2021 AUDI Q8 warning

4M8012721BF
Emergency assistance


— Never drive using more than one collapsible
spare tire, because this increases the risk of
an accident.
— Normal tires or winter tires must not be

mounted on the collapsible spare tire rim.
@) Note
The compressor must be switched off after six
minutes at the most to reduce the risk of
overheating. Let the compressor cool down
for several minutes before using it again.

Jump starting
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
If the engine does not start because the vehicle
battery is drained, you can jump start your vehi-
cle using another vehicle. Jump start cables are
needed to do this.
Both vehicle batteries must have 12 V nominal
voltage. The voltage capacity (Ah) of the vehicle
battery that is giving power must not be less
than the capacity of the drained vehicle battery.
Jump start cable
Only use a jump start cable with a large enough
diameter. Note the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
Only use a jump start cable with insulated termi-
nal clamps.
Positive cable - usually red.
Negative cable - usually black.

ZA WARNING
— A drained battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 32 °F (0 °C). If the vehicle bat-
tery is frozen, it must be thawed before con-
necting the jump start cables. If it is not,
the risk of an explosion and chemical burns
increases. After jump starting the vehicle,
drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-


ized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the vehicle battery checked.
— Read the warnings when working in the en-
gine compartment > page 242.
— Handling the jump start cables incorrectly
may cause the vehicle battery to explode
and lead to serious injuries.

@) Note
Jump start cables can cause considerable
damage to the vehicle electrical system if
they are connected incorrectly.
@ Tips
— There must be no contact between the
vehicles, or else voltage could flow when
connecting the positive terminal and drain
the vehicle battery of the vehicle providing
the jump start.
— The drained vehicle battery must be con-
nected correctly to the electrical system.
— Switch off electrical equipment that is not
needed.
293

Emergency assistance


anal eile alate)
Both jump start cables must be connected in the
correct order.

Fig. 180 Engine compartment: connectors for jump start
cables or a charger

Fig. 181 Connecting the jump start cables
The jump start cable connections are located in
the engine compartment.
Follow the information about the vehicle battery
=> page 251.
Connecting the positive cable (red) to the
positive terminal
> Open the red cover on the positive terminal
fig. 180.
1. Attach one end of the positive cable (red) to
the jump-start pin @ 9° fig. 181 on your vehi-
cle.
2. Attach the other end of the positive cable
(red) to the positive terminal @ on the pow-
er source.
Connecting the negative cable (black) to the
negative terminal
3. Attach one end of the negative cable (black)
to the negative terminal @) on the power
source.
294
4. Attach the other end of the negative cable
(black) to the jump-start pin @ on the vehi-
cle.
Starting the engine
> Start the engine in the vehicle giving the charge
and let it run at idle.
> Now start the engine in your vehicle, which has
the drained battery.
> If the engine does not start, stop the starting
procedure after 10 seconds and then repeat it
after approximately 30 seconds.
> Turn on the rear window defogger in your vehi-
cle in order to reduce any voltage peaks that
may occur when disconnecting the jump start
cables. The headlights must be switched off.
> With the engines running, remove the cables in
reverse order of the way they were installed.
> Close the red cover on the positive terminal.


Z\ WARNING
— Never connect the jump start cable directly
to your vehicle battery. Only use the connec-
tions in the engine compartment.
— Do not touch the non-insulated parts of the
terminal clamps. The cable must also not
come into contact with vehicle components
that conduct electricity when it is connected
to the positive vehicle battery terminal. This
can cause a short circuit.
—The plugs on the battery cells must not be
opened.
— Keep ignition sources (such as open flames,
burning cigarettes, etc.) away from the vehi-
cle batteries to reduce the risk of an explo-
sion.
— Route the jump start cables so they cannot
get caught in the moving parts in the other
vehicle's engine compartment.

@) Note
Please note that the connecting process previ-
ously described for the jump start cables is in-
tended for when your vehicle is being jump
started.

4M8012721BF
Emergency assistance

@) Tips
Make sure that the connected jump start ca-
bles have sufficient contact with metal.
Towing
General information
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
Towing requires a certain amount of practice.
Audi recommends contacting a towing company
to have the vehicle transported.
You should only have your vehicle towed by an-
other vehicle when disabled in exceptional cir-
cumstances. Inexperienced drivers should not
tow.
Notes on towing
When the engine is stopped, the transmission
will not be sufficiently lubricated if traveling at
high speeds and long distances:
— The maximum permitted towing speed is 30
mph (50 km/h).
— The maximum permitted towing distance is 30
miles (50 km).
Additional information on towing with a tow
truck
The vehicle may only be towed with the front axle
raised. Do not wrap any chains or cables around
the brake lines.
Tow bar and towing cable
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or tow-
ing cable. Both drivers should be familiar with
the special considerations when towing, especial-
ly when using a towing cable.
Always make sure the traction force does not ex-
ceed the permitted level and there are no shock
loading conditions. There is always the risk of the
coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-
road.
For the most safety and security, drive with a tow
bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow
bar is not available. Use a towing cable made of
synthetic elastic cable similar elastic material.

ZA WARNING
— Towing highly increases the risk of an acci-
dent, for example from colliding with the
towing vehicle.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, do not al-
low anyone to remain inside the vehicle
when it is being transported by a tow truck
or a special transporter.
@) Note
— If normal towing is not possible, for exam-
ple if the transmission is faulty or if the
towing distance is greater than 30 miles
(50 km), then transport the vehicle on a
special carrier.
— If the vehicle is towed by a tow truck at the
axle that is not permitted, this can cause se-
vere damage to the transmission.
— The vehicle must not be tow started for
technical reasons.
@) Tips
— If the power supply is interrupted, then it
will not be possible to move the selector
lever out of the "P" position. The parking
lock must be released using the emergency
release before towing the vehicle
=> page 100.
— Switch Audi pre sense* off > page 152 when
loading the vehicle onto a vehicle carrier,
train, ship, or other type of transportation,
or when towing the vehicle. This can prevent
an undesired intervention from the pre
sense* system.
— Follow the local legal regulations for tow-
ing.
Read and follow the important information under
=> page 295. >

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Emergency assistance

Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loops > page 296,
=> page 297.
> Make sure the towing cable is not twisted. Oth-
erwise it could disconnect from the towing loop
while towing.
> Switch the emergency flashers on in both
vehicles > page 53. However, do not do this if it
prohibited by law.
Towing vehicle (front)
> Only start to drive when the towing cable is
taut.
> Press the brake pedal very carefully.
> Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
Vehicle being towed (rear)
> Make sure the ignition is switched on so that
the steering wheel is not locked and so that you
can use the turn signals, the horn, and the
windshield wipers if needed > /\.
> Switching it off before the vehicle has stopped
may impair the function of the brake booster
and power steering. You would then need to
use more force to steer and brake the vehicle.
> Release the parking brake > page 106.
> Select the “N” selector lever position.
> Make sure the towing cable is always taut.


Z\ WARNING
— Never tow a vehicle using a tow bar or tow-
ing cable if the vehicle does not have electri-
cal power.
— If the vehicle runs out of power while it is
being towed, stop towing the vehicle imme-
diately and consult an authorized Audi deal-
er or qualified repair facility.

296
Front towing loop

Fig. 182 Front bumper: installing the towing loop (version
1)


Fig. 183 Front bumper: installing the towing loop (version
2)
The threaded opening for the towing loop is lo-
cated on the right side of the front bumper.
» Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 286.
>» Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 182 or > fig. 183. The cap will loosen
from the bumper.
> Tighten the towing eye as far as it will go into
the mount. Use a suitable object to tighten the
towing eye completely and securely in the
mount.
> After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.

ZA\ WARNING
If the towing loop is not tightened until it
stops when installing, the threads may be
pulled out when towing the vehicle and result
in an accident. >

4M8012721BF
Emergency assistance

@ Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the cap
can vary.
Rear towing loop



Fig. 184 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop (version
1)




Fig. 185 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop (version
2)
Vehicles with a towing loop
On vehicles without a factory-installed trailer
hitch*, the towing loop threads are located on
the right rear side of the bumper.
>» Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 286.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 184 or > fig. 185. The cap will loosen
from the bumper.
> Tighten the towing eye as far as it will go into
the mount. Use a suitable object to tighten the
towing eye completely and securely in the
mount.
>» After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.
Vehicles with a trailer hitch*
> Attach the tow bar or the towing cable to the
trailer hitch.
Vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch* are
not equipped with towing loop threads at the
rear.

ZX WARNING
If the towing loop is not tightened until it
stops when installing, the threads may be
pulled out when towing the vehicle and result
in an accident.
® Note
To reduce the risk of damaging the trailer
hitch*, only use suitable tow bars that are
compatible with it. If a tow bar is not availa-
ble, you can use a towing cable.
GG Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the cap
can vary.

297

Fuses and bulbs

Fuses and bulbs
Fuses
oer mie

Fig. 186 Left side of the cockpit: fuse panel cover (@), driv-
er’s footwell: fuse panel cover and clip @)

Fig. 187 Left side of the luggage compartment: fuse panel
cover @)
A fuse that has blown will have metal strips that
have burned through.
The fuses are located on the left front side of the
cockpit @, in the driver’s footwell @), and in the
left side of the luggage compartment @).
> Switch the ignition and all electrical equipment
off.
> Check the table that follows to see which fuse
belongs to the equipment.
298
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 286.
> Remove the appropriate cover.
> Remove the colored plastic clip from the fuse
panel, if necessary.
> Remove the clip from the fuse panel in the driv-
er’s footwell (2).
> Remove the fuse using the clip.
> Replace the blown fuse only with a fuse that
has the same amp rating.
> Reinstall the plastic bracket.
> Install the cover.
Fuse color identification










Color Current rating
in amps
Black 1
Gray 2
Purple 3
Pink 4
Light brown 5
Brown 7.5
Red 10
Light blue 15
Yellow 20
White or transparent [25
Light green 30
Teal 35
Orange 40
ZA WARNING
Do not repair fuses and never replace a blown
fuse with one that has a higher amp rating.
This can cause damage to the electrical sys-

tem and increases the risk of fire.

@ Note
If a new fuse burns out again shortly after you
have installed it, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty.

4M8012721BF
Data privacy

Data privacy
Privacy
notice
You can find information about responsibility for
data protection in the MMI.
Transmitted information
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: SET-
TINGS > General > Legal notes > About Audi
connect.
Image recording
Surrounding area monitoring
Applies to: vehicles with surrounding area monitoring
The functionality of the park assist plus requires
detecting and evaluating the vehicle's path. This
is done by cameras installed permanently on the
vehicle that detect objects in the vehicle's sur-
roundings (such as obstacles or guard rails). The
live images from the cameras are transmitted to
the applicable control module.
The camera images are transferred to the respon-
sible control module for processing and may be
stored, depending on vehicle equipment. The
control
module analyzes the current camera im-
age using image evaluation software. This image
evaluation software detects anonymized techni-
cal measurements, such as distances to objects.
The control module evaluates these technical
measurements and makes it possible for the as-
sist systems to control the vehicle, if necessary.
Data memories
5 io. oO
2 x= + oO


Fig. 192 Driver's side footwell: connection port for the On
Board Diagnostic System (OBD)
Your vehicle is equipped with electronic control
modules for various vehicle systems such as the
airbags. These vehicle control modules store data
while driving normally that is required by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for diagnosis and repair purposes. Only
certain types of data are recorded for a very short
period of time if a control module has detected a
system event. No noises, conversations, or im-
ages will be recorded in the vehicle.
The data may include information such as the ve-
hicle speed, the direction of travel, and informa-
tion about the brake system, or also the behavior
of the restraint system in the event of an acci-
dent. The stored data can be exported and down-
loaded with special devices, which must be con-
nected directly to the vehicle.
On Board Diagnostic System (OBD)
There is a diagnostic connector socket in the driv-
er's side footwell to read out the various control
modules and the event data recorder. Data re-
garding the function and condition of the elec-
tronic control modules is stored in the event
memory. Only have an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility read out and de-
lete the event memory.

ZA\ WARNING
— Incorrect use of the connection port for the
On Board Diagnostic System can cause mal-
functions, which can then result in accidents
and serious injuries.
— Only allow an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility to read out the
engine data.
h data recorder
Event Data Recorder

This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Re-
corder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near crash-like situa-
tions,
such as an airbag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle, data that will assist in understand-
ing how a vehicle's system performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to vehicle dynam-
ics and safety systems for a short period of time, >
303

4M8012721BF
Accessories and technical changes

Usually maintenance and repair work requires
special tools, measuring devices, and other
equipment that is available to trained vehicle
technicians in order to help ensure that your vehi-
cle and all of its systems operate correctly, relia-
bly, and safely. Performing work on the vehicle
incorrectly can impair the operation and reliabili-
ty of your vehicle and may void one or more of
your vehicle's warranties.
Technical Modifications
Interference with electronic components, their
software, the wiring, and data transfer may cause
malfunctions. Because of the way electronic com-
ponents are interconnected, such malfunctions
can also impair systems that are not directly in-
volved. This means that you risk both a substan-
tial reduction in the operational safety of your ve-
hicle and increased wear of vehicle components.
Some convenience functions, such as the conven-
ience turn signal function, individual door open-
ing function, and displays, can be reprogrammed
using special workshop equipment. If functions
are reprogrammed, the information and descrip-
tions about these functions in this Owner's Man-
ual may no longer apply to the changed func-
tions. Audi recommends that an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility perform
and verify any reprogramming procedures.


— Never perform any work in the engine com-
partment unless you know exactly how to
carry out the job and have the correct tech-
nical information and the correct tools.
— If you are uncertain about what to do, have
the work performed by an authorized Audi
dealer, an authorized Audi Service Facility,
or another qualified workshop. Serious per-
sonal injury may result from improperly per-
formed work.


ZA WARNING
Maintenance work, repairs, or technical modi-
fications to the vehicle (such as installing ad-
ditional equipment) that is not performed
correctly can cause serious injuries and in-
crease the risk of an accident.


Z\ WARNING
The engine compartment in any motor vehicle
is a potentially dangerous area and can cause
serious personal injury.
— Always use extreme caution when doing any
work in the engine compartment. Always
follow commonly accepted safety practices
and use common sense. Never risk personal
injury.

@) Note
— Maintenance work, repairs, or technical
modifications to the vehicle (such as instal-
ling additional equipment) that is not per-
formed correctly can cause vehicle damage.
— If emergency repairs must be performed,
take your vehicle to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility as soon
as possible.
— Audi is not liable for damage to the vehicle
resulting from failure to comply with these
guidelines.
@) For the sake of the environment
— Regular maintenance can help protect the
environment.
— Technical modifications to the vehicle can
have a negative impact on fuel consumption
and vehicle emissions.
@) For the sake of the environment
Certain components in your vehicle such as
undeployed airbag modules, pretensioners
and remote control batteries may contain Per-
chlorate Material - special handling may ap-
ply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate. When the vehicle or parts of the
restraint system including airbag modules
and safety belts with pretensioners are scrap-
ped, all applicable laws and regulations must
be observed. Your authorized Audi dealer is
familiar with these requirements and we rec-
ommend that you have your dealer perform
this service for you.
309