2021 AUDI A7 ECU

4K8012721BF
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 284. 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
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4K8012721BF
Trailer towing

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.
Conventional drive system: Downshift before
driving on hills to utilize the engine braking ef-
fect SA.
Plug-in hybrid drive system: Reduce the speed
and use the recuperation braking effect
=> page 101 to relieve the brakes > 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.

137

Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
SP ae eel idol ay

ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
=> page 139.

@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving. The settings could have been
changed, for example by other drivers or by
using another user.
138
System limitations
ZA\ WARNING
—The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.
— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
G) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.



— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
— The steering wheel touch recognition may
be limited when you wear gloves. Steering
intervention requests from the steering as-
sist systems may occur more frequently.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the steering assist systems
may
be limited. The frequency of steering
intervention requests from the steering as-
sist systems may vary as well.

4K8012721BF
Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


() Note
— Conventional drive system:Before driving
downhill a long distance on a steep hill, de-
crease your speed and select a lower gear.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: Before driving downhill
a long distance on a steep hill, decrease
your speed and use the recuperation braking
effect > page 101. This reduces the load on
the brakes.
@ Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 99 Operating lever: switching the system on
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @.
The Gia or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.


ZA\ WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, the regulating functions may


shut off automatically.


Preselecting or activating a cruise con
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 151, fig. 99.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever
toward position @ while driving.
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gg or kl indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
151
>

4K8012721BF
Driver assistance

Situation symbols
Depending on vehicle equipment, the following
symbols may be shown. The symbols indicate the
situation to which the efficiency assist is respond-
ing.
Some symbols only appear if Predictive messag-
es are switched on, and some symbols only ap-
pear if Predictive control is switched on and
adaptive cruise assist* is active.


Description
Slow down
(predictive messages only)
Adjustment to curves along route
(predictive control only) Additional
symbols are shown in the Driver as-
sistance display.

Speed limit
(example)
Speed limit
Speed limit
Speed limit removed
Exit ahead
Intersection ahead
Traffic circle ahead
(predictive control only) If the indica-
tor light turns on in green and red, it
is indicating that there is a difference
between the speed limit and the set
speed.

Z\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
—Incertain situations, the recuperation may
brake proactively. However, the recuperation
braking effect is limited. Always be ready to

brake to reduce the risk of an accident.

@) Tips
— The functions depend on the navigation da-
ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-
tion by the traffic sign recognition*.
— The system only detects traffic signs that
specify a speed limit.
— The display in the instrument cluster is
based on the units of measurement used for
speed in the country where the vehicle is be-
ing operated. As a result, a display of 50 in
the instrument cluster can mean either mph
or km/h, depending on the country.
— Except for the road network, which is re-
corded in the navigation system’s map infor-
mation, certain functions may not be availa-
ble.
Predictive messages
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
The symbol BS appears in the instrument cluster
display if efficiency assist recommends removing
your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Additional symbols that indicate the situation to
which the efficiency assist is reacting are shown
in the Driver assistance display > page 153.
Requirements
— The cruise control system* or the adaptive
cruise assist* controls must not be active.
— The vehicle speed must be at least 20 mph
(30 km/h).
— The remaining distance until the situation is
reached must be large enough to allow the sys-
tem to react to the situation.
Switching Predictive messages on or off
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Efficiency assist
> Predictive messages.

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when efficiency assist is >

153

Driver assistance

Driving situations
The situations to which the system reacts de-
pends on the vehicle speed.
Up to speeds of approximately 50 mph
(85 km/h), the system may react to the following
situations:
— Pedestrians and cyclists in your lane
Up to speeds of approximately 155 mph
(250 km/h), the system may react to the follow-
ing situations:
— A vehicle driving ahead clearly applies the
brakes
— When approaching a vehicle ahead that is clear-
ly traveling more slowly
— When approaching a stationary vehicle
Prewarning
To warn about detected dangers, Audi pre
sense o will appear in the instrument cluster
and an audio signal will sound.
A brief application of the brakes
If a collision is imminent, there may be an acute
warning using a brief application of the brakes.
You will also be warned about the danger by an
indicator in the instrument cluster display. You
may only be able to avoid a collision by swerving
or braking strongly.
Automatic braking force increase
If there is an impending collision and you are not
applying the brakes enough, the braking force
may be increased, depending on the situation.
Automatic braking
If you do not react to the acute warning, the sys-
tem may apply the brakes with strong braking
force within the limits of the system in order to
reduce the speed of impact in the event of a colli-
sion.
If the brakes were applied until the vehicle stop-
ped, © Please take over! will appear in the in-
strument cluster and you must take over control
of the vehicle.
168

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
— Audi pre sense front cannot overcome natu-
ral physical laws. It is a system designed to
assist and it cannot prevent a collision in ev-
ery circumstance. The driver must always in-
tervene. The driver is always responsible for
braking at the correct time. Do not let the
increased safety provided tempt you into
taking risks. This could increase your risk of
a collision.
— Audi pre sense front does not react to cer-
tain objects, such as animals, crossing or on-
coming vehicles, bars, railings, or railcars.
— Audi pre sense front may be limited or un-
available when driving in curves.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
ONT Tee
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense rear

Within the limits of the system, Audi pre sense
rear uses data from radar sensors at the rear cor-
ners of the vehicle and calculates the probability
of a rear-end collision with the vehicle behind
you.
Audi pre sense preemptive safety measures can
be initiated if the risk of a collision with the vehi-
cle behind you is detected.

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
— Audi pre sense rear does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, crossing objects, and ob-
jects not detected as vehicles.

4K8012721BF
Telephone

Telephone
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with telephone
You can operate various telephone functions easi-
ly through the MMI in your vehicle.
Depending on the country and the vehicle equip-
ment, the following options may be available:
— Connecting a cell phone with Bluetooth
— Using two telephones
— Using the Audi phone box

ZA WARNING
— Medical experts warn that mobile devices
can interfere with the function of pacemak-
ers. Always maintain a minimum distance of
about 7.9 inches (20 cm) between the mo-
bile device antennas and the pacemaker.
— Do not carry the mobile device in a pocket
directly over the pacemaker when the
phone is switched on.
— Switch the mobile device off immediately
if you suspect it may be interfering with
the pacemaker.
— Do not use the voice recognition system*
=> page 29 in emergencies because your
voice may change in stressful situations. The
system may take longer to dial the number
or may not be able to dial it at all. Dial the
emergency number manually.
— Switch your mobile device off in areas where
there is a risk of an explosion. These loca-
tions are not always clearly marked. This
may include gas stations, fuel and chemical
storage facilities or transport vehicles, or lo-
cations where fuel vapors (such as propane
or gasoline vapor in vehicles or buildings),
chemicals or large quantities of dust parti-
cles (such as flour, sawdust or metal) may
be present in the air. This also applies to all
other locations where you would normally
turn your vehicle engine off.
— The demands of traffic require your full at-
tention. Always read the chapter > page 21,
Traffic safety information.

CG) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
=> page 208.
G@) Tips
— The Bluetooth connection range is limited
to inside the vehicle.
—Aselection of supported Bluetooth devices
can be found in the database for tested mo-
bile devices at www.audi.com/bluetooth.
Setup
Connecting a mobile phone via Bluetooth
Applies to: vehicles with telephone
Requirement: the vehicle must be stationary and
the ignition must be switched on. The Bluetooth
settings must be open on your mobile device dur-
ing the connection setup. The mobile device to be
connected must not be actively connected to any
other Bluetooth device. The MMI must only be
connected to one mobile device.
> Enable the Bluetooth function and visibility on
the MMI => page 250 and the mobile phone.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
PHONE.
> Follow the system instructions. The available
Bluetooth devices will be displayed after sever-
al seconds.
> Press on the desired mobile device in the list of
displayed Bluetooth devices.
> To update the list, press OQ.
A PIN for a secure Bluetooth connection will be
generated.
> Confirm the PIN on your mobile device.
> Follow the system instructions.
> Pay attention to any other system prompts on
the MMI and on your cell phone.
After connecting successfully
The cell phone contacts are automatically loaded
in the MMI. This process can take several mi-
nutes, depending on the number of contacts.
Depending on your cell phone and the connection
type, you can use the following functions:
197
>

Telephone

Handsfree
Requirement: your cell phone must be connected
to the MMI via a Bluetooth Hands Free Profile
(Bluetooth HFP).
You can use the hands-free system. You can make
calls using the antenna on your mobile device.
Sending and receiving messages
See > page 205.
@) Tips
— Pay attention to any system prompts dis-
played on your mobile device or the MMI,
for example if the system should connect
automatically in the future. Depending on
the mobile device, you may need to down-
load contacts and confirm access to your
messages separately.
— You can also search for the MMI on your mo-
bile device using the Bluetooth device
search.
— You only have to pair your device one time.
Bluetooth devices that are already paired
automatically connect to the MMI when the
Bluetooth function is switched on, when
they are within range, and when the ignition
is switched on. The last connected mobile
device is given first priority.
— You can manage additional settings for con-
nected mobile devices in the Connected de-
vices menu > page 251.
— When leaving the vehicle, the Bluetooth
connection to the mobile device will auto-
matically disconnect. Depending on your
mobile device, phone calls in progress may
be automatically redirected from the MMI
to your mobile device so that you can con-
tinue the call on your phone.
Using two telephones
Applies to: vehicles with telephone, and Audi phone box
You can connect two mobile phones to the MMI
at the same time using the Bluetooth HFP, for ex-
ample a business phone and a private phone. You
can be reached in your vehicle through both mo-
bile phones.
198
Applies to: mobile devices with Bluetooth Mes-
sage Access Profile (MAP): You can send and re-
ceive messages with both mobile devices
=> page 205.
Connecting another mobile device
Requirement: a mobile device must be connected
to the MMI. The vehicle must be stationary and
the ignition must be switched on. The Bluetooth
settings must be open on your mobile device dur-
ing the connection setup. The mobile device to be
connected must not be actively connected to any
other Bluetooth device.
> Enable the Bluetooth function and visibility on
the MMI = page 250 and the mobile phone.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
PHONE > (°, or
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Connected devices > Telephone 1
or Telephone 2 > New connection.
> Follow the system instructions. The available
Bluetooth devices will be displayed after sever-
al seconds.
> Press on the desired mobile device in the list of
displayed Bluetooth devices.
> To update the list, press OQ.
A PIN for a secure Bluetooth connection will be
generated.
> Confirm the PIN on your mobile device.
> Follow the system instructions.
> Pay attention to any other system prompts on
the MMI and on your cell phone.
After connecting successfully
See > page 197, After connecting successfully.
Switching between two mobile devices
Requirement: phone 1 and phone 2 must be con-
nected to the MMI.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
PHONE > <1.
@) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
=> page 208.