2021 AUDI E-TRON tow

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Driving

be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en
frequently or for long distances. In this case,
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.
To do this, select the “N” gear so that recupera-
tion is not used for braking.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 500 mi (800 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Because recuperation is also used for braking, the
break-in period for new brake pads is 500 miles
(800 km).
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
—The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

ZA WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the drive sys-
tem is switched off 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.
CG) 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 100. 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 236.
We Te(4
EG / @ Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
BS / Gana B also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution. If >
97

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Driving dynamic

Suspension
CET tes un) Led
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
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 Audi drive select* mode will be changed if
necessary when the vehicle is raised.
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.
CG) Note
—Also refer to the information about ground
clearance > page 103.
— 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
— Change in load
— Change to the Audi drive select* mode
— Lifting and lowering via the air suspension*

ZA WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one
gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-
ing, for example when cleaning the under-
body or the wheel housings.
CG) Note
Always make sure there is enough clearance
above and below the vehicle. This is especially
important for entrances with height restric-
tions, for example, before driving into under-
ground garages. You could also scrape the
ground when driving over the edges of curbs
or on steep ramps, which could damage your
vehicle.
B Air suspension: malfunction! You may con-
tinue driving slowly at max. XX mph (km/h)

103
>

Driving dynamic

There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be
limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. Do not
drive
faster than the speed given in the message.
B Air suspension: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. Speed limited to max. XXX
There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be
limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. The
maximum speed has been limited.
B Air suspension: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle.
Steering and ground clearance limited
There is a malfunction. Do not continue driving.
Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting
the vehicle > page 91. Avoid turning the steering
wheel, because the vehicle ground clearance may
be so low that turning the steering wheel could
result in damage to the wheels and wheel hous-
ings.
i Suspension: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
B Air suspension: vehicle too low. Limited
ground clearance
The vehicle ground clearance is very low. Wait un-
til the air suspension system has restored normal
ground clearance. Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility repair the mal-
function immediately if the indicator light does
not turn off after a significant period of time.
B Air suspension: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction. The driving stability may
be limited and the ground clearance may be low.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension low-
ering. See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 29.
104
Audi drive select: automatic suspension Lift.
See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 29.
Steering
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's
steering movements by electronically adapting
the power steering depending on the vehicle
speed. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Messages
1} Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
The power steering may have failed. Adapt your
driving style immediately to compensate for the
fact that it may be more difficult to turn the
steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-
cation as soon as possible. Do not continue driv-
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
| —e| Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Secure the
vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle
= page 91. Do not tow your vehicle because it
cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
a Steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction in the steering system.
Steering may be more difficult or more sensitive.
Adapt your driving style. Have the steering sys-
tem checked immediately by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Please
note that the red indicator light may turn on af-
ter restarting the drive system. Do not continue
driving if it does.
|@—e| Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi >

4KE012721BF
Driving dynamic

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.

ZA WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident.
@ Tips
If the & or el indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.

All wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving through curves
=> page 106.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
motor power. Your vehicle is exceptionally power-
ful and has excellent driving characteristics both
under normal driving conditions and on snow and
ice. Always read and follow safety precautions
oA.

ZA WARNING
— Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you
should adapt your driving style to the cur-
rent road and traffic conditions to reduce
the risk of an accident.
— The braking ability of your vehicle is limited
to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it
is not different from a two wheel drive vehi-
cle. Do not drive too fast because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane’” if driving at speeds that
are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the motor RPM does not increase
suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-
planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-
tions to reduce the risk of an accident.

Messages
BH all-wheel drive: malfunction! Limited stabil-
ity. Please contact Service
Driving stability is reduced. Continue driving with
caution. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately.
Electronic Stabilization
Control
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-
uations, such oversteering and understeering of
the vehicle, the drive wheels spinning, or the risk
of the vehicle tipping.
The brakes are applied or the motor torque is re-
duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.
The following stabilization functions are integrat-
ed into the ESC, among others:
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
Noises will indicate when the system is working.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are
slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth-
er wheels. This function is not available at higher
speeds.
In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off
to keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.
EDL will switch on again automatically when con-
ditions have returned to normal.
105

Driving dynamic

Selective wheel torque control
Selective wheel torque control is used when driv-
ing on curves. Braking is targeted toward the
wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This
allows more precise driving in curves.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.

ZA\ WARNING
— The ESC and its integrated systems cannot
overcome the limits imposed by natural
physical laws. This is especially important on
slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin
acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should
immediately alter your speed to match the
road and traffic conditions. Do not let the in-
creased safety provided tempt you into tak-
ing risks. This could increase your risk of a
collision.
— Please note the risk of a collision increases
when driving fast, especially through curves
and on slippery or wet roads, and when driv-
ing too close to objects ahead. There is still
a risk of accidents because the ESC and its
integrated systems cannot always prevent
collisions.
— Accelerate carefully when driving on
smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and
snow. The drive wheels can spin even when
these control systems are installed and this
can affect driving stability and increase the
risk of a collision.
— As the vehicle load increases, especially the
roof load, the vehicle's center of gravity also
increases along with the risk of the vehicle
tipping. To reduce the risk of an accident, al-
ways adapt your driving style to the current
conditions and avoid sudden driving maneu-
vers.

@) Tips
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly
when all four wheels have a similar wear
condition. Different tire sizes can lead toa
reduction in motor power.
106
— You may hear noises when the systems de-
scribed are working.
The So button (or #, depending on the model)
for controlling the ESC is located in the center
console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is
automatically switched on when the ignition is
switched on.
Limiting ESC
In some situations, it may make sense to limit
the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the
wheels can spin, for example to rock a vehicle to
free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow
chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide
more sporty driving characteristics with fewer
stabilizing corrective actions.
—To limit the ESC, press the 0 button briefly.
The B indicator light will turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Depending on the Audi drive select mode that is
selected, one of the following ESC modes will be
selected automatically:
— sport - this mode is designed for driving ona
level surface. It is used in all Audi drive select
modes except offroad.
— offroad - this mode is suited for driving offroad
and is designed for uneven terrain or loose
ground. If you select the offroad Audi drive se-
lect mode, the offroad ESC mode will be auto-
matically used.
Switching off ESC
For a more active control of the vehicle where the
stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,
the ESC can be switched off.
— To switch off the ESC, press and hold the Sor
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.

4KE012721BF
High-voltage system



— Monitor the Audi charging system if it is be-
ing used near children.
— Installation and setup of the household con-
nection for Audi charging systems may only
be performed by a qualified electrician. The
qualified electrician is thereby responsible
for adhering to applicable standards and
regulations.
— Make sure that the household socket is
grounded and shielded from water.
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac-
cording to the specifications in the operat-
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— Audi charging systems are intended for use
in private and semi-private areas (for exam-
ple, private property and company parking
lots). Depending on the country where the
vehicle is operated, charging with a mode 2
charging cable (meaning charging with the
Audi charging system) may be prohibited in
public areas. Contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
more information.
— Operate the Audi charging systems in power
networks that are properly grounded. It can-
not be used with non-grounded power net-
works (such as IT networks).
— When charging the high-voltage battery us-
ing household/industrial sockets, the elec-
trical installation can be used at full capaci-
ty. Audi recommends having a qualified elec-
trician regularly inspect the electrical instal-
lations that are used for charging.
— If possible, disconnect Audi charging sys-
tems from the power network during a
thunderstorm.
— Never submerge the Audi charging systems
or the connectors in water.
— Audi charging systems must only be cleaned
when the control unit is completely discon-
nected from the power supply and from the
vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean.
— Audi charging systems are only intended for
use on Audi vehicles and vehicles within the
Volkswagen Group. Using the devices on

vehicles made by another manufacturer is

not authorized.


() Note
— If the vehicle is not being used for long peri-
ods of time, the high-voltage battery must
be charged after four months at the latest
or the vehicle must be continuously con-
nected to a power source (for 50% charging
target > page 115). Otherwise, the high-
voltage battery could become damaged.
— Make sure that you always use the correct
charging equipment for the country in
which it is being used. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for more information.
— On vehicles with only one charging port,
there is a cover on the opposite side of the
vehicle with no charging components instal-
led underneath it. Do not try to open this
cover.
G@) Tips
— Your vehicle can only be charged at charging
stations that meet the requirements in the
respective country and meet the following
standards, at a minimum:
— GB/T 18487.1 and GB/T 20234 (China)
— IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (Europe)
— SAE J1772 (North America, Japan)
— You can use your Audi charging system if
there is a household or industrial connec-
tion available at the charging station.
(i) Tips
Applies to: Audi charging systems
— For an uninterrupted charging process, Audi
recommends only charging using sockets
that are connected to a separately protected
circuit.
— Audi recommends using Audi charging sys-
tems in the wall mount clip* during opera-
tion. If this is not possible, always position
Audi charging systems on a secure surface
during the charging process > A.
—To reduce the risk of overheating during op-
eration, do not place Audi charging systems
111
>

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High-voltage system


LED on the charging unit Meaning

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. Disconnect the charging connector, reconnect it to
the charging socket, and press it upward lightly for five seconds,
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 necessary.

Both charging port doors are open. Try to close one of the charg-
ing port doors by hand. If the LED stays turned on, the high-
voltage battery may not be charging. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.


The outside temperature is too low or too high.

@ Tips
The charging display modes are also displayed
in the instrument cluster Bag.
Setting the charging connector to unlock
automatically
To prevent a charging station from being blocked
for long periods of time and to make it possible
for others to charge, you can set the charging
connector to unlock automatically once the
charging process has ended.
> Before charging, always check if the selected
settings are suitable for the current charging
session.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Charging >
@.
@) Note
The function should only be activated if the
charging cable is part of the charging station.
Otherwise, your charging cable could be sto-
len.
Setting the charging target
You can set the charging target, meaning you can
set the maximum charge level to which the high-
voltage battery should be charged. The charging
target can be set between 50% and 100%. For
daily usage, Audi recommends setting the charg-
ing target at 80%. This can extend the service life
of the high-voltage battery. For long trips, Audi
recommends setting the charging target to
100% to achieve the highest possible range.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Charging.
> When the timer is displayed, swipe your finger
on the display toward the right.
> Press on the right section of the battery charge
level display.
> Set the desired charging target.
The charging target that is set will be stored and
used in all locations where you have not defined
specific charging settings. If you are charging at
an address where you have defined specific
charging settings > page 116, Advanced charg-
ing settings, the charging target that is set will
be stored in the advanced charging settings and
used.
G) Tips
If you set the charging target lower than the
current battery charge level while charging,
then the charging process will be canceled. If
you set the charging target above the current
battery
charge level again, then the charging
process will resume. This does not apply if you
are charging at a charging station, where you
have authenticated yourself manually. If this
is the case, authenticate yourself again at the
charging station.
115

High-voltage system

Setting the timer
Introduction
By setting a timer, you determine when your vehi-
cle should reach the desired charging target.
When the timer is activated, it will be run regu-
larly at the set time. In addition to the charging
target, 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. The active timer is indi-
cated by the respective number in © in the upper
section of the display.
» Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Charging.
> When the charging target is displayed, swipe
your finger on the display toward the left.
Configuring the timer
> To set a timer, select > in the line for the de-
sired timer.
> Select one ore more days of the week and select
Next.
» Set the desired departure time and select OK.
> To also activate the climate control with a tim-
er, select F.
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.
> To switch on timer charging, select ©. A col-
ored bar will turn on in the button.
If the set departure time for the timer is too
soon, the desired charging target may not be
reached.
G) Tips
It is not possible to charge using the timer at
some charging stations.
Advanced charging settings
With the advanced charging settings, you can de-
fine
addresses (locations) at which certain charg-
ing settings should apply (for example, charging
116
target, minimum charge). If your vehicle is in the
vicinity of a defined address, the advanced charg-
ing settings will be automatically applied. The
charging target that is set will be used both for
immediate charging and timer charging.
Managing the advanced charging settings
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Charging >
<2} > Advanced charging settings.
> To define new settings for a certain address, se-
lect +. Follow the instructions in the display.
> To edit existing settings for a certain address,
press the respective button.
> To delete existing settings for a certain ad-
dress, select Z.
Charging with a preferred charging time
A preferred charging time is only used when tim-
er charging is switched on > page 116, Switching
on the timer and timer charging.

Incase of malfunction, you can manually release
the charging port door or the charging connec-
tor.

Fig. 85 Motor compartment: emergency release
Manually releasing the charging port door
> Open the hood = page 234.
> Open the cover in the motor compartment on
the side of the applicable charging port.
> Loosen the red loop @) > fig. 85 from the re-
tainer and then pull on the loop carefully >@.
> If necessary, open the charging port door by
hand.
> After releasing manually, secure the loop on
the retainer and close the cover.