sensor AUDI A5 2008 8T / 1.G User Guide
Page 65 of 313
Lights and vision63
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Automatic wash and wipe
– Pull the lever to position  .
– Release the lever again. The washer will stop and the 
wipers will keep running for approximately 4 seconds. 
The number of wipe cycles varies according to the length 
of time the lever is pulled.
Switching off the wipers
– Move the lever to the "off" position  .General notes
The washers and wipers will only work when the ignition is switched 
on.
If you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights, the wiper speed will automat-
ically be reduced by one level.
The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is 
switched on if the outside temperature is low.
Dribble wipe
About 5 seconds after the wash and wipe cycle has finished, the 
windscreen wiper system automatically gives the screen one extra 
wipe to remove any dribbles of water.
If you want to deactivate the dribble wipe function while driving, 
pull the lever to position   again within 10 seconds.
The dribble wipe function will be re-activated the next time the igni-
tion is switched off and on.
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor will only function in the intermittent wipe position. 
The intermittent wipe function is activated automatically when it 
starts to rain.
Before you reach a road speed of 6 km/h you will have to activate the 
rain sensor manually by switching it off and back on again.To reduce the sensitivity level of the rain sensor move control   
⇒page 62, fig. 64 to the left. To increase the sensitivity level of the 
rain sensor move the control to the right. 
If you have selected a high sensitivity level for the rain sensor the 
windscreen wipers will react sooner to any moisture on the wind-
screen. The wiper intervals in the intermittent wipe setting are also 
varied automatically according to the road speed (in addition to the 
sensitivity setting).
WARNING
•
Poor visibility can cause accidents. Always ensure that the 
wiper blades are in good condition ⇒page 65, “Changing wiper 
blades”.
•
The rain sensor is only intended to assist the driver. The driver 
is still obliged to manually operate the windscreen wipers as 
required depending on visibility.
•
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad 
visibility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at 
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a 
serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper 
blades to judder.Caution
•
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not 
frozen to the glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you 
switch on the wipers when the wiper blades are frozen to the glass, 
this could damage both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
•
Make sure you switch off the windscreen wiper system (lever in 
position "0") before you use an automatic car wash. This will avoid 
inadvertent triggering of the wipers and possible damage to the 
wiper system.
A5
A0
A5
AA
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Lights and vision 64
Note•
Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long 
journey. Filling the reservoir ⇒page 242.
•
Worn or dirty wiper blades can cause smearing on the glass 
which can also impair the effectiveness of the rain sensor. Please 
check the wiper blades regularly.
Applies to vehicles: with headlight washersHeadlight washer systemThe headlight washer system only operates when the lights 
are switched on.
– Move the automatic wash and wipe lever to position   
⇒page 62, fig. 64.The headlight washer system is always activated the first time you 
operate the automatic wash and wipe. Subsequently, it is only acti-
vated about every five wash and wipe cycles. The headlights are 
always washed if you hold the lever for longer than about 
2 seconds.
The headlight washer jets come out of the bumper automatically 
(under water pressure).
Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the lenses at regular 
intervals, for instance when stopping for fuel.
To ensure that the system works properly in winter, keep the nozzle 
holders free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer spray.
Service position
Use the service position to change the wiper blades.You can set the wipers to the service position on the sound 
system or MMI*.
– If the wiper blades are not frozen to the windscreen, 
move the windscreen wiper lever to the "off" position   
⇒page 62, fig. 64.
– Select: Function selector button   > Windscreen 
wipers > Service position ⇒fig. 65.•
on - the wiper blades can only be replaced when the wiper arms 
are in the service position ⇒fig. 66. If you only work on the wipers 
A5
Fig. 65  MMI display: 
Windscreen wipersFig. 66  Service posi-
tion
A0
CAR
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Page 68 of 313
Lights and vision 66
Anti-dazzle setting
– Pull the lever at the bottom of the mirror towards you.Applies to vehicles: with automatic anti-dazzle adjustment for interior mirrorAutomatic anti-dazzle adjustment
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on 
and off as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
– Press button   ⇒fig. 68 - the indicator lamp   will go 
out.
Switching on anti-dazzle function
– Press button   - the indicator lamp   will light up.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is 
switched on. The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror 
housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is activated the interior mirror will 
darken automatically according to the amount of light it receives 
(for example from the headlights of a vehicle behind). The mirror 
will not darken automatically:
•
when the interior lighting is switched on
•
when reverse gear is engaged
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause 
irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory organs. Wash thor-
oughly with clean water should you come into contact with this 
fluid. Seek medical assistance if needed.
Caution
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to 
plastic surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove the fluid as soon 
as possible.
Note
•
If you switch off the anti-dazzle function for the interior mirror, 
this will also deactivate the anti-dazzle function for the exterior 
mirrors.
•
The automatic anti-dazzle function will only work properly if the 
sun blind* for the rear window is not in use and there are no other 
objects preventing light from reaching the interior mirror.
•
Do not attach any stickers to the windscreen in front of the 
sensors, as these could lead to malfunctioning of the mirror.
Fig. 68  Anti-dazzle 
interior mirror: On/off 
button with indicator 
lamp
AA
AB
AA
AB
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Page 97 of 313
Heating and cooling95
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Note
The grille on the control console ⇒page 94, fig. 106 must be kept 
free. Please ensure that it is not covered by stickers or similar. Meas-
uring sensors are located behind it.Applies to vehicles: with deluxe automatic air conditionerSwitching on and offSwitching on air conditioner
– Press the   button briefly, or
– Press the   button.
Switching off air conditioner
– Press the   button to switch off the air conditioner 
and cut off the supply of fresh air from outside the 
vehicle.The air conditioner will switch on again if one of the control buttons 
is pressed.
Applies to vehicles: with deluxe automatic air conditionerAutomatic mode 
The standard operating mode for all seasons.Switching on automatic mode
– Select a temperature between +16 °C (60 °F) and +28 °C 
(84 °F).
– Press the   button.The automatic mode maintains a constant temperature inside the 
vehicle and dehumidifies the air. Air temperature, air delivery and 
air distribution are regulated automatically to reach the desired 
interior temperature as quickly as possible, and then to maintain 
this temperature. The system automatically compensates for any 
variations in the outside temperature and for the effect of direct 
sunlight.
The automatic temperature regulation only operates at temperature 
settings between +16 °C and +28 °C. If a temperature below +16 °C 
is selected, LO appears on the display. If a temperature above +28 °C 
is selected, the display will show HI. In the two extreme settings the 
air conditioner operates continuously with maximum cooling or 
heating output, and the temperature is not regulated 
automatically.
Air distribution 
⇒page 97
Defrosting windows
⇒page 98
Heated rear window 
⇒page 98
Switching air cooling 
on/off 
⇒page 98
Seat heating
⇒page 115
a)The rotary control is also used to adjust the blower speed, air distribution 
and seat heating.Buttons
Function
Page
AC
OFFAUTOOFF
AUTO
AUTO
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Heating and cooling103
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with deluxe automatic air conditioner plusControls
The controls for the air conditioner at a glance.Fig. 116  Air conditioner controlsThe left-hand display shows the temperature selected for the left-
hand side, the right-hand display the temperature for the right-hand 
side.
The functions can be switched on and off by turning the controls or 
briefly pressing the buttons. The LEDs in the buttons light up when 
the function is switched on.
Note
•
The grille on the control console ⇒fig. 116 must be kept free. 
Please ensure that it is not covered by stickers or similar. Measuring 
sensors are located behind it.Buttons
Function
Page
Switching on and off 
⇒page 104
Automatic mode - drivers 
side/
front passengers side
⇒page 104
Temperature con-
trol 1
a)  
Temperature con-
trol 2a)
a)The rotary control is also used to adjust the blower speed, air distribution 
and seat heating.
Temperature selection - 
drivers side
Temperature selection - 
front passengers side
⇒page 104
Blower - driver's side/
front passenger's side
⇒page 105
 b)
b)The symbol differs slightly on some models.
Air recirculation mode
⇒page 106
Air distribution - drivers 
side/
front passengers side
⇒page 106
Defrosting windows
⇒page 107
Heated rear window 
⇒page 107
Switching air cooling 
on/off
⇒page 107
Seat heating
⇒page 115
OFFAUTOAC
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Page 112 of 313
Heating and cooling 110
– Select the desired air conditioner settings using the 
rotary pushbutton ⇒page 109, fig. 125.The following functions are available:•
Automatic air recirculation ⇒page 110
•
Synchronisation ⇒page 110
•
Auxiliary heating* ⇒page 111
•
Auxiliary ventilation* ⇒page 111
•
Running time* ⇒page 113
•
Timer status* ⇒page 112
•
Timer 1* ⇒page 112
•
Timer 2* ⇒page 112
•
Timer 3* ⇒page 112
•
Supplementary heater* ⇒page 110
Applies to vehicles: with deluxe automatic air conditioner plusAutomatic recirculation
If the outside air is polluted, an air purity sensor in the 
vehicle will automatically switch on the air recirculation.To prevent fumes, etc. in the outside air from entering the interior, 
we recommend that the automatic air recirculation should be 
switched on at all times.
If the air purity sensor in the air conditioner system detects a certain 
concentration of fumes in the outside air, the control unit will either 
pass the incoming air through the pollution filter or automatically 
switch on the air recirculation. If there is a high concentration of 
pollution in the outside air, the air conditioner automatically 
switches to air recirculation and cuts off the supply of air from the 
outside. As soon as the level of pollution decreases, air is fed into 
the vehicle from the outside again.
If the windows mist up when the automatic air recirculation is on, 
press the 
 button immediately.The automatic air recirculation can switch itself off in certain condi-
tions. If the outside temperature is less than about +10 °C, the auto-
matic air recirculation will only operate for 30 seconds. If the air 
conditioner is switched to the ECON mode, or if the outside temper-
ature is less than about -1 °C, the automatic air recirculation will 
only operate for 15 seconds.
Applies to vehicles: with deluxe automatic air conditioner plusSynchronisation
The air conditioner settings can be synchronised for all 
passengers.When the synchronisation function is on, the driver's settings are 
also applied to the front passenger or vice versa. Any subsequent 
changes to the air conditioner settings (except for the seat heating*) 
are also applied to the other occupant.
You can still change the setting on the “synchronised” side (this will 
deactivate the synchronisation function).Applies to vehicles: with diesel engineSupplementary heater– Set the Supplementary heater to auto or off.Models with a diesel engine are equipped with a supplementary 
heater to help warm up the interior more quickly. At outside temper-
atures below about +5 °C the supplementary heater is switched on 
(and off) automatically when the engine is running, depending on 
the coolant temperature, the temperature in the vehicle interior and 
the temperature the heater is set to.
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Heating and cooling115
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Transmitting range
The range of the remote control transmitter is about 600 metres. 
However, this can be greatly reduced by obstacles (buildings, etc.) 
between the remote control transmitter and the vehicle. Hold the 
aerial   upright when using the remote control.
You should not normally use the remote control at a distance of less 
than 3 metres from the vehicle. If you are closer than this, or if you 
use the remote control inside the vehicle, this can cause signal over-
load.
For the sake of the environment
Please dispose of old batteries in the proper manner so that they do 
not harm the environment.Seat heatingApplies to vehicles: with front seat heatingSeat heating for front seats 
The seat cushions and backrests of the front seats can be 
heated electrically.– Press the button for the seat heating  .– Turn the rotary control to the desired setting.
In setting 0 the seat heating is switched off. Possible settings range 
from 1 to 6.
The seat heating setting will be shown on the MMI display 
⇒fig. 132 for a few seconds if the MMI is switched on.
Caution
To avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heating, please 
do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure at a single point.Applies to vehicles: with seat heating for rear seatsSeat heating for rear seats
The seat cushions and backrests of the two outer rear 
seats can be heated electrically.– Turn the left thumbwheel (on the centre console) to 
switch on and regulate the heating for the left rear seat.
– Turn the right thumbwheel (on the centre console) to 
switch on and regulate the heating for the right rear seat.The heating is switched off when the thumbwheel is set to 0. 
Possible settings range from 1 to 6.
The heating for the rear seats only operates when a sensor registers 
the weight of the occupant in the seat. If nobody is travelling on the 
rear seats, please switch off the rear seat heating to avoid activating 
it unintentionally.
Caution
To avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heating, please 
do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure at a single point.
A4
Fig. 132  MMI display: 
Seat heating
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Page 139 of 313
Audi parking system137
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Audi parking systemParking aid systemsApplies to vehicles: with parking systemGeneral notes
Depending on the optional equipment fitted, there are 
various parking aid systems to assist you when parking or 
manoeuvring in tight spaces.parking system*:
The parking system comprises the rear acoustic parking aid 
⇒page 137.
The rear acoustic parking system uses ultrasonic sensors to 
measure the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle which 
has been detected. There are four sensors which are located in the 
rear bumper (two in the centre, two at the sides).
parking system plus*:
The parking system plus* comprises the rear and front acoustic 
parking aid ⇒page 138 in conjunction with a graphic display.
The parking system plus* uses ultrasonic sensors to measure the 
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle which has been 
detected. There are a total of 8 sensors located in the front and rear 
bumpers (2 in the centre and 2 on the side of each bumper).
parking system advanced*:
The parking system advanced* comprises the rear and front 
acoustic parking aid in conjunction with the graphic display as well 
as a reversing camera (Rear View) ⇒page 140.
The reversing camera is located in the boot lid ⇒page 140, fig. 154 
and assists the driver when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces. 
The reversing camera provides an image which is shown in the MMI display. It represents the mirror image of a section of the area 
behind the vehicle ⇒page 144, fig. 159.
Note
There is a slight delay in the picture display.parking systemApplies to vehicles: with parking systemRear parking aid
The parking aid gives an acoustic warning if it detects any 
obstacles behind the vehicle.– Engage reverse gear. You will hear a short beep to 
confirm that the rear parking aid has been activated. The 
rear parking aid remains active for as long as the reverse 
gear is engaged.The measuring range of the sensors in the rear bumper starts at 
approximately:
Reversing
When the vehicle is reversing, the system starts to beep when it 
registers an obstacle within its detection range (see above). The 
warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle approaches 
the obstacle.Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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Audi parking system 138When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle 
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest, 
the driver should then not reverse any further.
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after 
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from 
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer 
than 0.30 m). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if 
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and 
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not regis-
tered. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no small 
children or animals near the vehicle, as the sensors may not 
always be able to detect them.
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the 
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking 
and other manoeuvres. Always keep a close watch on the area 
around the vehicle.
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no 
longer be registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the 
system will not give any further warning. Certain kinds of obsta-
cles (such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw 
bars, etc.) may not always be detected by the system (accident 
risk).Note
•
To ensure that the acoustic parking aid works properly, the 
sensors must be kept clean and free of snow and ice. Please observe 
the additional notes on ⇒page 152.
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 147.
parking system plusApplies to vehicles: with parking system plusParking aid (front and rear), with display
The parking aid gives an acoustic and a visual warning if 
it detects any obstacles in front of or behind the vehicle.The parking aid switch 
 is located in the centre console or 
next to the selector lever, depending on the equipment 
fitted.
Fig. 152  Parking aid 
switch in centre 
consoleFig. 153  MMI display: 
proximity graphic
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Audi parking system139
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating
– Engage reverse gear to automatically activate the 
parking system plus, or
– Press the switch 
 ⇒page 138, fig. 152 in the centre 
console to activate the parking system plus manually. 
You will hear a short beep to confirm that the parking 
system has been activated. The indicator lamp in the 
switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forwards faster than approx. 10 km/h, or
– Switch off the ignition to automatically deactivate the 
complete parking system, or
– Press the switch 
 ⇒page 138, fig. 152 to deactivate the 
parking system plus manually. The indicator lamp in the 
switch will go out.
Activate the system manually if you are driving forwards and would 
like the system to give a warning as you approach potential obsta-
cles, for instance when parking.
The measuring range of the sensors in the front and rear bumpers 
starts at approximately:
Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and 
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.Mute function
An acoustic proximity warning is cancelled when you apply the 
parking brake or move the selector lever of the automatic gearbox 
to position P. However, the system remains active. The warning 
beeps will start again as soon as you release the parking brake or 
move the selector lever out of position P if the system has detected 
an obstacle.
Reversing/driving forwards
When the vehicle is reversing/driving forwards, the system starts to 
beep if it registers an obstacle within its detection range (see 
above). The warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle 
approaches the obstacle.
When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle 
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest, 
the driver should then not reverse/drive forwards any further.
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after 
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from 
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer 
than 0.30 m). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if 
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Parking
If the parking manoeuvre involves shunting backwards and 
forwards, the warning sound will be switched off temporarily while 
you change gear. The proximity graphic will, however, still be 
displayed on the MMI screen. The warnings will then return to the 
normal volume if the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle 
again.
Graphic display
The segments in the MMI display indicate the distance between the 
vehicle and a detected obstacle. The number of segments shown 
depends on the obstacle in front of or behind the vehicle. The closer 
the vehicle gets to the obstacle the closer the segments move 
towards the vehicle in the graphic ⇒page 138, fig. 153. At the latest 
when the penultimate segment is highlighted the vehicle has Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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