2021 AUDI A4 towing

8W1012721BC
Table of contents


All wheel drive (quattro).............. 112
Electronic Stabilization Control......... 113
Trailer towing.................... 115
Driving with atrailer................. 115
Assist systems................... 117
Assist systems................... 117
General information. . 117
Surrounding area detection............ 118
Driving information.............. L241
Speed warning systeM.........-.00 00 121
Camera-based traffic sign recognition... 121
Traffic light information.............. 123
Lap tel ws = = sees 5 5 ses 2 2 eee ge ee 124
Integrated Toll Module............... 125
Driver assistance................. 127
Cruise control system............20-- 127
Efficiency assist....... 0.00... 128
Audi adaptive cruise control........... 130
Traffiejaim assists: « ¢ sas s o aerey & 2 sores x 138
Distance warning ...... 2.00... .00000. 140
Audi active lane assist/lane departure
WARNING: = = wey = o eee 2 o wees 2 Rae & 2 BS 141
Audi pre sense... ...... cee eee eee 143
Side assist... 0.0.6... cece eee eee 147
EXit Warnitig ces s = ewes 5 & eee § o eee es 148
Parking and maneuvering....... 150
TNtROGUetiON « = sew ce sees 5 2 eee : x ewer 150
Parkirigiaid plus o seswies «5 acinwse ow enanave a & ox 150
Rearview camera and peripheral cameras. 152
Rear cross-traffic assist.............0. 156
Assisted
parking............ 0 eee eee 157
Park assist... 0.0... ccc eee ee 159
Infotainment system............ 162
Telephone..................-0-005 162
Introduction................ 0000-0 162
S@tUP -cusy 9 sous & ¥ Sew Yo eR Es ewe 162
Using the Audi phone box............. 164
Using the telephone.................. 166
SOtUiNGS sisis < & eawig + eels # eee s BwR 169
MOSSAQESicies «i sanswis 6 v sete + 0 oxime 4 9 aie 170
Troubleshooting............--.000005 172
PRCT COMMBCE 's. cosves 5 6 sivas 6 6 snes 8 oo LS
General information................- 173
Audi connect Infotainment............ 173
Using a Wi-Fi hotspot................ 174
Audi connect Infotainment services..... 174
Functions on demand................ 175
Audi connect vehicle control services.... 175
Settings............. 0.0.00 002 eee 176
TRGUBIESHOOLING sass ¢ scm s 3 Hae 5 tee 177
Emergency call................... 178
Overview... 12.0... eee eee eee 178
Emergenicy'call « css s sees 6 s gems © + eeu 178
Online roadside assistance............ 179
NaViGGationtc: « « meus « & seu sc poms + «oe 181
Opening navigation............0..005 181
myAudi navigation...............000. 181
Entering a destination................ 182
Stopping route guidance.............. 185
Map... .. see cece eee eee 185
Alternative routes.............2-.00. 187
Additional functions................. 187
Satellite map.......... 2.0... ee eee 188
Mapupdaté-: « 2cas ss ees 9 ¢ eews vs pee 189
Traffic incidents’. = vce se eeu ve exon ewe 190
SETEIIGS sseneie oo smeneie © oxemenene © sitadame @ © etnznis 191
RAGUIG:: « cas 2 = seus « s pomp o 6 com 2 ¢ ce 193
General information................. 193
Radio functions................00005 194
Online radio's: ss sees ss eees ye epee se ee 197
Options and settings.............0005 198
Troubleshooting..............--000-5 199
PRE wei. as aoscen oo sauweme 3 & coset 3 v wens 201
Generalinformation................. 201
Bluetooth audio player............... 201
Amazon Alexa... 0.000 s eee bee eee ees 202
Multimedia connections.............. 202
Playing media. ........ 2. cece eee eee 203
Options and settings................. 207
Supported media and file formats...... 207
Troubleshooting..............--.0005 209
Audi smartphone interface...... 210
Setup... 2... eee eee eee 210
Troubleshooting.............---.00-5 211

Table of contents


Additional settings.............. 212
System settingS.............ce ee eee 212
Software update... 1.2... .. cc cece ee eee 213
Connected devices.............000 005 214
Legalinformation................... 215
Additional information.......... 216
Brands and licenses..............0-0- 216
Maintenance and Care........... 217
Checking and Filling............. 217
LE 217
Refttelingiecs ss sees s eames s Reee ee ewe 218
Emissions control system............. 220
Engine compartment................. 221
ENGING2Otls sees 2 x seus « ones x ove Bee 224
Cooling:system « « ssccses ve emacs ve asecane s & ave 227
Brake fluid... 0.2... eee eee eee 229
Electrical system............22---05- 230
Battery’: « & ces «6 cow © 6 eee «8 eens ¥ oe 230
Windshield washer system...........- 233
Service interval display............... 233
WSENGRRES Ee ceicece 0 ccneace x 0 wprsnne x « scecane a 0 ane 235
Wheels and Tires . . 235
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 252
Care and cleaning................ 255
Generalinformation................. 255
Car washes « sscica ea scam a 0 eine oo acne 0 6 255
Cleaning and care information......... 256
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 260
Do It Yourself .................... 261
Emergency assistance........... 261
General information...........0..0.. 261
Equipment.............00- cece eee 261
Tire Mobility’ kit «0. ss cece se ces se ee 261
Changing’ tire = sco: +s ween so some 2 2 ore 263
Space-saving spare tire............... 266
Collapsible spare tire..............0.. 267
JUIMP'StAFting « wos s = weve s eerws F coos 268
TOWING wwewiwe «2 exersie w > suseine 6 > cxememe 6 4 cuneec 269
Fuses and bulbs.................. 272
FUSCSiercs ao accsans wo cena wo ee @ 8 ROIS & ore 272
Bulbs... 0.0... cee eee eee eee 276
Customer information........... 277
Data privacy..................008. 277
Privacy MOtiCe « mes x x eee 2 Ree ¢ RES ¥ 277
Image recording): « « sus 2 wanes 2 2 wweem 2 2s 277,
Data memories............0..00 eee ee 277
Transmitted information.............. 278
Accessories and technical
changes................ 0.0.02 eee 281
Warranty’: « + esos & + meen & ¢ eee se sees 281
Audi Literature Shop.............000- 281
Driving in other countries............. 281
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
IMOGIFICATIONS « snocue so sume = emmace # m annem 281
Accessories and parts..............-. 283
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 283
Declaration
of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electronicisysteMms:: s = caws se waa « 2 gems 284
Technical data.................... 286
Identification data................04. 286
Vehicle datas ss nico s ves se oman evs 286
Index ...... 00.0... eee eee 288

8W1012721BC
Opening and closing

Break-in security feature
The alarm will sound if there is a break-in at the
doors, hood, and/or luggage compartment lid.
Interior/towing protection monitor
The alarm will be triggered if there are move-
ments detected in the vehicle interior (for exam-
ple, by animals) or if there is a change in the vehi-
cle angle (for example, when the vehicle is being
towed).
You can prevent the alarm from being triggered
by deactivating the interior/towing protection
monitor.
Deactivating the interior/towing protection
monitor
There are the following options for deactivating
the interior/towing protection monitor:
> Press the & button on the vehicle key a second
time within two seconds. Or
> Applies to: vehicles with convenience key:
Touch the sensor on the door handle a second
time within two seconds. Or
> Turn the mechanical key in the door lock to the
close position a second time within two sec-
onds.
> Applies to: vehicles with MMI: Select on the
home screen: VEHICLE > Settings & Service >
Interior monitoring.
If you lock the vehicle, then the interior/towing
protection monitor will stay off until the next
time the vehicle is unlocked.

Z\ WARNING
No one, especially children, should stay in the
vehicle when it is locked from the outside, be-
cause the windows can no longer be opened
from the inside. Locked doors make it more
difficult for emergency workers to enter the
vehicle, which puts lives at risk.

@ Tips
The interior/towing protection monitoring on-
ly functions correctly when the windows and
the roof* are closed.


RAZ-0720,


Fig. 26 Your vehicle key set
@ Vehicle key
You can unlock and lock your vehicle with the ve-
hicle key.
@ Mechanical key and release buttons for
the mechanical key
A mechanical key is integrated in the vehicle key.
To remove it, press the release button and re-
move the mechanical key.
Using the mechanical key, you can:
— Applies to: vehicles with lockable glove com-
partment: locking/unlocking the glove com-
partment.
— Manually unlock and lock the doors > page 36.
— Applies to: sedan with locking backrests: Lock-
ing and unlocking the backrest > page 85.
— Unlock the luggage compartment lid using the
emergency release > page 43.
@ Key fob with vehicle code
Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect vehicle control
Open the key tag and scratch to reveal the vehicle
code. You can unlock the Audi connect vehicle
control services* for your vehicle with this vehicle
code. For additional information, see
=> page 175. If a key fob is lost, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
37

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


ZA WARNING
Heavy braking while driving through curves or
in poor road or weather conditions can cause
the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to
swerve, which increases the risk of an acci-

dent.
Messages
ERG / GB) Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual
Gg / @ Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake

If one of the two messages appears, there is a
malfunction in the parking brake. If the message
appears while stationary, check if the parking
brake is released and can be reset. If this is the
case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message stays on, if the parking brake can-
not be released, or if the message appears while
driving, do not continue driving. Secure the vehi-
cle against rolling before exiting the vehicle
=> page 96. See an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
ww Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines
and secure it against rolling before exiting the ve-
hicle > page 96.
xt | / Parking brake: warning! Vehicle parked
too steep
The braking force may not be enough to secure
the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in
a place with less of an incline.
fa / Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal
to release the parking brake.
Take over!
The vehicle cannot be held in place automatically.
Press the brake pedal to secure the vehicle from
rolling away unintentionally.
Special driving situations
Driving uphill and downhill
When driving uphill, downhill, or at high alti-
tudes, note the following information:
— Drive slowly and carefully.
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-
verse.
— When driving down hills, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
down the hill and will attempt to maintain the
speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the
time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the
brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-
trol will switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving
downhill by selecting the “S” driving program
=> page 98. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Apply the brakes in intervals and do not press
the brake pedal continuously.
— Use the hill hold assist > page 108.

ZA WARNING
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill
climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle
could tip or slide.
— Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines
and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you
must immediately start steering in the di-
rection of the downward slope to reduce the
risk of an accident.
— Always be ready to brake when using the hill
descent control function.

107

8W1012721BC
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
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 245. 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
115
>

Trailer towing

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.
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.
@) Note
Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer hitch
ball head. In cases of damage, have the func-
tion 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.
— Audi recommends having the vehicle in-
spected between the inspection intervals if
you tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
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.
116
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 14. 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.

Driver assistance


— Swerve assist does not react to pedestrians,
animals, crossing objects, and objects not
detected as vehicles.

Gi) Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.
— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
Turn assist
Applies to: vehicles with turn assist
When turning left), turn assist can help to re-
duce the risk of a collision with an oncoming ve-
hicle by using braking action to keep your vehicle
in its lane. The function is only available when
the turn signal is turned on and at speeds up to
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 117.
— The turn assist does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, crossing objects, and ob-
jects not detected as vehicles.
@) Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.

— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
PNM lm e es)
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
You can switch Audi pre sense and the associated
systems on or off, or adjust them individually.
The adjustment options depend on the vehicle
equipment.

2) When making a right turn in countries with left-hand drive
vehicles.
2) Incertain countries
146
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > Audi pre sense.
Setting the prewarning
You can adjust the warning time for the prewarn-
ing”) individually (Early/Medium/Late) or switch
the prewarning off.
Set the warning time for the early warning to
Early at first. If you feel that the prewarnings ap-
pear too early, then set the warning time to Me-
dium. The Late warning time should only be set
in special circumstances.
(i) Tips
— If Audi pre sense is switched off, it switches
on again automatically once the ignition is
switched on again).
— Switch Audi pre sense off when you are not
using public streets, when loading the vehi-
cle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or oth-
er type of transportation, or when towing
the vehicle. This can help to prevent an un-
desired intervention from the Audi pre
sense system.
— Certain settings are automatically stored
and assigned to the remote control key be-
ing used.
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
re) or is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the Audi pre sense functions may be un-
available or may be limited.
A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution
may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Bring the vehicle to a full stop,
switch the ignition off, and clean the area in front
of the sensors > page 119.
If the message still appears after switching the
ignition on again, have an authorized repair facili-
ty correct the malfunction as soon as possible.