2020 AUDI A8 service

Driving dynamic

& Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle.
Pay attention to distance at side
The rear axle steering may have failed. More
space on the road may be needed at the side of
the vehicle. Slow down immediately, and stop
your vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location
with enough space at the sides of the vehicle. Do
not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
BS Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Do not tow
your vehicle because it cannot be steered. See an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
a Steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. Steering may be more dif-
ficult or more sensitive. Adapt your driving style.
Have the steering system checked immediately
by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Please note that the red indicator
light may turn on after restarting the engine. Do
not continue driving if it does.
a Steering: malfunction! Adapt driving style.
Larger turning radius
The rear axle steering may have failed. The vehi-
cle will have a larger turning radius, and the sta-
bility when driving around curves will be compa-
rable to a vehicle without rear axle steering. Drive
carefully to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction
corrected.
BS Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.
Dynamic steering: correcting steering wheel
position
132
The steering is reinitializing. The steering wheel
will move easily after starting the vehicle. Reiniti-
alization might be necessary if the steering wheel
was moved while the engine was switched off.
The display turns off if the initialization was suc-
cessful.

Z\ WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident.
@ Tips
— If there is a malfunction, the steering wheel
may be crooked when driving straight.
—Ifthe a or a indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.


ALL wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving through curves
> page 134.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
engine power. Your vehicle is exceptionally pow-
erful and has excellent driving characteristics
both under normal driving conditions and on
snow and ice. Always read and follow safety pre-
cautions > A\.

Z\ WARNING
— Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you
should adapt your driving style to the cur-
rent road and traffic conditions to reduce
the risk of an accident.
— The braking ability of your vehicle is limited
to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it
is not different from a two wheel drive vehi-
cle. Do not drive too fast because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane” if driving at speeds that >

4N0012721BD
Driving dynamic


are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the engine RPM does not increase
suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-
planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-
tions to reduce the risk of an accident.
Sy Telamelaielcls
Applies to: vehicles with sport differential

The sport differential distributes the drive power
to the rear axle based on the situation. The goal
is a high level of agility and ability to accelerate
on curves. The vehicle is very responsive to steer-
ing. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Messages
Hi Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
it} Sport differential: temperature too high.
Please adapt driving style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive
in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-
turns to the normal range and the indicator light
switches of.

Z\ WARNING
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility if the sport differen-
tial is faulty or malfunctioning. The repair
must be performed by trained personnel us-
ing the correct oil in order to ensure safety.

Electronic Stabilization
Control
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-
uations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or
understeering, or if the wheels are spinning. The
brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-
duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.
If the [i indicator light blinks while driving, the
ESC is actively regulating.
If the B&B indicator light turns on, the system has
switched the ESC off. In this case, you can switch
the ignition off and then on to switch the ESC on
again. The indicator light turns off when the sys-
tem is fully functional.
If the B indicator light turns on, ESC was limit-
ed or switched off manually > page 134.
The following systems are integrated in the ESC:
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the
system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.
Brake assist
The brake assist system can decrease braking dis-
tance. It increases braking power when the driver
presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency sit-
uations. You must press and hold the brake pedal
until the dangerous situation is over. Depending
on the activated driver assistance systems, the
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. >
133

4N0012721BD
Driving dynamic


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&B fs / 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.
135

High-voltage system

High-voltage system
General information
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
All work done on the high-voltage system must
only be performed by certified high-voltage tech-
nicians at authorized Audi dealers or authorized
Audi Service Facilities in accordance with Audi
guidelines.
The high-voltage system consists of the following
components, among others: High-voltage bat-
tery, power electronics, electric motor, high-volt-
age A/C compressor, high-voltage heater, charg-
ing system and charging connector, and the or-
ange high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the cargo floor and
does not require any maintenance from the driv-
er.

ZA WARNING
The voltage in the high-voltage system is high
enough to cause fatal injuries. Touching a
damaged high-voltage component can result
in a fatal electric shock. The components in
the high-voltage system are marked with a
warning label which warns against the high-
voltage.
— The voltage level in the high-voltage system
is still dangerous and potentially life-threat-
ening when the ignition is switched off.
— Never perform work on the orange high-
voltage cables or on other high-voltage
components. Only authorized repair facili-
ties that are certified may perform work on
the high-voltage system.
— Never damage, alter or remove the orange
high-voltage cable or disconnect it from the
high-voltage system.
— Never perform any work using cutting, shap-
ing or sharp-edged tools or heat sources
near the high-voltage system and high-volt-

age cables.

136

— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.
— Damage to the high-voltage battery could
cause the high-voltage battery to leak im-
mediately or in the future, and poisonous or
flammable gases could escape. Do not in-
hale the gases!
— Do not expose yourself to any leaking fluids
and do not come into contact with them.
— The high-voltage battery electrolyte fluid is
caustic. If electrolyte fluid comes into con-
tact with the skin, flush the affected area for
at least 15 minutes with clean water. Then
wash the affected area with soap. Have the
affected area examined by a medical profes-
sional.
— In the event of a technical emergency, in-
form the responders that the vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage battery.
@) Note
The high-voltage system can be damaged if
the vehicle underbody comes into contact
with the ground. Immediately drive your vehi-
cle to an authorized repair facility and have it
inspected.
Vehicle transport
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive


This section contains information you should
know about transporting your vehicle.
A lithium-ion high-voltage battery system equip-
ped in your vehicle has passed test 38.3 in ac-
cordance with the UN Tests and Criteria hand-
book and is manufactured in accordance with a
quality management program. The vehicle may
be transported with the high-voltage battery in-
stalled as conventional class 9 hazardous materi-
als without additional official authorization for
air and sea shipment (current law IATA-DGR and
IMDG code 01.01.2019).

High-voltage system


or an adapter, for example, a travel adapter
or timer.
—Do not touch the contacts on the vehicle
charging port or charging equipment.
— Do not insert any objects in the vehicle
charging port or in the charging equipment.
— Always protect the sockets and connections
from water, moisture and other fluids.
— Only use the charging equipment provided
by the factory or the charging station cable.


ZA WARNING
Applies to: Audi charging systems
Sockets that are installed incorrectly can
cause electric shock or fire when charging the
high-voltage battery using the vehicle charg-
ing connection.
— Read all information and safety precautions
for Audi charging systems before using
them.
— Monitor the Audi charging system if it is be-
ing used near children.
— Installation and setup of the household con-
nection for Audi charging systems may only
be performed by a qualified electrician. The
qualified electrician is thereby responsible
for adhering to applicable standards and
regulations.
— Make sure that the household socket is
grounded and shielded from water.
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac-
cording to the specifications in the operat-
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— Audi charging systems are intended for use
in private and semi-private areas (for exam-
ple, private property and company parking
lots). Depending on the country, charging in
mode 2 may be forbidden in public areas
and public spaces. Contact an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
— Operate the Audi charging systems in power
networks that are properly grounded. It can-
not be used with non-grounded power net-
works (such as IT networks).


— When charging the high-voltage battery us-
ing household/industrial sockets, the elec-
trical installation can be used at full capaci-
ty. Having a qualified electrician regularly in-
spect the electrical installations that are
used for charging is recommended.
— If possible, disconnect Audi charging sys-
tems from the power network during a
thunderstorm.
— Never submerge the Audi charging systems
or the connectors in water.
— Audi charging systems must only be cleaned
when the control unit is completely discon-
nected from the power supply and from the
vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean.
— Audi charging systems are only intended for
use on Audi vehicles and vehicles within the
Volkswagen Group. Using the devices on
vehicles made by another manufacturer is
not authorized.


138
() Note
— Severely draining the high-voltage battery
can damage it. Once a O mi (0 km) electric
range is displayed, charge the high-voltage
battery within two months. If the stationary
time is unknown with the electric range at 0
mi (0 km), charge the high-voltage battery
immediately. Even if the vehicle is not used,
the high-voltage battery charge level will
naturally reduce over time. To avoid a total
battery drain during long periods without
use (more than one year), charge the high-
voltage battery to the highest level possible
before discontinuing driving it.
— Make sure that you always use the correct
charging equipment for the country in
which it is being used. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for more information.
G) Tips
— Your vehicle can only be charged at charging
stations that meet the requirements in the
respective country and meet the following
standards, at a minimum:
— GB/T 18487.1 and GB/T 20234 (China) >

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

High-voltage system

Emergency release
In case of malfunction, you can manually release
the charging port door or the charging connec-
tor.


Fig. 108 Left side of luggage compartment: emergency re-
lease cover



Fig. 109 Left side of the luggage compartment: emergen-
cy release
Manually releasing the charging port door
> Open the luggage compartment lid.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316 and pry off the cover > fig. 108.
> Loosen the red loop @) > fig. 109 from the re-
tainer and then pull on the loop carefully >@.
> To open the charging port door, press on the
right side of the door.
>» After releasing manually, secure the loop on
the retainer and close the cover.
> Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
Manually releasing the charging connector
If you are not able to pull the charging connector
out of the vehicle charging port, there may bea
malfunction. You must use the emergency re-
lease to release the vehicle charging connector.
142
Requirement: the “P” gear must be selected and
the vehicle must be unlocked.
> End the charging process > page 140.
> Open the luggage compartment lid.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316 and pry off the cover > fig. 108.
> Carefully pull on the red loop @) > fig. 109
>©.
> Remove the charging connector.
> Close the emergency release cover.
> Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
If the charging connector still cannot be removed
after using the emergency release, see an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for assistance.
® Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You
will not hear it release. If you continue to
pull, you could damage the emergency re-
lease mechanism.
IY tre (1
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
If the or =] indicator light turns on, then the
range is low or very low. Charge the high-voltage
battery.
B AC charging system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the charging system. Drive to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately.
Incompatible charging system. Please check
charging system
This message appears when the charging system
is incompatible. Only charge using the Audi
charging system that is designed for your vehicle.
|< Charging system: malfunction
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the vehicle charging infrastructure or the charg-
ing station. Use a different charging station. If >