Get Assist systems -> Parking and maneuvering Guide for Audi A4 4 Door Fifth Generation (2016-2025)

Storage and convenience

– Disconnect the connectors from the power

sources carefully to reduce the risk of dam-

aging them.

Storage and convenience

Power sources

When the ignition is turned on, you may be able

to use multiple power sources for external devi-

ces, depending on the vehicle equipment.

Tips

Do not connect any other devices to the sock-

ets when using the compressor* provided by

the factory ðpage 276. The power consump-

tion in the sockets may be temporarily ex-

ceeded when using the compressor*.

12 volt sockets

You can connect electrical accessories to the 12

volt sockets. The power usage from the sockets

must not exceed a total of 120 watts. Do not

connect multiple devices to the sockets in the ve-

hicle at the same time.

Cup holders

Applies to: vehicles with cup holders

The 12 volt sockets are labeled with the 12V

symbol. They are located in the front center con-

sole, in the rear* and on the side trim panel in

the luggage compartment*.

USB ports

Applies to: vehicles with USB ports

You can charge mobile devices using the USB

ports. Depending on the vehicle, the USB ports

may be labeled with one of the following sym-

bols: , , or CHARGE ONLY.

Fig. 77 Rear center armrest*: cup holders

Depending on vehicle equipment, your vehicle

may have cup holders in the front center console

and in the rear center armrest.

WARNING

– To reduce the risk of death, store all con-

nected devices securely when driving so that

they do not move around inside the vehicle

when braking or in the event of an accident.

– Incorrect usage can result in serious injuries

or burns. To reduce the risk of injuries, never

leave children unattended in the vehicle

with the vehicle key.

Cup holders in the rear center armrest*

►

Fold the center armrest* downward.

►

To open the cup holders, pull the top cover on

the cup holders forward ðfig. 77.

►

To close the cup holder, fold the cover back un-

til it clicks into place.

WARNING

Note

– Do not put any hot beverages in the cup

holder while the vehicle is moving. Hot bev-

erages could spill, which increases the risk

of injury.

– Read the operating instructions for connect-

ed devices.

– To reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle

electrical system, never attempt to charge

the vehicle battery by connecting accesso-

ries that provide power to the power sour-

ces.

– Do not use any breakable beverage contain-

ers (for example, made out of glass or por-

celain). You could be injured by them in the

event of an accident.



– Do not connect any device whose network

class (voltage) does not match the network

class designed for the socket.

85

Storage and convenience

ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of

an accident. Store objects securely while

driving.

Note

Beverage containers in the cup holders should

always have a lid. Otherwise, the liquid inside

could spill and cause damage to vehicle

equipment.

– Only use the storage compartments in the

door trim panels to store small objects that

will not protrude out of the compartment

and impair the function of the side airbags.

– For strength reasons, only secure objects up

to 11 lbs (5 kg) with the straps* in the lug-

gage compartment. Heavier objects are not

adequately secured. There is risk of personal

injury.

Storage and

compartments

Storage area behind the rear head

restraints

Applies to: vehicles with storage area behind the rear head re-

straints

– Only lightweight clothing should be hung

from the garment hooks in the vehicle. Do

not use clothes hangers to hang clothing.

The pockets of the clothing must not con-

tain any heavy, breakable, or sharp-edged

objects. This could impair the effectiveness

of the side curtain airbags.

The storage area can be used to carry light pieces

of clothing.

WARNING

The storage compartment must not be used

to transport heavy objects, hard objects, or

animals. Such objects endanger persons in the

vehicle and increase the risk of injury during

sudden driving or braking maneuvers or in an

accident.

– Make sure your view toward the rear is not

blocked, for example by hanging clothing or

objects in the vehicle.

Luggage compartment

Note

General information

Make sure that the heating grid strips for the

rear window defogger are not damaged by

abrasive objects.

All pieces of luggage or objects must be securely

fastened in the luggage compartment. Note the

following to maintain good vehicle handling:

Tips

►

Distribute the load evenly in the luggage com-

partment.

To ensure the ventilation functions correctly,

the ventilation slots between the rear window

and the storage area must not be covered.

►

Close the luggage compartment cover before

each drive if the load allows it.

Stow heavy luggage as far forward in the lug-

►

gage compartment as possible.

Use non-elastic cords attached to the tie-downs

Other storage locations

►

to secure objects.

Depending on vehicle equipment, there are a va-

riety of storage areas, compartments, and retain-

ers, such as the glove compartment, for safely

storing and securing objects.

WARNING

– Applies to: vehicles with luggage compart-

ment cover: The luggage compartment cov-

er is not a surface for storing objects. Ob-

jects placed on the cover increase the risk of

injury to all vehicle occupants during sudden

driving or braking maneuvers or in the event

of a collision.

WARNING

– To reduce the risk of injury, make sure all

storage compartments are always closed

while driving.

– Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-

hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-



86

Storage and convenience

– Applies to: vehicles with luggage compart-

ment cover: The luggage compartment cov-

er must always be securely fastened when in

use to reduce the risk of an accident.

– Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-

hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-

ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of

an accident. Always stow objects securely in

the luggage compartment and secure them

at the tie-downs. Use straps suitable for

heavy objects.

– The backrest must be latched securely to en-

sure that the safety belt is protecting the

center seating position.

– Always pull forward on the backrest to make

sure it is correctly locked in place.

– If the safety belt becomes caught when fold-

ing the backrest back, then fold the backrest

forward again and release the safety belt.

Hold the safety belt with one hand and fold

the backrest back carefully.

– For stability reasons, the bag hooks* can

hold a maximum weight of 6.6 lbs (3 kg).

Heavier objects are not adequately secured.

There is risk of personal injury.

– If pieces of luggage or objects are secured to

the tie-downs with unsuitable or damaged

straps, this can increase the risk of injury

during braking maneuvers or accidents.

– When transporting heavy objects, the vehi-

cle characteristics will change due to the

shift in the center of gravity, which increases

the risk of an accident. You may need to

adapt your driving style and speed to the

current conditions.

Note

– To reduce the risk of damage, move the rear

head restraints down ðpage 70 before

folding the rear backrests forward.

– When folding the backrest forward, make

sure the outer safety belts are in the belt

guide recess so that they do not get pinched

in the backrest lock and damaged. Other ob-

jects should be removed from the rear

bench seat to protect the backrest from

damage.

– Never exceed the permitted axle and load

and vehicle weight ðpage 300.

– Never secure a child safety seat to the tie-

downs.

– Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-

cially if the luggage compartment lid is

open. Children could enter the luggage com-

partment and close the luggage compart-

ment lid from the inside. This increases the

risk of death, since the children would be

locked inside and may not be able to escape

by themselves.

– If you move the front seat back when the

rear seat backrest is folded forward, you

could damage the head restraints on the

rear seat.

– Make sure that the heating grid strips for

the rear window defogger are not damaged

by abrasive objects.

– Do not allow children to play in or on the ve-

hicle. Close and lock the luggage compart-

ment lid as well as all other doors when you

leave the vehicle.

– Applies to: vehicles with manual luggage

compartment cover: Let the luggage com-

partment cover roll up slowly to reduce the

risk of damage.

– Never transport persons in the luggage

compartment. Each person in the vehicle

must be secured correctly in the vehicle us-

ing the safety belts ðpage 70.

– Applies to: vehicles with partition net: Let

the partition net roll up slowly to reduce the

risk of damage.

– Be careful when releasing the backrest and

folding it forward. To reduce the risk of be-

ing pinched, pay attention and check when

folding backrests forward.

Tips

– The tire pressure must be adapted to the

load ðpage 259.

– You can purchase straps at specialty stores.

– The backrest must be securely latched so

objects cannot slide forward out of the lug-

gage compartment during sudden braking.

87

Storage and convenience

Power luggage compartment cover

Folding the outer backrests

Applies to: vehicles with power luggage compartment cover

Applies to: vehicles with folding backrests

Fig. 78 Luggage compartment: retracted cover

Fig. 80 Outer backrest: release lever, latching indicator

with red marking and lock*

Fig. 79 Luggage compartment: removing the luggage

compartment cover

Applies to: allroad:

Fig. 81 Luggage compartment: release lever

Observe the safety precautions ðpage 86.

Depending on the vehicle equipment, it may be

possible to fold the backrests forward separately

or together.

If you open the luggage compartment lid, the

power luggage compartment cover will move in-

to position 1 or 2 .

Observe the safety precautions ðpage 86.

►

To attach the luggage compartment cover, pull

the cover out. Guide the cover past position

and install it at position 2 .

1

Folding the outer rear backrests forward and

backward

►

To remove the luggage compartment cover, de-

tach the cover and allow it to roll up.

Pull the lever 3 firmly in the direction of the

arrow and remove the cover upward.

To install the luggage compartment cover,

place the cover in the side trim panel mount on

the left side.

►

Pull the release lever 1 or 4 in the direction

of the arrow to fold the backrest forward.

After the transport, fold the backrest up again

until it latches and the red marking 2 is no

►

longer visible.

Locking the outer backrests

Applies to: sedan

►

Press the cover down into the right mount until

it locks into place.

To prevent access to the luggage compartment

from the vehicle interior, the backrests can be

locked with the mechanical key ðpage 39 in the

lock 3 when the backrests are latched in place.

88

Storage and convenience

Folding the center armrest

Partition net (upright backrest position)

Applies to: vehicles with folding center armrest

Applies to: vehicles with partition net

Fig. 82 Center backrest: folding the backrest forward

Fig. 84 Behind the backrest: hanging the partition net

Applies to: sedan

Fig. 85 Behind the backrest: removing the partition net

Fig. 83 Center backrest: folding the backrest forward

The partition net prevents objects from sliding

from the luggage compartment into the passen-

ger compartment.

Observe the safety precautions ðpage 86.

Folding the center rear backrest forward and

backward

Observe the safety precautions ðpage 86.

►

Pull on the upper release lever 1 and fold the

Setting up/storing the partition net

backrest forward 2 .

Fold the backrest backward until it locks into

place.

►

To set up the partition net, pull it upward.

►

Attach the crossbrace to the mounting eyelets

above the backrest ðfig. 84.

To store the partition net, remove the cross-

member from the mounting eyes and let the

partition net roll up slowly.

Locking and unlocking the center backrest

Applies to: sedan

►

To prevent access to the luggage compartment

from the vehicle interior, the center backrest can

be locked and unlocked from the luggage com-

partment.

Removing/installing the partition net

►

To install the partition net, slide it into the left

and right mounts on the side trim panel.

Press the partition net down diagonally at the

left and right until it locks into place and the

red markings on the buttons are no longer visi-

ble.

►

To lock or unlock the backrest, turn the locking

mechanism on the backrest into the horizontal

or vertical position ðfig. 83.

►

To remove the partition net, press the left and

right buttons on the net and lift it upward to

remove it ðfig. 85.

89

Storage and convenience

Partition net (backrests folded forward)

Applies to: vehicles with partition net

Note

You must remove the partition net before

folding the backrest back into the upright po-

sition.

Tie-downs

Fig. 86 Folded backrest: installing the partition net

Fig. 88 Luggage compartment: location of the tie-downs

Observe the safety precautions ðpage 86.

Tie-downs

There are tie-downs 1 in the luggage compart-

ment to secure pieces of luggage and objects.

Fig. 87 Folded backrest: setting up the partition net

►

Use the tie-downs to secure the cargo.

The partition net prevents objects from sliding

from the luggage compartment into the passen-

ger compartment.

Observe the safety precautions ðpage 86.

Removing/installing the partition net

►

To install the partition net, fold the backrest

forward .ðpage 88

►

Place the partition net on the recesses in the

retaining rails 1 and slide it all the way to the

left 2 .

►

To remove the partition net, first slide it to the

right and then lift it out of the retaining rails.

Setting up/storing the partition net

►

To set up the partition net, pull it upward and

out and hook it into the mounting eyelets

above the front seats ðfig. 87.

►

To store the partition net, remove it from the

mounting eyes and let it roll up slowly.

90

Storage and convenience

Reversible cargo floor

Applies to: vehicles with reversible cargo floor

Applies to: allroad

Fig. 92 Roof rail: mounting points

If luggage or cargo is to be carried on the roof,

you must observe the following:

Fig. 89 Luggage compartment: cargo area floor

– These roof racks are the basis for a complete

roof rack system. Only roof racks that are suita-

ble for your vehicle may be used. Audi recom-

mends roof racks and attachments from the

Audi Genuine Accessories program.

– Make sure the roof rack is mounted on the vehi-

cle only at the specified locations 1 or 2 .

– Note the permitted axle load, permitted total

weight, and permitted roof load of your vehicle

ðpage 300. The roof load is the total of the

weight of the roof rack, the attachments, and

the cargo you are carrying. However, you must

also note the permitted load of the carrier sys-

tem being used.

Fig. 90 Luggage compartment: cargo area floor reversed

You can transport dirty and damp objects on the

reversible cargo area floor.

Reversing the cargo floor

►

Lift up the cargo floor using the handle

ðfig. 89.

WARNING

►

Flip the cargo floor over and install it ðfig. 90.

– Follow the installation instructions provided

with the roof rack system. If you do not se-

cure the roof rack system and objects on the

roof correctly, they could come loose from

the vehicle and cause an accident.

Roof rack

General information

Applies to: vehicles with roof rack mount

– The risk of an accident increases when using

a roof rack system, because it changes the

driving characteristics by shifting the center

of gravity and/or the increasing the surface

area exposed to wind. You may need to

adapt your driving style and speed to the

current conditions.

Note

Make sure that the open luggage compart-

ment lid and the tilting/sliding sunroof* or

panoramic glass roof* do not come into con-

tact with objects on the roof.

Applies to: sedan

Fig. 91 Roof: mounting points



91

Storage and convenience

For the sake of the environment

Energy usage will increase because of the in-

creased wind resistance. Remove the roof rack

when you are no longer using it.

92

Warm and cold

Active combination filter

Warm and cold

Climate control system

Description

When the fan is running, the filter will reduce

particulate matter and the concentration of pol-

len, as well as odors in the interior.

Your vehicle has a deluxe automatic climate con-

trol system with three zones in which the tem-

perature, air distribution, and air supply can be

adjusted separately for the front left and right

sides, as well as the temperature in the rear.

Tips

– To prevent interference with the heating or

cooling output and to prevent the windows

from fogging over, the air intake in front of

the windshield must be free of ice, snow,

and leaves.

The climate control system warms, cools, dehu-

midifies, and filters the air in the vehicle interior.

It is the most effective when the windows and,

depending on vehicle equipment, the roof are

closed. If there is a build-up of heat inside the ve-

hicle, ventilation can help to speed up the cooling

process.

– Condensation from the cooling system can

drip and form a puddle of water under the

vehicle. This is normal and does not mean

there is a leak.

– The energy management system may tem-

porarily turn off certain functions, such as

the seat heating or rear window defogger.

These systems will be available again once

the energy supply has been restored.

The automatic climate control system automati-

cally maintains a temperature once it has been

set. In all heating mode functions except defrost,

the blower only switches to a higher speed once

the coolant has reached a certain temperature.

Operating in the cockpit

Fig. 93 3-zone deluxe automatic climate control system: controls

Observe the safety precautions ð

.

multiple times. Depending on the vehicle equip-

ment, the functions of the rocker switches 3 and

5 may be reversed on right-hand drive vehicles.

The driver and front passenger settings can be

adjusted separately.

Press the knobs, buttons, or rocker switches to

turn the functions on or off. When the function is

turned on, the LED in the respective button or

knob turns on. Some rocker switches can be as-

signed with multiple functions. The various func-

tions can be activated by pressing the switch



93

Warm and cold

OFF

Turning the climate control system on

senger's side and the rear (except for seat heat-

ing/ventilation, depending on vehicle equip-

ment). If the settings on the front passenger's

side or in the rear are changed, the synchroniza-

tion will automatically turn off and 3-ZONE will

appear in the display.

or off

OFF

The

button turns the climate control sys-

tem on or off. It also turns on when you press an-

other button or a knob. Airflow from outside is

blocked when the climate control system is

turned off.

SET REAR Function

A/C Cooling mode

Use the rocker switch 5 to select the function.

When the function is turned on, you can adjust

all settings for the rear using the climate control

system controls in the cockpit. The rear climate

control system controls cannot be operated at

the same time. This function turns off automati-

cally after a certain period of time or after leaving

the menu.

The cooling mode only functions with the blower

turned on. The air is not cooled and humidity is

not reduced when cooling mode is turned off.

This can cause fog on the windows. The cooling

mode turns off automatically at low outside tem-

peratures.

Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can se-

lect from the following settings for cooling mode

by pressing the rocker switch 3 :

 Blower

The blower setting should not be set too low in

order to prevent the windows from fogging and

to ensure a continuous exchange of air inside the

vehicle.

– A/C MAX: activates the maximum cooling

mode of the climate control system. To reduce

unnecessary energy usage, only use this func-

tion briefly. In unfavorable weather conditions,

this function may increase the fogging on the

windows.

You can adjust the volume of air generated by the

blower to your preference using the rocker switch

4 . To have the blower regulated automatically,

press one of the knobs 1 .

– A/C ON: turns on the cooling mode and con-

trols it automatically.

Air distribution

– A/C OFF: turns off the cooling mode.

To help prevent the front side windows from fog-

ging over, open the side air vents and angle them

toward the side windows.

AUTO Automatic mode

Automatic mode maintains a constant tempera-

ture inside the vehicle. Air temperature, airflow

and air distribution are controlled automatically.

You can turn automatic mode on or off by press-

ing the knob 1 .

You can use the rocker switches 2 to adjust the

vents where the air will flow out of. Press the

rocker switches 2 repeatedly until the desired

air distribution setting is displayed in the climate

control system controls. To have the air distribu-

tion regulated automatically, press one of the

knobs 1 .

 /  Temperature

You can adjust the temperature between 60°F

(+16°C) and 84°F (+28°C) by turning the knob

1 . If outside of this range, LO or HI will appear

in the climate control system display. In both set-

tings, the climate control runs constantly at the

maximum cooling or heating level.

 Defrosting

The windshield and side windows are defrosted

or cleared of condensation as quickly as possible.

Open the side air vents and angle them toward

the side windows. The maximum amount of air

flows mainly from the vents below the wind-

shield.

SYNC Synchronization

Use the rocker switch 5 to select the function.

When synchronization is turned on, the settings

for the driver's side are applied to the front pas-



94

Warm and cold

Residual heat

Defrost is turned on and off using the  button.

Recirculation mode turns off. The temperature is

controlled automatically. Defrost is turned off by

pressing the  button again. You can also turn

off the function by pressing the knob 1 .

The residual heat from the coolant is used to

heat the vehicle interior. The residual heat func-

tion will turn off automatically after approxi-

mately 15 minutes.

 Recirculation mode

You can activate the residual heat function when

the ignition is turned off by pressing the knob

(left side).

1

In recirculation mode, the air inside the vehicle is

circulated and filtered. This prevents the unfil-

tered air outside the vehicle from entering the

WARNING

vehicle interior ð

.

– You should not leave the recirculation mode

on for an extended period of time. This can

cause the windows to fog, which increases

the risk of an accident.

Pressing the  button turns recirculation mode

on or off manually. You can also turn off recircu-

lation mode by pressing the knob 1 or the 

button.

– Using recirculation mode or, depending on

the vehicle equipment, automatic recircula-

tion for an extended period of time can

 Rear window defogger

The rear window defogger only operates when

the engine is running. It turns off automatically

after 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the outside

temperature.

cause the CO concentration inside the vehi-

2

cle to increase. This can have a negative ef-

fect on the well-being of vehicle occupants,

which can increase the risk of an accident.

Turn off recirculation mode or automatic re-

circulation and ventilate the vehicle at the

first sign of unwellness.

Pressing the  button turns the rear window de-

fogger on or off. To prevent the rear window de-

fogger from turning off automatically, press and

hold the  button for more than three seconds.

It will remain on until the ignition is turned off.

– The vehicle is equipped with functions to au-

tomatically activate the seat heating. To re-

duce the risk of burns, individuals with re-

duced sensitivity to pain or temperature

must make sure that the seat heating is off

when starting the drive.

Vents

You can open and close the center and rear air

vents using the thumbwheels. The levers adjust

the direction of the airflow from the vents.

– When the seat heating is on, an alternating

magnetic field is created. Interactions such

as irritation of sensory organs or malfunc-

tions of active medical implants (such as

pacemakers, infusion pumps, or neurosti-

mulators) are very unlikely. If you have a

medical implant, seek medical advice from a

specialist if you have any questions.

 Seat heating

The seat heating temperature can be set at vari-

ous levels. Press the  button once to turn on the

highest level ð . Press the  button again to

decrease the temperature one level at a time.

The seat heating is off when all of the LEDs are

off.

– Make sure others in the vehicle know how to

use the seat heating safely.

 Seat ventilation

Applies to: vehicles with seat ventilation

Note

The seat ventilation intensity can be set to multi-

ple levels. Press the  button once to turn on

the highest level. Press the  button again to

decrease the intensity one level at a time. The

seat ventilation is off when all of the LEDs are off.

– To reduce the risk of damage to the seat

heating elements, do not kneel on the seats

or place heavy pressure on one area of the

seat.



95

Warm and cold

– Only use the seat heating when the seat sur-

face is dry.

For the sake of the environment

Energy can be saved by turning off the A/C

mode.

– Only put dry items on the seat surfaces.

– Do not spill liquids on the seat surfaces.

– Covering the seat surfaces can impair the

function of the seat heating. Do not use pro-

tective seat covers and do not put items

(such as jackets, blankets, or bags) on the

seat surfaces when the seat heating is on.

– Make sure others in the vehicle know how to

use the seat heating safely.

Tips

If the front passenger's seat heating is turned

on, it will not turn on again automatically if

more than 10 minutes have passed between

turning off the ignition and turning it on

again.

Operating in the rear

Fig. 94 3-zone deluxe automatic climate control system: controls

Auto recirculation

The vent in the center console can be opened and

closed with the thumbwheel. The levers adjust

the direction of the airflow from the vents.

This function will automatically operate the recir-

culation mode if air pollution is detected ð in

Operating in the cockpit on page 95.

-

The temperature can be selected using the and

+

buttons 1 . Depending on the vehicle equip-

ment, the temperature of the seat heating can be

set at various levels. Press the  button once to

turn on the highest level ð in Operating in the

cockpit on page 95. Press the  button again to

decrease the temperature one level at a time.

The seat heating is off when all of the LEDs are

off.

Steering wheel heating

Turning on or off

Applies to: vehicles with steering wheel heating

►

Press the  button on the multifunction steer-

ing wheel to turn the steering wheel heating on

or off.

Additional settings

Fluids in the A/C system

You can adjust additional settings.

Refrigerant in the A/C system

►

Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-

HICLE > Air conditioning.

The sticker in the engine compartment provides

information about the type and amount of



96

Warm and cold

refrigerant used in the vehicle’s A/C system. The

sticker is located in the front section of the en-

gine compartment or at the front or back of the

hood.

– The refrigerant can create toxic vapors when

it comes in contact with hot surfaces. To re-

duce the risk of serious injuries or death, do

not inhale these vapors.

Symbol Meaning

Tips

Warning: the A/C system must only

– Never repair the A/C system evaporator with

components from old vehicles or from recy-

cling.



be serviced by qualified technicians.

Refrigerant type



– New replacement evaporators for portable

A/C systems must be certified and labeled

as such, so that they comply with the SAE

standard J2842 HFO-1234yf and R744.

Refrigerant oil type

.

Refer to the service information

(only available to authorized Audi



dealers or authorized Audi Service

Facilities)

The A/C system must only be serv-



iced by qualified technicians.

Flammable refrigerant



Make sure all components are dis-

posed of correctly and never install

components in the vehicle that have

been removed from old vehicles or



taken from recycling.

Refrigerant oil in the A/C system

The sticker in the engine compartment provides

information about the type and amount of refrig-

erant oil used in the vehicle’s A/C system. For in-

formation about the amount of refrigerant oil

used, contact an authorized Audi dealer or au-

thorized Audi Service Facility.

WARNING

The climate control system may only be serv-

iced by qualified and certified technicians who

have been trained according to the country-

specific standards, for example SAE standards

J2845 and J2911.

– Refrigerant is flammable. Keep the vehicle

away from open flames, sparks, and other

ignition sources to reduce the risk of serious

injuries or death.

– The refrigerant is under pressure and can ex-

plode if heated, which increases the risk of

serious injuries or death.

97

Driving

Turning on or off

Driving

If you would like to only turn the ignition on or

off without starting the engine, follow these

steps:

Starting the vehicle

Convenience key

Applies to: vehicles with convenience key

START ENGINE STOP

►

Press the

button without

pressing the brake pedal.

Turning off the ignition automatically

To prevent the vehicle battery from draining, the

ignition and possibly the exterior lighting may

turn off automatically.

Requirements:

– The Start/Stop system must have stopped the

engine.

Fig. 95 Center console: starting the engine

– You must have left the vehicle for longer than

30 seconds.

Requirement: the key must be in the vehicle.

– The ignition must be turned on.

Starting the engine

Among other indicators, the system detects that

you have left the vehicle based on the following

factors:

►

Press and hold the brake pedal.

START ENGINE STOP

►

Press the

button. The en-

gine will start.

– The driver's door has been opened.

Equipment that uses a lot of electricity is turned

off temporarily when you start the engine. If the

engine does not start immediately, the starting

procedure stops automatically after a short time.

If this is the case, repeat the starting procedure

after approximately 30 seconds.

– The driver's safety belt has been unbuckled.

– The brake pedal is not being pressed.

The ignition will also be turned off after 30 mi-

nutes or if you lock the vehicle from the outside.

WARNING

Stopping the engine

– To reduce the risk of asphyxiation, never al-

low the engine to run in confined spaces.

– Never turn off the engine before the vehicle

has come to a complete stop and the “P” po-

sition is engaged. The full functionality of

the brake booster and power steering may

not be available. You would then need to use

more force to steer and brake the vehicle.

The fact that you cannot steer and brake as

usual may increase the risk of accidents and

serious injuries.

►

Bring the vehicle to a full stop.

START ENGINE STOP

►

Press the

button. The en-

gine will turn off.

Applies to: vehicles with steering lock: The steer-

ing is locked when you turn off the engine and

open the driver's door. The steering lock helps

prevent vehicle theft. The “P” position must be

engaged on vehicles with an automatic transmis-

sion.

– Secure the vehicle against rolling before ex-

iting the vehicle ðpage 99.

Stopping the engine in an emergency

If necessary in an emergency, the engine can also

be stopped while driving using the emergency off

function*.

Note

– Avoid high engine speed, full throttle, and

heavy engine load if the engine has not

START ENGINE STOP

►

Press the

button twice in



a row or press and hold it one time.

98

Driving

reached operating temperature yet. You

could damage the engine.

you must also hold the vehicle key against the lo-

cation shown  ðpage 98, fig. 95.

– If the engine has been under heavy load for

an extended period of time, heat builds up

in the engine compartment after the engine

is turned off and there is a risk of damaging

the engine. For this reason, let the engine

run at idle for approximately two minutes

before shutting it off.

If the malfunction remains, drive immediately to

an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility to have the malfunction correct-

ed.

When driving

Starting to drive, stopping, and parking

Tips

Starting from a stop

– Brief noises are normal when starting and

parking the vehicle and are no cause for

concern.

►

Press and hold the brake pedal.

►

Start the engine.

►

Select the “D” or “R” position.

Release the parking brake.

Release the brake pedal. The vehicle may roll.

Press the accelerator pedal to accelerate.

– For up to 10 minutes after stopping the en-

gine, the radiator fan may turn on again au-

tomatically or it may continue to run, even if

the ignition is turned off.

►

– It may not be possible to start the vehicle in

extremely low temperatures.

Securing the vehicle against rolling

Secure your vehicle to prevent it from rolling be-

fore exiting the vehicle.

– Power will be fully available once the engine

is at operating temperature.

►

Set the parking brake.

►

Messages

Select the “P” position.

►

If parking on a steep road, turn the steering

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

wheel so that your vehicle will roll against the

curb in case it should start to move.



Engine start system: malfunction! Please

If one of these measures is not possible, for ex-

ample because there is no vehicle power, you

must secure your vehicle against rolling using ad-

ditional measures.

contact Service

There is a malfunction in the engine start system.

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

►

Only park the vehicle on a level surface.

►

Use suitable objects to block the front and rear

wheels.



Remote control key: key not detected. Is the

Set the parking brake before selecting the “P” po-

sition. This prevents too much stress from being

put on the locking mechanism when parking on a

steep surface.

key still in the vehicle?

The vehicle key was removed from the vehicle

while the engine is running. If the vehicle key is

no longer in the vehicle, you cannot turn on the

ignition or start the engine once you stop it. You

also cannot lock the vehicle from the outside.

WARNING

– Always set the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle, even if only for a short period

of time. If the parking brake is not set, the

vehicle could roll, increasing the risk of an

accident.

 Remote control key: hold back of key

against the designated area. See owner's man-

ual



The battery in the vehicle key may be drained or

there may be a malfunction. To start the vehicle,

99

Driving

– Do not leave your vehicle unattended while

the engine is running, because this increases

the risk of an accident.

WARNING

– If you do not begin driving immediately after

releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle may

begin to roll backward. Press the brake ped-

al or set the parking brake immediately.

– The hill hold assist cannot hold the vehicle

on inclines in every scenario (for example,

on slippery or icy ground).

– 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 the “P” position

when the vehicle is stopped.

– If you leave the vehicle, turn off the ignition

and take the key with you. This is especially

important when leaving persons or animals

in the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle could

start unintentionally, the parking brake

could release, or electronic equipment could

activate, which increases the risk of an acci-

dent.

Transmission selector positions and driving

programs

– No persons or animals should be left in a

locked vehicle. Locked doors make it more

difficult for emergency workers to enter the

vehicle, which increases the risk of death.

– If you do not begin driving immediately after

releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle may

begin to roll backward. Press the brake ped-

al or set the parking brake immediately.

Fig. 96 Center console: transmission selector

The automatic transmission shifts automatically

depending on the selected position and the cur-

rent driving style. When driving with a moderate

driving style, upshifting early and downshifting

late will help to improve fuel economy. When

driving with a sporty driving style, the transmis-

sion permits higher RPMs.

Note

If you have to stop on an incline, always press

the brake pedal to hold the vehicle in place to

reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling back-

ward. Do not try to hold the vehicle in place

by pressing and holding the accelerator pedal.

The transmission can overheat, which increas-

es the risk of damage.

Transmission selector positions

The positions are displayed next to the transmis-

sion selector.

– P (Park): parking lock

Hill hold assist

– R (Reverse): driving in reverse

– N (Neutral): idling

If you take your foot off of the brake pedal when

driving on hills, the braking force will be held for

several seconds. At that time, you can start driv-

ing without the vehicle rolling backward.

– D (Drive): driving forward

Driving programs

Various driving programs can be selected when in

the “D” position. These programs influence, for

example, when the transmission shifts and how

the accelerator pedal responds.

Requirement: the driver's door must be closed,

the engine must be on, and the vehicle must be

traveling uphill.

►

To activate hill hold assist, press and hold the

brake pedal for several seconds while the vehi-

cle is stationary.

The selected driving program is displayed in the

instrument cluster.



100

Driving

– D (Drive): normal driving mode

– S (Sport): sporty driving mode

If you cannot shift out of the “P” position, for ex-

ample because the vehicle has no power, you may

need to use the manual release for the parking

lock ðpage 103.

Selecting a position

Requirement: the ignition must be turned on.

Selecting a driving program

– Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the

brake pedal.

To switch between the current driving program

and “S”, push the selector toward the rear.

– Press the release button 1 on the selector.

– To select the nearest position, move the selec-

tor forward or back until you feel the first pres-

sure point.

If you select the dynamic mode in Audi drive se-

lect*, the “S” driving program will be activated.

When the ignition is turned off, the driving pro-

gram may be reset to “D”.

– To skip a position (for example, to move from

“D” directly to “R”), move the selector past the

pressure point in the desired direction.

– The label next to the selector for the selected

position will illuminate.

The S driving program might not be available in

the Audi drive select* offroad mode.

WARNING

– Before you start driving, check if the label

for the desired position next to the selector

is illuminated.

“N” (Neutral) position

In the “N” position, power is not transmitted to

the driving wheels. Use the “N” position in a car

wash (with conveyor belts), for example.

– Secure the vehicle against rolling before ex-

iting the vehicle ðpage 99.

If you unintentionally select the “N” position

while driving (faster than 1 mph (2 km/h)), you

can select “D” again without pressing the brake

pedal.

– Power is still transmitted to the wheels

when the engine is running at idle. To pre-

vent the vehicle from “creeping”, you must

keep your foot on the brake in all selector

positions (except "P" and "N") when the en-

gine is running.

For safety reasons, the vehicle cannot be locked

when the "N” position is engaged.

– To reduce the risk of an accident, do not

press the accelerator pedal when changing

selector positions if the vehicle is stationary

and the engine is running.

“P” (Park) position

Requirement: the ignition must be turned on.

The parking lock secures the vehicle from rolling

when the “P” position is selected. The parking

lock is a mechanical locking mechanism in the

transmission.

– Never select the “R" position while driving.

Doing so could cause an accident.

– The vehicle can roll even if the ignition is

turned off.

– Bring the vehicle to a full stop and press the

brake pedal.

Tips

– Press the “P” button 2 on the selector.

– The “P” next to the selector will illuminate.

– If you shift back and forth between “D” and

“R” within one second, you do not need to

press the brake pedal. This makes it possi-

ble to “rock” if it is stuck, for example.

– Audi recommends the “D” driving program

for everyday driving.

“P” engages automatically if you turn off the en-

gine while the “D” or “R” position is selected. If

you turn off the engine while n the “N” position,

“P” will engage automatically after approximate-

ly 30 minutes.

If you want to switch from “P” to “D” or “R”, the

engine must be running.

101

Driving

If you stop using the shift paddles temporarily,

the transmission will switch back to automatic

mode. To keep shifting manually, tilt the selector

toward the front passenger's side.

Manual shifting

Tips

– The transmission only allows manual shift-

ing when the engine speed is within the per-

mitted range.

– The transmission automatically shifts up or

down before critical engine speed is

reached.

Fig. 97 Center console: shifting manually with the selector

Accelerator pedal

You can accelerate the vehicle using the accelera-

tor pedal.

Maximum acceleration

If you press the accelerator pedal all the way

down, the engine’s full power will be used and

you will reach maximum acceleration, also called

“kick-down”.

Fig. 98 Steering wheel: shift paddles*

You can shift the gears manually when in the “D”

position. The transmission is in tiptronic mode

and “M” is displayed in the instrument cluster.

You can shift into manual shifting mode while the

vehicle is stationary or while driving.

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.

Shifting with the selector

►

To switch to manual shifting mode, tilt the se-

Launch control

Applies to: vehicles with launch control

lector toward the front passenger's side

ðfig. 97. “M” will be displayed in the instru-

ment cluster.

Launch control provides the best possible accel-

eration when starting from a stop.

►

Upshifting: push the selector forward + .

►

Downshifting: push the selector toward the

Requirements

rear – .

►

To switch back to automatic mode, tilt the se-

lector toward the driver's side.

– The engine must be at operating temperature.

– The steering wheel must not be turned.

– Start/Stop system* must be deactivated

ðpage 106.

Shifting with the shift paddles

Applies to: vehicles with shift paddles

– ESC must be limited ðpage 116.

– The “S” driving program ðpage 101 and the

dynamic Audi drive select* mode must be se-

lected ðpage 113.

►

Upshifting: press the

Downshifting: press the

+

shift paddle ðfig. 98.

shift paddle.

To switch back to automatic mode, press and

hold the shift paddle or push the selector to-

ward the rear.

►

–



+

102

Driving

Using launch control

Manually releasing the parking lock

– 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 or the accel-

eration process is finished, reactivate the ESC so

that it is fully functional.

Fig. 99 Front cup holder: removing the cover

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.

Fig. 100 Front cup holder: parking lock emergency release

Note

The emergency release is located in the front cup

holder under a cover.

– When accelerating using launch control, all

vehicle components are subject to heavy

loads. This can result in increased wear.

– To reduce the risk of damaging the vehicle,

trailer, and cargo, avoid using launch control

while in trailer towing mode.

You will need the screwdriver and the socket

wrench from the vehicle tool kit in order to re-

lease ðpage 276. Use the flat side of the reversi-

ble screwdriver blade.

Releasing the parking lock using the manual

release

Tips

►

Secure the vehicle against rolling ðpage 99.

Remove the rubber mat.

Pry the cover off the opening using the screw-

driver inserted in the slot.

Insert the socket wrench from the vehicle tool

kit into the opening.

Turn the socket wrench clockwise until it stops

After accelerating using 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 avail-

able again.

►

1 and press it downward until it locks into

place 2 .

►

Leave the socket wrench inserted.

Resetting the parking lock

►

Press the brake pedal and start the engine.

►

Keep the brake pedal pressed and engage the

following positions one after the other: "N",

"D", and back to "N".



103

Driving

►

Turn the engine off again.

Grasp the socket wrench with both hands and

carefully pull it upward to remove.

Reinsert the cover and rubber mat.

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

WARNING

– Only use the parking lock manual release if

the vehicle is secured against rolling

ðpage 99. An unsecured vehicle may roll,

which increases the risk of an accident.

– Only activate the manual release while on a

level surface or a slight slope.

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.

– To reduce the risk of an accident, you must

not drive when the manual release is activat-

ed.

 Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving with limited function. No reverse

gear

Note

Due to the risk of damage, carefully remove

the socket wrench when you reset the parking

lock.

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.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

 Transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-

cle

 Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving in D until engine is off

Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon

as possible in a safe location and secure it so it

does not roll ðpage 99. See an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-

sistance.

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 selector positions after

restarting the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-

ately to have the malfunction corrected.

 Transmission: too hot. Please stop vehicle

Do not continue driving. Select the "P" position

and contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-

ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

 Danger of rolling away! P not possible.

Please apply parking brake

 Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving

style

– The parking lock was released using the manual

release ðpage 103. Or

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.

– The parking lock can no longer be engaged.

Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-

ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have

the malfunction corrected. Secure the vehicle

against rolling before exiting the vehicle

ðpage 99.

 Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving. See owner's manual



104

Driving

 Selector lever: malfunction! Gear change on-

Efficient and environmentally-friendly

ly possible using both shift paddles

driving

There is a system malfunction in the selector. You

can continue driving with limited functionality.

The selector is not working. Selector positions

can only be selected by tapping both shift pad-

dles at the same time when the vehicle is station-

ary. The “P” position engages automatically when

you turn off the engine. Drive to an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-

mediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Your driving style greatly influences the amount

of fuel and energy consumed, the environmental

impact, and the wear on the engine, brakes, and

tires. Note the following information for efficient

and environmentally-conscious driving:

– Turn off electrical equipment that is not need-

ed, for example seat heating*.

– Anticipate upcoming traffic situations while

driving to avoid unnecessary acceleration and

braking.

 Selector lever: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving. Please contact Service

– Avoid driving at high speeds.

– Avoid adding extra weight to the vehicle if pos-

sible, for example by not leaving roof racks or

bike racks installed when they are not needed.

– Make sure the tire pressure is correct.

– Have maintenance performed regularly on the

vehicle.

There is a system malfunction in the selector.

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

 P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine

off. Please contact Service

– Do not let the engine run while the vehicle

parked.

There is a malfunction in the parking brake but-

ton on the selector. The “P” position engages au-

tomatically when you turn off the engine. Drive

to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-

tion corrected.

– Do not drive with winter tires during the summ-

er.

– Use the Start/Stop system.

– Utilize the engine braking effect.

– Avoid driving short distances when possible.

 Move selector lever to automatic position

Tips

There is a malfunction in the tiptronic mode. End

tiptronic mode by pushing the selector to the left

into the "D/S" position.

The amount of noise produced by the vehicle

can increase significantly when driving with a

sporty style. Show respect to others around

you and the environment with the way you op-

erate your vehicle, especially at night.

Drive system

Breaking in

Energy management

A new vehicle must be broken in within the first

1,000 miles (1,500 km) so that all moving parts

work smoothly together, which helps to increase

the service life of the engine and other drive com-

ponents.

Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent ener-

gy management system for distributing electrici-

ty. This significantly improves the starting ability

and increases the vehicle battery life.

Do not drive higher than two-thirds of the maxi-

mum permitted engine RPM during the first 600

miles (1,000 km) and do not use full accelera-

tion. The engine can be increased RPM gradually

during the next 300 miles (500 km).

Tips

– If you drive short distances frequently, the

vehicle battery may not charge enough

while driving. As a result, convenience func-

tions for electrical equipment may be tem-

porarily unavailable.



105

Driving

– The vehicle battery will gradually drain if

the vehicle is not driven for long periods of

time, or if electrical equipment is used

when the engine is not running. To ensure

that the vehicle can still be started, the

electrical equipment will be limited or

turned off.

The Start/Stop system is automatically activated

once the ignition is turned on.

Turning the Start/Stop system off or on

The  button is located in front of the trans-

mission selector in the center console. The but-

ton will be illuminated when the function is

turned off.

Messages

►

Press  to turn on or off.

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

If you turn off the system during a Stop phase,

the engine will start again automatically.



Drive system: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-

Basic requirements

cle

– The driver’s door and the hood must be closed

and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.

– The "P", "N", or "D" position must be engaged.

– The steering wheel must not be turned far in ei-

ther direction.

There is a malfunction in the drive system. The

brake booster and the power steering may stop

working. Stop the vehicle immediately or as soon

as possible and do not continue driving. Secure

the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehi-

cle ðpage 99. Have the problem corrected by an

authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

Facility.

– The vehicle must have driven faster than 2 mph

(3 km/h) since the last time it stopped.

– The vehicle is not in trailer mode.

Note



Drive system: malfunction! Please contact

Service

Always turn off the Start/Stop system when

driving through water ðpage 106.

There is a malfunction in the drive system. The

driving power is limited. Drive slowly to an au-

thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

Facility to have the malfunction corrected.

Tips

– Depending on the driving situation, the en-

gine may already stop when coasting before

the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

– If you select the "D" position after shifting

into reverse, the vehicle must be driven fast-

er than 6 mph (10 km/h) in order for the

Start/Stop system to become active again.

This makes it possible to maneuver without

stopping the engine.

Start/Stop system

Description

Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system

The Start/Stop system can help increase fuel

economy and reduce CO emissions. In Start/

2

Stop mode, the engine shuts off automatically

when stopped, for example at a traffic light.

Stopping and starting the engine

If certain conditions are met, the engine may

stop before the vehicle has come to a complete

stop. If you release the brake pedal or press the

accelerator pedal when this happens, the engine

will start and driving power will be transmitted.

Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system

►

Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle

has stopped. The  indicator light appears in

the instrument cluster once the engine stops

automatically.

The ignition and important assist systems such

as the brake booster will remain available during

the Stop phase. The engine will restart automati-

cally when needed.

►

The engine starts again when you remove your

foot from the brake pedal. The indicator light

turns off.



106

Driving

If the parking brake is set, the engine will only

start again when the accelerator pedal is press-

ed.

Messages

Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

Tips

Drive system: please start the vehicle manually

– Press the brake pedal during a Stop phase

to keep the vehicle from rolling.

This message appears when specific conditions

are not met during a Stop phase. The Start/Stop

system will not be able to restart the engine. The

engine must be started with the

– The ignition will turn off if you press the

START ENGINE STOP

button during a Stop

phase.

START ENGINE STOP

– If you leave the vehicle briefly during a Stop

phase and then enter again, the driver's

door must be closed and the safety belt

must be fastened in order for the engine to

be able to restart.

button.

Vehicle starting system: malfunction! Please

contact Service

There is a malfunction in the Start/Stop system.

Drive the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer or

authorized Service Facility as soon as possible to

have the malfunction corrected.

– You can control if the engine will stop or not

by reducing or increasing the amount of

force you use to press the brake pedal. For

example, if you only lightly press on the

brake pedal in stop-and-go traffic or when

turning, the engine will not turn off when

the vehicle is stationary. If you press the

brake pedal harder, the engine will turn off.

Brakes

General information

You can apply the vehicle's brakes using the brake

pedal.

Starting and stopping the engine automat-

ically

Operating noise

Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system

Noises may occur when braking depending on the

speed, braking force, and outside conditions such

as temperature and humidity.

The system checks if certain conditions are met

before and during the Stop phase, and deter-

mines if the engine stops and how long it re-

mains stopped. For example, if power usage is

high, the engine will not be stopped. Along with

other conditions, the following factors influence

the automatic engine start or stop:

Braking effect

To ensure an optimal braking effect, the brake

pads will be applied to the brake rotors for a

short period of time when driving at high speeds

while the windshield wipers are turned on.

– Environmental conditions (slopes, inclines, ele-

vation, temperature)

If the brake system becomes damp, for example

after driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may

be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily

increase the response time of the brakes include:

– Battery (charge status, temperature, power us-

age)

– Engine temperature

– Assist systems

– Wet conditions

– Driving behavior

– Low temperatures, ice, and snow

– Roads covered in salt

– Dirty brake pads

Depending on the engine, the . indicator light

may appear if the engine is not stopped.

Corrosion

Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is

no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for



107

Driving

long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-

en frequently or for long distances. In this case,

braking heavily several times while driving at

WARNING

– Only apply the brakes for the purpose of

cleaning the brake system when road and

traffic conditions permit. You must not en-

danger other road users because this in-

creases the risk of an accident.

high speeds can clean the brake rotors ð

.

Brake pads

New brake pads do not achieve their full braking

effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They

must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-

pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by

pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy

braking during the break-in period.

– Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-

thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility work on the brake system.

Incorrect repairs could impair the function.

– Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is

stopped because this increases the risk of an

accident.

Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the

vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.

Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently

in the city or short distances or when using a very

sporty driving style.

– During automatic braking maneuvers, the

brake pedal may move downward automati-

cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not

place your foot under the brake pedal.

Ceramic brakes

Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes

Note

– Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the

pedal lightly when braking is not actually

necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-

heat and increases braking distance and

causes wear.

Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration

rates.

The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may

be significantly longer than for standard brake

rotors. The properties of the material may also

cause noise, especially when driving at lower

speeds. Ceramic brakes also absorb more mois-

ture in wet conditions. Therefore, there will tem-

porarily be less braking force than when the

brakes are dry. You can compensate for this by

pressing the brake pedal harder.

– Observe the important information for driv-

ing downhill ðpage 111. This especially ap-

plies when towing a trailer.

Tips

– If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-

er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure

that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-

structed. Otherwise the brake system can

overheat.

Automatic post-collision braking system

The automatic post-collision braking system can

help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-

al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-

trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is

braked by the ESC.

– Also refer to the information about brake

fluid ðpage 241.

Messages

The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of

the following occurs:

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

– You are pressing the accelerator pedal.

– The braking force generated by the pressed

brake pedal is greater than the braking force

that would be initiated by the system.

– The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-

trical system is not functioning.

 /  Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-

hicle

There is a malfunction in the brake system. If

 /  and  also turn on, there is a malfunc-

tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution. If



108

Driving

the brake booster is not working, you have to use

much more force when braking the vehicle.

Do not continue driving. See an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility

for assistance.

Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-

sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-

Electromechanical

parking brake

cautions ð

.

 /  Brake pads: wear limit reached. You

can continue driving. Please contact Service

Operating the parking brake

The electromechanical parking brake is used to

secure the vehicle from rolling unintentionally.

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.

The  switch is located below the transmission

selector in the center console. It turns on when

the parking brake is set. You can release the park-

ing brake manually or automatically when you

start to drive.

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.

Setting and releasing the parking brake

►

Setting: pull the  switch.

If  /  appears, the parking brake is hold-

ing the vehicle. You can remove your foot from

the brake pedal.

►

Releasing: when the ignition is turned on, press

and hold the brake pedal and press the  but-

ton.

Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual

The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-

od of time after turning off the ignition. Secure

the vehicle against rolling ðpage 99.

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” position or pressing the brake pedal. Make

sure the indicator light is off before you start

driving.

Other indicator lights

When you turn on the ignition, the  /  in-

dicator light turns on briefly to check the func-

tion. If the indicator light does not turn on, there

is a system malfunction.

Automatically releasing the parking brake

when starting to drive

If  /  stays on, there is a malfunction in

the brake system.

Requirement: the driver's door must be closed

and the driver safety belt must be fastened.

 – 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.

►

Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.

WARNING

– To reduce the risk of an accident, always

make sure the vehicle is situated safely

while stationary.

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.

– 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



109

Driving

pedal and always shift into the “P” position

when the vehicle is stopped.

to swerve, which increases the risk of an acci-

dent.

– 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 roll-

ing before exiting the vehicle ðpage 99.

See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized

Audi Service Facility for assistance.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

 /  Parking brake: malfunction! Safely

stop vehicle. See owner's manual

Tips

 /  Parking brake: malfunction! Please

release parking brake

– On steep inclines, especially when in trailer

mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unin-

tentionally when starting to drive. To reduce

the risk of this happening, pull and hold the

 switch while pressing the accelerator

pedal. If enough drive power has built up at

the wheels and the vehicle does not roll

backwards, then release the switch to start

to drive.

If one of these messages appears, there is a mal-

function in the parking brake. If the message ap-

pears while stationary, check if the parking brake

is released and can be reset. If this is the case,

turn the ignition off and back on.

If the message stays on, if the parking brake can-

not be released, or if the message appears while

driving, do not continue driving. Secure the vehi-

cle against rolling before exiting the vehicle

ðpage 99. See an authorized Audi dealer or au-

thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

– If you leave the vehicle when the “D” or “R”

position is engaged, the parking brake will

be set automatically.

– Noises when the parking brake is set and re-

leased are normal and are not a cause for

concern.

 Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact

Service

– The parking brake goes through a self-test

cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is

stopped. Any noises associated with this are

normal.

There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive

to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-

tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines

and secure it against rolling before exiting the

vehicle ðpage 99.

Emergency braking function

Emergency braking should only be used in an

emergency, if the standard brake pedal is mal-

functioning or obstructed. When the emergency

braking function is activated, the braking effect is

similar to a heavy braking maneuver.

 /  Parking brake: warning! Vehicle posi-

tion too steep

The braking force may not be enough to secure

the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in

a place with less of an incline.

►

Pull and hold the  switch while driving.

►

An audio warning signal will sound and emer-

gency braking will begin.

 /  Parking brake: applied

The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake

pedal to release the parking brake.

►

If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency

braking will be canceled.



Take over!

WARNING

The vehicle cannot be held in place automatically.

Press the brake pedal to secure the vehicle from

rolling unintentionally.

Heavy braking while driving through curves or

in poor road or weather conditions can cause

the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle

110

Driving

– To reduce the risk of underbody damage, pay

attention to the vehicle's ground clearance and

drive across raised areas of the ground using

the wheels on only one side of the vehicle, in-

stead of allowing the center of the vehicle to

pass over the raised areas.

Special driving situations

Driving uphill and downhill

When driving uphill, downhill, or at high alti-

tudes, note the following information:

– Drive slowly and carefully.

– To reduce the risk of becoming stuck, drive

through sandy or swampy areas at a steady

speed and without stopping, if possible.

– Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely

drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-

verse.

If necessary, use the following functions:

– When driving down hills, you can activate the

hill descent control if you press the brake pedal

while driving in the “D” position. The automatic

transmission will select a gear suitable for driv-

ing down the hill and will attempt to maintain

the speed at which the vehicle was traveling at

the time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the

brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-

trol will turn off once the hill levels out or you

press the accelerator pedal.

– Audi drive select* offroad mode ðpage 113

– Hill descent assist* ðpage 112

– Limit ESC ðpage 117

WARNING

Only drive in terrain that is suitable for the ve-

hicle and your driving ability.

For the sake of the environment

– Utilize the engine braking effect when driving

downhill by selecting the “S” driving program

ðpage 101. This especially applies when tow-

ing a trailer. This reduces the load on the

brakes.

Avoid actions that are damaging to the envi-

ronment. Show respect for the natural envi-

ronment and remain on marked routes.

Tips

– Apply the brakes in intervals and do not press

the brake pedal continuously.

Clean your vehicle after driving offroad. Dirt

and stones falling off your vehicle can affect

other road users.

– Use the hill descent assist ðpage 112.

WARNING

Driving through water

– Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-

signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill

climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle

could tip or slide.

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.

– Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines

and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you

must immediately start steering in the di-

rection of the downward slope to reduce the

risk of an accident.

– Deactivate the Start/Stop system*.

– Drive carefully and no faster than at a walking

pace 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.

– Always be ready to brake when using the hill

descent control function.

Offroad driving

Applies to: allroad

Your vehicle is not an offroad vehicle. Note the

following points when driving offroad:

– Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.

– Do not drive in reverse.

– Do not turn the engine off.



– Drive slowly and carefully.

111

Driving

WARNING

After driving through water, press the brake

pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the

full braking effect will be restored.

– Be ready to apply the brakes at all times

when using the hill descent assist.

– Always adjust the speed to the visibility,

weather, road, and traffic conditions. The

system cannot replace the driver’s atten-

tion.

Note

Vehicle components such as the engine, drive

system, suspension, or electrical system can

be severely damaged by driving through wa-

ter.

– The system cannot maintain a constant vehi-

cle speed in all situations, for example when

on smooth or slippery ground. This can in-

crease the risk of an accident.

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.

If you select the Audi drive select* offroad

mode, hill descent assist will turn on.

Hill descent assist

Applies to: vehicles with hill descent assist

The  button is located in the center console

above the transmission selector. 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.

►

Turning on: press .

►

Turning off: press  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

light will turn on.

indicator

Ready mode

If one of the requirements for active regulation is

not met, the system will be in ready mode. The



indicator light will turn on. Once the require-

ments are met again, the system will be able to

provide active regulation again.

112

Driving dynamics

Individual – Provides the option for personalized

vehicle settings. Press  to configure the mode

ðpage 113, Individual settings.

Driving dynamics

Audi drive select

Introduction

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

Tips

– When the ignition is turned on, individual

systems, such as the drive system, will be

reset to a balanced setting. Select the cur-

rent mode again to attain its full configura-

tion.

Drive select makes it possible to experience dif-

ferent types of vehicle characteristics in one vehi-

cle. With different driving modes, the driver can

change the setting, for example from sporty to

comfortable. This allows you to adjust the set-

tings to your personal preferences. This makes it

possible to combine settings such as a sporty

drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.

– Audi recommends the auto mode for every-

day driving.

Individual settings

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

Selecting an Audi drive select mode

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

The equipment in your vehicle will determine

which settings you can adjust.

The  button is located in front of the transmis-

Drive

sion selector in the center console.

The drive system will react to accelerator pedal

movement more quickly or in a more balanced

manner. The shift points are located in higher or

lower engine speed ranges on vehicles with auto-

matic transmissions.

►

Press the left or right arrow key until the de-

sired mode appears in the MMI. Or:

Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-

HICLE > Audi drive select.

►

You can change the driving mode when the vehi-

cle is stationary or while driving. If traffic per-

mits, briefly remove your foot from the accelera-

tor pedal after changing modes so that the mode

you have selected will be activated for the drive

system.

Depending on the setting, the drive power at the

rear axle will be distributed with the sport differ-

ential* to be more sporty or moderate

ðpage 115.

Steering

The following modes may be available depending

on vehicle equipment:

The power steering will adapt. Light steering is

suitable for long trips on highways or smooth

driving around curves, for example.

offroad – Provides assistance when driving off-

road. The ESC will be restricted and the hill de-

scent assist* will be activated. The vehicle will ex-

it this mode after the ignition is turned off.

Suspension

The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more

comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-

ing for uneven spots on the road.

comfort – Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle

setup and is suited for long drives on highways.

Engine sound

auto – Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-

The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to

sporty. In the automatic setting, the engine

sound depends on the selected driving program.

namic driving feel.

dynamic – Provides a sporty driving feel and is

suited to a sporty driving style. The “S” driving

program is selected.

113

Driving dynamics

Suspension

Steering

Adaptive dampers

Description

Applies to: vehicles with suspension control

Electromechanical steering supports steering

movements by electronically adapting the power

steering depending on the vehicle speed. The set-

tings depend on the selected Audi drive select*

mode.

The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con-

trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus-

pension will adapt to the driving conditions and

the driving situation. The settings depend on the

selected Audi drive select* mode.

Dynamic steering

Applies to: vehicles with dynamic steering

Ground clearance

The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-

creased by the steering ratio based on the speed.

At reduced speeds, steering is direct in order to

provide agile steering behavior and keep the

steering effort as minimal as possible when ma-

neuvering the vehicle. This sets the steering to be

less sensitive at higher speeds in order to provide

improved vehicle control.

The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-

enced by the following factors:

– Change in temperature

– Change in load

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one

gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-

ing, for example when cleaning the under-

body or the wheel housings.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

Note

 Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle

Always make sure there is enough clearance

above and below the vehicle. This is especially

important for entrances with height restric-

tions, for example, before driving into under-

ground garages. You could also scrape the

ground when driving over the edges of curbs

or on steep ramps, which could damage your

vehicle.

The power steering may have failed. Adapt your

driving style immediately to compensate for the

fact that it may be more difficult to turn the

steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-

cation as soon as possible. Secure the vehicle

against rolling before exiting the vehicle

ðpage 99. Do not continue driving. See an au-

thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

Facility for assistance.

Messages

 Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

There is a malfunction in the electronic steering

lock. You cannot turn on the ignition. Secure the

vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle

ðpage 99. Do not tow your vehicle because it

cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.



Suspension: malfunction! You can continue

driving

There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-

sistance.

 Steering: malfunction! You can continue

driving

There is a malfunction in the steering system.

Steering may be more difficult or more sensitive.

Adapt your driving style. Have the steering



114

Driving dynamics

system checked immediately by an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.

Please note that the red indicator light may turn

on after restarting the engine. Do not continue

driving if it does.

This allows the rear drivetrain to recouple shortly

before it is needed.

The all-wheel drive system is designed for high

engine power. Your vehicle is exceptionally pow-

erful and has excellent driving characteristics

both under normal driving conditions and on

snow and ice. Always read and follow safety pre-

 Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact

Service

cautions ð

.

There is a malfunction in the electronic steering

lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have

the malfunction corrected.

WARNING

– Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you

should adapt your driving style to the cur-

rent road and traffic conditions to reduce

the risk of an accident.

 Dynamic steering: correcting steering wheel

position

– The braking ability of your vehicle is limited

by the grip of the tires. In this way, it is not

different from a two wheel drive vehicle. Do

not drive too fast because this increases the

risk of an accident.

The steering is reinitializing. The steering wheel

will move easily after starting the vehicle. Reiniti-

alization might be necessary if the steering wheel

was moved while the engine was off. The display

turns off if the initialization was successful.

– Note that on wet streets, the front wheels

can “hydroplane” if driving at speeds that

are too high. Unlike front wheel drive

vehicles, the engine RPM does not increase

suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-

planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-

tions to reduce the risk of an accident.

WARNING

Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-

tion in the electronic steering lock because

this increases the risk of an accident.

Tips

– If there is a malfunction, the steering wheel

may be crooked when driving straight.

Sport differential

Applies to: vehicles with sport differential

– If the  or  indicator light only stays on

for a short time, you may continue driving.

The sport differential distributes the drive power

to the rear axle based on the situation. The goal

is a high level of agility and ability to accelerate

on curves. The vehicle is very responsive to steer-

ing. The settings depend on the selected Audi

drive select* mode.

All wheel drive (quattro)

Description

Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive

The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving

power variably to the front and rear axle to im-

prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-

er with selective wheel torque control, which can

activate when driving through curves

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

ðpage 116.

 All-wheel drive: malfunction! You can con-

tinue driving. Please contact Service

Applies to: vehicles with quattro ultra: If the driv-

ing situation does not require all wheel drive,

then the rear section of the drivetrain will decou-

ple to save fuel. The system constantly deter-

mines and anticipates if all wheel drive is needed.

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.



115

Driving dynamics

 Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-

tact Service

hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake

pedal. Do not pump the pedal.

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the

system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

 All-wheel drive: too hot. Please adapt driv-

ing style. See owner's manual

ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin

spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-

tions. This will increase the driving stability.

The transmission temperature has increased sig-

nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive

in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-

turns to the normal range and the indicator light

turns off.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are

slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth-

er wheels. This function is not available at higher

speeds.

 Sport differential: temperature too high.

Please adapt driving style

In extreme cases, EDL automatically turns off to

keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-

heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.

EDL will turn on again automatically when condi-

tions have returned to normal.

The transmission temperature has increased sig-

nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive

in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-

turns to the normal range and the indicator light

turns off.

Selective wheel torque control

WARNING

Selective wheel torque control is used when driv-

ing on curves. Braking is targeted toward the

wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This

allows more precise driving in curves.

Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-

ized Audi Service Facility if the sport differen-

tial is faulty or malfunctioning. The repair

must be performed by trained personnel us-

ing the correct oil in order to ensure safety.

Power steering

The ESC can also support vehicle stability

through steering.

Electronic Stabilization

Control (ESC)

WARNING

Description

– The ESC and its integrated systems cannot

overcome the limitations imposed by natu-

ral physical laws. This is especially impor-

tant on slippery or wet roads. If the systems

begin acting to stabilize your vehicle, you

should immediately alter your speed to

match the road and traffic conditions. Do

not let the increased safety provided cause

you to take risks. This could increase your

risk of a collision.

Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports

driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and

improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-

uations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or

understeering, or if the wheels are spinning.

The brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-

duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.

The following stabilization functions are inte-

grated into the ESC, among others:

– Please note the risk of a collision increases

when driving fast, especially through curves

and on slippery or wet roads, and when driv-

ing too close to objects ahead. There is still

a risk of accidents because the ESC and its

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-

ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during



116

Driving dynamics

– To turn off the ESC, press and hold the  but-

ton for more than three seconds. The  and

  indicator lights turn on.

integrated systems cannot always prevent

collisions.

– Accelerate carefully when driving on

smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and

snow. The drive wheels can spin even when

these control systems are installed and this

can affect driving stability and increase the

risk of a collision.

– To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization

function, press the button again. The indicator

lights turn off.

WARNING

– When the ESC is turned 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, which increases

the risk of an accident.

Tips

The ABS and ASR only function correctly when

all four wheels have a similar wear condition.

Different tire sizes can result in a reduction in

engine power.

– Because of the increased risk of an accident,

only drive with the ESC turned off or limited

when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC as

soon as possible.

Operation

The  button (or , depending on the model)

for controlling the ESC is located in the center

console in front of the transmission selector. ESC

turns on automatically when the ignition is

turned on.

Tips

– If you select the Audi drive select* offroad

mode, hill descent assist will turn on.

– If the ESC is limited, turned off, or malfunc-

tioning, systems with an automatic braking

intervention function may not be fully avail-

able.

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 the 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.

– If malfunctions occur in other systems or

certain driver assistance systems are active,

the ESC must be turned on by the system.

The ESC may turn on automatically and can-

not be operated with the button.

– To limit the ESC, press the  button briefly.

The  indicator light will turn on.

Messages

– To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization

function, press the button again. The indicator

light turns off.

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

  /   Stabilization control (ESC/

ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual

When ESC is limited, allroad models switch to

Offroad mode. All other model versions switch to

Sport mode. Sport mode is particularly suited for

driving on an even road surface. Offroad mode is

designed for uneven terrain or loose ground.

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.

Turning off ESC

Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized

Audi Service Facility immediately to have the

malfunction corrected.

For a more active control of the vehicle where the

stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,

the ESC can be turned off.

Other indicator lights



117

Driving dynamics

If  blinks while driving, the ESC is actively reg-

ulating. Operating noises may occur. If the indica-

tor light stays on, the ESC has been turned off

due to system needs. The indicator light turns off

when the system is fully functional.

118

Trailer towing

– Distribute the load in the trailer so that the

heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-

ble.

Trailer towing

Driving with a trailer

General information

– Secure objects so that they do not slide.

– Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight

if possible.

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.

Speed

Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal

regulations that are applicable in the country

where you are operating the vehicle.

Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy

usage, performance, and wear. It also requires

greater concentration.

As the speed increases, the driving stability of

the vehicle and trailer decreases. Therefore you

should not exceed the maximum legal speed lim-

it when there are unfavorable road, weather,

and/or wind conditions. This especially applies

when driving downhill.

A retrofitted trailer hitch must be installed ac-

cording to the instructions provided by the manu-

facturer ðpage 121.

WARNING

Hills

– To reduce the risk of death, do not transport

any people in a trailer.

When you start driving uphill or downhill, the ve-

hicle and trailer may tilt or sway sooner than

when driving on a level surface. Reduce the speed

even for only minor swaying movements. Never

attempt to “straighten out” the vehicle and trail-

er by accelerating.

– Only use a ball hitch that is approved for

your vehicle. Using a ball hitch that is not

approved for your vehicle can result in issues

such as unstable driving behavior or uncou-

pling of the trailer and increase the risk of

an accident. If you have questions, see an

authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility.

Downshift before driving on hills to utilize the

engine braking effect ð

.

Exterior lighting

Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your

trailer that are applicable in the country where

you are operating the vehicle. If necessary, con-

tact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi

Service Facility for more information.

Operating instructions

Towing capacity

Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or

class 2 trailers.

Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-

ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-

cle.

Load distribution

Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively

impact vehicle handling. Load the vehicle and

trailer based on the following criteria as much as

possible:

The headlight range control automatically ad-

justs the light range of the headlights.

Exterior mirrors

– 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.

Make sure that you can also observe the traffic

area behind the vehicle using the exterior mir-

rors, and use additional exterior mirrors if neces-

sary. Adjust the additional exterior mirrors so



119

Trailer towing

that you have a sufficient visibility behind the ve-

hicle. Follow the local legal regulations for instal-

ling additional exterior mirrors.

Tips

– Block the wheels with chocks when parking

on inclines if the trailer is loaded.

– Audi recommends having the vehicle in-

spected between the inspection intervals if

you tow a trailer frequently.

Engine cooling system

Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the

engine and the cooling system. Make sure the

cooling system contains enough coolant.

– Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-

cle break-in period.

Engine coolant temperature

Pay attention specifically to the coolant tempera-

ture display when there are high outside temper-

atures, and when driving on long inclines

ðpage 17. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-

ner.

Trailer hitch

Introduction

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.

Tires

Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full

load”; see the tire pressure sticker ðpage 259. If

necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the

trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-

tions.

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.

The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped

with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-

tures.

Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely

mounted. Always follow the instructions given by

the trailer hitch manufacturer.

Overrun brake

If your trailer is equipped with an overrun brake,

it must be correctly adjusted and function cor-

rectly. When using a trailer with an overrun

brake, first brake gently then quickly. This re-

duces the risk of jerking while braking if the trail-

er wheels lock up.

Driving with a trailer

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.

WARNING

Constant braking causes the brakes to over-

heat and can substantially reduce braking per-

formance, increase braking distance, or cause

complete failure of the brake system.

Safety chains

Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied

when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang

down enough so that the trailer can drive around

curves. However, they must not touch the

ground.

Note

Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may

cause damage, especially on the trailer hitch

ball head. In cases of damage, have the func-

tion checked by an authorized Audi dealer or

authorized Audi Service Facility.

WARNING

If the trailer is equipped with electronic

brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by a



120

Assist systems -> Parking and maneuvering for Your Audi A4 4 Door Fifth Generation (2016-2025)

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