2020 AUDI A8 light

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

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 >

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

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 >

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system

this message does not turn off, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
Charging equipment
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the Audi e-
tron compact charging system may be available.
Using the charging equipment
Pay attention to the following information for
safe handling of the charging equipment:
— Secure the charging equipment against any
strain, such as being run over, falling, pulling,
bending, and crushing.
— Do not submerge the charging equipment in
water and do not cover it with snow or ice.
— When you remove the charging cable from the
vehicle and from the power supply, only pull at
the connectors and not at the cable.
— Put the cap on after using the charging cable.
— Only operate the Audi charging system ina
power supply system with a frequency of
50 Hz/60 Hz.
— Only operate or store the Audi charging system
at a humidity level between 5% and 95% (no
condensation).
— The Audi charging system is protected against
dust and splashing water (IP55 (USA: Enclosure
3).
Depending on the country, different warnings
may be on the charging equipment.

Symbol Meaning

Operate or store the Audi charging
system at a temperature range of
-22 °F (-30 °C) to +122 °F (+50 °C).
a

Operate or store the Audi charging
system at a maximum elevation of
13,000 ft (4,000 m) above sea lev-
el.
‘=4000m

The Audi charging system is equip-
ped with a ground conductor that is


not connected.



Symbol Meaning
> The Audi charging system is equip-
WZ ped with a connected ground con-
ductor.

Do not operate the Audi charging
system in power networks that are
not grounded (for example, IT net-
works). Only operate the Audi
charging system in grounded power
networks.
&

Surfaces can become very hot when
in direct sunlight.


Incorrect use increases the risk of
electric shock.


Pay attention to the applicable own-
er's manual, particularly the safety
precautions.


Pay attention to all applicable dis-
posal regulations when disposing.

Do not use any extensions cords or
cable reels.

Do not use any travel adapters.

Do not use any power strips.

y Do not use any charging cables with
oo, damage to the electronics or the

Operate the Audi charging system

connecting wires.
in single-phase power supplies.

Grounding instructions
Audi charging systems must be grounded. If it
should malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric
current to reduce the risk of electric shock. Audi
charging systems are equipped with a cord hav-
ing an equipment grounding conductor and a
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into
an appropriate outlet thatis properly installed >
143

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