2020 AUDI A8 check engine light

4N0012721BD
Quick access

— Driver assistance systems ......
@ Depending on equipment:
—Cup holders ..............0..
—Socket .........0..0 0.000000.
@0) Depending on equipment:
— Starting the engine when there is
@ MMALFUMGEION: «5 csscice 6 2 soeeane + ane
—
Audi musicinterface ..........
— Audi phone box ...............
—SDcardreader ...............
@) Electromechanical parking brake
button 2.2... 6. cece eee eee eee
@3) Automatic transmission selector
lever... 2... cece ee eee eee eee
@) [START ENGINE STOP] button ....


@4 Steering wheel adjustment ......
@5) Lever for:
— Cruise control system .........
— Adaptive cruise assist ..........
@8 Data link connector for On Board
Diagnostic System (OBD) ........
@) Buttons for:
— LIQHtS sc ss cease se wees ts ee es
—All-weather lights ............
— Rear fog lights ...............
@8 Hood release ................-.
@9) Button for:
— Luggage compartment lid ......
— Fuel filler door release (plug-in
hybrid drive) ..............0.0.
G0 Exterior mirror adjustment ......
@2 Buttons for:
— Power windows .............-
—Child safety lock ..............
G) Tips
157
98 97
L112
254
202
250
124
113 111
80
166
170
332
60 60 60
276
50
271
66
54
53
Some the equipment listed here is only instal-
led in certain models or is available as an op-
tion.

Indicator lights overview
The indicator lights in the instrument cluster
blink or turn on. They indicate functions or mal-
functions.
With some indicator lights, messages may ap-
pear and warning signals may sound. The indica-
tor lights and messages may be covered by other
displays. To show them again, select the second
tab for messages with the multifunction steering
wheel & page 13.
Some indicator lights in the display can display in
several colors.

Oeil ans
If the A or N indicator light turns on, check
the message in the instrument cluster.
Some indicator lights turn on briefly as a function
check
when you switch the ignition on. These sys-
tems are marked with a V in the following tables.
If one of these indicator lights does not turn on,
there is a malfunction in that system.
The following indicator lights may be available,
depending on the vehicle equipment:

Red indicator lights
Central indicator light ¥
=> page 7,
Instrument cluster
=>page 12
Safety belt
=> page 84
Engine start system
=>page 112
Transmission
=>page 117

Driving

—P (Park)
— R (Reverse)
—N (Neutral)
—D (Drive)
Selecting a gear
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
— Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the
brake pedal.
— Press the release button (@ on the selector lev-
er.
—To select the nearest gear, move the selector
lever forward or back until you feel the first
pressure point.
—To skip a gear (for example, move from “D” to
“R”), move the selector lever past the pressure
point in the desired direction.
— The label next to the selector lever for the se-
lected gear will light up.
“N” (Neutral) gear
In the “N” gear, power is not transmitted to the
driving wheels. Use the “N” gear in a car wash
(with conveyor belts), for example.
If you unintentionally select “N” while driving
(faster than 1 mph (2 km/h)), you can also shift
back to “D” without pressing the brake pedal.
For safety reasons, the vehicle cannot be locked
when the transmission is in the "N” gear.
“p” (Park) gear
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
The vehicle is secured from rolling away by the
parking lock when in the “P” gear.
— Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the
brake pedal.
— Press the “P” button @) on the selector lever.
— The “P” next to the selector lever will light up.
“P” engages automatically if you switch the en-
gine off while the “D” or “R” gear is selected. If
you switch the engine off in “N”, “P” will engage
automatically after approximately 30 minutes.
If you want to switch to another gear from “P”,
the engine must be running.
114
If you cannot shift out of “P”, for example be-
cause the vehicle has no power, you may need to
use the emergency release for the parking lock
=> page 116.
Selecting the driving program
Various driving programs can be selected when in
the “D” gear. The programs influence when the
transmission shifts and how the accelerator ped-
al responds.
The selected driving program is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
— D (Drive): normal driving mode
— S (Sport): sporty driving mode
If you select the Dynamic mode in Audi drive se-
lect*, the “S” driving program will be activated.
When the ignition is switched off, the driving pro-
gram may be reset to “D”.
To switch between the current driving program
and “S”, push the selector lever toward the rear.
Plug-in hybrid drive: if you press the while in “S”, the “D” driving program will be se-
lected.

A WARNING
— Before starting to drive, check if the desired
gear is displayed next to the selector lever.
— Always secure your vehicle from rolling
away. Press the brake pedal or shift to “P”.
When leaving the vehicle, also set the park-
ing brake.
— Power is still transmitted to the wheels
when the engine is running at idle. To pre-
vent the vehicle from “creeping”, you must
keep your foot on the brake in all selector
lever positions (except "P" and "N") when
the engine is running.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, do not
press the accelerator pedal when changing
gears if the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is running.
— Never select the “R" or "P” gears while driv-
ing. Doing so could cause an accident.
— The vehicle can roll even if the ignition is
switched off.

Driving

The Start/Stop system is automatically activated
once
the ignition is switched on.
Switching the Start/Stop system off and on
The & button is located above the selector lever
in the center console. The LED in the button turns
on when the function is switched off.
> Press & to switch on or off.
If you switch the system off during a Stop phase,
the engine will start again automatically.
Basic requirements
—The driver's door and hood must be closed.
—"P","N", or"D" must be engaged.
— The steering wheel must not be turned far in ei-
ther direction.
— The vehicle must have driven faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h) since the last time it stopped.
— The vehicle is not in trailer mode.
® Note
Always switch the Start/Stop system off when
driving through water > page 122.
G) Tips
— Depending on the driving situation, the en-
gine may already stop when coasting before
the vehicle has come to a complete stop )).
— If you select the "D" position after shifting
into reverse, the vehicle must be driven fast-
er than 6 mph (10 km/h) in order for the
Start/Stop system to become active again.
This makes it possible to maneuver without
stopping the engine.
Stopping and starting the engine
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
> Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle
has stopped. The @ indicator light appears in
the instrument cluster once the engine stops
automatically.
> The engine starts again when you remove your
foot from the brake pedal. The indicator light
turns off.

D_ In certain countries.
122
G) Tips
— Press the brake pedal during a Stop phase
to keep the vehicle from rolling.
— The ignition will turn off if you press the
START ENGINE STOP] button during a Stop
phase.
— If you leave the vehicle briefly during a Stop
phase, the driver's door must be closed and
the safety belt buckled for the engine to be
able to restart.


— You can control if the engine will stop or not
by reducing or increasing the amount of
force you use to press the brake pedal. For
example, if you only lightly press on the
brake pedal in stop-and-go traffic or when
turning, the engine will not switch off when
the vehicle is stationary. If you press the
brake pedal harder, the engine will switch
off.
Starting and stopping the engine automat-
ire] AY
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
The system checks if certain conditions are met
before and during the Stop phase, and deter-
mines if the engine stops and how long it re-
mains stopped. For example, if power usage is
high, the engine will not be stopped. Along with
other conditions, the following factors influence
the automatic engine start or stop:
— Environmental conditions (slopes, inclines, ele-
vation, temperature)
— Battery (charge status, temperature, power us-
age)
— Engine temperature
— Assist systems
— Driving behavior
Depending on the engine, the indicator light
may appear if the engine is not stopped.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
Drive system: please start the vehicle manually >

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
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
>

Checking and Filling

Checking and Filling
Fuel
Types of gasoline
The correct gasoline grade is stated on the inside
of the fuel filler door.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter
and must only be driven with unleaded gasoline.
Audi recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gas-
oline. For additional information on TOP TIER De-
tergent Gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
The individual gasoline grades are differentiated
by octane ratings. This value is given with (R
+M)/2 equating to AKI or in RON.
The headings below match the sticker in the fuel
filler door (examples):
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY MIN. (R+M)/2 87
Regular / MIN. RON 91 Regular
Use regular gasoline with minimum 87 AKI /
91 RON > ©.
Audi recommends using premium gasoline with
minimum 91 AKI / 95 RON to achieve the rated
horsepower and torque.
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY PREMIUM MIN. (R
+M)/2 91 / SUPER MIN. RON 95
Using premium gasoline with minimum 91 AKI /
95 RON is recommended.
If premium gasoline is not available, you can also
use regular gasoline 87 AKI / 91 RON. However
this does reduce the engine power slightly.
() Note
— Filling the tank just one time with leaded
fuel or other metallic additives will cause
permanent deterioration to the catalytic
converter function.
— When gasoline with an octane rating that is
too low is used, high speeds or heavy engine
load can lead to engine damage.
270
G) Tips
The vehicle may be filled with fuel that has a
higher octane rating than what is required by
the engine.
Gasoline mixture
Gasoline with alcohol or MTBE (Methyl-Tert-
Butyl-Ether)
You can use unleaded gasoline mixed with alco-
hol or MTBE (generally labeled as oxygenated
compounds) as long as the fuel meets the follow-
ing conditions:
Gasoline with methanol content (methyl alco-
hol
or methanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 3% methanol
— More than 2% solvent
Gasoline with ethanol content (ethyl alcohol or
ethanol)
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% ethanol
Gasoline with MTBE content
— Anti-Knock Index is at least 87 AKI
—No more than 15% MTBE
Gasoline adapted to the season
Many gasoline fuels are adapted to the seasons.
When the season changes, we recommend refu-
eling at high-traffic gas stations. It is more likely
that the gasoline will be suitable for the season
there.
() Note
— Gasoline with methanol content that does
not meet the specified conditions may cause
corrosion damage and damage to plastic or
rubber components in the fuel system.
— Do not use gasoline that does not meet the
specifications.
— If you are unable to find out if a specific gas-
oline mixture meets the specifications, ask
the gas station operator or their fuel suppli-
er.

Checking and Filling

the rest of the fuel to finish dripping into the
fuel tank.
> Turn the fuel cap clockwise until it clicks into
place.
> Close the fuel filler door and then press on the
left side until it latches.
The correct fuel type for your vehicle can be
found ona label located on the inside of the fuel
filler door. For additional information on fuel, see
=> page 270.
For the tank capacity in your vehicle, refer to the
Technical Data > page 342.
To reduce the risk of fuel leaking out or vapors
escaping, make sure that the fuel tank is closed
correctly. Otherwise the Ey indicator light will
turn on.
If the central locking system malfunctions, there
is a fuel filler door emergency release
=> page 273.
Messages
Al Tank system: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the fuel tank system.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Ay Fuel filler door: malfunction! Unlock fuel
filler door manually. See owner's manual
There is a malfunction. You must manually un-
lock the fuel filler door > page 273.
Al Warning! Vehicle performance may be limit-
ed
The fuel tank is almost empty. You must antici-
pate a significant power loss. Refuel immediate-
ly.
Ay Fuel filler door open. Please press button
again to refuel

1) Depending on the engine and country
272
Fueling is possible for a little while after pressing
the fl} button. You must press the ff) button
again if the time limit is exceeded.

Z\ WARNING
Improper fueling procedures and improper
handling of fuel can lead to explosions, fires,
severe burns, and other injuries.
— Do not smoke. Keep away from open flames.
— The ignition must be switched off when re-
fueling.
— Mobile devices, radio devices, and other ra-
dio equipment should always be switched
off when refueling. Electromagnetic rays
could cause sparks and start a fire.
— If you do not insert the fuel pump nozzle all
the way into the filler tube, then fuel can
leak out. Spilled fuel can ignite and start a
fire.
— Never get into the vehicle when refueling. If
there is an exceptional situation where you
must enter the vehicle, close the door and
touch a metal surface before touching the
fuel pump nozzle again. This will reduce the
risk of electrostatic discharge that can cause
flying sparks. Sparks can start a fire when
refueling.

ZA\ WARNING
Transporting fuel containers inside the vehicle
is not recommended. Fuel could leak out of
the container and ignite, especially during an
accident. This can cause explosions, fires, and
injuries.
— If you must transport fuel in a fuel contain-
er, note the following:
— Always place the fuel container on the
ground before filling. Never fill the fuel
container with fuel while it is inside or on
the vehicle. Electrostatic discharge can oc-
cur while refueling and the fuel vapors
could ignite.

Checking and Filling

> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316.
> Carefully insert the flat side of the screwdriver
from below into the center of the top slot in the
cover > fig. 179.
> Use the screwdriver to pull the cover toward the
center of the vehicle and remove the cover.
> To unlock the fuel filler door, loosen the red
loop from the retainer and then pull on the
loop carefully > fig. 1802 ©.
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 271, fig. 177.
@ 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.
@ Tips
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
— The tank will not be vented if the emergency
release function was used on the fuel filler
door. You can only fill a small amount of
fuel in the tank. Fill only until the fuel pump
nozzle turns off for the first time. Drive to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
— Pressure can escape if you open the tank cap
after using the emergency release. This can
create noises.
Emissions control
system
General information
Z\ WARNING
The temperature of the exhaust system is
high, both when driving and after stopping
the engine.
— Never touch the exhaust tail pipes once they
have become hot. This could result in burns.



1) Depending on the engine and country
274

— Do not park your vehicle over flammable
materials such as grass or leaves because
the high temperature of the emissions sys-
tem could start a fire.
— Do not apply underbody protectant in the
exhaust system area, because this increases
the risk of fire.
Catalytic converter
Follow the safety precautions > page 274, Gener-
al information.


The vehicle may only be driven with unleaded
gasoline, or the catalytic converter will be de-
stroyed.
Never drive until the tank is completely empty.
The irregular supply of fuel that results from that
can cause engine misfires. Uncombusted fuel
could enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
If the [J indicator light blinks or turns on, there
is a malfunction that is causing poor emissions
quality and that could damage the catalytic con-
verter. Drive slowly to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction corrected.
The indicator light can also turn on if the fuel fill-
er cap is not closed correctly page 271).
Engine compartment
General information
Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
For work in the engine compartment, such as
checking and filling fluids, there is a risk of in-
jury, scalding, accidents, and burns. For this
reason, follow all the warnings and general >