2021 AUDI A6 service indicator

4K0012721BE
Sitting correctly and safely

wiring) and the belt tensioners. It turns on when
you switch the ignition on and turns off after sev-
eral seconds.
If the indicator light does not turn on when the
ignition is switched on, does not turn off after
several seconds, or turns on or flashes while driv-
ing, there may be a malfunction in one of the
safety systems. Drive to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately
to have the malfunction corrected.
Descript

Z\ WARNING
Have the malfunction in the safety systems in-
spected immediately. Otherwise, there is a
risk that the systems may not activate during
an accident, which increases the risk of seri-
ous or fatal injury.





RAZ.0239)



The locations of the airbags are labeled with
“AIRBAG”. The following airbags are installed in
your vehicle:
©@ Driver's airbag
@ Front passenger's airbag
@® Front and rear side airbags, if applicable
@ Head curtain airbag with ejection mitigation
© Knee airbags
Airbags offer the best possible protection in your
vehicle during an accident when they are used to-
Fig. 62 Airbag overview image (enlarged section: deployed airbags)
gether with safety belts that are fastened cor-
rectly, and when passengers are sitting in the cor-
rect seating position. Airbags are a supplementa-
ry restraint system and do not replace safety
belts.
Airbags may deploy during front-impact, side-im-
pact, or rollover accidents.
The deployment area for the airbag system can-
not be defined for every situation, since the cir-
cumstances surrounding accidents can vary wide-
ly. Factors that play an important role include the >
75

Sitting correctly and safely

condition of the object that the vehicle hits (hard
or soft), the angle of impact, vehicle speed, etc.
The deciding factor for the deployment of the air-
bag system is the deceleration that occurs during
an accident. Sensors in the vehicle are designed
to detect the severity of an accident in conjunc-
tion with the control module, and to provide a
targeted and timely deployment of the restraint
system. If the vehicle deceleration that is meas-
ured during an accident is below the specified
reference values in the control module, then the
airbags will not deploy, even though the vehicle
may be severely damaged from the accident. In
these cases, the vehicle occupants will be pro-
tected by the safety belts if they are fastened and
worn correctly.
The deployment of the front passenger's airbag
will depend on the occupancy of the seat
=> page 76.
Each deployed airbag is filled with gas. When this
occurs, the airbag covers open and the airbags
unfold with great force into the deployment zone
within milliseconds. Inflated airbags reduce the
movement of passengers wearing safety belts in
the direction of the impact and thus help to re-
duce the risk of injury. They can help to protect
the head, upper body, and lap, for example. How-
ever, there is the possibility that airbag deploy-
ment can cause injuries.
The airbag system only works when the ignition
is turned on.
If you or other vehicle passengers have physical
limitations that prevent sitting in a correct posi-
tion, modifications to the vehicle may be neces-
sary. For more information, contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty, or call Audi customer support at
1-800-822-2834.
G) Tips
The side curtain airbags in your vehicle have
ejection mitigation functions. This reduces
the risk of being ejected from the vehicle inte-
rior during an accident, especially in the event
of a vehicle rollover.
76
Advanced airbag system

Fig. 63 Headliner: indicator light to display the status of
the front passenger's airbag
The Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle has
been certified to comply with the requirements
of the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard (FMVSS) 208, as well as Canada Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 as applica-
ble at the time your vehicle was manufactured.
According to these requirements, the front Ad-
vanced Airbag System on the passenger’s side
has been certified for “suppression” for infants
approximately 12 months old and younger, and
for “low risk deployment” for children aged 3 to
6 years old (as defined in the standard).
The advanced airbag system will activate or deac-
tivate the front passenger's airbag based on the
occupancy of the seat. If a front airbag deploys
during an accident, the deployment force will
adapt to the passenger.
Components
The advanced airbag system consists of the fol-
lowing components:
— Front airbags in the steering wheel and in the
instrument panel on the front passenger's side:
these can protect the front passengers during
an accident
— Passenger occupant detection sensor in the
front passenger's seat: this detects if the front
passenger's seat is occupied (for example, by a
person or a small child in a child safety seat)
— Seat position sensors on the front seats: these
determine the distance between the seat and
the steering wheel or instrument panel
— Sensors in the front seat belt latch: these de-
tect if the safety belts are fastened

Driving

Resetting the parking lock
> Grasp the socket wrench with both hands, care-
fully pull it all the way up, and then turn it
back.
>» Now remove the socket wrench.
> Reinsert the cover and rubber mat.

Z\ WARNING
— The parking lock must be released using the
emergency release before towing the vehi-
cle.
— Only use the parking lock emergency release
if the vehicle is secured against rolling
= page 97. An unsecured vehicle may roll,
which increases the risk of an accident.
— Only activate the emergency release while
ona level surface or a slight slope.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you must
not drive when the emergency release is ac-
tivated.

Messages
i Transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle
Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible in a safe location and secure it so it
does not roll > page 97. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
i Transmission: too hot. Please stop vehicle
Do not continue driving. Select "P" and contact an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
fs} Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving
style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly. Drive very cautiously or take a break
from driving until the temperature returns to the
normal range and the indicator light turns off.
| Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. See owner's manual
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. You may continue driving. Drive to an au-
102
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected.
[@] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. Please contact
Service
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
[&] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. No reverse
gear
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
You cannot engage the reverse gear. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
[8] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving in D until engine is off
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. If you turn the engine off, you will not be
able to select any other gears after restarting the
engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
i Selector lever: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. Please contact Service
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
i Selector lever: malfunction! Gear change on-
ly possible if using both shift paddles.
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. You can continue driving with restricted func-
tion. The selector lever is not working. Gears can
only be selected by tapping both shift paddles at >

4K0012721BE
Driving

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.
If the parking brake is set, the engine will only
start again when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
@) 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 and then enter again, the driver's
door must be closed and the safety belt
must be fastened in order 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 1 NY
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
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
Drive system: please start the vehicle manually
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: >
105

4K0012721BE
Driving

Messages
GG / @® Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
[3/ Gana BAlalso 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\.
HG / @ 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 97.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the Pia /@
indicator light turns on briefly to check the func-
tion. If the indicator light does not turn on, there
is a system malfunction.
If Be / B® 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.

ZX WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that stabi-
lize the vehicle will no longer be available.
This could cause the vehicle to swerve, which
increases the risk that the vehicle will slide.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.

Electromechanical
parking brake
Operating the parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake is used to
secure the vehicle from rolling away unintention-
ally.
The ©) switch is located under the selector lever
in the center console. It turns on when the park-
ing brake is set. You can release the parking brake
manually or automatically when you start to
drive.
Setting and releasing the parking brake
> Setting: pull the © switch.
> 1 ZW / © appears, the parking brake is hold-
ing the vehicle. You can remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
> Releasing: when the ignition is switched on,
press and hold the brake pedal and press the ©)
button.
If the red indicator light flashes, the braking
force has not built up enough or it has decreased.
You can also secure the vehicle by selecting the
“P” gear or pressing the brake pedal. Make sure
the indicator light is off before you start driving.
Automatically releasing the parking brake
when starting to drive
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed
and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
> Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive. >
107

Driving dynamic

permitted because the pressure in the air
suspension struts can change during trans-
port. The vehicle might not be secured suffi-
ciently if this happens.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature
— Change in load
— Change to the Audi drive select* mode
— Lifting and lowering via the air suspension*

ZA WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one
gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-
ing, for example when cleaning the under-
body or the wheel housings.
@) Note
Always make sure there is enough clearance
above and below the vehicle. This is especially
important for entrances with height restric-
tions, for example, before driving into under-
ground garages. You could also scrape the
ground when driving over the edges of curbs
or on steep ramps, which could damage your
vehicle.
Messages
B Air suspension: malfunction! You may con-
tinue driving slowly at max. XX mph (km/h)

There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be
limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. Do not
drive faster than the speed given in the message.
E@ Air suspension: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle. Steering and ground clearance limited
There is a malfunction. Do not continue driving.
Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting
the vehicle > page 97. Avoid turning the steering
wheel, because the vehicle ground clearance may
be so low that turning the steering wheel could
114
result in damage to the wheels and wheel hous-
ings.
1 o | Suspension: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
B Air suspension: vehicle too low. Limited
ground clearance
The vehicle ground clearance is very low. Wait un-
til the air suspension system has restored normal
ground clearance. Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility repair the mal-
function immediately if the indicator light does
not turn off after a significant period of time.
B Air suspension: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction. The driving stability may
be limited and the ground clearance may be low.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension low-
ering. See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 32.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension lift.
See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 32.
Steering
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's
steering movements by electronically adapting
the power steering depending on the vehicle
speed. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Progressive steering
Applies to: vehicles with progressive steering
The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-
creased by the steering ratio based on the steer-
ing wheel angle. The steering is very direct when

4K0012721BE
Driving dynamic

the steering wheel angle is sharp, and indirect
when the angle is low. This enables comfortable
maneuvering and a precise steering response at
higher driving speeds.
Dynamic all-wheel steering
Applies to: vehicles with dynamic all-wheel steering
Active corrective steering at the front and rear
axles increases the driving dynamic and driving
stability. At low speeds, the rear wheels are
steered in the opposite direction from the front
wheels to reduce the steering effort needed by
the driver and to reduce the turning radius. Vehi-
cle handling improves. At high speeds, steering
the rear wheels in the same direction as the front
wheels improves the vehicle response and driving
stability. The vehicle reacts quickly and precisely
to the driver's steering movements.
Messages
& Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
The power steering may have failed. Adapt your
driving style immediately to compensate for the
fact that it may be more difficult to turn the
steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-
cation as soon as possible. Do not continue driv-
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
B 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, and the turning radius may be much
larger. Slow down immediately, and stop your ve-
hicle 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 assistance.
le—| Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Secure the
vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle
= page 97. 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 in the steering system.
Steering may be more difficult or more sensitive.
Adapt your driving style. Have the steering sys-
tem checked immediately by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Please
note that the red indicator light may turn on af-
ter 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.
|@—e| 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
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 e indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.

115

Driving dynamic

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 117.
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\.
Quattro ultra
Applies to: vehicles with quattro ultra
If the driving situation does not require all wheel
drive, then the rear section of the drivetrain will
decouple and thus save fuel. The system con-
stantly determines and anticipates if all wheel
drive is needed. This allows the rear drivetrain to
recouple shortly before it is needed.

ZA\ 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
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.

116
Sport differential
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
7-3] All-wheel drive: malfunction! You can con-
tinue driving. Please contact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
+3} 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} All-wheel drive: too hot. Please adapt driv-
ing style. See owner's manual
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.

ZA 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.