2020 AUDI A8 ECU

High-voltage system

and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.

Z\ WARNING
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor is able to result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified elec-
trician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to
whether the product is properly grounded. Do
not modify the plug provided with the product
- if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper out-

let installed by a qualified electrician.

Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive



Fig. 110 Luggage compartment: storage compartment
Always store the charging equipment securely
before transporting.
> Open the luggage compartment lid > page 50.
> Open the storage compartment in the luggage
compartment > fig. 110.
> Stow the charging equipment in the storage
compartment.
> Close the storage compartment and the lug-
gage compartment lid.

ZA WARNING
If the charging equipment is not secured or
positioned correctly, it can slide out of place
and endanger vehicle occupants when brak-
ing, when changing directions, or in a colli-
sion.
— Only transport charging equipment in the
transport bag in the luggage compartment
and never unsecured or in the passenger
compartment.
@ Note
Always lift or carry the Audi charging system
as one unit and never by the cables.

Audi e-tron compact charging system
Applies to: vehicles with Audi e-tron compact charging system

a~ |



[RAZ-0726|

Fig. 111 Audi e-tron compact charging system: compo-
nents (example)
You can use the Audi e-tron compact charging
system to charge at a household or industrial
socket. Depending on the country and the vehicle
equipment, the following accessories may be
available:
@ Control unit
144
Fig. 112 Audi e-tron compact charging system: control
unit
@ Vehicle cable with vehicle charging connector
@ Power cable with power plug for household
sockets
@ Power cable with power plug for industrial
sockets

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system

The vehicle cable is securely connected to the can set whether you would like to charge with full
control unit. The power cable is plugged into the or reduced charging power. The last setting that
upper end of the control unit and can be switched was selected will be saved and used again the
> page 149. next time the vehicle is charged. If multiple
items are connected to the power circuit, the
charging current may be reduced when charging
© | On/Off button ®, charging power lev- at a power outlet. This can help to prevent the
Control unit overview






el and LED electrical equipment from overheating.
© _ |Status LED: Before charging, always check if the charging
a Power supply/household power setting that was selected last is still suita-
connection ble.
& | Vehicle —To set the charging power level, press the ()
6 Control panel button G) > fig. 112 for at least two seconds.
@ © Reset After the charging power level is set, the status
LEDs ©, and (will flash green one time. The
Adjusting the charging power level selected value (50% or 100%) is displayed on the
The control unit automatically recognizes the left or right side of the ®) button.
voltage and the available current strength. You
Control unit: status and malfunction indicators



Indicator lights Meaning Solution
© Green The charger is ready to charge, | Starting the charging process
O O off but is not charging. => page 139.
O & off
O 0 off
9 Off
© Flashing green _| The vehicle is being charged
O 0 Off with the ground conductor
O & of monitor activated.
O 0 of
9 Off
O Flashing green _| The power cable has overheat- | After the cable cools down, the malfunc-
© Q Yellow ed. Possible cause of the mal- | tion will be automatically cleared. Until it
O Bor function: a multi-phase socket | cools down, charging performance will be
O 6 of is being used in single-phase | reduced. If the malfunction continues,
mode. The charging perform- | have the power supply/household con- de. The chargi fe h h ly/h hold
© Off ance will be reduced. nection checked by a qualified electrician.

145

High-voltage system

> Close the lever @) until it is resting on the con-
nector (2).
> Remove the connector (2) completely.
Attaching the cable
> Lift the lever @ up slightly.
> Insert the connector (2) into the control unit
just until you feel resistance.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Insert the connector (2) all the way into the
control unit.
> Close the lever ().
> Tighten the screw (3) using the screwdriver pro-
vided.

Z\ WARNING
— Note the warnings for charging > A\ in
Charging on page 140.
— Before switching a cable, always unplug the
power cable from the socket.
— Only change cables in a dry environment.
— The Audi charging system may only be used
as a complete unit consisting of the power
cables, the control unit, and the vehicle ca-
ble. Depending on the country, the total
length of the power cable, control panel and
vehicle cable may be restricted, for example
to 24.6 ft (7.5 m) in the USA. We recom-
mend using only cables approved by Audi.

G) Tips
The power cable with the power connector for
industrial sockets and the Audi charging sys-
tem control unit are designed to work togeth-
er. Changing the power cable to another con-
nector type may reduce the available charging
power of the entire system.
150
Wall mount clip
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive and wall mount
clip

[RAZ-0638|

Fig. 114 Wall mount clip: securing the Audi charging sys-
tem
Securing the Audi charging system
> First insert the control unit in the bottom tabs
on the wall mount clip and then into the upper
tabs.
» Push the control unit in the direction of the ar-
row toward the rear > fig. 114 and let it lock in-
to place.
> Wrap the excess length of cable around the
charging connector mount @) when you are not
charging the high-voltage battery.
> Plug the power cable into the socket (2).
» After charging, you can hook the vehicle charg-
ing connector to the charging connector mount
©.
Locking and unlocking the Audi charging
system
> You can lock or unlock the Audi charging sys-
tem using the key provided by turning it to the
lock position @) or the unlock position @).
Removing the Audi charging system
> Remove the power cable connector from the
socket @).
> Unwind the cable from the charging connector
mount (a).
> To loosen the control unit from the bracket,
push the locking mechanism @) upward.

ZA\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions in the assem-
bly instructions for the wall mount clip.

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

Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Safety precautions

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 155.

@ 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.
154
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.
G) 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.

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.