2020 AUDI A8 brake

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

4N0012721BD
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
General information
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 > @.
CG) 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 299. 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
151
>

4N0012721BD
Trailer towing

Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Conventional drive system: Downshift before
driving on hills to utilize the engine braking ef-
fect SA.
Plug-in hybrid drive: reduce the speed and use
the
recuperation braking effect > page 118 to re-
lieve the brakes > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.
Engine coolant temperature
Pay attention specifically to the coolant tempera-
ture display when there are high outside temper-
atures, and when driving on long inclines
=> page 14. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

ZA\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

153

Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


C) Note
— Conventional drive system: Before driving
downhill a long distance on a steep hill, de-
crease your speed and select a lower gear.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: Before driving downhill
a long distance on a steep hill, decrease
your speed and use the braking effect of re-
cuperation > page 118. This reduces the
load on the brakes.
@ Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
166
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 123 Lever: switching on the cruise control system
Requirement: The ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @.
The Ga or 8) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

A WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, it may shut off automatically.
Preselecting or activating a cruise control
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/C)
=> page 166, fig. 123.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever
toward position @ while driving, or
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gs or kl indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
An additional indicator appears in the head-up
display*.

4N0012721BD
Driver assistance

Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in small increments, tap the lever up to the
first level toward @)/C) > page 166, fig. 123.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in larger increments, tap the lever up to the
second level toward ()/C).
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, tap and hold the lever at the first
or second level toward @)/G).
Overriding or deactivating the cruise
control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
You can override or deactivate the cruise control
system. When you deactivate the system, your
cruise control speed will be stored and you can
resume that speed.
Requirement: the system must be switched on
and activated.
Overriding
> To temporarily override the cruise control
speed, press the accelerator pedal.
> Once you release the accelerator pedal, the sys-
tem will adjust back to the stored cruise control
speed.
If you override the cruise control system for a
long period of time, the cruise control system
will be deactivated. The ICRUISE| or 88) indicator
light will be displayed and the cruise control
speed will be saved.
Deactivating
> To deactivate the cruise control speed, press
the lever toward (2) (not locked into place)
=> page 166, fig. 123.
> Press the brake pedal.

ZA WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-
vent braking interventions by the system.

Seem Leal
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When you switch the system off completely, the
cruise control speed will be deleted.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To switch the system off, press the lever toward
@ (locked into place) > page 166, fig. 123, or
> Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Gk / 3) Speed control system: currently un-
available. See owner's manual
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the cruise control system has been deac-
tivated. There is a temporary malfunction, for ex-
ample the brakes are overheating. Switch the
cruise control system on again later.
Efficiency assist
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
Efficiency assist can assist the driver with predic-
tive information in order to reduce fuel consump-
tion. Depending on vehicle equipment, the sys-
tem may access data from the navigation system,
the camera behind the windshield, and the radar
sensors.
When you remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal, efficiency assist controls downhill mode
with recuperation, depending on the situation.
Adjusting the efficiency assist
You can adjust efficiency assist functions individ-
ually. The settings depend on the vehicle equip-
ment.
— Predictive messages > page 168.
— Predictive control > page 169.
— Accelerator pedal feedback > page 115.
— Interactive accelerator > page 115.
167

Driver assistance

Situation symbols
Depending on vehicle equipment, the following
symbols may be shown. The symbols indicate the
situation to which the efficiency assist is respond-
ing.
Some symbols only appear if Predictive messag-
es are switched on, and some symbols only ap-
pear if Predictive control is switched on and
adaptive cruise assist* is active.

Description
Slow down
(predictive messages only)
Speed limit
(example)
Exit ahead
Intersection ahead
Traffic circle ahead
(predictive control only) If the indica-
tor light turns on in green and red, it
is indicating that there is a difference
between the speed limit and the set
speed.


ZA\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 154.
—Incertain 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
— The functions depend on the navigation da-
ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-
tion by the traffic sign recognition*.
— The system only detects traffic signs that
specify a 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
168
the instrument cluster can mean either
km/h or mph, depending on the country.
— Except for the road network, which is re-
corded in the navigation system’s map infor-
mation, certain functions may not be availa-
ble.
— Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Predictive messages
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
The symbol BS appears in the instrument cluster
display if efficiency assist recommends removing
your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Additional symbols that indicate the situation to
which the efficiency assist is reacting are shown
in the Driver assistance display > page 168.
Requirements
— The cruise control system* or the adaptive
cruise assist* controls must not be active.
— The vehicle speed must be at least 20 mph
(30 km/h).
— The remaining distance until the situation is
reached must be large enough to allow the sys-
tem to react to the situation.
Switching messages on and off
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Efficiency assist
> Predictive messages.

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 154.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when efficiency assist is switch-
ed on. The driver is always responsible for
assessing the traffic situation.
(i) Tips
— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.

4N0012721BD
Driver assistance

— When a route is planned using the naviga-
tion system*, then system displays messag-
es based on an assumed route. Without
route guidance, the system displays mes-
sages based on an assumed route.
— The wording of the message may vary de-
pending on the selected Audi drive select*
mode and the selected gear. No messages
are displayed when in the "S" driving pro-
gram.
— Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Predictive control
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist and efficiency
assist

Fig. 124 Instrument cluster: speedometer: predictive con-
trol display
During predictive control), the adaptive cruise
assist uses data from the efficiency assist. The
system adapts the speed set in the adaptive
cruise assist to the speed limits that are detected
and the layout of the road. After that, the system
accelerates up to the speed that was set.
After switching on the ignition, the availability of
predictive control is indicated by a message when
the adaptive cruise assist is first activated.
Requirements
— The adaptive cruise assist must be actively reg-
ulating > page 173.
— The system can only react to speed limits that
are 20 mph (30 km/h) or higher.
Display in the speedometer
The display in the speedometer is not available in
all layouts*.

D_ This is not available in some countries.
@ The marking shows the set speed (regulated
speed that was set by the driver or by predic-
tive control).
@ The red band shows the difference between
the speed limit and the set speed that is set.
@ The gray band shows if the vehicle speed is
planned to drop below the set speed due to
the road layout.
Overriding control
The driver can override the predictive control at
any time by pressing the accelerator or brake
pedal. If the system changes the vehicle speed to
adapt to speed limits, you can change the speed
using the lever > page 173, fig. 130.
Setting predictive control
You can switch off predictive control functions or
adjust them individually. The settings depend on
the vehicle equipment.
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > (<2) > Adaptive
cruise assist > Predictive control.
Possible settings:
Set speed limit - Adjusts to speed limits. You can
also set With tolerance if desired. In this scenar-
io, you may fall below or exceed the set speed in
favor of increased efficiency.
Adjustment to curves along route - Can be
switched Off or be set individually from Slow to
Fast. The setting influences vehicle handling with
predictive control, for example the speed for
driving through curves.
Messages
rig and a message with Adaptive cruise assist:
Predictive control is displayed when there is a
malfunction, the efficiency assist functions are
unavailable or limited.
A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the area in front of the
169
>

Driver assistance

sensors > page 156, fig. 117 and try to turn on
the systems again later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.

ZA\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 154.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when predictive control is
switched on. The driver is always responsible
for assessing the traffic situation.
— The system does not consider “right of way”
rules and does not respond to traffic lights,
so lack of driver attention in these situations
can increase the risk of an accident.
— The speed when driving through curves may
be different from what you as a driver would
do or may not be suitable for the weather
and road conditions. If necessary, apply the
brakes and reduce the selected speed to be
maintained in the Adjustment to curves
along route setting to reduce the risk of an
accident.

G) Tips
— Predictive control can exceed or drop below
the maximum permitted speed. The driver
is responsible for adhering to the permitted
speed limit.
— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.
—If a speed limit is detected, the marking @
of the set speed limit will be adjusted even
if the adaptive cruise assist is not actively
regulating.
— Control by the system depends on which
adaptive cruise assist driving program is set
or on the selected Audi drive select* mode.

YD In certain countries
170
— After switching on the ignition and first
driving onto a freeway or similar road with-
out a speed limit, the system will regulate
the speed to 80 mph (130 km/h). Then
the system adjusts to the last speed set by
the driver.
— There is no adaptation to speed limits when
driving through highway interchanges and
when driving on or off the expressway.
— The system can fail to provide control or the
control may be faulty if the values from the
camera-based traffic sign recognition* are
incorrect or the navigation system map data
is outdated.
— When route guidance is switched on, the
system adapts to the route provided by the
navigation system. Driving without route
guidance or leaving a route can result in
faulty control.
— Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Adaptive cruise assist
General information
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the adap-
tive cruise assist may consist of the following
functions:
Within the limits of the system, the adaptive
speed and distance control assists the driver in
controlling the speed and the set distance to the
vehicle driving ahead. If the system detects a ve-
hicle driving ahead, the adaptive cruise assist can
brake and accelerate your vehicle within the lim-
its of the system. On open roads with no traffic, it
functions like a cruise control system. The stored
speed is maintained. When approaching a vehicle
driving ahead, the adaptive cruise assist auto-
matically brakes to match that vehicle's speed
and then maintains the set distance as much as
possible. As soon as the system does not detect a
vehicle driving ahead, adaptive cruise assist ac-
celerates up to the set speed.