2021 AUDI A7 towing

4K8012721BF
Table of contents

Electronic Stabilization Control......... Lis
Rear spoiler...... 0... ee eee 117
High-voltage system............. Lig.
Generalinformation................. 119
Charging the high-voltage battery...... 119
Charging equipment................. 126
Trailer towing.................055 135
Driving with atrailer................. 135
Assist systems................... 138
Assist systems............... eee 138
General information................. 138
Surrounding area detection............ 139
Switching the systems on and off....... 141
Driving information.............. 143
Speed warning system..............-. 143
Camera-based traffic sign recognition... 143
Traffic light information.............. 145
Laptimer................0..0.0000. 146
Acceleration measurement............ 147
Night vision assist..............-.04. 148
Integrated Toll Module............... 149
Driver assistance................. 151
Cruise control system.............0-. 151
Efficiency assist sacas ¢ ¢ exau so eves so een 152
Adaptive cruise assist................ 154
Distance warning .........eeeee eee eee 164
Lane departure warning............... 165
Audi preisense « sesies ss wea 2 2 ena « waco 166
Side assist... 0.2.0.0... eee eee ee 170
EXiCWanniG: seme « 2 aacae x § smnee 4 z seme Fg 172
Intersection assistant................ 173
Emergency assist...........--.000005 174
Parking and maneuvering....... 176
TMEROGUCHION « & cuescice « « sseienn «vests % © anenoes 176

Parking aid plus
Rearview camera and peripheral cameras. 179
Rear cross-traffic assist............... 183
Assisted parking.............02-0 eee 184
ParkeASSiStplUS’s « = execs = v wees 2 x emis o 186
Remote controlled parking............ 190
Maneuver assist............--.000005 195
Infotainment system............ 197
Telephone............... cece eee 187
INthOAUCEION:: « « sews « ¢ news ¢ © mee a x eee 197
SOLU o cncses vo sess + 8 cosine 6 5 ameueus ¥ tuesenens 197
Using the Audi phone box............. 199
Using the telephone.................. 201
SettINGS wien oo ames + emo w + we wo RaHeT 204
Messages ......... 00-00. c ee eee eee 205
TRGUBIESHOOLING sass ¢ s seem s 3 ae 5 te 207
Audi connect.................000. 208
General
information................. 208
Audi connect Infotainment............ 208
Using a Wi-Fi hotspot................ 209
Audi connect Infotainment services..... 209
Functions
on demand...............- 210
Audi connect vehicle control services.... 210
Settings............0..0 200-02 211
TrOUBlESHOOtING gas 2 s geay s 5 nome & a ae 212
Emergency call................... PaBe |
OVERVIEW some: » = meus <2 came & eee bo ee 213.
Emergency call «: issios ¢ sce w ¥ wane wo narem 213
Online roadside assistance............ 214
Navigation «.. < oics seis sc ewe ee os 216
Opening navigation.................. 216
myAudi navigation.................05 216
Entering adestination................ 217
Stopping route guidance.............. 220
Map... sce cece eee eee 220
Alternative routes.............2.-04. 222
Additional functions................. 222
Satellite map............... 0c eee 223
ElGGtriGHanGe veces ¢ ¢ cawy 9 = seme 7 2 ee & 224
Map:updates
« ccc xs sco vo eens eo wees 224
Traffic incidents........ 0.00... eee eee 225
SGQtinGS seuss = » aus « Hewes Heme Fx ORE 226
Radio.......... 0... eee 228
Generalinformation................. 228
Radio functions sive. cies as wee 2s wee 229
Online radio... . eee ee eee eee 232
Options and settings................. 233
TroubleShOOting ewes vs woe as eas oe ees 234

Table of contents

Co | fan a 236
General information................. 236
DVD: drive « swe s 2 awe 2 ewes 2 ewe see 236
Bluetooth audio player............... 237
Amazon Alexa.... 2.0.0. cece eee eee 237
Multimedia connections.............. 238
Playing medias. « & ssc 2c ewae « owe oo ee 239
Options
and settings................. 243
Supported media and file formats...... 244
Troubleshooting ewies 2 < sce se enw so xy 245
Audi smartphone interface...... 247
S@tUD « ses + y gam peas + yoms os Bene 247
Troubleshooting.............-..00005 248
Additional settings.............. 249
Systemisettingsc « + cssuene so mvswee a soseeue vs 249
Software update........... 0.0 e eee 250
Connected devices..............2---5 251
Legal.information ss « sess s+ ama sx ween « 252
Additional information.......... 253
Brands and licenses...............-4- 253
Maintenance and Care........... 254
Checking and Filling............. 254
Fuel... cee eee 254
Refueling ......... 0... ce eee ee eee eee 255
Emissions control system............. 259
Engine compartment.............+06% 259
Engineoil........ 00... eee eee eee 262
COOLINGSYSEEM « « sees & = nets 5 = eetew so ore 266
Brake:fluid «2 csoswe s 2 wscceve ov eevee oo erm 269
Electrical system. ...........002-0 00 269
Battery: » = sees = » mean 5 4 meee ye ee Gt BE 270
Windshield washer system...........- 272
Service interval display............... 273
WWATEBUSE. core 5 6 sae oo sms oo ee oo oe 274
Wheels and Tires...........--0000 00s 274
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 292
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 294
Run-flat tires... 2.2... cee eee eee eee 296
Care and cleaning................ 298
General information..............4.. 298
Car washes ........... 0000 e eee ee eee 298
Cleaning and care information......... 299
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 304
Doilt Yoursell eis ics tiie as nscwa so ease 305
Emergency assistance........... 305
General information................. 305
EQUIPIMIENE sso 6s cass a 2 sam o & aueeM wow 305
Tire mobility kit.............0...000. 305
Replacing wheels................-.4. 308
Space-saving spare tire............... 311
JUN PESTAREIAG « x sensves » a seemme @ » emcee oo econ 311
TOWING... 2 eee eee eee ee 313
Fuses and bulbs.................. 316
Fuses... 0... eee eee eee 316
Bul BSc = = geupe 2 » eeu ¢ e meuee xe Ee a eS 320
Customer information........... 321
Data privacy...................... 324:
Privacy NOtiCe « iesis 2s moms + eee ¥ wee 321
Image recording................-.00. 321
Data memories............0.ceeeeeee 321
Transmitted information.............. 323
Accessories and technical
CHANGES: « « owes 5 ¢ sews + & eeu bc eS oe 326
Wa Plat yiis < s eseceits © + seavene i + snereie © w omneete 326
Audi Literature Shop..............0-- 326
Driving in other countries............. 326
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
modifications..................00008 326
Accessories and parts..............-. 328
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 328
Declaration of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electronicisystemsi. se sve sx esis 2 x ee 329
Technical data.................... 331
Identification data................00. 331
Vehicle data........... 0... cee eee eee 331
TMAOX:: « s sence 3 2 neem © 2 eens © x eee 2 Be 333

Opening and closing

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.

ZA 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 monitor only
functions correctly when the windows and the
panorama glass roof* are closed.
40


RAZ-0621



Fig. 25 Your vehicle key set
@ Vehicle key
You can unlock and lock your vehicle with the ve-
hicle key.
@ Mechanical key and release button for
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:
— Lock or unlock the glove compartment.
— Manually unlock and lock the doors > page 39.
— Unlock the luggage compartment lid using the
emergency release > page 46.
@ 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 210. If a key fob is lost, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
@ PANIC button
In an emergency, you can press the PANIC button
to trigger the alarm for the anti-theft alarm sys-
tem. The vehicle horn and emergency flashers
will turn on if you trigger the alarm.

— To trigger the alarm, press the [PANIC] but-
ton @ © fig. 25.

4K8012721BF
Driving

minutes to reduce the risk of damage. After a
cool-down period, Launch Control will be
available again.

Parking lock emergency release

RAZ-0310)



Fig. 79 Center console: releasing the parking lock using
the emergency release
The emergency release is located in the front cup
holder under a cover. Read and follow the impor-
tant instructions about towing > page 313.
Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
> Secure the vehicle against rolling > page 94.
» Remove the rubber mat.
> Pry the cover off the opening using the screw-
driver from the vehicle tool kit.
> Insert the socket wrench from the vehicle tool
kit in the opening so that the handle points to-
ward the front passenger's side.
> Turn the socket wrench clockwise (@ until it
stops and press it downward @) until it locks in-
to place.
>» Leave the socket wrench inserted.
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.

IN 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 94. 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
& 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 94. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
oy} 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.
[8] 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-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected.
fs} 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 >
99

4K8012721BF
Driving


— 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 109. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
@ Tips
— 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 269.
Messages
EG / @ Brakes: malfunction! Stop vehicle
safely

There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
BS / Bana B 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\.
GG / @ 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 94.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the TG /@
indicator light turns on briefly to check the func-
tion. If the indicator light does not turn on, there
is a system malfunction.
riie/ 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 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 >
107

4K8012721BF
Driving

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 94. See an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
fw 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 shift to “P”.
A / {Q) 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.
Special driving situations
Sy Seas ASLAN LLS)
Applies to: RS models
When driving in a sporty style, the wear on all ve-
hicle components is greatly increased, especially
on the engine, transmission, tires, brakes, and
suspension. This can result in increased wear. Al-
so note the following points:
— Make sure the vehicle is in good condition.
Make sure to check the brake pads, tire tread,
and tire pressure (when tires are warm).
— Beforehand, warm up the engine by driving no
higher than two-thirds of the maximum permit-
ted engine RPM. The engine oil must be
brought to a minimum temperature of 158 °F
(70°C).
— Before stopping the vehicle, allow the engine
and brakes to cool back down to a regular oper-
ating temperature by driving normally.
If necessary, use the following functions:
— Dynamic Audi drive select mode* > page 111
— Launch Control > page 98
— Limit ESC > page 116
@ Tips
Wear caused by load does not constitute a ve-
hicle fault as defined by the terms of the war-
ranty.
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 96. 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.

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.

109

Driving dynamic

Steering
The power steering will adapt. Light steering is
suitable for long trips on highways or smooth
driving around curves, for example.
Suspension
The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more
comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-
ing for uneven spots on the road.
The vehicle ground clearance is adjusted by the
air suspension” based on the setting.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to
sporty. In the automatic setting, the engine
sound depends on the selected driving program.
quattro with sport differential
Applies to: RS models
Depending on the setting, the drive power at the
rear axle will be distributed with the sport differ-
ential* to be more sporty or moderate
=>page 115.
ESC
Applies to: RS models
The ESC sport mode can be activated. Also refer
to the important information regarding driving
with ESC limited > page 116.
Suspension
PCED aN eer ute)
Applies to: vehicles with suspension control
The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con-
trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus-
pension will adapt to the driving conditions and
the driving situation. The settings depend on the
selected Audi drive select* mode.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The air suspension is an electronically-controlled
suspension and leveling system. The firmness of
the suspension will adapt to the driving condi-
tions and the driving situation. The system balan-
ces out changes in load. The vehicle level will also
112
adapt gradually to the vehicle speed in order to
reduce the wind resistance at high speeds and in-
crease the ground clearance at low speeds. The
settings depend on the selected Audi drive se-
lect* mode.
Displaying the vehicle level
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
The filled-in boxes represent the current vehicle
level. The more boxes that are filled in, the high-
er the ground clearance. The box that corre-
sponds with the current vehicle level will flash
while the vehicle is lifting or lowering. The target
level is highlighted in color.
Raising the vehicle
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
> Press Raise to reach the highest vehicle level
and thus the maximum ground clearance.
» Press Lower to lower the vehicle down again.
The vehicle will lower at speeds of approximately
22 mph (35 km/h) and below. This function may
only be used temporarily when increased ground
clearance is necessary. It is not intended for long
drives.
@) Note
— Also refer to the information about ground
clearance > page 112.
— When transporting the vehicle on a road
carrier,
rail carrier, ship carrier, or other car-
rier, it may only be secured at the running
surfaces of the tires (circumference). Secur-
ing the vehicle at the axle components, sus-
pension struts, or towing eyes is not permit-
ted because the pressure in the air suspen-
sion struts can change during transport. The
vehicle might not be secured sufficiently if
this happens.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature

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
135
>