Get Controls -> Instruments and warning/indicator lamps Guide for Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

A Speedometer

Instruments

A Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Instrument cluster overview

Note

The instrument cluster is the driver's information centre.

• The needles in the instrument cluster will sweep across the dials

when you switch on the ignition.

• The instrument lighting (illumination of dials and needles) is

switched on when the ignition is on and the vehicle's lights are off.

The instrument lighting is dimmed automatically as the daylight

starts to fade. This function is intended to remind the driver to

switch on the dipped-beam headlights in good time when light

conditions become poor.

Coolant temperature gauge

The coolant temperature gauge A ⇒ fig. 2 only works when the

ignition is switched on. In order to avoid possible damage to the

engine, please read the following notes for the different tempera-

ture ranges.

Engine cold

Fig. 2 Overview of instrument cluster

If the needle is still in the lower range of the dial, this indicates that

the engine has not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high

engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads.

A Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Normal temperature

A Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SET

button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In normal operation the needle will settle somewhere in the centre

of the dial once the engine has reached operating temperature. The

needle may also go further up when the engine is working hard at

high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern provided

the warning symbol  in the display does not start flashing.

A Display

− Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

− Date and time display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

− Mileage recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Controls Safety

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General maintenance

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Technical data

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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

Warning symbol in instrument cluster 

Rev counter

If the symbol  lights up in the display, this means that either the

coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low

⇒ page 32.

The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolu-

tions per minute.

You should select a lower gear if the engine speed drops below

1500 rpm. The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the

maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine

is warm and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable

to change up a gear or move the selector lever to “D” (or lift your

foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the red zone.

If the needle is at the top end of the dial, this means the coolant

temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and

wait for it to cool down. If the warning lamp starts flashing again

after just a short distance, contact a qualified workshop.

WARNING

• Before opening the bonnet and checking the coolant level,

please observe the warning information on ⇒ page 221, “Working

on components in the engine compartment”.

Caution

Never allow the rev counter needle A ⇒ page 11, fig. 2 to go into

the red zone on the dial for more than a very brief period: there is a

risk of damaging the engine. The start of the red zone on the dial is

different for some engine versions.

• Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant

escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of being

scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping steam

or coolant.

For the sake of the environment

Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise

engine noise.

Caution

• Additional lights and other accessories in front of the air inlet

reduce the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside tempera-

tures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the engine over-

heating.

SET

button

This button has a number of different functions.

• The front spoiler also ensures proper distribution of the cooling

air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can

reduce the cooling effect, which could cause the engine to overheat.

You should obtain professional assistance.

Fig. 3 Instrument

cluster: SET button

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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

Time and date display

SET

The

button has the following functions:

Activating clock, date, temperature and mileage

recorder displays

SET

The display will appear for about 30 seconds if you press the

button ⇒ page 12, fig. 3 when the ignition is switched off.

Starting check procedure (auto-check control)

The auto-check control checks important components and vehicle

systems. These background checks are run constantly, as long as

the ignition is switched on ⇒ page 29.

Fig. 4 Instrument

cluster: Time and date

display

SET

You can start the “check procedure” manually by pressing the

button with the ignition switched on. This function check can be

started at road speeds up to 5 km/h.

Quartz clock

The date, time and display format can be changed using the sound

system or MMI* control console. Please refer to the Operating

Manual for the MMI or sound system for more details.

Calling up driver messages again

A red or yellow symbol appearing in the instrument cluster display

is normally accompanied by a corresponding message. The

message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds. If

required, you can call up the message again by briefly pressing the

Radio-controlled clock*

When the clock is in “radio-control” mode the signal reception

symbol (a radio tower with radio waves) appears in the display

⇒ fig. 4. It is then not possible to change the minutes or the date

manually.

SET

button.

Setting speed warning

SET

You can press the

while the vehicle is moving ⇒ page 28. If you press and hold the

SET

button briefly to set speed limit warning 1

button, this will cancel the speed warning.

Note

• The digital clock and mileage recorder displays are switched on

for about 30 seconds when the driver's door is opened.

• When the ignition is switched off, the clock and date display can

SET

be switched on for about 30 seconds by pressing the

button

⇒ page 12, fig. 3 ⇒ page 12.

Controls

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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

The trip recorder can be reset to zero by pressing the reset button

0.0

Mileage recorder

⇒ fig. 6.

The instrument shows how far you have travelled.

Fault display

If there is a fault in the instruments, the letters dEF appear perma-

nently in the trip recorder display. Please have the fault rectified as

soon as possible.

Immobiliser

When the ignition is switched on, the security programming of the

ignition key is verified electronically.

Fig. 5 Instrument

cluster: Mileage

recorder

If an uncoded key is used, SAFE will appear continuously in the

mileage recorder display. The vehicle cannot then be driven

⇒ page 38.

Note

• The date, time and recorded mileage will continue to be

displayed for about 30 seconds after you switch off the ignition.

• The digital clock and mileage recorder displays are switched on

for about 30 seconds when the driver's door is opened.

• When the ignition is switched off, the mileage recorder can be

SET

switched on for about 30 seconds by pressing the

button

Fig. 6 Instrument

cluster: Reset button

⇒ page 12, fig. 3 ⇒ page 12.

The mileage is stated in kilometres (“km”) or “miles”.

You can switch the display from kilometres to miles and vice versa

CAR

via the MMI or the

console.

button on the sound system control

Odometer / trip recorder

The odometer records the vehicle's total mileage.

The trip recorder shows the distance that has been travelled since it

was last reset. It is used to measure individual journeys. The last

digit of the trip recorder indicates distances of 100 metres or tenths

of a mile.

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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

Warning and indicator lamps

Seat belt warning lamp

Emission control system

Main beam headlights

Right turn signals

⇒ page 17

⇒ page 16

⇒ page 17

⇒ page 18









Overview

The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of

different functions and possible faults.

Cruise control system*

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)









Electro-mechanical parking

brake/Audi hold assist*

Fault in brake system

⇒ page 19

Note

A number of functions are monitored by the auto-check control

⇒ page 20. If a malfunction should occur, this will be shown by the

display in the instrument cluster either with a red symbol (priority 1

– serious malfunction) or a yellow symbol (priority 2 – other

malfunction or item requiring attention).

Fig. 7 Instrument cluster with warning and indicator lamps

Engine management

⇒ page 15









Applies to vehicles: with petrol engine

Electronic stabilisation program (ESP) ⇒ page 16

Engine management 

This warning lamp monitors the engine management

system on petrol engines.

Airbag system

⇒ page 16

⇒ page 17

Left turn signals

Trailer turn signals*

The  warning lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the

ignition is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly.



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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

For further information on the ESP ⇒ page 186.

Note

If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indi-

cates a fault in the engine management system. The engine should

be serviced by a qualified workshop without delay.

Airbag system 

This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt

tensioner system.

Electronic stabilisation program (ESP) 

The warning lamp  should light up for a few seconds when the

ignition is switched on.

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation

program.

If the warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up, flashes or

flickers when the vehicle is moving, this indicates a malfunction in

the system. This is also the case if the warning lamp does not light

up when the ignition is switched on.

The warning lamp  has the following functions:

• It flashes when the ESP or traction control system (ASR) inter-

venes while the vehicle is in motion.

• The warning lamp will light up continuously if the ESP or the

traction control system (ASR) has been switched off using the ESP

OFF button ⇒ page 186.

WARNING

If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immedi-

ately by a qualified workshop. If this is neglected, there is a risk

that the airbag system and/or belt tensioners may not be acti-

vated in an accident.

• It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out

again after about 2 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working

properly.

• It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.

Turn signals  

• It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the

ESP operates in conjunction with the ABS.

Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left  or

right  indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when

the hazard warning lights are switched on.

If the battery has been disconnected, if the battery voltage is very

low, or if the engine has been started from an outside power source,

the ESP system will perform an initialisation of the various on-board

sensors while you drive the first few metres. The warning lamp will

light up during this period. It will go out when the initialisation has

been completed.

If one turn signal should fail, the indicator lamp will start flashing

twice as fast.

This does not apply when towing a caravan or trailer. The indicator

lamp will stop flashing if one of the turn signals on the vehicle or the

caravan/trailer should fail. For further information on the turn

signals ⇒ page 58.

If the warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is

started, this may mean that the control system has temporarily

switched off the ESP. In this case the ESP can be reactivated by

switching the ignition off and then on again. If the warning lamp

goes out, this means the system is fully functional.

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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

Applies to vehicles: with towing bracket

Main beam headlights 

Trailer turn signals 

The indicator lamp  lights up when the main beams are on or

when the headlight flasher is operated.

The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are

operated while towing a caravan or trailer.

For further information on the main beam headlights ⇒ page 58.

The indicator lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated,

provided a caravan or trailer is correctly attached and connected to

the vehicle.

Applies to vehicles: with cruise control system

Cruise control 

The indicator lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the

trailer fails.

The indicator lamp  in the instrument cluster lights up when the

cruise control system is operating.

Seat belt warning lamp 

The warning lamp acts as a reminder to fasten the seat

belts.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 

The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the electronic

differential lock (EDL).

After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp  will remain lit

until the driver and front passenger (if applicable) have fastened

their seat belts. When the vehicle has gathered speed you will also

hear a warning chime.

The warning lamp  lights up for a few seconds when the ignition

is switched on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes

out again once the system has run through an automatic test

sequence.

For further information on the seat belts ⇒ page 160.

There is a fault in the ABS if:

Emission control system 

• the warning lamp  does not light up when the ignition is

switched on,

If the warning lamp lights up continuously you should take your

vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible in order to have

the fault rectified.

• the warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds,

• the warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.

The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the

ABS control function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a

qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further information on

the ABS ⇒ page 187.

If the warning lamp flashes drive on at reduced speed and seek

professional help in order to avoid damage to the catalytic

converter.

For further information on the catalytic converter ⇒ page 195.

If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up.

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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

Fault in the main brake system

Applies to vehicles: with Audi hold assist

Audi hold assist 

If the ABS warning lamp  lights up together with the brake

warning lamp  ⇒ page 31, this indicates a fault in the ABS func-

tion, and possibly a malfunction in the main brake system as well

This warning lamp monitors the Audi hold assist function.

⇒

Audi hold assist helps the driver to keep the vehicle stationary while

the engine is running, for instance on steep gradients, at traffic

lights or in stop-and-go traffic. When the Audi hold assist function

is on, you don't have to keep your foot on the brake to prevent the

vehicle from accidentally rolling away. Once it detects that the

vehicle is stopped, Audi hold assist keeps the vehicle stationary. The

green symbol  in the instrument cluster indicates that the func-

tion is activated. You can now take your foot off the brake pedal.

If there is a malfunction in the brake system the symbol  will light

up in the instrument cluster. Please refer to ⇒ page 31.

Fault on the electronic differential lock (EDL)

The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should

occur in the EDL, this is indicated by the ABS warning lamp .

Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

For further information on the EDL ⇒ page 189.

When the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period, Audi

hold assist will automatically apply the parking brake. In this case,

the green symbol  will change to red .

WARNING

• Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,

observe the warning information on ⇒ page 221, “Working on

components in the engine compartment”.

Electro-mechanical parking brake 

This warning lamp monitors the electro-mechanical

parking brake.

• If the brake warning lamp  should light up together with the

ABS warning lamp , stop the vehicle immediately and check the

brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level has dropped

below the "MIN" mark you must not drive on - otherwise there may

be an increased accident risk. You should obtain professional

assistance.

The warning lamp  lights up when the parking brake is applied

with the ignition on. After the ignition has been switched off the

lamp will stay on for about 30 seconds. The warning lamp will light

up for about 30 seconds if the parking brake is applied with the igni-

tion switched off.

• If the brake fluid level is OK, the fault in the brake system may

have been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. As a

result the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. This

could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully

to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.

The warning lamp should go out when the parking brake is released.

If the warning lamp flashes continuously after the parking brake has

been applied, the brake may not be strong enough to hold the

vehicle on a slope. This may be due to the brakes overheating.

Please note the following points:

• If the gradient is too steep to park the vehicle safely, the display

will show the message Caution: Vehicle parked too steep.

• In the event of a fault in the parking brake system the symbol 

will also appear in the instrument cluster display together with the

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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps

message Parking brake! You should have the fault corrected by a

qualified workshop without delay.

When the needle reaches the reserve zone, the symbol  lights up

in the instrument cluster display ⇒ page 36 together with the

message Please refuel. At this point there are still about 8 litres of

fuel left in the tank. This is your reminder to fill up soon.

Brake system 

The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data

section ⇒ page 279.

The warning lamp flashes if the brake fluid level is too low

or if there is a fault in the ABS system or the parking

brake.

Caution

Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel supply,

misfiring can occur. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust

system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic

converter.

If the warning lamp  flashes, there is a fault in the brake system.

The symbol  in the instrument cluster display will flash at the

SET

same time. You can press the

explaining the fault ⇒ page 31.

button to obtain a message

If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp  will

light up together with the brake warning lamp  ⇒

WARNING

• Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,

observe the warning information on ⇒ page 221, “Working on

components in the engine compartment”.

• If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up

when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low – this

may cause an increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not

drive on. You should obtain professional assistance.

• If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS

warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS

is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively

easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid

sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and

have the fault rectified.

Fuel gauge

The gauge only works when the ignition is switched on.

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Controls -> Instruments and warning/indicator lamps for Your Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

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