Towing a trailer
Requirements for correct functioning of the
trailer stabilisation system
If these conditions are not met in
full,
the trailer
stabilisation system will only intervene to a
limi
ted extent or not at all
>=>
A-
- The electrical connection between the towing
vehicle and the trailer must be functioning cor
rectly.
- The load on the trailer must be properly se
cured.
- The tyre pressures on both the vehicLe and the
trailer must be adapted to the load that is be
ing carried.
- Where possible, operate the trailer with the
maximum permitted draw bar weight.
- The trailer overrun brake must be set correctly.
This is important to ensure that the trailer can
be braked correctly, to avoid the vehicle and
trailer "jack-knifing" and to prevent excess
braking of the trailer.
- At low outside temperatures, both the towing
vehicle and the trailer should be fitted with
winter tyres.
A WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to
suit the weather, road and traffic conditions.
Do not let the trailer stabilisation system
tempt you into taking any risks when driving -
this can cause accidents.
- The ESC and trailer stabilisation system
can
not defy the Laws of physics. This should be
kept in mind, particularly on slippery and
wet roads and when towing a trailer with a
light Load.
- The trailer stabilisation system is function
al,
regardless of whether the trailer has a
mechanical overrun brake or not.
- The trailer stabilisation system is not always
able to detect swaying of trailers with a
light load and will therefore not intervene.
- A trailer can still "jack-knife" on slippery
roads with little grip, even if the towing ve
hicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisa
tion system.
-Trailers with a high centre of gravity may
even tip over before they start to sway
side
ways.
-If
you
are not towing a trailer,
but
the
trail
er socket is being used (e.g. for an illumina
ted bicycle rack), the trailer stabilisation
system may be activated in extreme driving
conditions.
- Please note the additional information and
warnings
^>page
98, Driving tips.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.
Weight distribution
Try to avoid towing a loaded trailer with an unla
den vehicle. If this cannot be avoided, drive extra
slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight distri
bution.
Speed
Normally, you must not exceed 80 km/h when
towing a trailer or caravan. However, if the
trail
er/caravan is equipped with a trailer stabilisation
system,
you can drive at max. 100 km/h. Please
observe any other regulations applicable in the
country in which you are travelling.
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with
increasing speed. For this reason it is advisable
not to drive at the maximum permissible top
speed in unfavourable
road,
weather or wind
con
ditions. This applies especially on a downhill gra
dient.
You should always reduce speed immediately if
the trailer shows the slightest sign of swaying.
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating fur
ther.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an
overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first
and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that
can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
Change down in good time before going down a
steep hill so
that
you can use the engine braking
effect to slow down the vehicLe.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by attach
ing an extra stabiliser to the trailer. It should •
98
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
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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
Driver assist systems Cruise
control,
system
Speed warning function
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning function
The speed warning function can
help
you keep
below a pre-set maximum speed. It can be set,
changed and deleted on the infotainment sys
tem.
The speed warning function will warn you if the
vehicle exceeds the pre-set maximum speed. The
system gives an audible warning signal if the set
speed is exceeded by a small amount. At the
same time, a warning lamp [5] and a message
will appear on the instrument cluster display.
The indicator Lamp [5] and the message will dis
appear when the road speed drops below the set
value.
You are recommended to store this speed limit
warning if you wish to be reminded of a particu
lar speed limit. This could be when driving in
countries with general speed limits, or if you
need to keep below a particular speed when
win
ter tyres are fitted, etc.
Setting speed limit warning
•
Select the following on the infotainment sys
tem:
IMENUI
button > Car > left control button
> Driver assist > Speed warning > manual.
© Note
- Please bear in mind that, even with the
speed warning function, it is still important
to keep a check on the car's speed with the
speedometer and to observe the statutory
speed limits.
- On vehicles for some markets, the speed
warning function warns you when you reach
a speed of 120 km/h. This speed limit warn
ing is preset at the factory.
Switching on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system allows you to drive at a
constant speed of 20 km/h or
higher.
Fig.
94 Control lever for cruise control system
• Pull
the lever to position
®
<^>Fig.
94 to switch
on the system.
•
Drive at the speed you wish to set the system
to.
• Press the button marked ® to store the speed.
The indicator lamp
[3]
in the instrument cluster
will light up. Information is also provided in the
head-up display*.
The instrument cluster display will briefly
indi
cate the stored or
pre-selected
speed.
A constant speed is maintained by adjusting the
engine power or braking the vehicle accordingly.
WARNING
- Always direct your full attention to the
road,
even when you are using the cruise control
system.
It is always the driver who is re
sponsible for determining the speed and for
keeping a safe distance to the other vehicles
on the
road.
- For safety reasons, the cruise control sys
tem must not be used in city traffic, stop-
and-go traffic, on roads with a lot of bends
or in difficult or slippery driving conditions
(such as ice, fog, Loose grit or gravel, heavy
rain,
etc.) - risk of accident!
- When you take a turn-off, drive along a mo
torway exit lane or pass through roadwork
104
Driver assist systems
Automatic deactivation
Cruise control system: currently unavailable.
See owner's manual
The cruise control system has been automatically
deactivated because the system has detected a
fault which could impair its function. Try switch
ing the cruise control system on again later.
A WARNING
Do not resume the programmed cruising
speed if this is too high
for
the traffic condi
tions - this can cause accidents.
Speed Limiter
Description
Applies to: vehicles with speed limiter
®
LIM
•
km/h
|
Fig.
95 Speed limiter:
©
LIM
100
km/h
illustration
BFV-0268
LIM
100
km/h
At speeds above approximately 30 km/h, the
speed limiter helps prevent the driver from ex
ceeding a set cut-off
speed.
The indicator lamp
Q
Lights up as soon as you switch on the speed
limiter. Information is also provided in the head-
up display*.
Speed limiter displays
© - The speed limiter is in passive mode, but a
cut-off speed has
not
yet been set.
®
- The speed limiter is in passive mode, and a
set cut-off speed has been stored.
® - The speed limiter is activated. The indicator
lamp
BH
flashes briefly when the speed limiter is
applied.
A WARNING
- Always direct your full attention to the
road,
even when you are using the speed limiter.
It is always the driver who is responsible for
determining the speed and for keeping a
safe distance to the other vehicles on the
road.
- For safety reasons, the speed limiter must
not be used in adverse weather or difficult
driving conditions (such as ice, fog, loose
grit or gravel, heavy
rain,
etc.) - risk of
acci
dent!
- Only accelerate quickly or use the kick-down
feature when the visibility and weather
con
ditions are suitable, and when the road and
traffic conditions allow you do do so safely.
Before driving down a
long,
steep gradient, it
is advisable to reduce speed and select a low
er gear. In this way you will make use of the
engine braking effect and relieve the Load on
the brakes.
Switching on
Applies to: vehicles with speed limiter
Fig.
96 Control lever for cruise control system (example)
•
Pull the lever to position © to switch the sys
tem on.
•
Applies to vehicles with cruise control system
or Audi adaptive cruise control: To switch to the
speed limiter, press the button
®1)
until the
driver message
QQ
Speed limiter: selected ap
pears in the instrument cluster. •
l)
On some equipment versions, the speed limiter is not
available and button
(B)
has no function.
106
Driver assist systems
© Note
The distance may be below the warning
threshold for a short time when overtaking or
approaching a slower vehicle quickly from be
hind.
In this case, no warning will be given. A
warning is only given if the distance is consis
tently below the threshold.
Driver messages
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control
El
ACC:
not available
The system cannot detect vehicles reliably and
will be deactivated. The sensor is out of align
ment or defective. Drive to a qualified workshop
and have the fault rectified.
EH
ACC:
currently unavailable. No sensor vision
Eo3
ACC:
currently unavailable. Sensor view re
stricted due to surroundings. See owner's
man
ual
These messages appear if the radar sensor vision
is impaired, e.g. by leaves, snow, heavy road
spray or dirt. Clean the sensor
^>page
112,
Fig. 101.
E3
ACC:
currently unavailable. Speed too low
Manual gearbox: This message appears if the cur
rent speed is too low for
ACC
mode. You cannot
store speed settings below 30 km/h. The cruise
control system switches off if the speed falls
be
low 20 km/h.
Esi
ACC:
available from 2nd gear up
Manual gearbox: The adaptive cruise control only
operates in 2nd gear or higher.
B
ACC:
currently unavailable. Gradient too
steep
The maximum possible road gradient for safe op
eration of the adaptive cruise control has been
exceeded.
The adaptive cruise control cannot be
switched on.
ffl
Ea3
ACC:
only
available in D, S or M < o
PI
Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to
g
position D/S or M. <
00
Eol
ACC:
clutch pedal pressed
Automatic gearbox: Cruise control mode is deac
tivated if the clutch pedal is pressed for
a
rela
tively long period.
Bf
ACC:
engine speed
Manual gearbox: This message appears if the
driver does not change gear in time when the
adaptive cruise control accelerates or brakes the
vehicle and the engine speed is too high or low as
a result. The adaptive cruise control is switched
off.
EJACC:
parking brake applied
The adaptive cruise control system is deactivated
if the parking brake is applied. The adaptive
cruise control will be available again when the
parking brake is released.
Eo3
ACC:
currently unavailable. Stabilisation
control input
This message appears if the electronic stabilisa
tion control (ESC) intervenes. In this case, the
adaptive cruise control will automatically be
switched off.
Eo3 ACC
off: manual control!
This message appears if the vehicLe rolls back
wards when driving away on a slight gradient,
even though the adaptive cruise control is active.
Press the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
rolling back or colliding with an object behind.
EM
ACC:
currently unavailable. Park assist ac
tive
The systems are switched off when the park as
sist* is active. The systems will be available again
when the parking manoeuvre is finished.
Distance warning: fault. Please contact work
shop
The system cannot detect vehicles reliably and
will be deactivated. The radar sensor is out of
alignment or defective. Drive to a qualified work
shop and have the fault rectified.
Distance warning: currently unavailable. Sensor
view restricted due to surroundings •
119
Driver assist systems
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-The automatic brake application with in
creasing brake force can be cancelled by ap
plying the brakes yourself or by pressing the
accelerator firmly.
- In certain situations, a warning may be giv
en by the rear cross-traffic assist even if
there is no traffic in the critical zone, for in
stance when parking or manoeuvring the ve
hicle in reverse.
- The rear cross-traffic assist is deactivated
automatically if you deactivate the
ESC.
-The rear cross-traffic assist is switched on/
off via the parking aid
^>page
134.
-The system is not available in towing mode.
Driver messages
Applies to: vehicles with Audi side assist
Should the side assist be deactivated automati
cally, a driver message will appear in the instru
ment cluster display.
O
Audi side assist: system fault!
The system cannot detect vehicles reliably and
will be deactivated. The sensors are out of align
ment or defective. Have the system checked by a
qualified workshop soon.
O
Audi side assist: currently unavailable. No
sensor vision
O
Audi side assist: currently unavailable.
Sen
sor view restricted due to surroundings. See
owner's manual
The radar sensors are blocked. The area in front
of the sensors must not be obstructed by bicycle
racks,
stickers, deposits or any other substances.
If necessary, clean the area in front of the
sen
sors
^>page
128, Fig. 120.
O
Audi side assist: currently unavailable
The side assist is temporarily inoperative and
cannot be switched on (for instance if the battery
is not sufficiently charged).
O
Audi side assist: unavailable in towing mode
2
Audi side assist: unavailable in towing mode
The side assist function will be switched off auto
matically after a short time when the electrical
connector for the trailer socket is plugged in on
vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket. If
the towing bracket is not factory-fitted the side
assist function may not be switched off automat
ically. The side assist must not be used when
towing a trailer.
O Rear
parking aid: obstacle detection limited
The rear cross-traffic assist is not available. Ei
ther the ESC is switched off or the radar sensors
may be obstructed by a bicycle rack, stickers,
leaves, snow or similar objects. Switch on the ESC
or, if necessary, clean the area in front of the
sen
sors
<3page
128, Fig. 120. If this message re
mains displayed, drive to a qualified workshop
soon and have the fault rectified.
Audi drive select
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
Audi drive select alLows you to use different set
ups on your vehicle. The modes efficiency*, com
fort, auto and dynamic allow the driver, for ex
ample,
to change from a sporty mode to a more
comfortable one via the
&&
button in the centre
console or via the infotainment system. In
addi
tion,
the individual* mode allows you to adapt
the vehicle set-up to
suit
your personal driving
style.
For example, you might choose to combine
a more dynamic engine set-up with a lighter
steering response.
Description
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
The possible vehicle set-up in each mode de
pends on which equipment is installed on your
vehicle. The engine and steering are basic parts
of your vehicle which are always included in the
set-up.
Engine and automatic gearbox*
The response of the engine and automatic
gear
box* to accelerator pedal movements will be
more spontaneous or balanced, depending on
131
Driver assist systems
•
Select the following on the infotainment sys
tem:
|MENU|
button > Car
>
left control button
> Audi drive select.
•
Select and confirm the desired setting.
You can change the mode while the vehicle is sta
tionary or moving. If traffic conditions permit,
take
your
foot off the accelerator briefly after you
change the mode so that the new mode is also
activated for the engine.
efficiency* - trims the vehicle to a fuel-saving
set-up and helps the driver adopt an economical
driving style.
comfort - alters the vehicle set-up for a more
comfortable ride and is suitable for long motor
way trips, for instance.
auto - gives an overall impression of
a
comforta
ble but dynamic ride and is a good choice of set
up for everyday use.
dynamic - gives the vehicLe a tighter set-up and is
ideal for performance driving.
individual* -
^>page
133.
A WARNING
Always keep an eye on the traffic when using
the drive select controls - Risk of accident!
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Configuring individual mode
You
can configure your own personal vehicle set-up.
*-
Select: |MENU| button > Car
>
Audi drive select
> individual
>
right control button.
The individual* driving mode will automatically
be activated when you have finished configuring
the settings.
Your vehicle's equipment and engine determine
which systems you can select. The following ta
ble provides an overview of the characteristics.
Systems
Engine/Gearbox
Steering
Audi adaptive cruise control*
Suspension control*
comfort
Comfortable
Comfortable
Comfortable
Comfortable
auto dynamic
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Dynamic
Dynamic
Dynamic
Dynamic
© Note
Your settings in individual* mode are stored
automatically and assigned to the remote
control key currently in use.
133