2021 AUDI A8 Owners Manual

4N0012721BF
High-voltage system


Indicator lights Meaning Solution



© Red The control unit has atechni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
O A Off cal malfunction. The charging | supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
O @B oft process has been interrupted. |If the malfunction continues, have the
@ 30 Red control unit checked by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
© Off cility.
© Red The control unit has a techni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
O QO Off cal malfunction (self-test supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
O B oft failed). The charging process | If the malfunction continues, have the
. has been interrupted. control unit checked by an authorized
@ 0 Flashing red Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
9 Off cility.
© Red The charging infrastructure of | Have the control unit checked by an au-
@ QC Red the power supply/household | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ Bre connection is insufficient: the | Service Facility, and have the power sup-
O 0 of ground conductor is interrupt- | ply/household connection checked by a
ed or not present. The ground | qualified electrician. Do not use the pow-
© Off conductor monitor has inter- | er supply/household connector until the
rupted the charging process. | malfunction is corrected.
© Red The indicator light in the reset | Have the control unit replaced by an au-
@ X Red button on the control unit is | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ & Red faulty. The charging process _| Service Facility.
@ 6 Red has been interrupted.
9 Off
O Red The control unit has detected | Press and hold the © button for at least
@ X Red residual current. The charging | two seconds. If the malfunction contin-
@ 2 Red process has been interrupted. | ues, have the control unit checked by an
@ 6 Red authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility, and have the power sup-
9 Flashing red ply/household connection checked by a
qualified electrician.
O Red The charging infrastructure is | Disconnect the charger from the power
© 1 Flashing red wired incorrectly. The charging | supply. Have the power supply/household
© @ Flashing red process has been interrupted. | connection checked by a qualified electri-
© {) Flashing red can.
9 Off
O Red The control unit has atechni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
@ A Red cal malfunction. Possible supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
@ Bred cause of the malfunction: soft- | If the malfunction continues, have the
@ & Red ware error or the load relay control unit checked by an authorized
© Red has been switched incorrectly. | Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-

The charging process has been
interrupted.

cility, and have the power supply/house-
hold connection checked by a qualified
electrician.

143

High-voltage system




Indicator lights Meaning Solution
@ Flashing red The control unit has a serious | Have the control unit replaced by an au-
O Q Off malfunction. The charging thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
O @ oft process has been interrupted. | Service Facility.
@ § Red
9 Off
O Off The indicator light in the Have the control unit replaced by an au-
@ X Red On/Off button on the control | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ S& Red unit is faulty. The charging Service Facility.
@ 6 Red process has been interrupted.
© Red
Technical Data
Output 9.6 kw
Current rating 40 A single phase
System voltage 120V-240V
Power frequency 50 Hz/60 Hz

Overvoltage category (IEC 60664) II

Short-time current rating (EN
61439-1)
<10 kA eff.

Power plug versions NEMA 6-30; NEMA 6-50; NEMA 14-30; NEMA 14-50; NEMA

S15
Integrated residual-current device /AC: 20 mA; DC: 56 mA
Vehicle charging connector Type 1
Protection class I
IP Code 55 (USA: Enclosure 3)

Control unit mass 5.3 lbs - 7.7 lbs (2.4 - 3.5 kg)

Control unit dimensions (height x
width x depth)

12.2 inx 4.1 in x 2.8 in (310 mm x 105 mm x 72 mm)

@) Tips
—The device runs a self test after power has
been restored to the control unit. If a self
test is successful, all indicator lights will il-
luminate green for two seconds.
— The Audi e-tron compact charging system is
designed for charging at sockets with a volt-
age of 120 V/240 V. If your socket has a dif-
ferent voltage, contact and authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— If your Audi e-tron compact charging sys-
tem has a fixed connection, meaning can be
connected directly to the power supply
144
without a power cable, contact a qualified
electrician or an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
=> page 342.

4N0012721BF

High-voltage system

g or attac g the cable
icles with Audi charging system

Applies to:


B4G-0681 Nn?

— Only change cables in a dry environment.
— The Audi charging system may only be used
as a complete unit consisting of the power
cables, the control unit, and the vehicle ca-
ble. Depending on the country, the total
length of the power cable, control panel and
vehicle cable may be restricted, for example
to 24.6 feet (7.5 m) in the USA. Audi recom-



Fig. 106 Control unit: removing and attaching the cable
Requirements:
> The charging process for the high-voltage bat-
tery must be ended > page 135.
> The vehicle charging connector must be re-
moved from the vehicle charging port.
> The power cable must be removed from the
socket.
Loosening the cable
» If necessary, loosen the screw @) using the
screwdriver provided.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Pull the connector @) out just until you feel re-
sistance.
> Close the lever @ until it is resting on the con-
nector @).
» Remove the connector (2) completely.
Attaching the cable
> Lift the lever @ up slightly.
> Insert the connector (2) into the control unit
just until you feel resistance.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Insert the connector (2) all the way into the
control unit.
> Close the lever @).
> Tighten the screw @) using the screwdriver pro-
vided.

A WARNING
— Note the warnings for charging > A in
Charging on page 135.
— Before switching a cable, always unplug the
power cable from the socket.

mends using only cables approved by Audi.
Gi) Tips
The power cable with the power connector for
industrial sockets and the Audi charging sys-
tem control unit are designed to work togeth-
er. Changing the power cable to another con-
nector type may reduce the available charging
power of the entire system. Limitations on
the ability to transfer power (current capacity)
depending on the phase and the number of
available phases may affect the available
charging power.


Wall clip
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive and wall mount
clip

RAZ-0638,


Fig. 107 Wall mount clip: securing the Audi charging sys-
tem
Securing the Audi charging system
> First insert the control unit in the bottom tabs
on the wall mount clip and then into the upper
tabs.
> Push the control unit in the direction of the ar-
row toward the rear > fig. 107 and let it lock in-
to place.
> Wrap the excess length of cable around the
charging connector mount @) when you are not
charging the high-voltage battery.
145

>

High-voltage system

> Plug the power cable into the socket (2).
> After charging, you can hook the vehicle charg-
ing connector to the charging connector mount
©.
Locking and unlocking the Audi charging
system
> You can lock or unlock the Audi charging sys-
tem using the key provided by turning it to the
lock position @) or the unlock position ©).
Removing the Audi charging system
> Remove the power cable connector from the
socket @).
> Unwind the cable from the charging connector
mount (4).
> To loosen the control unit from the bracket,
push the locking mechanism @) upward.

ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions in the assem-
bly instructions for the wall mount clip.

146

4N0012721BF
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 299. 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
147
>

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.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 124
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 126.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 126.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch trailer mode off again when you are no
longer towing a trailer.
When using rear carrier systems that are mount-
ed directly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can
also switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 126.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.
148

ZA WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
C) Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function 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.
Pie Rie Relig
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.

4N0012721BF
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 114 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.

149

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 151.

@ 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.
150
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.