2020 AUDI Q7 suspension

Trailer towing

correctly will help to achieve this weight. Having
the tongue weight too low affects the vehicle's
handling.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 298.
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 256. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The tire pressure must be increased an additional
3 PSI (0.2 bar) for towing loads over 6,600 lbs
(3,000 kg).
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.
116
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
The turn signals are activated in trailer mode if
the & indicator light blinks. If a turn signal on
the trailer or on the vehicle fails while in trailer
mode, the indicator light will not blink twice as
fast to indicate this.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 108
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >,
=> page 109.
For vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch,
the air suspension trailer mode will automatically
switch on if you connect the trailer cable to the
socket.
For vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch, you
must switch on the air suspension trailer mode
manually.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch it off again when you are no longer towing
a trailer.
When using carrier systems that are mounted di-
rectly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can also
switch trailer mode off manually.

4M1012721BA
Trailer towing

If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 109.
You can also increase ground clearance by select-
ing the Audi drive select* offroad or allroad
modes > page 108.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no Longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.

IX WARNING
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
® Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function checked by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
@ Tips
— Block the wheels with chocks when parking
on inclines if the trailer is loaded.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Pe MO le
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.

Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Downshift before driving on hills to utilize the en-
gine braking effect > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.
Engine coolant temperature
Pay attention specifically to the coolant tempera-
ture display when there are high outside temper-
atures, and when driving on long inclines
=> page 13. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

Z\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

117

Parking and maneuvering

@ You should stop driving in reverse when the
red orientation line touches the edge of an
object, at the latest.
Trailer view
Applies to: vehicles with trailer view
The trailer view > fig. 133 assists you in position-
ing the vehicle in front of a trailer.
— Applies to: vehicles with peripheral cameras:
Switch to the Rear view G) > page 161,
fig. 134.
— Select Trailer view in the upper display when
the parking aid is active |].



Now you can position your vehicle in front of the
trailer. The orange orientation line ©) ° fig. 133
indicates the expected path toward the trailer
hitch. Use the blue markings © to help you esti-
mate the distance to the trailer hitch. Each mark-
ing represents approximately 1 foot (0.30 me-
ters). The width of the blue surface represents
the maximum steering wheel angle.
Symbols
If $2/€9/< is displayed and the display area
represented by that symbol is not available, then
the camera on the that side is not available. The
power exterior mirrors may have been folded in
or a door or the luggage compartment lid may
have been opened.
If # is displayed, there is a system malfunction
and the display area represented by that symbol
is not available. The camera is not working in this
area.
If Nvis displayed, the respective ultrasonic sensor
is icy or dirty. Clean the area in front of the sen-
sors > page 120.
If one of the symbols continues to be displayed,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.
160


Z\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 118.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

@) Note
— The orange orientation lines @) show the di-
rection the rear of the vehicle will be travel-
ing, based on the steering wheel angle. The
front of the vehicle swings out more than
the rear of the vehicle. Maintain plenty of
distance so that an exterior mirror or a cor-
ner of the vehicle does not collide with any
obstacles.
— Keep enough distance from the curb to
avoid damage to the rims.
— Only use the images provided by the camera
on the rear of the vehicle when the luggage
compartment lid is completely closed. Make
sure any objects you may have mounted on
the luggage compartment lid do not block
the rearview camera.
@ Tips
— Applies to vehicles with air suspension: The
accuracy of the orientation lines and blue
surfaces on the camera display decreases
when the vehicle is raised or lowered with
the air suspension.
— There is no rear distance warning when trail-
er mode is detected. The front sensors re-
main activated. The visual display switches
to trailer mode. The rearview camera image
will not show the orientation lines and the
blue surfaces. There is no guarantee the
functions will be deactivated when using a
retrofitted trailer hitch.

Wheels

> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
=> page 256.
The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great-
ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of
0.16 in (4 mm). The characteristics of winter tires
also decrease greatly as the tire ages, regardless
of the remaining tread.
@) For the sake of the environment
Reinstall summer tires at the appropriate
time, because they provide better handling
when roads are free of snow and ice. Summer
tires cause less road noise, tire wear, and fuel
consumption.
G) Tips
You can also use all season tires instead of
winter tires. Please note that in some coun-
tries where winter tires are required, only win-
ter tires with the - symbol may be permit-
ted.
Snow chains improve both driving and braking in
winter road conditions.
> Only install snow chains on the front wheels.
> Check and correct the seating of the snow
chains after driving a few feet, if necessary. Fol-
low the instructions from the manufacturer.
> Note the maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h). Observe the local regulations.
Use of snow chains is only permitted with certain
rim/tire combinations due to technical reasons.
Check with an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to see if you may use
snow chains.
Use fine-mesh snow chains. They must not add
more than 0.53 in (13.5 mm) in height, including
the chain lock.
You must remove the snow chains on roads with-
out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving
ability and damage the tires.
262

Z\ WARNING
Using incorrect snow chains or installing snow
chains incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle
control, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.

() Note
— Snow chains can damage the rims and
wheel covers* if the chains come into direct
contact with them. Remove the wheel cov-
ers* first. Use coated snow chains.
— Do not install and use snow chains if there is
a malfunction in the air suspension*, be-
cause the vehicle height will be very low. If
you drive with snow chains anyway, the
wheel housings and other vehicle compo-
nents can be severely damaged.
G) Tips
When using snow chains, it may be advisable
to limit the ESC > page 113.
Low-profile tires
Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires
Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low-
profile tires offer a wider tread surface and a
larger rim diameter with shorter tire sidewalls.
This results in an agile driving style. However, it
may reduce the level of comfort and increase
road noise when driving on roads in poor condi-
tion.
Low-profile tires can become damaged more
quickly than standard tires when driving over
large bumps, potholes, manhole covers, and
curbs. Therefore, it is particularly important to
maintain the correct tire pressure > page 256.
To reduce the risk of damage to the tires and
rims, drive very carefully on poor roads.
Check your wheels regularly every 2,000 mi
(3,000 km) for damage. For example, check for
bulges/cracks on the tires or deformations/cracks
on the rims.
After a heavy impact or damage, have the tires
and rims inspected or replaced immediately by >

4M1012721BA
Wheels

minute and then stays on, there is system mal-
function. Try to store the correct tire pressures
= page 265. Insome cases, you must drive for
several minutes after storing the pressures until
the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light
does turn off or turns on again after a short peri-
od of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZA WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking maneu-
vers. Stop as soon as possible and check the
tires and their pressure.
— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressure. You must check the
tire pressure regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the tire pressure monitoring system
indicator may be delayed.

G) Tips
— The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC mal-
function.
— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
—The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 253. Using these tires is rec-
ommended.
Storing tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
If the tire pressure changes or a tire is replaced,
it must be confirmed in the MMI.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=> page 256.
> Switch the ignition on.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Tire pressure
monitoring > Store tire pressure > Yes, store
now.
@) Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.
Run-flat tires
Applies to: vehicles with run-flat tires
Run-flat tires can allow you to remain driving
when there is a loss of pressure.
Run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls that pro-
tect
the tire if there is a loss of pressure.
If the tire pressure monitoring system indicates a
loss of pressure in one or several tires, you can
continue driving on run-flat tires for at least 20
miles (30 km). Drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the problem corrected.
Continuing to drive on run-flat tires is no
longer possible if:
— There is visible damage to the tires, such as
cracks in the sidewalls
— Strong vibrations are felt while driving, or the
tire begins to smoke due to a strong build-up of
heat
— The tire has been heavily damaged, for example
in an accident. There is a risk that parts of the
tire tread will detach and damage important
vehicle components.
— The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) is not
working or is continuously running
— The tire pressure monitoring system is not
working
If it is no longer possible to continue driving de-
spite having run-flat tires, see an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.

ZA WARNING
Run-flat tires may only be used on vehicles
that were equipped with them at the factory.
— The vehicle must have suspension designed
for run-flat tires and a factory-installed tire
pressure monitoring system. >

265

4M1012721BA
Emergency assistance


ZA\ WARNING
— Read and follow the manufacturer's safety
precautions on the compressor and in the in-
structions on the bottle of sealant.
— Ifa tire pressure of 29 psi (200 kPA) cannot
reached after inflating for 6 minutes, then
the tire is too severely damaged. Do not con-
tinue driving.
— If the tire cannot be repaired with the tire
sealant, see an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

G) Tips
Do not operate the compressor for more than
six minutes continuously, or it can overheat.
Once the compressor has cooled, you can con-
tinue to use it.
Completing
Applies to: vehicles with tire mobility kit
> Affix the sticker that says "max. 50 mph (max.
80 km/h)" that is provided with the tire mobili-
ty kit within the driver's field of vision.
> Stop the vehicle after driving for about 10 mi-
nutes and check the tire pressure.
> If the tire pressure is lower than 19 psi (130
kPA), then the tire is too severely damaged. Do
not continue driving.

ZA\ WARNING
Pay attention to the following after repairing
the tire:
— Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).
— Avoid hard acceleration or braking and driv-
ing fast around curves.
— The vehicle may become more difficult to
control.
— If the tire is too severely damaged, see an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility for assistance.

@ For the sake of the environment
You can give the used tire sealant bottle to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for disposal.

@) Tips
Remember to obtain a new bottle of sealant
from an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility after repairing a tire.
Replacing wheels
You must complete the preparation before
changing a tire.
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions > page 273.
> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” position.
» When towing a trailer: disconnect the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Lay out the vehicle tool kit > page 273 and the
spare tire.
> Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Select
on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings &
Service > Air suspension: wheel change.
> Switch the ignition off.

ZA\ WARNING
The vehicle must also be secured to prevent it
from rolling when using the vehicle jack*. Use
suitable objects to block the front and back of
the wheel that is diagonal from the wheel
with the flat tire.



i
Fig. 180 Wheel: wheel bolts with caps
@

Oo-q
th.
is y
> Slide the plastic clip from the vehicle tool kit
onto the cap until it engages > fig. 180.
> Remove the cap with the plastic clip.
275

4M1012721BA
Emergency assistance

> Find the marking on the sill that is closest to
the tire that will be changed > fig. 183. Behind
the marking, there is a lifting point on the side
sill for the vehicle jack.
>» Using the hex socket wrench (3) from the vehi-
cle tool kit, turn the vehicle jack under the lift-
ing point on the side sill until it is high enough
that the arm @) 9 fig. 184 is under the desig-
nated plastic mount.
> Align the vehicle jack so the arm @ engages in
the designated Lifting point in the door sill and
the base (2) lies flat on the ground. The base @)
must be directly under the mounting point ().
> To lift the vehicle, position the ratchet @ from
the vehicle tool kit with the correct side on the
hex socket wrench @).
> Move the ratchet (@) clockwise back and forth
until the wheel lifts up slightly from the
ground.

Z\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no
one is in the vehicle before raising it.
— Make sure the vehicle jack is stable. The risk
of injury is increased when the ground is
slippery or soft, because the vehicle jack
could slide or sink.
— Only raise your vehicle with the vehicle jack
provided by the factory. If you use a vehicle
jack designed for another vehicle, your vehi-
cle could slip and cause injury.
— Position the vehicle jack only at the desig-
nated mounting points on the side sill and
align the jack. Otherwise, the vehicle jack
could slip and cause an injury if it does not
have sufficient hold on the vehicle.
—To reduce the risk of injury, do not raise any
other vehicles or other loads using the vehi-
cle jack provided by the factory.
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension:
Changes in temperature or load can affect
the height of the stopped vehicle.


D Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brake rotors*: Use a sec-
ond alignment pin* from the vehicle tool kit for the lowest
hole according to the steps described for the first align-
ment pin.

—To reduce the risk of an accident, never start
the engine when the vehicle is raised.
—To reduce the risk of injury, no work should
be performed under the vehicle while it is
raised.
C) Note
Do not lift the vehicle by the sill. Position the
vehicle jack only at the designated mounting
points on the side sill. Otherwise, your vehicle
could be damaged.
Removing and installing a wheel


~
B8K-1479


Fig. 186 Wheel: alignment pin in the top hole
Removing a wheel
» Remove the top wheel bolt completely using
the hex socket in the screwdriver handle from
the vehicle tool kit > fig. 185 and place it ona
clean surface.
> Then install the alignment pin from the vehicle
tool kit by hand in the empty wheel bolt hole
> fig. 186).
277

Fuses and bulbs












Fuse panel () (black) Fuse panel (2) (black)
8 | Front MMI display Luggage compartment lid central locking,
9 | Instrument cluster 11 | fuel filler door, luggage compartment cov-
10 |MMI/DVD drive er
11 | Light switch, switch panels 12 |Luggage compartment lid control module
12 | Steering column electronics Fuse panel (2) (red)
13 | Volume control No. Equipment
14 | MMI Infotainment system control module 1 | Rear climate control system blower
15 | Steering column adjustment 2 |Sound-amplifier
16 | Steering wheel heating 3 | Exhaust treatment, sound actuator
4 |Rear climate control system control panel
Fuse assignment - Left side of the luggage 5 | Right trailer hitch light
6 |Trailer hitch positioning motor
7 |Trailer hitch release
8 | Left trailer hitch light
9 | Trailer hitch socket
ele
a
i] a rE ia) °
U i)

TCE |

Fig. 197 Left side of the luggage compartment: fuse panel
with plastic clip

BR oO All wheel drive sport differential

Bh BR
Exhaust treatment, right rear seat adjust-
ment




















Fuse panel (@) (black)
No. | Equipment
5 |Air suspension
6 |Automatic transmission
7 Rear seat heating, control panel for rear
climate control
Third row seat adjustment
9 | Left tail light
10 | Front belt tensioner on driver's side

12 | Driver’s side rear safety belt tensioner
Fuse | (3) (
No. | Equipment
Driver assist systems control module
2 |Audi phone box, roof antenna
3 Front seat electronics, right lumbar sup-
port
4 |Side assist
5 | Rear Seat Entertainment preparation
Tire pressure monitoring system
8 Parking heater radio receiver, fuel tank
monitoring
10 TV tuner, data exchange and telematics
control module
11 | Vehicle opening/start (NFC)
12 | Garage door opener
13 | Rearview camera, peripheral cameras
14 | Central locking, right tail light
15
|Passenger’s side rear safety belt tensioner
16 Front belt tensioner on front passenger's

side


286