2021 AUDI Q7 ECU

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
er else)
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

ZA\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch

Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @.
120

ZA\ WARNING
— Never mount a "weight-distributing" or
"load-balancing" trailer coupler as the trailer
hitch. The vehicle was not designed for
these types of trailer hitches. The trailer
hitch can malfunction and the trailer can
break off from the vehicle.
— If the trailer is equipped with electronic
brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by
a factory-installed control system, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, always remove
the ball hitch mount if no trailer is mount-
ed
@) Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. Otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
ey emia aCe
Towing capacity

The permitted towing capacity must not be ex-
ceeded under any circumstances > page 314.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
The specified towing weights only apply at eleva-
tions up to 3,200 feet (1,000 m) above sea level.
As the elevation increases, the engine power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressure. This
reduces the hill climbing ability and towing ca-
pacity. For every additional 3,200 feet (1,000 m),
the maximum permitted towing weight must be
reduced by approximately 10%. The permitted
towing weight is the combined weight of the
(loaded) vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must
not be exceeded.
For driving safety, Audi recommends always us-
ing
the maximum permitted tongue weight, but
do not exceed this weight. Distributing the cargo >

4M1012721BC
Trailer towing

in the trailer correctly will help to achieve this
weight. Having the tongue weight too low affects
the vehicle's handling.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 314.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 269. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The tire pressure must be increased an additional
3 PSI (0.2 bar) for towing loads over 6,600 lbs
(3,000 kg).
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
The turn signals are activated in trailer mode if
the B indicator light blinks. If a turn signal on
the trailer or on the vehicle fails while in trailer
mode, the indicator light will not blink twice as
fast to indicate this.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 113
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >,
=> page 114.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch trailer mode off again when you are no
longer towing a trailer.
For vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch,
the air suspension trailer mode will automatically
switch on if you connect the trailer connector to
the socket.
When using rear carrier systems that are mount-
ed directly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can
also switch trailer mode off manually.
121

4M1012721BC
Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Sra eel delay
ZA\ WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
=> page 124.



@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving. The settings could have been
changed, for example by other drivers or by
using another user.
System limitations
ZA\ WARNING
—The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.

— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not


occur. Always be ready to intervene.

@) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.
— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
—In trailer mode, some assist systems may be
limited, may not react as usual, or may be
unavailable. Please refer to the instructions
for towing a trailer located in > page 120.
— The steering wheel touch recognition may
be limited when you wear gloves. Steering
intervention requests from the steering as-
sist systems may occur more frequently.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the steering assist systems
may
be limited. The frequency of steering
123
>

4M1012721BC
Driver assistance

may only be able to avoid a collision by swerving
or braking strongly.
Automatic braking force increase
If there is an impending collision and you are not
applying the brakes enough, the braking force
may be increased, depending on the situation.
Automatic braking
If you do not react to the acute warning, the sys-
tem may apply the brakes with strong braking
force within the limits of the system in order to
reduce the speed of impact in the event of a colli-
sion.
If the brakes were applied until the vehicle stop-
ped, © Please take over! will appear in the in-
strument cluster and you must take over control
of the vehicle.

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 123.
— Audi pre sense front cannot overcome natu-
ral physical laws. It is a system designed to
assist and it cannot prevent a collision in ev-
ery circumstance. The driver must always in-
tervene. The driver is always responsible for
braking at the correct time. Do not let the
increased safety provided tempt you into
taking risks. This could increase your risk of
a collision.
— Audi pre sense front does not react to cer-
tain objects, such as animals, crossing or on-
coming vehicles, bars, railings, or railcars.
— Audi pre sense front may be limited or un-
available when driving in curves.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— In trailer mode, the braking behavior of the
trailer can be different than usual during au-

tomatic braking.

@) Tips
Certain pre sense front functions are switched
off when the hill descent assist is actively con-
trolling the vehicle.
Audi pre sense rear
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense rear
Within the limits of the system, Audi pre sense
rear uses data from radar sensors at the rear cor-
ners of the vehicle and calculates the probability
of a rear-end collision with the vehicle behind
you.
Audi pre sense preemptive safety measures can
be initiated if the risk of a collision with the vehi-
cle behind you is detected.

Z\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 123.
— Audi pre sense rear does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, crossing objects, and ob-
jects not detected as vehicles.
@) Tips
— Audi pre sense rear functions switch off
when trailer mode is detected. There is no
guarantee the functions will switch off
when using a retrofitted trailer hitch.
— Audi pre sense rear functions may also
switch off if there is a malfunction in the
side assist system.
Audi pre sense side
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense side

Within the limits of the system, Audi pre sense
can warn about impending collisions with cross-
traffic and vehicles approaching from the side,
and trigger Audi pre sense preemptive safety
measures.
The system uses additional sensors in the front
and rear areas and is active at speeds up to ap-
proximately 35 mph (60 km/h).
153

4M1012721BC
Telephone

Telephone
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with telephone
You can operate various telephone functions easi-
ly through the MMI in your vehicle.
Depending on the country and the vehicle equip-
ment, the following options may be available:
— Connecting a cell phone with Bluetooth
— Using two telephones
— Using the Audi phone box

ZA WARNING
— Medical experts warn that mobile devices
can interfere with the function of pacemak-
ers. Always maintain a minimum distance of
about 7.9 inches (20 cm) between the mo-
bile device antennas and the pacemaker.
— Do not carry the mobile device in a pocket
directly over the pacemaker when the
phone is switched on.
— Switch the mobile device off immediately
if you suspect it may be interfering with
the pacemaker.
— Do not use the voice recognition system*
= page 27 in emergencies because your
voice may change in stressful situations. The
system may take longer to dial the number
or may not be able to dial it at all. Dial the
emergency number manually.
— Switch your mobile device off in areas where
there is a risk of an explosion. These loca-
tions are not always clearly marked. This
may include gas stations, fuel and chemical
storage facilities or transport vehicles, or lo-
cations where fuel vapors (such as propane
or gasoline vapor in vehicles or buildings),
chemicals or large quantities of dust parti-
cles (such as flour, sawdust or metal) may
be present in the air. This also applies to all
other locations where you would normally
turn your vehicle engine off.
— The demands of traffic require your full at-
tention. Always read the chapter > page 19,
Traffic safety information.

CG) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
=> page 194.
G@) Tips
— The Bluetooth connection range is limited
to inside the vehicle.
—Aselection of supported Bluetooth devices
can be found in the database for tested mo-
bile devices at www.audi.com/bluetooth.
Setup
Connecting a mobile phone via Bluetooth
Applies to: vehicles with telephone
Requirement: the vehicle must be stationary and
the ignition must be switched on. The Bluetooth
settings must be open on your mobile device dur-
ing the connection setup. The mobile device to be
connected must not be actively connected to any
other Bluetooth device. The MMI must only be
connected to one mobile device.
> Enable the Bluetooth function and visibility on
the MMI = page 237 and the mobile phone.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
PHONE.
> Follow the system instructions. The available
Bluetooth devices will be displayed after sever-
al seconds.
> Press on the desired mobile device in the list of
displayed Bluetooth devices.
> To update the list, press OQ.
A PIN for a secure Bluetooth connection will be
generated.
> Confirm the PIN on your mobile device.
> Follow the system instructions.
> Pay attention to any other system prompts on
the MMI and on your cell phone.
After connecting successfully
The cell phone contacts are automatically loaded
in the MMI. This process can take several mi-
nutes, depending on the number of contacts.
Depending on your cell phone and the connection
type, you can use the following functions:
183
>

Telephone

Handsfree
Requirement: your cell phone must be connected
to the MMI via a Bluetooth Hands Free Profile
(Bluetooth HFP).
You can use the hands-free system. You can make
calls using the antenna on your mobile device.
Sending and receiving messages
See > page 191.
@) Tips
— Pay attention to any system prompts dis-
played on your mobile device or the MMI,
for example if the system should connect
automatically in the future. Depending on
the mobile device, you may need to down-
load contacts and confirm access to your
messages separately.
— You can also search for the MMI on your mo-
bile device using the Bluetooth device
search.
— You only have to pair your device one time.
Bluetooth devices that are already paired
automatically connect to the MMI when the
Bluetooth function is switched on, when
they are within range, and when the ignition
is switched on. The last connected mobile
device is given first priority.
— You can manage additional settings for con-
nected mobile devices in the Connected de-
vices menu > page 238.
— When leaving the vehicle, the Bluetooth
connection to the mobile device will auto-
matically disconnect. Depending on your
mobile device, phone calls in progress may
be automatically redirected from the MMI
to your mobile device so that you can con-
tinue the call on your phone.
Using two telephones
Applies to: vehicles with telephone, and Audi phone box
You can connect two mobile phones to the MMI
at the same time using the Bluetooth HFP, for ex-
ample a business phone and a private phone. You
can be reached in your vehicle through both mo-
bile phones.
184
Applies to: mobile devices with Bluetooth Mes-
sage Access Profile (MAP): You can send and re-
ceive messages with both mobile devices
=>page 191.
Connecting another mobile device
Requirement: a mobile device must be connected
to the MMI. The vehicle must be stationary and
the ignition must be switched on. The Bluetooth
settings must be open on your mobile device dur-
ing the connection setup. The mobile device to be
connected must not be actively connected to any
other Bluetooth device.
> Enable the Bluetooth function and visibility on
the MMI = page 237 and the mobile phone.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
PHONE > (°, or
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Connected devices > Telephone 1
or Telephone 2 > New connection.
> Follow the system instructions. The available
Bluetooth devices will be displayed after sever-
al seconds.
> Press on the desired mobile device in the list of
displayed Bluetooth devices.
> To update the list, press OQ.
A PIN for a secure Bluetooth connection will be
generated.
> Confirm the PIN on your mobile device.
> Follow the system instructions.
> Pay attention to any other system prompts on
the MMI and on your cell phone.
After connecting successfully
See > page 183, After connecting successfully.
Switching between two mobile devices
Requirement: phone 1 and phone 2 must be con-
nected to the MMI.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
PHONE > <1.
@) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
=> page 194.

4M1012721BC
Telephone

Disconnecting a mobile device
Applies to: vehicles with telephone
> To disconnect a Bluetooth device from the MMI,
use the Connected devices menu > page 238.
Using the Audi phone
box
General information
Applies to: vehicles with Audi phone box
oy
ae




[RAZ-170|


Fig. 139 Storage compartment under the center armrest:
Audi phone box with connections
Depending on vehicle equipment, you may be
able to use the following functions with the Audi
phone box:
— Make phone calls using the vehicle’s exterior
antenna
— Charge a mobile device using the USB input
— Charge a mobile device wirelessly
— Reminder signal
Limitations
In some situations, the functions of the Audi
phone box may be limited or temporarily unavail-
able. For example, this may happen if
— There is one more than mobile device in the
Audi phone box
— The mobile device is located in a bag or a pro-
tective case
— There are objects between the Audi phone box
and the mobile device
— The mobile device is not positioned in the cen-
ter of the Audi phone box

ZA\ WARNING
Loose objects can be thrown around the vehi-
cle interior during sudden driving or braking



maneuvers, which increases the risk of an ac-
cident. Store objects securely while driving.

() Note
Applicable to U.S.A.
Operation of the Audi phone box is subject to
the following requirements of the Federal
Communications Commission:
— This is a CONSUMER device.
— BEFORE USE, you MUST REGISTER THIS DE-
VICE with your wireless provider and have
your provider’s consent. Most wireless pro-
viders consent to the use of signal boosters.
Some providers may not consent to the use
of this device on their network. If you are
unsure, contact your service provider.
— You MUST operate this device with approved
antennas and cables as specified by the
manufacturer. Antennas MUST be installed
at least 20 cm (8 inches) from any person.
— You MUST cease operating this device im-
mediately if requested by the FCC or a li-
censed wireless service provider.
— WARNING: E911 location information may
not be provided or may be inaccurate for
calls served by using this device.
® Note
Applicable to Canada
In Canada, operation of a Zone Enhancer,
such as an Audi phone box, is subject to the
following requirements of the Innovation,
Science and Economic Development Canada
(ISED):
— This is a CONSUMER device.
— BEFORE USE, you MUST meet all require-
ments set out in CPC-2-1-05. At the time of
printing this user manual, the CPC-2-1-05
client procedures circular of ISED Canada
was available at the following web page:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.
nsf/eng/sf08942.html.
— You MUST operate this device with approved
antennas
and cables as specified by the
manufacturer. Antennas MUST NOT be in-
stalled within 20 cm of any person.
185

4M1012721BC
Audi connect


ZA WARNING
— Always follow the information found in > AA
in General information on page 194.
— Driver messages, text messages, and illumi-
nated warning and indicator lights in the ve-
hicle always take priority over information
from the Audi connect services. The infor-
mation displayed by the Audi connect serv-
ices should not cause you to take safety
risks. This can result in the vehicle breaking
down in traffic and to serious injuries or ac-
cidents.
@) Tips
— Accessing specific data or controlling func-
tions remotely depends on the charge level
of the vehicle battery. Therefore, these
functions only have limited availability after
switching off the ignition.
— An eSIM card establishes the Internet con-
nection for Audi connect vehicle control
services. The costs for this are included in
the price of Audi connect vehicle control
services. The cell phone network, for exam-
ple, must be available to use these services.
Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect vehicle control


Create a myAudi account by registering in the
myAudi app or at my.audi.com, depending on
your country.
>» Set the key user > page 31.
> Install the myAudi app on your mobile device
and log in with your access information.
@) Tips
Some services require you to enter a 4-digit
PIN that you set up during registration.
Settings
Applies to: vehicles with Wi-Fi hotspot
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Connection settings > Wi-Fi
Depending on the country and the vehicle equip-
ment, the following functions may be available:
Wi-Fi
When the function is switched on, the MMI's Wi-
Fi hotspot is active and Wi-Fi devices can be con-
nected to the hotspot.
Wi-Fi hotspot settings
The Wi-Fi connection between the MMI and your
Wi-Fi device is encrypted. You can change the fol-
lowing information if needed.
— Access point (SSID): name of the Wi-Fi hot-
spot.
— Password: an initial password was set at the
factory in the MMI. Audi recommends changing
the initial password. Only use secure passwords
that conform to the general guidelines for se-
cure passwords. For more information, refer to
reputable and current sources on password se-
curity.
Allow data connection through Wi-Fi
When the function is switched on, mobile devices
can use the Internet connection through the Wi-
Fi hotspot. A data plan is needed to do this.

Z\ WARNING
Always follow the information found in > AV
in General information on page 194.
@) Note
Always follow the information found in >@ in
General information on page 194.

197