely to the
charging station.
— Install the protective caps on the charging ca-
ble again.
— If you are transporting the charging cable in
the vehicle, store it securely > page 144.
If the charging connector cannot be removed,
you must unlock it manually > page 142.


ZA\ WARNING
— Do not disconnect the charging cable from
the socket or the vehicle charging port while
the vehicle is charging. End the charging
process before removing the charging cable
from the socket in order to reduce the risk of
damaging the connector contacts from
sparks.
—If the charging unit is damaged, do not
charge using the charging port to reduce the
risk of injury.
— If the charging unit is damaged or the
charging port door cannot close or is miss-
ing, drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the malfunction corrected to re-
duce the risk of injury.

() Note
If you drive with the charging unit open, both
the charging port door and the electronics in-
stalled behind it could be damaged. Check
each time after charging if the port door is
locked before you start driving the vehicle.
@) Tips
— If the parking brake is set, it could create
noises when the charging connector is con-
nected.
— Remove ice and snow in the charging unit
using a hand brush and solvent-free deicing
spray.
— The vehicle radio and TV systems may have
limited reception when charging the vehicle.
Charging display
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The charging display is an LED light on the charg-
ing unit @) > page 139, fig. 107 that indicates
the charging status. The key for the LED light is
explained in the following table.

LED on the charging unit Meaning

Vehicle charging system is in sleep mode. A timer may be active,
Off but charging has not started yet.


Charging process is interrupted. >

140

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system



LED on the charging unit Meaning
Pulsing The high-voltage battery is charging.
Green Flashing A timer is active, but charging has not started yet.
On High-voltage battery charging process is completed.

When using the Audi charging system, make sure the power
plug is inserted in the power socket > page 144. No power sup-
ply was recognized even though the charging cable is plugged
On in. Have the power supply or power supply system inspected.
When using the Audi charging system, check the status displays
Yellow on the unit > table on page 145. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance if necessary.

The vehicle is not secured from rolling away. Check if “P” is se-
lected and the parking brake is set. If the LED continues to
flash, see an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
Flashing

The charging connector may not be able to lock correctly in the
vehicle charging port. Check if the charging connector is insert-
ed correctly. Remove the charging connector and plug it in the
charging port again, or use a different charging station. If the
Red On LED stays turned on, there is a malfunction either in the vehicle
charging system or at the power source. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance if neces-
sary.


The outside temperature is too low or too high.

@ Tips > If the timer should be set one time, select Indi-
: vidual timer. If the timer should be set to re-
peat, select Repeat timer.
> Set a preferred charging time if desired, for ex-
ample to use off-peak power rates.
> To also activate the climate control with a tim-
Yad tare mans er, select CD.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive > Select Next and follow the instructions in the
The operation status indicated by the LED on
the charging unit are is displayed in the in-
strument cluster Es.
menu.
> To turn ona timer, select CD.
> To activate an enabled timer, select s— until the
Timer charging mode is displayed.
Use a timer to set at what departure time your
vehicle should be fully charged. A timer can ei-
ther be set one time or to repeat at the selected
times. You can also specify if your vehicle should
be heated or cooled to the temperature set in the If the set departure time on the timer is too
climate control system. You can turn on multiple close, it may not be possible to charge the vehicle
timers at the same time. fully.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: @ :
VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Charging. Tips
It is not possible to charge using the timer at
Multiple timers are displayed that you can set peer
separately.
> To set a timer, select > in the line for the de-
sired timer.
141