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
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