Get Driving tips -> Intelligent technology Guide for Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

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The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock

(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR) are all integrated into

the electronic stabilisation program.

Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)

General notes

How the system works

The electronic stabilisation program increases the car's

stability on the road.

The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated

systems. It also processes additional inputs provided by other high-

precision sensors. These register the vehicle's rotation about the

vertical axis (yaw rate), lateral acceleration, brake pressure and

steering wheel angle.

The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calcu-

late the changes of direction intended by the driver, and constantly

compares them with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the

desired course is not being maintained (for instance, if the car is

starting to skid), then the ESP compensates automatically by

braking the appropriate wheel.

Fig. 192 Without MMI:

Centre console with

ESP switch

The forces acting on the braked wheel effectively bring the car back

to a stable condition. If the car is oversteering (rear wheels losing

grip first) the brake application is concentrated on the outside front

wheel; if the car is understeering (front wheels losing grip first), ESP

brakes the inside rear wheel. This automatic brake application is

accompanied by characteristic noises.

The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒ page 187. If a

malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also be out of

action.

Fig. 193 Centre

console with ESP

switch

Switching on

The ESP is switched on automatically when the engine is started

and performs a self-test routine. As soon as this routine is complete,

the system switches back to normal operating mode. You can press

the button ⇒ fig. 192 or ⇒ fig. 193 to switch on the ESP or traction

control system (ASR) if they have been switched off. The message

ESP/ASR on will appear briefly in the display.

The ESP is designed to enhance the control over the vehicle in crit-

ical handling situations, such as when accelerating and cornering.

It reduces the tendency to skid under all road conditions and

improves the stability and roadholding of the vehicle. The system

works at all speeds.

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187

Switching off

How the ABS works

The ESP should normally be left switched on at all times. If required,

you can press the ESP OFF button to switch off the traction control

system (ASR) or the electronic stabilisation program (ESP).

The system runs an automatic self-check when the car reaches a

road speed of about 6 km/h. This may be accompanied by a noise

from the ABS pump.

• Switching off the traction control system (ASR): Press the ESP

button briefly. The traction control system (ASR) can be switched off

in special driving conditions, e.g. if you are driving with snow chains

⇒ page 188. The message ASR off will appear in the display.

If one of the wheels is turning too slowly in relation to the road

speed, and is close to locking up, the system will reduce the pres-

sure in the brake line to this wheel. The driver is made aware of this

control process by a pulsating of the brake pedal and accompa-

nying noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or

more of the wheels is tending to lock up and the ABS control func-

tion has intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake

pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application

- do not “pump” the brake pedal.

• Switching off the ESP/traction control system (ASR): Press the

ESP button for longer than 3 seconds. The ESP/ASR warning lamp

lights up when the system is switched off, see ⇒ page 16. The

message ESP switched off will appear in the display.

WARNING

• The ESP is not able to overcome the physical limits of adhesion.

Even with ESP, you should always adjust your speed to suit the

conditions. Please bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery

road surfaces. Do not let the extra safety provided tempt you into

taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.

The grip provided by ABS is still subject to the physical limits of

adhesion. Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery

roads. If you notice that the ABS is working (to counteract locked

wheels under braking), you should reduce speed immediately to

suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety

provided tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can

cause accidents.

• Please note that, when the ESP or ESP/traction control system

(ASR) is switched off, the driven wheels may start to spin, causing

the vehicle to lose grip, in particular on slippery or wet roads -

danger of skidding!

Note

If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, this is indicated by a

warning lamp ⇒ page 17.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the car's

active safety system. However, the ABS will not necessarily guar-

antee shorter stopping distances in all conditions. For instance, on

loose gravel or fresh snow on top of an icy surface (conditions which

anyway require extreme care and reduced speed), the stopping

distance with ABS may even be slightly longer.

Brake assist system

The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve

optimum braking effect.

The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to

achieve a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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pedal very quickly, the brake assist system automatically boosts the

braking force to the maximum level, up to the point where the anti-

lock brake function (ABS) intervenes to stop the wheels from

locking. You should then keep the brake pedal pressed until the

vehicle has braked to the required speed. The brake assist system

switches itself off as soon as you release the brake pedal.

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

occur in the ABS, the ASR will also be out of action.

Switching on

The ESP is switched on automatically when the engine is started

and performs a self-test routine. As soon as this routine is complete,

the system switches back to normal operating mode. If the traction

control system (ASR) has been deactivated (for one of the reasons

noted below) you can switch it back on manually by pressing the

switch ⇒ page 186, fig. 192. The message ESP/ASR on will appear

briefly in the display.

The brake assist system will not be operative if there is a malfunc-

tion in the ABS.

WARNING

You can switch the traction control system (ASR) on again if neces-

sary by pressing the switch ⇒ page 186, fig. 192.

Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you

drive too fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you

follow too close behind the vehicle in front of you. An increased

accident risk cannot be compensated even by the brake assist

system, so always be sure to maintain a safe speed.

Switching off

If required, the ASR can also be switched off manually by pressing

the switch briefly ⇒ page 186, fig. 192 (for less than 3 seconds). The

ESP warning lamp lights up when the traction control system (ASR)

is switched off, see ⇒ page 16. The message ASR off will appear in

the display. The ASR can be deactivated at any speed.

Traction control system (ASR)

The traction control system prevents the driven wheels

from spinning when the car is accelerating.

The traction control system should normally remain switched on at

all times. It should only be switched off manually in particular

circumstances where a certain amount of wheel slip may be desir-

able. For example:

General notes

The traction control system (ASR) is one of the functions incorpo-

rated in the electronic stabilisation program (ESP).

• when driving with snow chains

• when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces

The traction control system (ASR) helps the car to start moving,

accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this

may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.

• when rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it.

The ASR should be switched on again afterwards as soon as

possible.

How the system works

The ASR acts automatically i.e. without the driver's intervention.

With the aid of the ABS sensors ⇒ page 187, the ASR monitors the

speed of the driven wheels. If the wheels start to spin, the engine

power is reduced automatically to match the amount of grip avail-

able. The system works at all speeds.

Note

To ensure that the ASR works properly, all four wheels must be fitted

with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres

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189

can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not

desired. Also refer to ⇒ page 234, “Replacing wheels and tyres”.

WARNING

• When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance

all four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and

carefully. The driven wheels may otherwise start to spin (in spite

of the EDL), which would impair the car's stability and could lead

to an accident.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)

The electronic differential lock monitors the speed of the

driven wheels.

• Even with EDL, you should always adjust your speed to suit the

conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided tempt you into

taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.

General notes

The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the car to start moving,

accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this

may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.

Note

How the system works

If the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault

in the EDL. Please contact a qualified workshop as soon as

possible.

The EDL acts automatically. With the aid of the ABS sensors

⇒ page 187, the system monitors the rotational speed of the driven

wheels on each axle. Whenever it detects a significant difference in

the speed of the driven wheels of one axle (for example, if the road is

slippery on one side) the system applies the brake to slow down the

spinning wheel so that more of the power is directed to the other

wheels. This function is active up to about 100 km/h. The brake

system will make noises while it is working.

Brakes

New brake pads

New brake pads do not give full braking effect for the first 400 km,

they must first be “bedded in”. However, you can compensate for

the slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pressure on

the brake pedal. Avoid placing a heavy load on the brakes during the

running-in period.

Driving away from a standstill

Sometimes one wheel has less grip and starts spinning, for

example, if one of the driven wheels is on ice. In this case, keep

pressing the accelerator gradually until the car starts moving, even

though the wheel with less grip will still spin.

Wear

Overheating of the brakes

The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you

drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative

factors are, for instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard

driving with abrupt starts and stops.

To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the

EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The car

remains operational and will behave in the same way as a car

without EDL.

Wet roads; road salt

The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has

cooled down.

When you are driving at a speed higher than 80 km/h and have the

windscreen wipers switched on the brake pads are very briefly

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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brought into contact with the brake discs. This automatic process

which goes unnoticed by the driver is carried out at regular intervals

and is intended to improve braking response in wet conditions.

WARNING

• When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and

discs, select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or

endanger other road users; do not risk an accident.

In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the car

or driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by

moisture (or in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. The

brakes should be “dried” by pressing the pedal to restore full

braking effect.

• Never let the car coast with the engine switched off (this can

cause accidents).

The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if

the car is driven for some distance without using the brakes when

there is a lot of salt on the road in winter. The layer of salt that accu-

mulates on the discs and pads can be removed with a few cautious

brake applications.

Caution

• Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal

when you do not really intend to brake. This overheats the brakes,

resulting in longer stopping distances and greater wear.

• Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to

reduce speed and move the selector lever to a lower gear. In this

way you will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the

load on the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to

brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.

Corrosion

There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and

corrosion to form on the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if

you only drive low mileages without using the brakes very much.

If the brakes are not used frequently, or if corrosion has formed on

the discs, it is advisable to clean off the pads and discs by braking

Note

firmly a few times from a moderately high speed ⇒

.

• If the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the

car has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal consid-

erably harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.

Faults in the brake system

If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may

mean that one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immedi-

ately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.

On the way to the dealer, be prepared to use more pressure on the

brake pedal and allow for longer stopping distances.

• If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front

spoiler or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the

front wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat.

Low brake fluid level

Power steering (servotronic)

Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is

too low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.

The power steering assists the driver when turning the

steering wheel (with the engine running).

Brake servo

The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed

to turn the steering wheel. The degree of power assistance is

adapted electronically, depending on the speed.

The brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal.

It only works when the engine is running.

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191

Four-wheel drive (quattro^®)

If a fault should occur in the servotronic system the power steering

will still operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no

longer adapt to different speeds. If the electronic regulating system

is not working properly, this is most noticeable when turning the

steering wheel at low speeds (for instance when parking) – more

effort will be required than usual. The fault should be corrected by

a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

On quattro models the engine power is distributed to all

four wheels

General notes

On four-wheel drive vehicles, the engine power is distributed to all

four wheels. The distribution of power is controlled automatically

according to your driving style and the road conditions. Also refer

to ⇒ page 189, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)”.

The power steering does not function when the engine is switched

off. In this case the steering wheel is very hard to turn.

If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary,

this will place an excessive load on the power steering system. In

this case, the power steering system will make noises. It will also

reduce the idling speed of the engine.

The four-wheel drive is specially designed to complement the supe-

rior engine power of your Audi. This combination gives the car

exceptional handling and performance capabilities – both on

normal roads and in more difficult conditions, such as snow and ice.

Even so (or perhaps especially for this reason), it is important to

observe certain safety points ⇒

.

Caution

Do not keep the steering in the full-lock position for longer than

15 seconds when the engine is running – this could cause damage

to the power steering system.

Winter tyres

Thanks to its four-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction

in winter conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we

still recommend that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted

on all four wheels when winter road conditions are expected, mainly

because this will give a better braking response.

Note

• If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is

switched off (for instance when being towed), the car can still be

steered. However, more effort will be required to turn the steering

wheel.

Snow chains

On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars

with four-wheel drive ⇒ page 237, “Snow chains”.

• If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to

a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

Replacing tyres

• The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The fluid

reservoir is located at the front of the engine compartment on the

left ⇒ page 222. The correct fluid level in the reservoir is important

for the power steering to function properly. The hydraulic fluid level

is checked at the Inspection Service.

On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four tyres must have the same

rolling circumference. Also avoid using tyres with varying tread

depths ⇒ page 234, “Replacing wheels and tyres”.

Off-roader?

Your Audi does not have enough ground clearance to be used as an

off-road vehicle. It is therefore best to avoid rough tracks and

uneven terrain as much as possible.

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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The main functions incorporated in the power management system

are battery diagnosis, residual current management and dynamic

power management.

WARNING

• Even with four-wheel drive, you should always adjust your

speed to suit the conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided

tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause acci-

dents.

Battery diagnosis

The battery diagnosis function constantly registers the condition of

the battery. Sensors detect the battery voltage, battery current and

battery temperature. This enables the system to calculate the

current power level and charge condition of the battery.

• The braking ability of your car is limited by the grip of the tyres.

In this respect, your car is no different from a car without four-

wheel drive. So do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slip-

pery roads just because the car still has good acceleration in these

conditions (accident risk).

Residual current management

The residual current management reduces power consumption

while the vehicle is parked. It controls the supply of power to the

various electrical components while the ignition is switched off. The

system takes the battery diagnosis data into consideration.

• On wet roads bear in mind that the front wheels may start to

“aquaplane” and lose contact with the road if the car is driven too

fast. If this should happen, there will be no sudden increase in

engine speed to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive car. So

do not drive too fast in the wet: adjust your speed to suit the

conditions (accident risk).

Depending on the power level of the battery, the individual electrical

components are switched off one after the other to prevent the

battery from losing too much charge and to ensure that the engine

can be started reliably.

Power management

Dynamic power management

While the vehicle is moving, this function distributes the available

power to the various electrical components and systems according

to their requirements. The power management ensures that on-

board systems do not consume more electrical power than the

alternator can supply, and thus maintains the maximum possible

battery power level.

This system helps to ensure reliable starting

The power management controls the distribution of elec-

trical energy and thus helps to ensure that there is always

enough power available to start the engine.

If a vehicle with a conventional electrical system is left parked for a

long time, the battery will gradually lose its charge because certain

electrical equipment (such as the immobiliser) continues to draw

current even when the ignition is off. In some cases there may not

be enough power available to start the engine.

Note

• The power management system is not able to overcome the

given physical limits. Please remember that the power and life of

the battery are limited.

Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management

system to control the distribution of electrical energy. This signifi-

cantly improves reliability when starting the engine, and also

prolongs the life of the battery.

• A warning message will appear ⇒ page 193, “Driver message in

the instrument cluster display” if the battery power has dropped to

a level where reliable starting is impaired.

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193

When the engine is running

Points to remember

Although the alternator generates electrical power, the battery can

still become discharged while the vehicle is being driven. This can

occur when a lot of power is being consumed but only a small

amount supplied, especially if the battery is not fully charged

initially.

Starting ability has first priority.

Short trips, city traffic and low temperatures all place a heavy load

on the battery. In these conditions a large amount of power is

consumed, but only a small amount is supplied. The situation is also

critical if electrical equipment is in use when the engine is not

running. In this case power is consumed when none is being gener-

ated.

To restore the necessary energy balance, the system will then

temporarily shut off the electrical components that are using a lot

of power, or reduce the current they are consuming. Heating

systems in particular use a large amount of electrical power. If you

notice, for instance, that the seat heating* or the rear window

heater is not working, they may have been temporarily switched off

or regulated to a lower heat output. These systems will be available

again as soon as sufficient electrical power is available.

In these situations you will be aware that the power management

system is intervening to control the distribution of electrical power.

When the vehicle is parked for long periods

If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of several days or weeks,

the power management will gradually shut off the on-board

systems one by one, or reduce the amount of current they are using.

This limits the amount of power consumed and helps to ensure reli-

able starting even after a long period.

You may also notice that the engine runs at a slightly faster idling

speed. This is quite normal, and no cause for concern. The increased

idling speed allows the alternator to meet the greater power

requirement and charge the battery at the same time.

Please note that certain convenience features, such as the Audi

advanced key*, the remote control key or the electrical seat adjust-

ment may not be available when you unlock the vehicle. These func-

tions will be restored when you switch on the ignition and start the

engine.

Driver message in the instrument cluster

display

If battery power drops to a level at which you may encounter prob-

lems when starting the engine, the following message will appear

in the instrument cluster display:

With the engine switched off

If you listen to the radio or use the other MMI functions when the

engine is not running, this will discharge the battery.

 Low battery charge: Battery will be charged while driving

The MMI display will show this warning message before the battery

power drops to a level where the starting ability is impaired.

This message reminds you that the starting reliability may be

impaired. The message will disappear as soon as you set off and the

battery is charged.

Please start engine, otherwise system will switch off

in 3 minutes.

Message comes on and goes out again

This message warns you that the system you are using will be

switched off automatically after 3 minutes. You should therefore

start the engine if you wish to continue using the system.

If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched

on or while driving, and goes out again after a period of time, the

Controls

Safety

Driving tips

General maintenance

Self-help

Technical data

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battery has been charged up again sufficiently while the vehicle was

being driven.

Message comes on and does not go out

If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched

on or while driving, and does not go out again, the battery is not

being maintained at the proper power level. Starting reliability may

be impaired. You should have the battery checked by a qualified

workshop as soon as possible.

Driving tips -> Intelligent technology for Your Audi S5 4 Door Fourth Generation (2017-2024)

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