2021 AUDI Q8 warning lights

Sitting correctly and safely

rivets on clothing in the area where the safety
belt is worn. Otherwise, the safety belt could
be damaged.
Cm cele tL mre


B4H-0462

° Rg a 2
z| x oO

Fig. 59 Releasing the belt buckle from the belt latch
Observe the safety precautions > page 68.
Fastening the safety belt
> Pull the safety belt by the belt buckle evenly
across your chest and lap.
> Insert the belt buckle in the belt latch belong-
ing to the seat until it audibly engages
fig. 58.
> Pull on the belt to make sure that the belt is se-
curely locked in the latch.
Unfastening the safety belt
> Press the red button on the belt latch > fig. 59.
The belt buckle will pop out.
> Guide the belt back by hand so that the safety
belt can roll up more easily.
Safety belt monitoring system
eB - If the indicator light turns on or flashes, a
safety belt is not fastened or it has been unbuck-
70

led while driving. Above certain speeds, addition-
al warning tones will sound.
Depending on the equipment, the safety belts in
the rear may also be monitored using the follow-
ing indicator lights:
aI - If this indicator light turns on, the safety
belt for the corresponding rear seat is not fas-
tened.
Ba - If this indicator light turns on, the safety
belt for the rear seat has been fastened.
- If this indicator light turns on with a white
light, the safety belt for the rear seat has been
fastened. If the indicator light flashes or turns
gray, a safety belt in the rear is not fastened or
has been unfastened while the vehicle is in mo-
tion.
Adjusting the height of the safety belt



B4G-0004| Rp \.

Fig. 60 Belt height adjustment for the front seats - safety
belt relay
> To move the belt higher, slide the safety belt re-
lay @ upward.
> To move the belt lower, press the release but-
ton @ and slide the safety belt relay 2) down-
ward.
> To check if the safety belt relay is securely
locked in place, pull firmly on the belt.
lav
@) Tips
You can also adjust the height of the front
seats
to change the position of the safety
belts.

Driving

Ga / @ Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality. You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual
The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-
od of time after switching off the ignition. Secure
the vehicle against rolling > page 96.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the EG / @
indicator light turns on briefly to check the func-
tion. If the indicator light does not turn on, there
is a system malfunction.
1f EG / @ stays on, there is a malfunction in
the brake system.
©) - A high load was placed on the brakes from
driving downhill for a long period of time. Follow
the instructions in the message to utilize the en-
gine braking effect and to relieve the brakes.
Electromechanical
parking brake
Operating the parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake is used to
secure the vehicle from rolling away unintention-
ally.
The @) switch is located under the selector lever
in the center console. It turns on when the park-
ing brake is set. You can release the parking brake
manually or automatically when you start to
drive.
Setting and releasing the parking brake
> Setting: pull the ©) switch.
> 1f i ii ® appears, the parking brake is hold-
ing the vehicle. You can remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
> Releasing: when the ignition is switched on,
press and hold the brake pedal and press the
button.
If the red indicator light flashes, the braking
force has not built up enough or it has decreased.
You can also secure the vehicle by selecting the
“P” gear or pressing the brake pedal. Make sure
the indicator light is off before you start driving.
Automatically releasing the parking brake
when starting to drive
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed
and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
> Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.

ZX WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that stabi-
lize the vehicle will no longer be available.
This could cause the vehicle to swerve, which
increases the risk that the vehicle will slide.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.

106
ZA WARNING
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. Secure the vehicle against >

4M8012721BF
Driving

drive across raised areas of the ground with the
wheels on one side of the vehicle, instead of al-
lowing the center of the vehicle to pass over the
raised areas.
—To reduce the risk of becoming stuck, drive
through sandy or swampy areas at a steady
speed and without stopping, if possible.
If necessary, use the following functions:
— Audi drive select* Offroad mode > page 111
— Hill hold assist* > page 109
—Inclinometer* > page 108
— Raising the vehicle > page 112
— Limit ESC > page 116

ZA WARNING
Only drive in terrain that is suitable for the ve-
hicle and your driving ability.

@) For the sake of the environment
Avoid actions that are damaging to the envi-
ronment. Show respect for the natural envi-
ronment and remain on marked routes.
G) Tips
Clean your vehicle after driving offroad. Dirt
and stones falling off your vehicle can affect
other road users.
Driving through water
If you must drive through water, follow these in-
structions:
— Check the stability of the ground, the current,
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,
there is a strong current, or there are waves,
the water must only reach up to the lower edge
of the body at the most.
— Deactivate the Start/Stop system.
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from
creating waves, because they could splash
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Drive in reverse.
— Do not turn the engine off.

ZA\ WARNING
After driving through water, press the brake
pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the
full braking effect will be restored.

@) Note
Vehicle components such as the engine, drive
system, suspension, or electrical system can
be severely damaged by driving through wa-
ers
@ Tips
If possible, avoid driving through salt water
because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use
fresh water to clean any vehicle components
that come into contact with salt water.
Hill descent assist
Applies to: vehicles with hill hold assist
The “@ button is located in the function bar on
the lower display. It lights up when the system is
turned on.
Hill descent assist can assist you when driving
down hills by maintaining a constant vehicle
speed by automatically braking all four wheels.
You can adjust the speed using the accelerator
and brake pedals. The regulation depends on the
hill and the vehicle speed.
> Switching on: press “2.
> Switching off: press “Z again.
Active regulation
Regulation begins shortly after you start driving
and is possible at speeds up to approximately 19
mph (30 km/h) and on hills that have an approxi-
mately 6-60% grade. If these conditions are met,
regulation will be activated and the 2a indicator
light will turn on.
Ready mode
If one of the requirements for active regulation is
not met, the system will be in ready mode. The
44 indicator light will turn on. Once the require-
ments are met again, the system will be able to
provide active regulation again.

109
>

4M8012721BF
Driving dynamic

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.

ZA WARNING
— When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will
be limited. The driving wheels could spin
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces. When there is


a heavy vehicle load and sudden driving ma-
neuvers, it may not be possible to prevent
the vehicle from tipping under certain cir-
cumstances, which increases the risk of an
accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or Limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.
@ Tips
— If you select the Audi drive select* offroad
mode, hill descent assist will switch on.
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
B is / B © Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual


There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Other indicator lights
iff blinks while driving, the ESC is actively reg-
ulating. Operating noises may occur. If the indi-
cator light stays on, the ESC has been switched
off due to system needs. The indicator light turns
off when the system is fully functional.
117

4M8012721BF
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 122.



@ 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 118.
— 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
121
>

Driving information

Traffic light information
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information

Fig. 94 Instrument cluster: traffic light information dis-
play
The traffic light information gives you a speed
recommendation in order to reach the next traffic
light when it is green @, or it informs you of the
wait time at the next red light (2). Once traffic
light data is received, the traffic light information
will be displayed in the instrument cluster and in
the head-up display*. If the vehicle is in an area
with traffic light information but cannot receive a
traffic light signal, then a gray traffic light sym-
bol will be displayed @).
General information
The traffic light information is subject to system
limitations and may be unavailable or only parti-
ally available in the following situations:
— Ifthe permitted speed limit is exceeded
— If driving below a certain speed limit
— If the next traffic light is less than approxi-
mately 100 feet (30 m) away
— Ifthe estimated wait time at a red light is less
than four seconds
—If there is no traffic light data available
— If emergency response vehicles or public transit
systems are active
— If traffic lights are in construction zones or be-
ing serviced
— If there are warnings from the camera-based
traffic sign recognition*
— If the camera-based traffic sign recognition* is
malfunctioning or not available
— If the data connection has been interrupted
128
— If data transmission is deactivated in the priva-
cy settings
— If the subscription has expired
If this is the case, the menu item will be grayed-
out or it will not be possible to select it.

ZA\ WARNING
— When traffic light information is shown, al-
so always pay attention to the traffic situa-
tion, the distance to other vehicles, and the
area around the vehicle. The driver is always
responsible for assessing the traffic situa-
tion.
— Always adapt your speed to the current
weather, road and traffic conditions. The dis
played information must never cause you to
ignore legal traffic regulations and pose a
safety risk.
— Regardless of the traffic light information,
you should always monitor your speed using
the speedometer and make sure you are ad-
hering to the legal speed limit.
— The traffic light information does not adjust
your vehicle's speed to the speed recom-
mendation shown in the display.
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.

(i) Tips
— Traffic light information was only available
in select cities at the time this manual was
printed.
— Traffic light information is not available na-
tionwide.
— The functions depend on the navigation da-
ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-
tion by the traffic sign recognition*.
— Incorrect values from the camera-based
traffic sign recognition* or outdated naviga-
tion system* map data can result in missing
or incorrect display images.
— Certain traffic lights can automatically ad-
just to the current traffic situation. If this
occurs, the display of traffic light informa-
tion can change suddenly.

Driving information

Marking and warning
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
Fig. 95 Instrument cluster: pedestrian marking and warn-
ing
Highlighting detected pedestrians and wild
animals
Within the limits of the system, the night vision
assist can detect pedestrians and wild animals
that are between approximately 32 feet (10 m)
and 295 feet (90 m) in front of the vehicle and
within the detection zone. Animal recognition is
not active within highly developed areas. The sys-
tem only detects large wild animals such as deer.
When it is dark outside and the low beams are
switched on, detected objects are marked in yel-
low @), within the limits of the system.
Pedestrian and wild animal warning
This system limits are based on the vehicle speed
and steering angle. Pedestrian and wild animal
warning encourages you to pay more attention.
If there are pedestrians or wild animals in front
of your vehicle that could pose a danger, the sys-
tem will direct your attention to this.
— Pedestrians or wild animals are highlighted in
red in the instrument cluster @) and the AA] or
BAN symbol turns on @.
— When the head-up display* is switched on, the
additional indicator JM or appears.
—Achime will sound if something is detected.
—If the night vision assist thermal image is re-
placed by another display (such as the on-board
computer), the red A or wa indicator light will
appear if there is a pedestrian or wild animal
warning.
132

The Sl symbol will appear when pedestrian and
wild animal detection is not available.
Marking light*
To direct the driver's attention to a pedestrian,
the headlights can flash on the pedestrian when
there is a pedestrian warning.
This occurs at speeds above approximately
35 mph (60 km/h) if you are outside of illuminat-
ed areas and no detected vehicles are shown. The
marking light is not used for wild animals. The
high beam assistant* controls the marking
light*> page 52.
Adjusting the contrast
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist

Requirement: the night vision assist must be
switched on and the 1 tab must be displayed.
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > (<3) > Night vision
assist.
> To set the desired contrast, move the slider.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
Night vision assist: currently unavailable.
See owner's manual
The system is not functioning correctly at the
time, so it has been switched off. If the malfunc-
tion persists, drive immediately to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to
have the malfunction repaired.
Integrated Toll Module
Applies to: vehicles with Integrated Toll Module
Depending on the region, you can pay toll fees in
certain countries using the Integrated Toll Mod-
ule (ITM). It replaces a separate transponder for
detecting toll fees. The system electronics are in-
tegrated in the rearview mirror housing.
To use the ITM in toll zones, you must register
and activate it.

Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA\ WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.

C) Note
Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of the engine brak-
ing effect and reduces the load placed on the
brakes.
@) Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
134
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system


BFV-0220



Fig. 96 Operating lever: switching the system on
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @).
The Ga or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

A WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, the regulating functions may
shut off automatically.



etal Rom lad lalate Ragas)
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 134, fig. 96.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever toward position (@ while driving.
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the ICRUISE| or indicator light in the instrument
cluster.