2021 AUDI Q2 ECU

Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Driving the vehicle with a
trailer or caravan
Technical requirements

The
towing bracket must comply with certain
technical requirements.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting pas­
sengers and luggage. However, if suitably equip­

ped,
it can also be used to tow a trailer or cara­

van.

If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing
bracket it will already have the necessary techni­
cal modifications and meet the statutory require­
ments.
A 13-pin socket is provided to make the electrical
connection between the car and the trailer. If the
trailer you wish to tow has a 7-pin plug, the nec­
essary adapter cable can be obtained from a spe­
cialist retailer.
If
a
towing bracket is to be fitted after the car is

purchased,
this must be done according to the in­
structions of the towing bracket manufacturer

^page
102.
A WARNING
If
a
towing bracket is retrofitted, the installa­
tion should be carried out by
a
qualified work­

shop.

- In particular in high outside temperatures it
is not possible to drive up long steep gradi­
ents without
a
suitable cooling system. The
engine would then overheat.
- Incorrect installation can result in a safety
risk.
Points to check before towing
There are a number of points which need to be
checked before towing a trailer or caravan.

*•
Observe the maximum permitted trailer
weights
^>page
342.
Trailer weights
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer
weights.
If
you
do not load the trailer up to the maximum
permitted trailer weight, you can then climb cor­
respondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only ap­
plicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea

level.
With increasing altitude the engine power
and therefore the car's climbing ability are im­
paired because of the reduced air density, so the
maximum trailer weight has to be reduced ac­
cordingly. The weight of the car and trailer must
be reduced by about 10% for every further
1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to
the combined weight of the (loaded) vehicle and
(Loaded) trailer.
The figures for the draw bar weight that appear
on the identification plate of the towing bracket
are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be
lower than these figures for the towing bracket,
are given in the registration documents and in

•=>
page 343.
Drive select*
Please note that the
efficiency*
mode is not
available in towing mode.
Exterior lights
Before starting
a
journey, make sure that all the
lights for the trailer are working properly.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy ob­
jects are as near to the axle as possible. Loads
carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent
them slipping. A badly distributed load can also
affect handling. This can activate the trailer sta­
bilisation feature and cause the vehicle to reduce

speed.

Where possible, operate the trailer with the max­
imum permitted draw bar weight on the ball
joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the
specified limit. •
96

Towing a trailer
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car, and adjust
for "full
load"
conditions (refer to the sticker list­
ing the tyre pressures)
^>page
307. It may also
be necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the
trailer according to the recommendations of the
trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road
behind the trailer with the standard mirrors. If
this is not the case you should have additional
mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be
mounted on hinged extension brackets. Adjust
the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting
a
journey, check the headlight
beam settings with the trailer hitched up. Adjust
the headlight settings if necessary.
On vehicles with halogen headlights, the
head­

light range control must be adjusted, see

tapage
49.
The headlight range control will be adjusted au­
tomatically if your vehicle is equipped with LED
headlights*.
Power supply
To ensure that the engine can be started again
after the ignition is switched off, the power
man­

agement system
^>page
149 controls the distri­
bution of electrical power and gradually switches
off unnecessary electrical equipment. The trailer
is supplied with power during this period. The
power supply to the trailer is interrupted while
the engine is being started.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are
equipped with a removable
ball
joint coupling.
This is stored in the spare wheel well or in a sepa­
rate bag on the floor of the luggage compart­
ment, together with the necessary fitting instruc­

tions.

We recommend having the car serviced be­
tween the normal inspection intervals if it
used frequently for towing a trailer.
Trailer stabilisation system
Applies to: vehicles with towing bracket
Trailer stabilisation helps to reduce the risk of
the vehicle skidding when towing a
trailer.

When is the trailer stabilisation
system1'

activated?
Trailer stabilisation is active when the following
requirements are met:
- The ESC must be switched on
^>page
146 and
fully functional (no ESC malfunction).
- The trailer connector must be properly secured
in the vehicle socket.
- The vehicle speed must be higher than approx.
60 km/h.
How trailer stabilisation works
In many cases, the driver can stabilise a swaying
trailer by manually braking the vehicle.
However, if the ESC detects that the trailer is
swaying and this is affecting the towing vehicle,
it will automatically brake the vehicle in order to
stabilise the trailer. The indicator
Lamp Hi
will
flash in the instrument cluster. If possible, do
not turn the steering wheel at this stage.
In order to warn traffic behind you, the brake
lights will come on during this automatic braking

operation.

A trailer may sway quite considerably without the
trailer stabilisation system intervening.
If the system for activating the trailer brake
lights is defective, this will be indicated in the in­
strument cluster display
opage
35,
:&
Bulb

monitor.
•

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x)
Not available on vehicles for some markets.
97

Towing
a
trailer

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have friction linings at the sides to prevent exces­
sive wear. Degrease and clean the ball joint be­
fore using a stabiLiser. The stabiliser can be pur­
chased and installed
at
a qualified workshop.
Electronic stabilisation control
The
ESC
-
in particular in conjunction with the
trailer stabilisation system
o^page
97 - makes
it

easier to stabilise a trailer
if it
starts to skid
or

sway. You should therefore keep the
ESC
switch­
ed on
at
all times.
Overheating
In hot weather, keep an eye on the coolant
tem­

perature gauge
^page
13. When climbing long
hills with the engine running fast in low gear, the
coolant temperature can increase. Reduce speed
immediately
if
the needle moves to the right end
of the scale. For information on the warning
lamp
||
refer to
opage
30.

Rear carrier systems
When using rear carrier systems (e.g. bicycle
racks) on the towing bracket,
it
is important not
to exceed the maximum load.
The total weight
of
the rear carrier system and
its

load must not exceed
75
kg for this vehicle. How­
ever,
it
is also important to observe the maxi­
mum permissible load for the rear carrier sys­

tem.

The greater the distance from the towing brack­
et, the smaller the maximum permissible Load
on

the rear carrier system. For this reason, you
should secure heavy objects as near as possible
to the towing bracket.
Note the instructions provided by the manufac­
turer of the rear carrier system.
Please make sure that the rear carrier system
is

approved for use on your vehicle.

l
Note
A WARNING
The use of an unsuitable rear carrier system
could cause severe damage
to
the towing
bracket. The towing bracket could then break
and cause an accident.
Degrease and clean the ball joint before using
a rear carrier system.

Removable towing
bracket

Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with removable towing bracket
Special care is required when fitting and remov­
ing the towing bracket.

Fig.
84 Luggage compartment:
Ball
joint for towing brack­
et (stowage example)
The removable ball joint attachment for the tow­
ing bracket is stored under the floor panel or in a
separate bag on the floor of the luggage com­
partment.
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
WARNING
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and
removing the ball joint. This could damage
the mechanism which locks the
ball
joint
in

place and impair its safety
-
risk of accident!
© Note
- Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball
joint or other towing bracket components.
- Should you have any difficulties when using
the towing bracket, or suspect that
it
is not
fitted properly, contact
a
qualified work­

shop.

- Before setting off, always check that the

ball
joint is secured properly
Opage
101.
99

Towing a trailer
- Never disengage the ball joint with the cara­
van / trailer still hitched or with a bicycle
rack or similar accessory still attached.
- It is advisable to remove the ball joint when
you are not towing a trailer. Check whether
the plug is properly inserted in the mount­
ing fixture and that the bumper cover is fit­

ted.

-The
ball
joint must be removed if
you
intend
to clean the car with a steam cleaning at­
tachment. Check whether the plug is prop­
erly inserted in the mounting fixture and
that the bumper cover is fitted.
- For installation and removal of the ball joint
we recommend using the gloves provided

for
this purpose.
Fitting the ball joint (step 1)
Applies to: vehicles with removable towing bracket

Fig.
85 Area below rear bumper: Pulling out plug

Fig.
86 Removable towing bracket:
Ball
joint
Mounting fixture
The mounting fixture for the ball joint is located
on the underside of the bumper
^>Fig.
85.

•
Remove the plug
^>Fig.
85 from the mounting

fixture.

•
Check that the mounting fixture is free of dirt;
clean if necessary
•=> /\.

The spring mechanism inside the ball joint
must be in the "ready" position.

•
Check
that
the red marking (5)
^>Fig.
86 on the
knob is inside the green zone on the
ball
joint.

•
Check that the locking ball
(Î)
is inside the hole
in the shaft section of the
ball
joint.

•
Check that the knob protrudes visibly from the
ball joint, so that there is a clear gap (?) be­
tween the knob and the
ball
joint.
The
ball
joint can only be installed if the internal
spring mechanism is in the ready position.
Continued
^>page
100, Fitting the
ball
joint
(step 2).
WARNING
It is important to keep the mounting fixture

clean.
Otherwise the ball joint may fail to en­
gage securely (accident risk).
Fitting the ball joint (step 2)
Applies to: vehicles with removable towing bracket

Fig.
87 Removable towing bracket: Setting the spring
mechanism to the "ready" position

Fig.
88 Removable towing bracket: Inserting the
ball
joint •
100

Towing a trailer
ball joint must be fitted again properly

^>page
100. Please contact a qualified work­
shop in the event of
a
technical fault.

(T) Note
•
The eye ® on the towing bracket is intended
only for securing the safety cable of the
trail­

er.
Removing the ball joint
Applies to: vehicles with removable towing bracket

*—d

^•^Pfip-®
—
t*\®

Fig.
91 Removable towing bracket: Removing the ball
joint

IT)
CD

CO
m

Fig.
92 Area below rear bumper: Fitting the plug

•
Take off the cover cap and insert the key ®

^Fig.
91 in the lock on the knob.

•
Unlock the ball joint by turning the key
clock­

wise.

•
Take hold of the ball joint and pull out the knob
in direction®.

•
Keep hold of the knob and turn it as far as it
will go in direction ®.

•
Release the knob. The spring mechanism will
remain in the "ready" position
<=> /\.
•
Pull the ball joint down out of the mounting fix­

ture.

•
Insert the plug into the mounting fixture

^>Fig.
92.

•
Swivel the electrical socket upwards as far as
the stop.

•
Stow the ball joint underneath the floor panel
or in the bag on the floor of the Luggage com­
partment, depending on your vehicle configura­

tion.

- Make sure that the plug is properly fitted in
the mounting fixture for the towing bracket.
Otherwise the ball joint may fail to engage
securely the next time it is attached if dirt
has accumulated in the mounting fixture.
- On vehicles in which the
ball
joint is stowed
in a bag on the floor of the luggage com­
partment, the bag must always be secured
to the front right fastening
ring.
Otherwise
the bag could be catapulted through the in­
terior of the vehicle in the event of sudden
braking or an accident - risk of injury and ac­
cident!
Retrofitting
Please contact a qualified workshop to find out
whether your vehicle can be retrofitted with a
towing bracket.

I

B38.2

556,1
301,1

Fig.
93 Installation dimensions and positions of securing
points •
102

Towing a trailer

CO

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•-i

00
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the car is

purchased,
this must be done according to the in­
structions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The towing bracket is bolted to the body at the
securing points®
^F/'g.
93.
Qualified workshops are familiar with the meth­
od of installation and any modifications which
may be required for the cooling system.

/\
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installa­
tion should be carried out by a qualified work­

shop.

- A towing bracket that is not fitted properly
constitutes an accident risk.
- For your own safety, please observe the in­
structions provided by the manufacturer of
the towing bracket.
©
1
CAUTION
- If the connector socket is not fitted correct­
ly, this could cause damage to the vehicle's
electrical system.
- In particular in high outside temperatures it
is not possible to drive up Long steep gradi­
ents without a suitable cooling
system,

there is a risk of damaging the engine.
103

Driver assist systems
provided tempt you into taking any risks when
driving - this can cause accidents.
- Please note that pre sense front can give
warnings or apply the brakes unexpectedly.
Always secure your luggage to prevent dam­
age and possible injury.
- Due to inherent system limitations, false ac­
tivation of the system is possible.
- Please note that the sensor is not always
able to detect all objects which may repre­
sent a potential hazard - risk of accident!
- Pre sense front does not react to the follow­

ing:
oncoming traffic in the same lane, sta­
tionary or stopped persons, pedestrians
crossing the road at an angle, groups of
people, animals, or objects that are hard to

recognise •=>
A in General notes on
page 112.
A WARNING
The pre sense front functions may be restric­
ted or unavailable in situations such as the

following:

- If objects such as crash barriers or other
vehicles are reflecting additional light.
- At tunnel entrances.
- In heavy fog,
rain,
road spray or snow.
- If the radar sensor is dirty, frosted, dam­
aged or covered.
- When driving through a corner.
-Applies to: front-wheel drive vehicles: If the
ESC system has been partially or fully deac­

tivated.

© CAUTION
Impacts or damage to the bumper, wheel
arches or underbody can cause misalignment
of the sensor. This can impair the function of
the pre sense front system. Have the systems
checked by a
quaLified
workshop.
© Note
-The automatic brake application with in­
creasing brake force can be cancelled by ap­
plying the brakes yourself or by pressing the
accelerator firmly or by taking evasive ac­

tion.

- Applies to: front-wheel drive vehicles: Cer­
tain pre sense front functions are deactiva­
ted when the ESC
offroad
mode is switched
on and when reversing.
- Applies to: front-wheel drive vehicles: The
pre sense is deactivated if you restrict or
switch off the ESC
^>page
146.
Settings on the infotainment system
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense front/Audi adaptive
cruise control

•
Select the following on the infotainment sys­

tem:
|MENU|
button > Car > left control button
> Driver assist > Audi pre sense.
System - The pre sense functions can be switched
on/off.
Advance
warning15
- You can switch the advance
warning off or set the warning time for pre sense
front (early/medium/late).
Start by setting the advance warning to early. If
you then find that the system warns you earlier
than desired, you can set the advance warning to

medium.
The advance warning should be set to
late only in exceptional cases, such as during very
dynamic driving.
If a system or the advance warning function is
switched off, it will be automatically activated
again the next time you switch on the
ignition15.

Driver messages
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
Audi pre sense: fault. Please contact work­
shop
This message appears if the functions of the pre
sense system are impaired. An impairment can
occur, for example, if a sensor fails. If the mes­
sage remains displayed permanently, drive to a
qualified workshop soon and have the fault
recti­

fied.
•

x)
Not available on vehicles for some markets.
122

Driver assist systems
Rear cross-traffic assist
Applies to: vehicles with rear cross-traffic assist

Fig.
121 Example diagram

Fig.
122 Infotainment: Rear cross-traffic assist display
While you are reversing, the rear cross-traffic as­
sist can warn against a potential collision with
traffic approaching perpendicular to the rear of
the vehicle. The system uses the radar sensors

^page
128, Fig. 120 to monitor the area behind
and to the side of the vehicle when you are leav­
ing a parking space. Where possible, it detects
objects, such as cars, as they approach the
vehi­

cle
of/g.
121.
If critical cross-traffic is detected when reversing
out of a parking space, the system reacts as
fol­

lows:

- Graphic display: A graphic with a red arrow
symbol appears on the infotainment display.
The arrow indicates the direction from which
the object is approaching
^>Fig.
122.
- Warning tone: A tone may sound continuously
as an additional signal when you are reversing.
-Automatic
brake
jolt: A short sharp application
of the brakes may also warn against a potential
collision with an approaching object.
Requirements for the use of the rear cross-
traffic assist:
-The parking aid must be switched on

^>page
134.
- Reverse gear must be engaged.
- The speed must not be higher than approxi­
mately 12 km/h.

A
WARNING
- The purpose of the rear cross-traffic assist is
to assist the driver; it cannot prevent a
colli­

sion on its own. The driver must always in­
tervene personally. As the driver you are al­
ways responsible for braking in good time.
- Please note that the rear cross-traffic assist
may apply the brakes unexpectedly. Always
secure your luggage to prevent damage and
possible injury.
-After an automatic brake jolt, no further
brake jolt will occur within 10 seconds.
- If the rear cross-traffic assist gives an
acoustic warning signal, the parking aid may
no Longer be able to warn you against obsta­
cles it has detected.
- The radar sensor vision can be impaired, e.g.
by leaves, snow, heavy road spray or dirt.
Clean the area in front of the sensors

*>page
128, Fig. 120.

A
WARNING
The rear cross-traffic assist has certain inher­
ent limitations and cannot warn against an
impending collision in every situation:
- It cannot give a warning if the vehicle is so
far into a parking space that it is hidden by
the vehicles in front and behind.
- People such as cyclists, joggers, inline skat­
ers and pedestrians may not be detected in
certain situations.
- It cannot give a warning when you are
parked at an angle or parallel to the
road­

side.

(T)
CAUTION
Please also observe the notes
^>©in
General
notes on page 129.
130