2020 AUDI A8 ignition

Driving dynamic

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

Z\ 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.

134

— 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.
@) 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 oF button briefly.
The B indicator light turns on.
— 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 Sor
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.

Z\ 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 >

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).

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system

Charging the high-voltage battery
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The
following options are available to charge the
high-voltage battery:

Charging method Charging cable

Charge with household and industrial alternat-
ing current (AC) sockets
Audi e-tron compact charging system > page 144

Charge at public alternating current (AC) charg-
ing stations

Charging station cable

Audi recommends using alternating current (AC)
to charge the high-voltage battery at industrial
sockets, charging stations, or a wallbox. This will
allow you to achieve higher efficiency and a con-
siderably shorter charging time when compared
to charging with a household socket.
Only charge at household sockets with the
Audi e-tron compact charging system under spe-
cial circumstances when it is not possible to
charge at an industrial alternating current (AC)
socket or at a public alternating current (AC)
charging station.
High-voltage batteries age over time, which re-
duces the available range. High-voltage batteries
can also age because of how they are used: fre-
quently charging the high-voltage battery com-
pletely accelerates the aging of the battery and
reduces the available range.
Charging time
The duration of the charging process may vary
based on the following factors:
— Sockets being used (household or industrial
sockets)
— Country-specific system voltage, current
strength and number of available phases
— Household connection
—The value set for the charging power level on
the Audi charging system control unit
— Fluctuations in the system voltage
— The temperature outside the vehicle
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
and the Audi charging system control unit.
— Settings for the climate control inside the vehi-
cle
— Current capacity of the charging connector
— Whether the ignition is on or off
Important safety precautions
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

Z\ WARNING
Short circuiting, electric shock, explosions,
fire, and severe burns can result from charg-
ing the battery incorrectly (for example by
disregarding general safety precautions, using
unsuitable or damaged sockets and charging
cables, or charging with unsuitable electrical
equipment) and can lead to serious and fatal
injuries.
— Do not charge using sockets/electrical
equipment that is clearly damaged or instal-
led incorrectly.
— Never use charging equipment that is clearly
damaged and/or dirty. Check the charging
equipment for damage before every use.
— Never modify or repair any electrical compo-
nents, especially the high-voltage system.
— Never charge in areas at risk for explosions.
The components in the charging equipment
can trigger sparks, which can cause flamma-
ble or explosive fumes to ignite. To reduce
the risk of explosions, especially in garages,
make sure the Audi e-tron charging system
control unit is at least 19 inches (50 cm)
above the floor when charging.
— Never use the charging equipment with an
extension cord, a cable reel, a power strip,


137

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

Driving information

— 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.
— Units of measurement and language set-
tings are displayed based on how they were
set in the MMI system settings > page 266.
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information
Switching traffic light information on and
off
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI > page 157.
Accessing traffic light information
> Select in the instrument cluster: Vehicle func-
tions tab > Traffic signs.
@) Tips
If another tab or another function is selected
in the instrument cluster, the traffic light in-
formation will appear in the status bar on the
instrument cluster.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information
Malfunction! See owner's manual
The system could not be configured, for example
due to a network malfunction. Switch the igni-
tion off and shut down the vehicle to restart the
system. Wait several minutes until the vehicle
has shut down completely and then switch the
ignition back on.
Function currently unavailable. See owner's
manual
There is a temporary system malfunction. Check
if one or more of the following situations applies
and correct the issue if necessary:
— Traffic light information is switched off
— Data transmission is deactivated
— The vehicle is not equipped with traffic sign rec-
ognition.
162
— There is no valid license
— Traffic light information is not available in that
area
Lap timer
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer
You can measure and analyze lap times with the
lap timer in the display. You can operate the lap
timer using the multifunction steering wheel
=> page 13.
Opening the lap timer
> Select in the instrument cluster: Vehicle func-
tions tab > [| button > Lap times.

ZA WARNING
Your focus should always be on driving your
vehicle safely. As the driver, you have com-
plete responsibility for safety in traffic. To re-
duce the risk of an accident, only use the lap
timer functions in such a way that you always
maintain complete control over your vehicle in
all traffic situations.
@ Tips
You can retrieve information from the trip
computer while the lap timer stopwatch is
running.
ya |
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer

Requirement: the lap timer must be open
=> page 162.
Timing laps
> To start timing manually, select Start lap 1 in
the menu.
> To start timing automatically as soon as you be-
gin to drive, select Start lap 1 by driving off or
Start by driving off in the menu.
> To start timing a new lap after driving a lap, se-
lect New lap in the menu. This starts timing
the next lap at the same time.

4N0012721BD
Driving information

After completing a lap, the difference between
the last lap and the previous best lap time will be
indicated with a “~” or “+”.
Pausing timing and displaying a split time
> To insert a pause @ select Pause in the menu.
> To resume timing, select Resume in the menu.
> To display a split time, select Split time in the
menu. The split time appears for approxi-
mately ten seconds in the instrument cluster.
The current lap timing will continue running.
Canceling lap timing
The timing of the current lap will stop. The lap
time will be erased and will not be included in the
statistics.
> Select Cancel lap using the multifunction steer-
ing wheel.
Resetting timing
> Using the multifunction steering wheel, select
Reset lap times in the menu.
@ Tips
—A maximum of 99 lap times can be meas-
ured.
— If timing is paused, you can continue it later
even if you switch the ignition off.
— Saved lap times cannot be individually de-
leted from the total results.
— The saved lap timer values will remain after
switching the ignition off.
Lap statistics
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer
Displaying lap statistics
You can display the number of laps driven Eg,
the fastest lap “+”, the slowest lap “~”, and the
average time “®” in the instrument cluster.
> Select in the instrument cluster: Vehicle func-
tions tab > E] button > Lap statistics.
> Turn the thumbwheel down or up to display the
individual lap times.
> To return to the lap timing that was started,
press the [=] button > Lap times.
Resetting lap statistics
Requirement: the lap statistics menu must be
displayed.
> To reset the lap statistics, press and hold the
left thumbwheel until the message No lap
times have been recorded yet. appears.
@) Tips
The lap statistics list the lap times for the last
30 laps. The fastest and slowest lap time out
of up to 99 measured laps are also displayed.
Night vision assist
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
Night vision assist helps you when it is dark by
using an infrared camera to monitor the area in
front of your vehicle, within the limits of the sys-
tem. It can display objects up to a distance of ap-
proximately 1000 feet (300 m).
Pedestrian and wild animals are detected by
measuring the temperature difference between
the object and the background. Pedestrians and
wild animals will not be detected if the tempera-
ture difference is too small. The pedestrian and
wild animal marking feature is deactivated at
temperatures above approximately 77 °F (25 °C)
and when it is light outside.
The thermal image detected by the camera is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Warm areas
generally appear lighter and cold areas appear
darker.
The camera for the night vision assist @)
= page 156 is located in the vehicle's radiator
grille. Make sure the night vision camera is not
covered by stickers, deposits, or any other ob-
structions because this can impair the night vi-
sion assist function. Follow the information
about cleaning > page 309.

ZX WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 154. >

163

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