2021 AUDI A8 service indicator

Instrument cluster

Instrument cluster
Instrument cluster overview
cH) Olas
12/5/2017


Fig. 2 Instrument cluster overview (Audi virtual cockpit)
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the follow- @ Tips
ing items may appear in the instrument cluster:
5 — You can select the units used for tempera-
@ Display
ture, speed, and other measurements in the
Infotainment system > page 263.
— Speeds are displayed in mph (miles per
— Engine coolant temperature ~E .. 14
— High-voltage battery charge level

@ Left dial hour) or km/h (kilometers per hour).
— Tachometer ............ 0. eee 14 — If there is a malfunction in the instrument
— Power meter ........-..-..0-5 is cluster, DEF will appear in the trip odometer
(2) “Tab area s : sews + ¢ sees ee eee ge 13 display. Have the malfunction corrected as
@ Centralarea............0..00.. 13 soon as possible.
© Status line (one or two lines) — Certain instrument cluster content can also
© Right dial be displayed in the head-up display*
— Convenience display mde
@ Fuellevel A ............00000. 270
Right
additional display with speed-
ometer
© Left additional display with:
—Gear .... ee eee eee eee 109
— Audi drive select mode ......... 124
ZA WARNING
If there is a severe malfunction in the instru-
ment cluster, the display may turn off. The A
indicator light may also turn on. Stop the ve-
hicle safely. See an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

12

Instrument cluster

Reducing the display
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can
hide the central area in the instrument cluster.
> Select on the instrument cluster: vehicle func-
tions tab > E] button > Reduced display.
Coolant temperature
display
Applies to: vehicles with a coolant temperature indicator
The coolant temperature display @ > page 12
only functions when the ignition is switched on.
To reduce the risk of engine damage, please ob-
serve the following notes about the temperature
ranges.
Cold range
If only the LEDs at the bottom of the gauge turn
on, the engine has not reached operating tem-
perature yet. Avoid high engine speeds, full accel-
eration, and heavy engine loads.
Normal range
The engine has reached its operating tempera-
ture once the LEDs up to the center of the gauge
turn on. If the | indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster display turns on, the coolant tem-
perature is too high > page 281.
@) Note
— Auxiliary headlights and other accessories in
front of the air intake impair the cooling ef-
fect of the coolant. This increases the risk of
the engine overheating during high outside
temperatures and heavy engine load.
— The front spoiler also helps to distribute
cooling air correctly while driving. If the
spoiler is damaged, the cooling effect will
be impaired and the risk of the engine over-
heating will increase. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility for assistance.
Tachometer
The tachometer (@) 9 page 12 displays the engine
speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). The be-
ginning of the red zone in the tachometer indi-
14
cates the maximum permissible engine speed for
all gears once the engine has been broken in. Be-
fore reaching the red zone, you should shift into
the next higher gear, select the "D" or "S" selec-
tor lever position, or remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
Displaying the tachometer
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Display & brightness > Audi virtu-
al cockpit > Left dial > Tachometer or Com-
bined.
Engine speed limitation
If the Bw indicator light turns on, the engine will
be automatically limited to the RPM displayed in
the instrument cluster. This will protect the en-
gine components, for example during a cold start
or from overheating.
The engine speed limitation is deactivated if you
release the accelerator pedal while the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
If the engine speed limitation was activated by
an engine control malfunction, the indicator
light also turns on. Make sure the engine speed
does not go above the speed displayed, for exam-
ple when downshifting. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have the malfunction corrected.
C) Note
The needle in the tachometer may only be in
the red area of the gauge for a short period of
time before there is a risk of damaging the
engine. The location where the red zone be-
gins varies depending on the engine.

4N0012721BF
Lights and Vision

vehicles in certain markets, the tail lights
will also turn on.
—In cool or damp weather, the inside of the
headlights, turn signals, and tail lights can
fog
over due to the temperature difference
between the inside and outside. They will
clear shortly after switching them on. This
does not affect the service life of the light-
ing.
— When the parking lights are switched on
and the ignition is switched off, the 200} sym-
bol appears in the light switch module.
Turn signal and high beam lever

BFV-0012


Fig. 43 Lever: switching on the turn signal and high beams
The lever operates the turn signals, the high
beams and the headlight flasher.
Turn signals (>>
The turn signal will activate when you move the
lever into a turn signal position while the ignition
is switched on. The respective a or B indicator
light flashes.
@ Right turn signal
@ Left turn signal
The turn signal blinks three times if you tap the
lever (convenience turn signal).
If an indicator light blinks twice as fast as usual,
a turn signal bulb has failed. Carefully drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
High beams =O and headlight flasher
> Move the lever to the corresponding position:
@) High beams on (vehicles with high beam assis-
tant”) > page 59
@ High beams off or headlight flasher
The
=| indicator light in the instrument cluster
will turn on.

Z\ WARNING
High beams can cause glare for other drivers,
which increases the risk of an accident. For
this reason, only use the high beams or the
headlight flasher when they will not create
glare for other drivers.

High beam assistant
Applies to: vehicles with high beam assistant

The high beam assistant automatically turns the
high beams on or off depending on the surround-
ing conditions.
A camera on the rearview mirror mount can de-
tect light sources from other road users. The high
beams switch on or off automatically depending
on the position of vehicles driving ahead and on-
coming vehicles, the vehicle speed as well as oth-
er environmental factors and traffic conditions.
Activating high beam assistant
Requirement: the AUTO light function must be
selected and the high beam assistant must be
switched on in the MMI > page 61.
> To activate the high beam assistant, tap the
lever forward @) > page 59, fig. 43. The fa in-
dicator light will appear in the instrument clus-
ter display and the high beams will be switched
on or off automatically. The Ed indicator light
will turn on if the high beams are switched on.
Activating and deactivating the high beam
head lights manually
If the high beams did not switch on or off as ex-
pected, you may switch them on or off manually
instead:
> To activate the high beams manually, tap the
lever
forward 3) > page 59, fig. 43. The =0] in-
dicator light will turn on.
59
>

4N0012721BF
Lights and Vision

The B indicator light turns on if the laser lights
are switched on.
The laser lights are switched off when the speed
decreases below approximately 30 mph (50
km/h) or when the high beam assistant switches
the LED headlights off.

Nv WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 150.
— All repair procedures on the headlights must
be performed by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility that will
perform the work according to Audi factory
specifications. Incorrect repairs could result
in eye injury, impair the function, and may
void the vehicle's operating license.
— Opening the laser module is not permitted
and could cause permanent injuries to the
eyes.
— Dangerous exposure to laser beams may oc-
cur if the covers are removed or if the head-
lamp module housing is opened.

G) Tips
— The headlight contains a class 4 laser. The
technical design converts the laser beam so
that there is no danger when it is used for
its intended purpose.
—The laser beam emission from the head-
lamp has been classified in accordance with
IEC 60825-1:2007.
— The possible emission is below the thresh-
old for laser class 2.
—
Maximum laser beam output: 5W (continu-
ous emission), wavelength range A= 400 nm
- 700 nm.
— The headlamp light functions are rated in
accordance with IEC 62471-5:2015.
— The beam emitted from the headlamp was
classified as risk group 2.
Adjusting the exterior lighting
You can adjust the exterior lighting separately.
The settings depend on the vehicle equipment.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Light & Visibility > Exterior light-
ing.
Automatic headlights
You can adjust the following settings in the Auto-
matic
headlights menu:
Activation time - You can adjust if the headlights
switch on Early, Medium, or Late based on the
sensitivity of the light sensor.
High beam assistant - You can switch the high
beam assistant on and off.
Laser lights - You can switch the laser lights on
and off.
Entry/exit lighting
The Entry/exit lighting illuminates the area
around the vehicle when the vehicle is unlocked
or when the driver’s door is opened while the ig-
nition is off. The entry/exit lighting works when it
is dark and when the AUTO light function is
switched on. The front and rear daytime running
lights* switch on automatically each time the ve-
hicle is unlocked regardless of how bright it is
outside the vehicle.
Daytime running lights
USA models: The daytime running lights can be
switched on and off.
Canada models: The daytime running lights can-
not be switched off. The lights activate automati-
cally each time the ignition is switched on.
rgency flashers


Fig. 45 Center console: emergency flashers
61

Lights and Vision

The emergency flashers help to make other driv-
ers aware of your vehicle in dangerous situations.
> Press the A @ button to switch the emergency
flashers on or off.
When the emergency flashers are turned on, the
a and B indicator lights will flash at the same
time.
You can indicate a lane change or a turn when the
emergency flashers are switched on by using the
turn signal lever. The emergency flashers stop
temporarily.
The emergency flashers also work when the igni-
tion is turned off.
@) Tips
You should switch the emergency flashers on
if:
— you are the last car ina traffic jam so that
all other vehicles approaching from behind
can see your vehicle
— your vehicle has broken down or you are
having an emergency
— your vehicle is being towed or if you are tow-
ing another vehicle
Messages
If the 8, indicator light turns on, a bulb has
failed. The displayed message indicates the cause
and possible solutions. If one of the messages re-
mains on, drive immediately to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to
have the malfunction repaired.
By Audi adaptive light: malfunction! See own-
er's manual
Adaptive light* is not working. The headlights
still function. Drive immediately to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to
have the malfunction repaired.
OLED tail light: malfunction! Switched off
permanently. See owner's manual
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
62

High beam assistant: malfunction! See own-
er's manual
You can still switch the high beams on or off
manually. Drive immediately to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to
have the malfunction repaired.
High beam assistant: currently unavailable.
Camera view limited due to surroundings. See
owner's manual
This message appears if the camera's visual field
is blocked. The system will switch itself off. Try
switching the systems on later.
a Automatic headlights: malfunction! See
owner's manual
The light/rain sensor is malfunctioning. When
the AUTO light function is on, the low beams will
remain switched on at all times for safety rea-
sons. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.
Interior lighting
ry 3S
S 2
> a
oO
Fig. 46 Headliner: interior lighting
Interior lighting buttons
axs* - Interior lighting on/off
con® - Rear interior lighting on/off
4 - Door contact switch on/off. The interior light-
ing is controlled automatically.
Touch-sensitive reading lights
> To turn a reading light on or off, touch the sur-
face @ briefly.

Lights and Vision

G) Tips
— You can also use the wiper blade replace-
ment position for other reasons, for exam-
ple if you want to protect the windshield
from icing by using a cover.
— You cannot activate the wiper blade replace-
ment position when the hood is open.
If the & indicator light turns on, then there is a
windshield wiper malfunction. The message that
is also displayed indicates the cause and possible
solutions. If one of the messages does not turn
off, drive immediately to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
gS Automatic wipers: malfunction! See owner's
manual
The light/rain sensor is malfunctioning. You can
still control all functions that are not controlled
by the rain sensor using the windshield wiper lev-
er. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
Digital compass
Switching the compass on and off
Applies to: vehicles with digital compass

BFV-0288


Fig. 53 Rearview mirror: digital compass is switched on
68
> To turn the compass on or off, press the button
@ until the compass display in the mirror turns
on or off.
The digital compass only works when the ignition
is turned on. The directions are indicated with ab-
breviations: N (north), NE (northeast), E (east),
SE (southeast), S (south), SW (southwest), W
(west), NW (northwest).
G) Tips
To prevent inaccurate compass readings, do
not bring any remote controls, electrical devi-
ces or metallic objects near the mirror.

4N0012721BF
Sitting correctly and safely

@) Tips
If you are transporting children in the vehicle,
read the information and follow the safety
precautions > page 88.
Safety systems monitoring
The Ea indicator light in the instrument cluster
monitors the safety systems such as the airbags
(including the control modules, sensor, and wir-
ing) and the belt tensioners. It turns on when you
switch the ignition on and turns off after several
seconds.

py-TYdg fo) a
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.

ZA 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.0089)



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
@ Head curtain airbag with ejection mitigation
Fig. 73 Airbag overview image (enlarged section: deployed airbags)
© Front and rear central airbags in some mod-
els
© Knee airbags
Airbags offer the best possible protection in your
vehicle during an accident when they are used to-
gether with safety belts that are fastened cor-
rectly, and when passengers are sitting in the
8s

Sitting correctly and safely

correct seating position. Airbags are a supple-
mentary 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
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 86.
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-
86
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.
Advanced airbag system

Fig. 74 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: >