2021 AUDI A8 parking brake

Driving

The Start/Stop system is automatically activated
once
the ignition is switched on.
Switching the Start/Stop system off and on
The & button is located above the selector lever
in the center console. The LED in the button turns
on when the function is switched off.
> Press & to switch the system on or off.
If you switch the system off during a Stop phase,
the engine will start again automatically.
Basic requirements
— The driver's door and hood must be closed.
—"P","N", or "D" must be engaged.
— The steering wheel must not be turned far in ei-
ther direction.
— The vehicle must have driven faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h) since the last time it stopped.
— The vehicle is not in trailer mode.
® Note
Always switch the Start/Stop system off when
driving through water > page 118.
G) Tips
— Depending on the driving situation, the en-
gine may already stop when coasting before
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
— If you select the "D" position after shifting
into reverse, the vehicle must be driven fast-
er than 6 mph (10 km/h) in order for the
Start/Stop system to become active again.
This makes it possible to maneuver without
stopping the engine.
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.
118
G) 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-
rely
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
Depending on the engine, the indicator light
may appear if the engine is not stopped.
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
Drive system: please start the vehicle manually >

4N0012721BF
Driving


stabilize the vehicle will no longer be availa-
ble. This could cause the vehicle to swerve,
which increases the risk that the vehicle will
slide. Do not continue driving. See an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility 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¢ PM / © 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.

Z\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is

pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. Secure the vehicle against roll-
ing before exiting the vehicle > page 108.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized

Audi Service Facility for assistance.
@ Tips
— On steep inclines, especially when in trailer
mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unin-
tentionally when starting to drive. To reduce
the risk of this happening, pull and hold the
switch while pressing the accelerator
pedal. If enough drive power has built up at
the wheels and the vehicle does not roll
backwards, then release the switch to start
to drive.
— If you leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are
engaged, the parking brake will be set auto-
matically.

— Noises when the parking brake is set and re-
leased are normal and are not a cause for
concern.
— The parking brake goes through a self-test
cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is
stopped. Any noises associated with this are
normal.
Emergency braking function
Emergency braking should only be used in an
emergency, if the standard brake pedal is mal-
functioning or obstructed. When the emergency
braking function is activated, the braking effect is
similar to a heavy braking maneuver.
> Pull and hold the @) switch while driving.
» An audio warning signal will sound and emer-
gency braking will begin.
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency
braking will be canceled.
121
>

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
ERNG / B) 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 108. See an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
we 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 / 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.
FS / () Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal to release the parking brake.
122
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 110. This especially applies when tow-
ing 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.
Driving through water
If you must drive through water, follow these in-
structions:

— Check the stability of the ground, the current,
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,
there is a strong current, or there are waves, >

High-voltage system

G) Tips
Applies to: Audi charging systems
— For an uninterrupted charging process, we
recommend only charging using sockets
that are connected to a separately protected
circuit.
— It is recommended to use Audi charging sys-
tems in the wall mount clip* during opera-
tion. If this is not possible, always position
Audi charging systems ona secure surface
during the charging process > A\.
—To reduce the risk of overheating during op-
eration, do not place Audi charging systems
in direct sunlight for long periods of time. If
the control unit is overheated, the charging
Process is automatically paused until the
temperature has lowered back within the
normal range.
Charging
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

RAZ-0834


ss

Fig. 99 Left rear side of the vehicle: opening the high-volt-
age charging port door

RAZ-0835



Fig. 100 Charging unit: charging port and buttons/LED
Connecting the charging cable
If you charge your vehicle at a charging station,
the following sequence of steps may vary. Follow
134
the manufacturer guidelines and operating in-
structions for the charging station.
Requirement: the “P” gear must be selected, the
parking brake must be set, and drive ready mode
must have ended.
—If necessary, remove the charging cable from
the vehicle > page 139, Transport.
— Remove the cap from the charging cable if nec-
essary.
— First connect the charging cable to the power
supply, or remove it from the charging station.
— Unwind the charging cable completely.
— Unlock the vehicle.
—To open the charging port door, press on the
right
side of the door > fig. 99.
— Remove the cap from the vehicle charging port
and place it on the holder on the charging port
door.
— Plug the charging connector into the vehicle
charging port.
— Check if the charging option shown @) (immedi-
ate charging/timer charging) is the one you
would like to use for charging.
Starting to charge automatically (immediate
charging)
If charging is not delayed with a timer, the charg-
ing process will begin immediately. If necessary,
the charging station may need to be activated.
Follow the manufacturer guidelines and operat-
ing instructions for the charging station.
Timer charging
With timer charging, the charging process starts
and ends based on a timer that is set beforehand.
— To charge by timer, switch on the timer and
timer charging before exiting the vehicle
=> page 136.
While charging
The charging display on the charging unit @) will
pulse green while charging. It will pulse |} in
the instrument cluster. You can find the meaning
of the possible charging display colors under
> page 135.
The charging connector is locked while charging
and cannot be removed.

4N0012721BF
High-voltage system

If the driver's door is opened while the ignition is
switched off, the current battery charge level and
the high-voltage battery range will be displayed
in the instrument cluster. If charging is in prog-
ress, the remaining charging time will also be
displayed.
Immediate charging and timer charging
You can switch between the immediate charging
@ and charging timer @) options during the
charging process if a charging timer is set
=> page 136. Press the corresponding button to
do this.
Ending the charging process
You can interrupt the charging process at any
time.
— Unlock the vehicle or press the @/@) button
when the vehicle is unlocked, and the LED will
turn on.
— Remove the charging connector. If the charging
connector is not removed within 30 seconds, it
will automatically relock and the charging proc-
ess may continue.
— Put the cap back on the charging port.
— Close the charging port door.
— Disconnect the charging cable from the power
supply if necessary or return it securely to the
charging station.
— Install the protective caps on the charging ca-
ble again.
— If you are transporting the charging cable in
the vehicle, store it securely > page 139.
If the charging connector cannot be removed,
you must unlock it manually > page 137.
If you cannot disconnect the charging connector
from the charging station, authenticate yourself
again at the charging station and then try again
to disconnect the charging connector. If you still
cannot disconnect the charging connector from
the charging station, contact the charging sta-
tion operator.

A WARNING
— Do not disconnect the charging cable from
the socket or the vehicle charging port while
the vehicle is charging. End the charging
process before removing the charging cable
from the socket in order to reduce the risk of
damaging the connector contacts from
sparks.
—If the charging unit is damaged, do not
charge using the charging port to reduce the
risk of injury.
— If the charging unit is damaged or the
charging port door cannot close or is miss-
ing, drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the malfunction corrected to re-
duce the risk of injury.
() Note
If you drive with the charging unit open, both
the charging port door and the electronics in-
stalled behind it could be damaged. Check
each time after charging if the port door is
locked before you start driving the vehicle.
@) Tips
— If the parking brake is set, it could create
noises when the charging connector is con-
nected.
— Remove ice and snow in the charging unit
using a hand brush and solvent-free deicing
spray.
— The vehicle radio and TV systems may have
limited reception when charging the vehicle.


Charging display
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The charging display is an LED light on the charg-
ing unit @) > page 134, fig. 100 that indicates
the charging status. The key for the LED light is
explained in the following table.
135

High-voltage system


LED on the charging unit Meaning

Off
Vehicle charging system is in sleep mode. A timer may be active,
but charging has not started yet.

Charging process is interrupted.

Pulsing The high-voltage battery is charging.

Green Flashing A timer is active, but charging has not started yet.

On High-voltage battery charging process is completed.

On
Yellow
When using the Audi charging system, make sure the power
plug is inserted in the power socket > page 140. No power sup-
ply was recognized even though the charging cable is plugged
in. Have the power supply or power supply system inspected.
When using the Audi charging system, check the status displays
on the unit > table on page 141. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance if necessary.

Flashing
The vehicle is not secured from rolling away. Check if “P” is se-
lected and the parking brake is set. If the LED continues to
flash, see an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.

Red On

The charging connector may not be able to lock correctly in the
vehicle charging port. Check if the charging connector is insert-
ed correctly. Remove the charging connector and plug it in the
charging port again, or use a different charging station. If the
LED stays turned on, there is a malfunction either in the vehicle
charging system or at the power source. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance if neces-
sary.


The outside temperature is too low or too high.

@ Tips
The operation status indicated by the LED on
the charging unit are is displayed in the in-
strument cluster Es.
Setting the timer
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Introduction
Configuring the timer
> To set a timer, select > in the line for the de-
sired timer.
> If the timer should be set one time, select Indi-
vidual timer. If the timer should be set to re-
peat, select Repeat timer.
> Set a preferred charging time if desired, for ex-
ample to use off-peak power rates.
> To also activate the climate control with a tim-
er, select CD.

Use a timer to set at what departure time your
vehicle should be fully charged. A timer can ei-
ther be set one time or to repeat at the selected
times. You can also specify if your vehicle should
be heated or cooled to the temperature set in the
climate control system. You can turn on multiple
timers at the same time.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Charging.
136
> Select Next and follow the instructions in the
menu.
Switching on the timer and timer charging
The charging process will only follow the timer
settings if you have switched on the timer and
timer charging.
> To turn ona timer, select CD.

4N0012721BF
Driver assistance

Intersection assistant
Applies to: vehicles with intersection assistant
o D
oS
& > &
ao

Fig. 136 Instrument cluster: directional display from the
intersection assistant
General information
The intersection assistant can warn the driver of
approaching cross traffic in complex intersections
> fig. 135.
The system monitors intersections and exit
ramps using the sensors installed in the vehicle
that detect the front and side areas around the
vehicle. Moving objects that are approaching
from behind, such as cars, are detected within
the limits of the system > A\. The system can al-
so warn the driver of a potential collision with de-
tected approaching cross traffic in intersections
and exit ramps with poor visibility.
Requirements for using the intersection
assistant:
— The speed must not be higher than approxi-
mately 18 mph (30 km/h).
— The “D” gear is selected.
Displays, warnings, and braking
— Display: the red arrow (@) can indicate the direc-
tion from which the cross traffic is approaching.
The indicator in the upper display only appears
when the parking aid is activated. For vehicles
with peripheral cameras only in the Front and
Front corner camera views. The display only ap-
pears in the instrument cluster > fig. 136 when
the Driver assistance display is open in the on-
board computer > page 16.
— Warnings: the message Cross traffic! © can
warn about critical cross-traffic when driving
forward. There may also be an audible signal.
— Automatic brake activation: if you do not react
to a warning, a brief braking by the system can
warn you of a potential collision with an ap-
proaching object when driving forward at
speeds up to approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
Switching the intersection assistant on and
off
— The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI & page 153.
Messages
If, or > is displayed when there is a mal-
function, the intersection assistant functions
may be unavailable 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. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 152 and try to turn the system on
again later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.

Z\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 150.
— The intersection assistant will not provide
alerts about people and cannot warn you
about every type of approaching objects,
such as cyclists. Always monitor the traffic >


185

Driver assistance


as well as the vehicle's surroundings with di-
rect eye contact.
— The system may not react if vehicles are ap-
Proaching very fast.
@ Tips
— The coverage areas of the sensors > fig. 135
are diagrams and do not represent a true-
to-scale image of the sensor ranges.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
> page 341.

Emergency assist
Applies to: vehicles with emergency assist
General information
Within the limits of the system, emergency assist
can detect inactivity from the driver. In these in-
stances, the system will warn the driver, assume
control of the vehicle if necessary, and bring the
vehicle automatically to a stop in the lane.
Regardless of the speed, the emergency assist is
automatically available when the adaptive cruise
assist* is activated. When the adaptive cruise as-
sist* is deactivated, the system is only available
at speeds above approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h).
Emergency assist functions
Measures may be initiated in stages. The vehicle
can be controlled with the limits of the system.
The measures depend on the dangerous situation
and the vehicle equipment:
— Visual and audio warnings
— Vehicle control
— Reduction of vehicle speed in stages
— Lowers the volume of the Infotainment system
— Tugs on the safety belt
— Activates the brakes
— The emergency flashers are activated

) This function is not available in every market and on all ve-
hicle equipment levels.
186
— Audi pre sense preemptive safety measures are
triggered > page 179
— The brakes are applied until the vehicle is sta-
tionary
As soon as the vehicle comes to a full stop, the
vehicle prepares for the vehicle passengers to be
rescued. The parking brake is set, “P” gear is en-
gaged, the doors are unlocked, and the interior
lighting is activated. The emergency call) will be
started if necessary once the vehicle has been
stationary
for several seconds.
Display
If /3\ is displayed for example, the emergency
assist is active.
Overriding the emergency assist
You can override emergency assist as follows
SA:
— Move the steering wheel. Or
— Press the brake pedal. Or
— Press the accelerator pedal distinctly.
When stationary, you can end the emergency as-
sist by leaving the "P" position or releasing the
parking brake > page 121.
Switching the emergency assist on and off
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI > page 153.
Messages
rg or Eis displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the emergency assist 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. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 152 and try to turn the system on
again later.