2021 AUDI A4 ABS

8W1012721BC
Quick access


Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC)
> page 114






Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC)
=>page 114
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
>page 114
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
=>page 114





Adaptive cruise control
> page 138,
Traffic jam assist
=> page 139










Engine oil sensor
=> page 224
Engine warm-up request
=> page 224
Electrical system
=> page 230
Washer fluid level
=> page 233
Tire pressure
=> page 253,
=> page 253
Tire pressure
=> page 253

Steering intervention request
> page 139,
=>page 142






Distance warning
=> page 140

Active lane assist
> page 141,
=> page 143


Pre sense
=> page 143






Side assist, exit warning
=> page 148


Parking systems
=>page 152


Rear cross-traffic assist
=> page 156



Park assist
=>page 161
Emergency call function
> page 179






Tank system
=> page 218
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
> page 218,
=> page 220
Engine oil level (MIN)
=> page 224
Engine oil level (MAX)
=> page 224





Other indicator lights
Low beam headlights
=>page 51















Parking lights
=> page 51
Turn signals
=> page 52,
=>page 53
Turn signals
=> page 52,
=> page 53
Start/Stop system
=> page 103
Hill hold assist
=> page 108
Cruise control system
=> page 127
Cruise control system
=>page 127
Efficiency assist
=> page 129,
=>page 129
Efficiency assist
> page 129
Efficiency assist
=> page 129
Efficiency assist
=> page 129 >

8W1012721BC
Instrument cluster


vehicle safely. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.

G) Tips
— The following pages primarily show illustra-
tions of the Audi virtual cockpit*. The dis-
play or location of the items that are shown
may vary on the different versions of the in-
strument cluster.
— You can select the units used for tempera-
ture, speed, and other measurements
=> page 212.
— Speeds are displayed in mph (miles per
hour) or km/h (kilometers per hour).
— Certain instrument cluster content can also
be displayed in the head-up display*
=>page 25.
Operating

Fig. 5 Left side of multifunction steering wheel
Information is organized within various tabs @)
in the instrument cluster. The tab contents are
displayed in the central area (2).
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
RAZ-0377

Selecting a tab
> Press the button @) repeatedly until the
desired tab is selected.
Returning to functions at higher levels
> Press the D button ©).
Opening and closing the menu
» Press the [=] button ©).
Selecting and confirming a function
Requirement: a menu or list must be displayed.
> To select a function, turn the left thumbwheel
@ to the desired function.
> To confirm a selection, press the left thumb-
wheel (7).
Switching the view
> Press the VIEW button @) > page 13.
The following tabs may be available, depending
on vehicle equipment:






First tab Vehicle functions > page 16
Second tab | Driver messages (this is only dis-
played if at least one indicator
light/message is being displayed)
Third tab Radio > page 193
Media > page 203
Fourth tab | Telephone > page 166
Fifth tab Navigation > page 181

Adjusting the display
RAZ-0673
Applies to: Audi virtual cockpit
Fig. 6 Center display: adjusting the display
Switching the view
Applies to: Audi virtual cockpit
> Press the VIEW button to switch between the
default view @ and the enhanced view (2).
13

Sitting correctly and safely

information for this > page 74, Advanced airbag
system. If you must secure a forward-facing child
safety seat, move the front passenger's seat as
far back as possible so that it is as far as possible
from the front passenger's airbag. While doing
this, make sure the seat can be adjusted all the
way.
Only switch to a larger child safety seat when
absolutely necessary
Switch to a larger child safety seat only when ab-
solutely necessary. Secure your child using a safe-
ty belt without a child safety seat only if all of the
following statements are true:
— The child is large enough to sit upright in the
seat
—The child is able to sit with his or her back rest-
ing completely on the seat backrest
— The child is able to sit with his or her knees
bent over the edge of the seat surface
—The child is able to sit with both of his or her
feet completely touching the floor in the foot-
well
— The lap portion of the safety belt lies flat and
securely over the hip area and never over the
stomach
—The shoulder portion of the safety belt lies flat
and securely over the center of the shoulder
and the chest, and never under the arm, behind
the back, or over the neck or face.
—The child is able to maintain this seating posi-
tion throughout the entire trip
Read and follow the important information and
warnings regarding the correct use of safety belts
=> page 68.
@) Tips
— Child safety seats can also be secured to
seats with side airbags. In the event of an
accident, children can also be protected by
the side airbags if the child is correctly se-
cured in a suitable child safety seat that is
attached correctly.
— The lower LATCH anchors as well as the
safety belt may be required to correctly in-
stall some child safety seats. Using both at
the same time is permitted, provided that
78
the fastening systems or safety belts do not
impair those in an adjacent seating position.
— All child safety seats are constructed so that
they can be secured using the lap safety belt
in the vehicle.
— Child safety seats with a load leg can only
be secured to the outer rear seats and to the
front passenger's seat.
Secu child safety seats to the lower
LATCH anchors



Fig. 70 Rear bench seat: lower LATCH anchors
Observe the safety precautions > page 76.
In the United States and Canada, child safety
seats can be secured without safety belts using
the LATCH system. LATCH stands for Lower An-
chors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, similar
systems are called UCRA, LUAS, or UAS.
The lower LATCH anchors in your vehicle are lo-
cated on the outer seats of the rear bench seat
between the seat surface and the backrest. These
seating locations each have two lower LATCH an-
chors that can be used to secure a LATCH child
safety seat. Marking points with a > fig. 70 sym-
bol are located on the covers for the lower LATCH
anchors. You can locate the LATCH anchors using
the marking points.
> Activate the child safety lock > page 44.
> Remove the cover* from both lower LATCH an-
chors.
> If you secure a child safety seat to the rear seat,
secure any unused safety belts that are within
reach of the child > A\ in Securing child safety
seats with a safety belt on page 79.
> Secure the child safety seat according to the
child safety seat manufacturer instructions. >

Driving

This message appears when specific conditions
are not met during a Stop phase. The Start/Stop
system will not be able to restart the engine. The
engine must be started with the
START ENGINE STOP] button.


Vehicle starting system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
There is a malfunction in the Start/Stop system.
Drive the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Service Facility as soon as possible to
have the malfunction corrected.
Brakes
General information
You can apply the vehicle's brakes using the brake
pedal.
Operating noise
Noises may occur when braking depending on the
speed, braking force, and outside conditions such
as temperature and humidity.
Braking effect
The response time from the brakes depends on
the weather and environmental conditions. To
ensure the optimal braking effect, the brake sys-
tem is cleaned at regular intervals. This is done
by applying the brake pads to the brake rotors for
a short period of time when driving at high
speeds when the windshield wipers are switched
on.
If the brake system becomes damp, for example
after driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may
be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en
frequently or for long distances. In this case,
104
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. Due to the properties of the material,
they may cause noises at lower speeds. Ceramic
brakes also absorb more moisture in wet condi-
tions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less
braking force than when the brakes are dry. You
can compensate for this by pressing the brake
pedal harder.
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

8W1012721BC
Driving


ZA WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
place your foot under the brake pedal.
@) Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 107. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
@) Tips
— In vehicles with an electromechanical brake
booster, the resistance in the brake pedal
may vary depending on the driving situation
(such as if driver assistance system are ac-
tive).
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.

— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 229.
Ga 7 @ Brakes: malfunction! Stop vehicle
safely
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
[S/ Bana fA also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution. If
the brake booster is not working, you have to use
much more force when braking the vehicle.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A\.
Hie / © Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality. You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual
The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-
od of time after switching off the ignition. Secure
the vehicle against rolling > page 96.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the EG i @
indicator light turns on briefly to check the func-
tion. If the indicator light does not turn on, there
is a system malfunction.
file / © stays on, there is a malfunction in
the brake system.
@- A high load was placed on the brakes from
driving downhill for a long period of time. Follow
the instructions in the message to utilize the en-
gine braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

Z\ WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that >

105

8W1012721BC
Driving dynamic

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.
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.
The following stabilization functions are integrat-
ed into the ESC, among others:
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.
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.
EDL will switch on again automatically when con-
ditions have returned to normal.
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.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.

ZA\ 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.
— Accelerate carefully when driving on
smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and

snow. The drive wheels can spin even when

113

Driving dynamic


these control systems are installed and this
can affect driving stability and increase the
risk of a collision.

Gi) 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.
The So button (or 2, depending on the model)
for controlling the ESC is located in the center
console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is
automatically switched on when the ignition is
switched on.
Limiting ESC
In some situations, it may make sense to limit
the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the
wheels can spin, for example to rock a vehicle to
free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow
chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide
more sporty driving characteristics with fewer
stabilizing corrective actions.
—To limit the ESC, press the oF button briefly.
The B indicator light will turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
When ESC is limited, allroad models switch to
Offroad mode. All other model versions switch to
Sport mode. Sport mode is particularly suited for
driving on an even road surface. Offroad mode is
designed for uneven terrain or loose ground.
Switching off ESC
For a more active control of the vehicle where the
stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,
the ESC can be switched off.
—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.
114
ZA\ 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
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.
(i) Tips
— If you select the Audi drive select* Offroad
mode, hill descent assist will switch on.
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
BB /ABS} / B © Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual

There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Other indicator lights
it a blinks while driving, the ESC is actively reg-
ulating. Operating noises may occur. If the indi-
cator light stays on, the ESC has been switched
off due to system needs. The indicator light turns
off when the system is fully functional.

Additional information

Additional information
Brands and licenses
This manual does not contain any symbols, such
as ® or ™, to identify trademarks or registered
trademarks. However, the absence of these sym-
bols does not constitute a waiver of any rights as-
sociated with these names.
Apple, iPhone, iPod touch, Apple CarPlay, Light-
ning, and iTunes Radio are trademarks of Apple
Inc.
10S is a trademark or, in the USA and other coun-
tries, a registered trademark of Cisco and is used
under license.
Other product and manufacturer names may be
trademarks of their respective owners.
216