tow AUDI A7 2021 Owner´s Manual

4K8012721BF
Driving

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
= page 94. See an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
fw Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact
Service
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 shift to “P”.
A / {Q) Parking brake: warning! Vehicle parked
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.
fa / Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal
to release the parking brake.
Special driving situations
Sy Seas ASLAN LLS)
Applies to: RS models
When driving in a sporty style, the wear on all ve-
hicle components is greatly increased, especially
on the engine, transmission, tires, brakes, and
suspension. This can result in increased wear. Al-
so note the following points:
— Make sure the vehicle is in good condition.
Make sure to check the brake pads, tire tread,
and tire pressure (when tires are warm).
— Beforehand, warm up the engine by driving no
higher than two-thirds of the maximum permit-
ted engine RPM. The engine oil must be
brought to a minimum temperature of 158 °F
(70°C).
— Before stopping the vehicle, allow the engine
and brakes to cool back down to a regular oper-
ating temperature by driving normally.
If necessary, use the following functions:
— Dynamic Audi drive select mode* > page 111
— Launch Control > page 98
— Limit ESC > page 116
@ Tips
Wear caused by load does not constitute a ve-
hicle fault as defined by the terms of the war-
ranty.
Driving uphill and downhill
When driving uphill, downhill, or at high alti-
tudes, note the following information:
— Drive slowly and carefully.
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-
verse.
— When driving down hills, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
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 switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving
downhill by selecting the “S” driving program
=> page 96. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Apply the brakes in intervals and do not press
the brake pedal continuously.

ZA\ WARNING
— 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.
— 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.
— Always be ready to brake when using the hill
descent control function.

109

Driving dynamic

Steering
The power steering will adapt. Light steering is
suitable for long trips on highways or smooth
driving around curves, for example.
Suspension
The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more
comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-
ing for uneven spots on the road.
The vehicle ground clearance is adjusted by the
air suspension” based on the setting.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to
sporty. In the automatic setting, the engine
sound depends on the selected driving program.
quattro with sport differential
Applies to: RS models
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
=>page 115.
ESC
Applies to: RS models
The ESC sport mode can be activated. Also refer
to the important information regarding driving
with ESC limited > page 116.
Suspension
PCED aN eer ute)
Applies to: vehicles with suspension control
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.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The air suspension is an electronically-controlled
suspension and leveling system. The firmness of
the suspension will adapt to the driving condi-
tions and the driving situation. The system balan-
ces out changes in load. The vehicle level will also
112
adapt gradually to the vehicle speed in order to
reduce the wind resistance at high speeds and in-
crease the ground clearance at low speeds. The
settings depend on the selected Audi drive se-
lect* mode.
Displaying the vehicle level
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
The filled-in boxes represent the current vehicle
level. The more boxes that are filled in, the high-
er the ground clearance. The box that corre-
sponds with the current vehicle level will flash
while the vehicle is lifting or lowering. The target
level is highlighted in color.
Raising the vehicle
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
> Press Raise to reach the highest vehicle level
and thus the maximum ground clearance.
» Press Lower to lower the vehicle down again.
The vehicle will lower at speeds of approximately
22 mph (35 km/h) and below. This function may
only be used temporarily when increased ground
clearance is necessary. It is not intended for long
drives.
@) Note
— Also refer to the information about ground
clearance > page 112.
— When transporting the vehicle on a road
carrier,
rail carrier, ship carrier, or other car-
rier, it may only be secured at the running
surfaces of the tires (circumference). Secur-
ing the vehicle at the axle components, sus-
pension struts, or towing eyes is not permit-
ted because the pressure in the air suspen-
sion struts can change during transport. The
vehicle might not be secured sufficiently if
this happens.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature

Driving dynamic

wheels to reduce the steering effort needed by
the driver and to reduce the turning radius. Vehi-
cle handling improves. At high speeds, steering
the rear wheels in the same direction as the front
wheels improves the vehicle response and driving
stability. The vehicle reacts quickly and precisely
to the driver's steering movements.
Messages
& Steering: malfunction! Please stop 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. Do not continue driv-
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
& Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle.
Pay attention to distance at side
The rear axle steering may have failed. More
space on the road may be needed at the side of
the vehicle, and the turning radius may be much
larger. Slow down immediately, and stop your ve-
hicle as soon as possible in a safe location with
enough space at the sides of the vehicle. Do not
continue driving. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
io] Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Secure the
vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle
= page 94. Do not tow your vehicle because it
cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
& 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 sys-
tem checked immediately by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Please
note that the red indicator light may turn on af-
ter restarting the engine. Do not continue driving
if it does.
114
a Steering: malfunction! Adapt driving style.
Larger turning radius
The rear axle steering may have failed. The vehi-
cle will have a larger turning radius, and the sta-
bility when driving around curves will be compa-
rable to a vehicle without rear axle steering. Drive
carefully to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction
corrected.
& Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
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 repaired.
Dynamic steering: correcting steering wheel
position
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 switched off.
The display turns off if the initialization was suc-
cessful.

Z\ 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.
—Ifthe a or & indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.

ALL wheel drive (quattro)
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
> page 116.

Driving dynamic

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the
system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
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.
In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off
to keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.
EDL will switch on again automatically when con-
ditions have returned to normal.
Selective wheel torque control
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.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.

ZA\ WARNING
— The ESC and its integrated systems cannot
overcome the limits imposed by natural
physical laws. This is especially important 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 in-
creased safety provided tempt you into tak-
ing risks. This could increase your risk of a
collision.
— Please note the risk of a collision increases
when driving fast, especially through curves

116

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
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.
G) Tips
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly
when all four wheels have a similar wear
condition. Different tire sizes can lead toa
reduction in engine power.
— You may hear noises when the systems de-
scribed are working.
The So button (or , depending on the model)
for controlling the ESC is located in the center
console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is
automatically switched on when the ignition is
switched on.

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 a 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.
—To limit the ESC, press the oF button briefly.
The B indicator light will turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Switching off ESC
For a more active control of the vehicle where the
stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,
the ESC can be switched off.

4K8012721BF
High-voltage system



ZA WARNING
Applies to: Audi charging systems
Sockets that are installed incorrectly can
cause electric shock or fire when charging the
high-voltage battery using the vehicle charg-
ing connection.
— Read all information and safety precautions
for Audi charging systems before using
them.
— Monitor the Audi charging system if it is be-
ing used near children.
— Installation and setup of the household con-
nection for Audi charging systems may only
be performed by a qualified electrician. The
qualified electrician is thereby responsible
for adhering to applicable standards and
regulations.
— Make sure that the household socket is
grounded and shielded from water.
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac-
cording to the specifications in the operat-
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— Audi charging systems are intended for use
in private and semi-private areas (for exam-
ple, private property and company parking
lots). Depending on the country where the
vehicle is operated, charging with a mode 2
charging cable (meaning charging with the
Audi charging system) may be prohibited in
public areas. Contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
more information.
— Operate the Audi charging systems in power
networks that are properly grounded. It can-
not be used with non-grounded power net-
works (such as IT networks).
— When charging the high-voltage battery us-
ing household/industrial sockets, the elec-
trical installation can be used at full capaci-
ty. Having a qualified electrician regularly in-
spect the electrical installations that are
used for charging is recommended.
— If possible, disconnect Audi charging sys-
tems from the power network during a
thunderstorm.

— Never submerge the Audi charging systems
or the connectors in water.
— Audi charging systems must only be cleaned
when the control unit is completely discon-
nected from the power supply and from the
vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean.
— Audi charging systems are only intended for
use on Audi vehicles and vehicles within the
Volkswagen Group. Using the devices on
vehicles made by another manufacturer is
not authorized.


CG) Note
— Severely draining the high-voltage battery
can damage it. Once a O mi (0 km) electric
range is displayed, charge the high-voltage
battery within two months. If the stationary
time is unknown with the electric range at 0
mi (0 km), charge the high-voltage battery
immediately. Even if the vehicle is not used,
the high-voltage battery charge level will
naturally reduce over time. To avoid a total
battery drain during long periods without
use (more than one year), charge the high-
voltage battery to the highest level possible
before discontinuing driving it.
— Make sure that you always use the correct
charging equipment for the country in
which it is being used. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for more information.
G) Tips
— Your vehicle can only be charged at charging
stations that meet the requirements in the
respective country and meet the following
standards, at a minimum:
— GB/T 18487.1 and GB/T 20234 (China)
— IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (Europe)
— SAE J1772 (North America, Japan)
— You can use your Audi charging system if
there is a household or industrial connec-
tion available at the charging station.
121

4K8012721BF
High-voltage system


Meaning

Do not use any travel adapters.

Do not use any power strips.

, Do not use any charging cables with
oo, damage to the electronics or the
connecting wires.

Operate the Audi charging system

in single-phase power supplies.

Grounding instructions
Audi charging systems must be grounded. If it
should malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric
current to reduce the risk of electric shock. Audi
charging systems are equipped with a cord hav-
ing an equipment grounding conductor anda
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into
an appropriate outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.

Z\ WARNING
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor is able to result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified elec-
trician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to
whether the product is properly grounded. Do
not modify the plug provided with the product
— if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper out-


let installed by a qualified electrician.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

ki
Fig. 86 Luggage compartment: transport bag

Always store the charging equipment securely
before transporting.
> Open the luggage compartment lid > page 43.
> Stow the charging equipment in the transport
bag.
>» Secure the transport bag using the tie-downs
=> page 85.
> Close the luggage compartment lid.

ZA\ WARNING
If the charging equipment is not secured or
positioned correctly, it can slide out of place
and endanger vehicle occupants when brak-
ing, when changing directions, or in a colli-
sion.
— Only transport charging equipment in the
transport bag in the luggage compartment
and never unsecured or in the passenger
compartment.
@) Note
Always lift or carry the Audi charging system
as one unit and never by the cables.

127

4K8012721BF

High-voltage system

g or attac g the cable
icles with Audi charging system

Applies to:


B4G-0681 Nn?

— Only change cables in a dry environment.
— The Audi charging system may only be used
as a complete unit consisting of the power
cables, the control unit, and the vehicle ca-
ble. Depending on the country, the total
length of the power cable, control panel and
vehicle cable may be restricted, for example
to 24.6 feet (7.5 m) in the USA. Audi recom-



Fig. 89 Control unit: removing and attaching the cable
Requirements:
> The charging process for the high-voltage bat-
tery must be ended > page 123.
> The vehicle charging connector must be re-
moved from the vehicle charging port.
> The power cable must be removed from the
socket.
Loosening the cable
» If necessary, loosen the screw @) using the
screwdriver provided.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Pull the connector @) out just until you feel re-
sistance.
> Close the lever @ until it is resting on the con-
nector @).
» Remove the connector (2) completely.
Attaching the cable
> Lift the lever @ up slightly.
> Insert the connector (2) into the control unit
just until you feel resistance.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Insert the connector (2) all the way into the
control unit.
> Close the lever @).
> Tighten the screw @) using the screwdriver pro-
vided.

A WARNING
— Note the warnings for charging > A in
Charging on page 123.
— Before switching a cable, always unplug the
power cable from the socket.

mends using only cables approved by Audi.
Gi) Tips
The power cable with the power connector for
industrial sockets and the Audi charging sys-
tem control unit are designed to work togeth-
er. Changing the power cable to another con-
nector type may reduce the available charging
power of the entire system. Limitations on
the ability to transfer power (current capacity)
depending on the phase and the number of
available phases may affect the available
charging power.


Wall clip
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive and wall mount
clip

RAZ-0638,

Fig. 90 Wall mount clip: securing the Audi charging system
Securing the Audi charging system
> First insert the control unit in the bottom tabs
on the wall mount clip and then into the upper
tabs.
> Push the control unit in the direction of the ar-
row toward the rear > fig. 90 and let it lock into
place.
> Wrap the excess length of cable around the
charging connector mount (@) when you are not
charging the high-voltage battery.
> Plug the power cable into the socket @).
133

4K8012721BF
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
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.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch

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.
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.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
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.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @®.
CG) Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. Otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— 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.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 284. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
135
>

Trailer towing

you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* Comfort mode > page 111
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 112.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 112.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch trailer mode off again when you are no
longer towing a trailer.
When using rear carrier systems that are mount-
ed directly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can
also switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 112.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the Com-
fort level will no longer be available, even if you
are lowering the vehicle manually.
136

ZA WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
C) Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* Comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function checked by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
@) 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.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Pie Rie Relig
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.

Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.

4K8012721BF
Trailer towing

Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Conventional drive system: Downshift before
driving on hills to utilize the engine braking ef-
fect SA.
Plug-in hybrid drive system: Reduce the speed
and use the recuperation braking effect
=> page 101 to relieve the brakes > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.
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
=> page 14. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

Z\ 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.

137