2021 AUDI Q8 emergency towing

Table of contents

Supported media and file formats...... 228
Troubleshooting..............000eeee 229
Audi smartphone interface...... 231:
Setup... .. 0... eee eee eee 231
Troubleshooting «cx «sess se eee s 3 ves 232
Additional settings.............. 233
System settingS..............e ee eee 233
Software update: « ccs ss e054 een ee ve 234
Connected devices............00.0 00s 235
Legalinformation................... 236
Additional information.......... 237
Brands and licenses..........-...0-5- 237
Maintenance and Care........... 238
Checking and Filling............. 238
FilClae « ¢ agisu @ & maven 2 e SINS BE SePeE YE ee 238
RePUCLINGiecs + 2 mein oo een eae ¥ wer 239
Emissions control system............. 241
Engine compartment................. 242
EMGine Oils: seas 2 = wave = ¢ eoume 5 y couse 6 2g 245
Cooling systeM...........00 0-2 ee eee 248
Brake fllid. 0.2... eee eee eee ee 250
ElectricalsysteM esa. ecw + y pews se ee 251
Battenyis « o masse © o cxasane «a sincere « a averse © ere 2511,
Windshield washer system...........- 254
Service interval display............... 254
Wheels .......... 66. cece eee eee eee 256
Whieelsiaind Tires « caus « « cara sv eee eo 9 256
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 274
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 276
Care and cleaning................ 280
General information 0... ..c.6 eee 280
Car washes....................0000. 280
Cleaning and care information......... 281
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 285
DoOuUlt YOuUrSELT ios «pases s yas ss eRe 286
Emergency assistance........... 286
Generalinformation................. 286
EQUIPITIONE sce + & wswu + wowe xe eee a ee 286
Tire MObILity Kit esses se seceoe a x oneivens ea ares 286
Replacing wheels..............000005 288
Collapsible spare tire...............2. 292
JUIMIPFSTANEING 5 x exces 6 w erates @ a cawcens vw ae 293
TOWING... cece ete 295
Fuses and bulbs.................. 298
Fuses... 0... eee ee eee eee 298
BUILDS: sss s = wavs & & ees 5 2 ctetDs sb eG ee 302
Customer information........... 303
Data privacy................000 eee 303
Privacy NOLICE « naw, 2 w aay ¥ Kaew + Meee © 303
Timage reGOrding). « « canew + sect ws caver a os 303
Data memories............00.00e eee 303
Transmitted information.............. 305
Accessories and technical
CINERGSS:. « » sem: : x ews ce ee be ee ee 308
Warranty’ « = eon x 2 manors 6 o ois wv ee 6 308
Audi Literature Shop.............000- 308
Driving in other countries............. 308
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
modifications..................00008 308
Accessories and parts..............-. 310
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 310
Declaration of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electroniesystems's « «cows se mean 2 news 314,
Technical data.................... 373
Identification data................... 313
Vehicle datatics ss saves o srewa sv awe 0 ve 313
TAAGK es = see « = wee « = owe Be nee eg oe 315

4M8012721BF
Opening and closing

Interior/towing protection monitor
The alarm will be triggered if there are move-
ments detected in the vehicle interior (for exam-
ple, by animals) or if there is a change in the vehi-
cle angle (for example, when the vehicle is being
towed).
You can prevent the alarm from being triggered
by deactivating the interior/towing protection
monitor.
Deactivating the interior/towing protection
monitor
There are the following options for deactivating
the interior/towing protection monitor:
> Press the @ button on the vehicle key a second
time within two seconds. Or
» Applies to: vehicles with convenience key:
Touch the sensor on the door handle a second
time within two seconds. Or
> Turn the mechanical key in the door lock to the
close position a second time within two sec-
onds.
> Applies to: vehicles with MMI: Select on the
home screen: VEHICLE > Settings & Service >
Interior monitoring.
If you lock the vehicle, then the interior/towing
protection monitor will stay off until the next
time the vehicle is unlocked.

ZA\ WARNING
No one, especially children, should stay in the
vehicle when it is locked from the outside, be-
cause the windows can no longer be opened
from the inside. Locked doors make it more
difficult for emergency workers to enter the
vehicle, which puts lives at risk.

@) Tips
The interior/towing protection monitor only
functions correctly when the windows and the
panorama glass roof* are closed.


=
.
:

D
eS oe
Fig. 23 Your vehicle key set



@ Vehicle key
You can unlock and lock your vehicle with the ve-
hicle key.
@ Mechanical key and release button for
mechanical key
A mechanical key is integrated in the vehicle key.
To remove it, press the release button and re-
move the mechanical key.
Using the mechanical key, you can:
— Lock or unlock the glove compartment.
— Manually unlock and lock the doors > page 38.
— Unlock the luggage compartment lid using the
emergency release > page 45.
@ Key fob with vehicle code
Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect vehicle control
Open the key tag and scratch to reveal the vehicle
code. You can unlock the Audi connect vehicle
control services* for your vehicle with this vehicle
code. For additional information, see
= page 194. If a key fob is lost, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
@ PANIC button
In an emergency, you can press the PANIC button
to trigger the alarm for the anti-theft alarm sys-
tem. The vehicle horn and emergency flashers
will turn on if you trigger the alarm.

—To trigger the alarm, press the [PANIC] but-
ton @ © fig. 23.

39

Driving


ZA\ WARNING
The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle
could swerve on slick or slippery road surfaces
when using kick-down, which increases the
risk of an accident.
Launch Control
Applies to: RS models


Launch Control provides the best possible accel-
eration when starting from a stop.
Requirements
— The engine must be at operating temperature.
—The steering wheel must not be turned.
— Start/Stop system* must be deactivated
=> page 103.
— ESC must be limited > page 116.
— Driving program “S” > page 98 or the dynamic
Audi drive select* mode must be selected
> page 111.
Using Launch Control
— Press the brake pedal with your left foot and
hold it all the way down for at least one second.
— With the brake pedal pressed, press the accel-
erator pedal all the way down with your right
foot at the same time.
— Once the engine reaches a constant speed, re-
move your foot from the brake pedal.
Once the vehicle has started moving, reactivate
the ESC so that it is fully functional.

Z\ WARNING
Only use Launch Control when road and traffic
conditions allow it and other road users will
not be endangered or impacted by your driv-
ing and the vehicle's acceleration. The driving
wheels could spin and the vehicle could
swerve, especially on slick or slippery road
surfaces, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
C) Note
When accelerating using Launch Control, all
vehicle components are subject to heavy
loads. This can result in increased wear.

100
G) Tips
After accelerating using the Launch Control,
the temperature of some vehicle components
may increase greatly. If that happens, the
function will not be available for a few mi-
nutes to reduce the risk of damage. After a
cool-down period, Launch Control will be
available again.

Parking lock emergency release
@

B4M-0189



@

Fig. 87 Footwell: releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
The emergency release is located under the floor
mat on the driver's side. Read and follow the im-
portant instructions about towing > page 295.
Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
» Secure the vehicle against rolling > page 96.
> Pry the cover off at one of the openings using
the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit
=> page 286.
> Insert the socket wrench from the vehicle tool
kit into the opening.
» Turn the socket wrench clockwise (4) until it
stops and press it downward @) until it locks in-
to place.
>» Leave the socket wrench inserted.
Resetting the parking lock
> Grasp the socket wrench with both hands and
carefully pull it upward to remove.
> Install the cover.

4M8012721BF
Driving


ZA WARNING
— The parking lock must be released using the
emergency release before towing the
vehicle.
— Only use the parking lock emergency release
if the vehicle is secured against rolling
= page 96. An unsecured vehicle may roll,
which increases the risk of an accident.
— Only activate the emergency release while
ona level surface or a slight slope.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you must
not drive when the emergency release is ac-
tivated.
[Bi Transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle

Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible in a safe location and secure it so it
does not roll > page 96. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
[i Transmission: too hot. Please stop vehicle
Do not continue driving. Select "P" and contact an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
[8] Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving
style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly. Drive very cautiously or take a break
from driving until the temperature returns to the
normal range and the indicator light turns off.
[@] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. See owner's manual
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. You may continue driving. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected.
[@] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. Please contact
Service
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
[8] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. No reverse
gear
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
You cannot engage the reverse gear. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
[@] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving in D until engine is off
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. If you turn the engine off, you will not be
able to select any other gears after restarting the
engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
fs] Selector lever: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. Please contact Service
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
& Selector lever: malfunction! Gear change on-
ly possible if using both shift paddles.
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. You can continue driving with restricted func-
tion. The selector lever is not working. Gears can
only be selected by tapping both shift paddles at
the same time when the vehicle is stationary. The
“P” gear is automatically engaged when you turn
off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
5] P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine
off. Please contact Service >
101

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
>

Emergency assistance

Inflating a tire
> Move the switch (8) > fig. 172 on the compres-
sor into position I.
> Inflate the tire to between 29 psi (200 kPA)
and 36 psi (250 kPA) and read the pressure on
the gauge.
> If this tire pressure is not reached, remove the
filler hose. Drive slowly approximately 33 feet
(10 m) forward or in reverse so that the sealant
can be distributed in the tire. Inflate the tire
again > A\.
Z\ WARNING
— Read and follow the manufacturer's safety
precautions on the compressor and in the in-
structions on the bottle of sealant.
— Ifa tire pressure of 29 psi (200 kPA) cannot
reached after inflating for 6 minutes, then
the tire is too severely damaged. Do not con-
tinue driving.
— If the tire cannot be repaired with the tire
sealant, see an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
G) Tips
Do not operate the compressor for more than
six minutes continuously, or it can overheat.
Once the compressor has cooled, you can con-
tinue to use it.
Completing
Applies to: vehicles with tire mobility kit


> Affix the sticker that says "max. 50 mph (max.
80 km/h)" that is provided with the tire mobili-
ty kit within the driver's field of vision.
> Stop the vehicle after driving for about 10 mi-
nutes and check the tire pressure.
> If the tire pressure is lower than 19 psi (130
kPA), then the tire is too severely damaged. Do
not continue driving.

ZA WARNING
Pay attention to the following after repairing
the tire:
— Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).


— Avoid hard acceleration or braking and driv-
ing fast around curves.
— The vehicle may become more difficult to
control.
— If the tire is too severely damaged, see an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.

@) For the sake of the environment
You can give the used tire sealant bottle to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for disposal.
@ Tips
Remember to obtain a new bottle of sealant
from an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility after repairing a tire.
Replacing wheels
You must complete the preparation before
changing a tire.
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions > page 286.
> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” position.
> When towing a trailer: disconnect the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Lay out the vehicle tool kit > page 286 and the
spare tire > page 292.
> Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Select
on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings &
Service > Air suspension: wheel change.
> Switch the ignition off.

A WARNING
— The vehicle must also be secured to prevent
it from rolling when using the vehicle jack*.
Use suitable objects to block the front and
back of the wheel that is diagonal from the
wheel with the flat tire.
— Applies to: vehicles with active roll stabiliza-
tion: Switch the ignition off because the sus-
pension regulation could change the vehicle |>

288

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. >

295

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. >