ECO mode AUDI A4 2008 B8 / 4.G Owner's Manual

Automatic gearbox 162Automatic gearboxmultitronic
®, tiptronic (6-speed
gearbox)
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicIntroductionApplies to vehicles with multitronic
® gearbox
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled continu-
ously variable transmission (multitronic
®). Unlike conventional
automatics, the gear ratios are not shifted in fixed steps but contin-
uously variable. This gives smoother transmission and makes for
better fuel economy.
The gearbox selects the gear ratio and shifts up or down automati-
cally according to the gear change programmes stored in the
control unit ⇒page 166.
If desired, you can also select the gears manually (tiptronic mode)
⇒page 166.
Please note that on vehicles with a multitronic® gearbox, torque is
transmitted via a multi-plate clutch, and not via a torque converter
as on conventional automatics. This means that the car will not
“creep” as much as conventional automatics when the engine is
idling if you stop temporarily with the selector lever in position D, S
or R.
Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled 6-speed
automatic gearbox. The gearbox changes up and down automati-
cally.
If desired, you can also select the gears manually (tiptronic mode)
⇒page 166.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicGeneral notes on using multitronic
®
The gears are changed automatically.Driving away from a standstill
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the interlock button (the button in the
selector lever handle), move the selector lever to the
desired position, for instance D, and release the interlock
button.
– Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a slight move-
ment can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒.
Stopping briefly
– Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle when stationary
(for instance at traffic lights).
Fig. 177 Detail of the
centre console:
Selector lever with
interlock button
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Automatic gearbox 164moving the selector lever either in or out of position P. The lever can
only be moved out of position P when the ignition is on.
R - Reverse gear
When reverse gear is engaged the gearbox automatically selects the
lowest gear ratio.
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary
and the engine is idling ⇒.
To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock
button and at the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on
the model, one or two reversing lights will come on in selector lever
position R (when ignition is switched on).
N - Neutral
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically selects the best gear
ratio. This depends on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control program (DCP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
In some situations (such as on mountain roads or when towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to
tiptronic mode ⇒page 166, so that the gear ratios can be selected
manually to suit the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
Select this position if you wish to take full advantage of the car's
performance. This setting makes use of the engine's maximum
power output. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
WARNING
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving, as this
could cause an accident.
•
In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with
the foot brake when the engine is running. This is because an auto-
matic gearbox still transmits power even at idling speed, and the
vehicle tends to “creep”. The throttle must on no account be
opened inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine
compartment) when a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately (in some
cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an
accident.
•
To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the
selector lever in position P before opening the bonnet and working
on the vehicle with the engine running. Please observe the impor-
tant safety warnings ⇒page 255, “Working on components in the
engine compartment”.Note
You can select the sport program for gear changes on vehicles with
Audi drive select* by activating the DYNAMIC mode. There is no S
position on the selector lever.•
Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox:
•
If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, release the
accelerator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting
D or S again.
•
For the sake of fuel economy (and the environment), the gearbox
ratios on some models are designed so that maximum speed is only
obtained when the selector lever is at position S.
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Automatic gearbox 166
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-
down feature could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding.Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicDynamic gear control program (DCP)
The automatic gearbox is controlled electronically.The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled gearbox.
The gear ratios are selected automatically according to preset gear-
shift programmes.
When you drive at moderate speeds the gearbox will select the most
economical shift programme. It will then change up early and delay
the downshifts to give better fuel economy.
If you drive at higher speeds with heavy acceleration, if you open the
throttle quickly, or if you use the kick-down or the car's maximum
speed, the gearbox will automatically select the more “sporty” shift
programmes.
The gearbox is self-adapting, and continuously selects the most
suitable shift programme. At the same time, the driver can also
make the gearbox switch to a more "sporty" programme by pressing
the accelerator quickly. Depending on road speed, this makes the
gearbox shift down early into a lower gear ratio for more rapid accel-
eration (for instance to pass another vehicle), without having to
press the accelerator all the way down into the kick-down position.
After the gearbox has shifted back up it returns to the original
programme, depending on your style of driving.
Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: The gearbox continuously
adapts the gear ratios on uphill gradients. If the brake pedal is
pressed on a downhill gradient the gearbox automatically shifts to
a lower gear ratio. This increases the engine braking effect.Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: The gearbox adapts the gearshifts
for uphill and downhill gradients. This prevents the gearbox from
shifting up and down unnecessarily on uphill gradients.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicManual gear selection (tiptronic mode)
With the manual shift programme (tiptronic) the driver
can manually select pre-programmed gears.Switching over to the manual programme
– From position D, push the selector lever to the right. As
soon as the automatic gearbox has changed over to this
programme, the display will show the selected gear.
Fig. 180 Centre
console: Manual gear
selection (tiptronic
mode)Fig. 181 Display:
Manual gear selection
(tiptronic mode)
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Parking aid 172garage ⇒fig. 187. Select “parking mode 2” if you wish to park
parallel to the roadside ⇒fig. 188.Applies to vehicles: with Audi parking system advancedDescriptionThe reversing camera covers approximately the area depicted in
⇒fig. 189 and ⇒fig. 190 . This is the area you will see in the
picture on the MMI display. Orientation lines and colour markings
are projected onto the picture to help you when parking or mano-
evring in tight spaces. Objects out of range of the camera in area
do not appear in the picture on the MMI display.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi parking system advancedGeneral notesWe recommend that you practise parking with the reversing camera
in a quiet location (car park or similar) in order to become familiar
with the system, including the orientation lines and all the other
features. Ideally, the weather and light conditions should be good.
Vehicles or other objects shown in the MMI display appear to be
further away or closer, if:•
you are reversing from a horizontal surface up a gradient or
down a hill,
•
you are reversing towards protruding objects,
•
the vehicle has been loaded with a greater load on the rear.
The accuracy of the orientation lines and the blue area markings
decreases if:
•
the reversing camera does not provide a reliable image, e.g. if
visibility is poor or the lens is dirty,
•
the sun is so dazzling that you cannot see the image on the
display screen.
How to clean the lens of the reversing camera
The reversing camera is located above the rear number plate. To
ensure that the parking aid works properly, the lens ⇒fig. 191 must
be kept clean.
Fig. 189 Viewed from
above: Area covered by
the reversing cameraFig. 190 Side view: :
Area covered by the
reversing camera; :
area NOT covered by
the reversing camera
A1A2
A1
A2
Fig. 1 91 Bo o t lid : Lo c a-
tion of reversing
camera
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HomeLink 180
At the operating unit
1. Switch on the ignition (do not start the engine).
2. Press and hold down the two outer HomeLink buttons
⇒page 179, fig. 197 until the indicator diode
⇒page 179, fig. 197 begins to flash after about
20 seconds. This procedure will delete the standard
factory settings and does not need to be repeated when
programming the other buttons.
3. Press the particular HomeLink button which you would
like to program.
4. Wait until the diode begins to flash. The HomeLink
module now remains in training mode for 5 minutes.
5. Now step in front of your vehicle with the original hand-
held transmitter for the garage door opener or any other
device you wish to assign to the HomeLink control
button.
At the radiator grille
6. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at or near the
centre of your car's radiator grille ⇒page 179, fig. 198.
7. Press the activator button on the original hand-held
transmitter.
8. As you do so, watch the turn signals on your vehicle.
HomeLink confirms successful programming by flashing
all four turn signals three times.
9. If the turn signals fail to flash three times, repeat the
procedure with the transmitter held at a different
distance from the radiator grille.
The proper distance between the hand-held transmitter and the
HomeLink module at the radiator grille depends on the system you
want to train. It may require several attempts.
The turn signals will flash once if the time limit for the programming
mode has been exceeded. In this case the programming procedure
needs to be performed again. Repeat the sequence at the operating
unit starting with step 3.
The programming instructions above also apply to the other control
buttons. Start with step 3 if you wish to proceed and program the
other two buttons.
If the garage door or other devices still fail to be activated with the
HomeLink control buttons after programming is completed, it is
possible that these systems might be working with a rolling code
instead of the normal fixed security code. If this is the case, a rolling
code programming is required in addition to the steps described
above. ⇒page 180Applies to vehicles: with HomeLinkRolling code programming
Some devices require rolling code programming of the
HomeLink universal transmitter.Identifying a rolling code
– Press the already programmed HomeLink button again
and hold it down.
–Watch HomeLink diode ⇒page 179, fig. 197. If the
diode starts flashing rapidly and turns into a constant
light after about 2 seconds, this indicates that the device
you wish to operate (e.g. a garage door opener) is
equipped with a rolling code.
– Program the rolling code as follows:
AA
AA
AA
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HomeLink181
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating the garage door opener drive unit
– Locate the programming button on the garage door
drive. The exact location and colour of the button may
vary depending on the type of garage door opener.
– Press the programming button on the door drive unit
(this will normally cause a “programming mode indicator
lamp” on the unit to light up). You now have about 30
seconds to start and complete the programming of the
HomeLink control button on the operating unit.
Programming at the operating unit in the
headliner
– Press and release the already programmed HomeLink
button.
– Press the HomeLink button again to complete rolling
code programming.After programming at the operating unit in the headliner, the
garage door opener should recognize the HomeLink signal and
respond when the HomeLink button is pressed. Now the other
control buttons can be programmed as required.
Note
•
Having a second person assist you makes programming of the
rolling code easier and faster. For some makes of garage door
openers the HomeLink button may have to be pressed a third time
to complete the training sequence.
•
If you encounter problems programming the rolling code you
may find helpful information in the operating instructions of the
garage door opener or other device you wish to operate.
Applies to vehicles: with HomeLinkOperating HomeLink
The programmed devices are activated by means of the
HomeLink control buttons in the headliner.– Make sure that the ignition is on.
– Press the programmed HomeLink button ⇒page 179,
fig. 197. The device assigned to that button (e.g. garage
door) will be activated.The HomeLink indicator diode ⇒page 179, fig. 197 will light up
when you press the button.Applies to vehicles: with HomeLinkErasing the button programming
You can erase the complete HomeLink programming by
pressing the two outer buttons.– Switch on the ignition (do not start the engine).
– Press and hold down the two outer buttons until the indi-
cator diode starts to flash ⇒page 179, fig. 197.
– Then release the buttons.After the programming of the HomeLink buttons has been erased,
the system will return to the training mode and is ready to be re-
programmed at any time.
Note
•
Programmed buttons cannot be erased individually.
•
For security reasons it is advisable to erase the programming of
the HomeLink buttons prior to selling your vehicle.
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Child safety 216Fitting child safety seatsGeneral information
Label on a child safety seat ⇒fig. 230
Approval number
Manufacturer's serial number.
The label also shows information on the use and weight class of the
child seat.
List of recommended child restraint systems
1) Under development.
For the current range of child seats from Audi Genuine Accessories
visit: http://www.audi.com
Fig. 230 Example of an
approval number on a
child safety seat
A1A2
Weight class
Identification
“Huckepack”
Audi Genuine
accessories
catalogue number
Manufacturer
Model
Approval number
0+
(up to 13 kg)
G0 Plus
00A.019.900.A
Britax Römer
Baby Safe Plus
E1 03301146
1
(9 to 18 kg)
G1 ISOFIX Duo Plus
00A.019.909.B
Britax Römer
Duo Plus
E1 03301133
2
(15 to 25 kg)
1)
1)
1)
1)
1)
3
(22 to 36 kg)
1)
1)
1)
1)
1)
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Child safety217
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Extended list of recommended child restraint systems
1)manufacturer details:
Company: FAIR srl
Address: Strada della Cisa 249/251, I- 42040 Sorbolo Levante di Bres-
cello (RE) / Italy.
http://www.fairbimbofix.com2) may also be secured with two-point seat belt.Weight class
Identification
Catalogue number
Manufacturer
Model /
Mode of securing seat
Approval number
0 - 1
(up to 18 kg)
ISOFIX RWF
4590.xx, 4710.xx
1)
FAIR
FAIR G0/ 1
rearward-facing with vehi-
cle-specific platform type A
(RWF)
E4 04443513
1
(9 to 18 kg)
ISOFIX FWF




Universal
4590.xx, 4610.xx
1)




4590.xx
1)
FAIR




FAIR
FAIR G0/ 1
forward-facing with vehicle-
specific platform type A
(FWF)

FAIR G0/ 1
standard three-point seat
belt
2)
E4 04443513




E4 03443416
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Intelligent technology 226Applies to vehicles: with four-wheel driveFour-wheel drive (quattro
®)
On quattro models the engine power is distributed to all
four wheelsGeneral 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 222, “Description”.
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 ⇒.
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.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars
with four-wheel drive ⇒page 273, “Snow chains”.
Replacing tyres
On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four tyres must have the same
rolling circumference. Also avoid using tyres with varying tread
depths ⇒page 270, “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.
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.
•
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).
•
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).
Power managementThis 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
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Your vehicle and the environment229
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Your vehicle and the environmentRunning inA new vehicle should be run in over a distance of 1,500 km. For the
first 1,000 km the engine speed should not exceed 2/3 of the
maximum permissible engine speed – do not use full throttle and do
not tow a trailer or caravan. From 1,000 to 1,500 km you can gradu-
ally increase the engine rpm and road speed.
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the
engine is greater than later on when all the moving parts have
bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500 km also influences the
engine quality. After the first 1,500 km you should continue driving
at moderate engine speeds, in particular when the engine is cold.
This helps to reduce wear and tear on the engine and increases the
potential mileage which can be covered by the engine.
You should also avoid driving with the engine speed too low.
Change down to a lower gear when the engine no longer runs
“smoothly”. Excessively high engine speeds are prevented by an
automatic rev limiter.Emission control systemsCatalytic converter
Applies to vehicles with petrol engine: The vehicle must only be
used with unleaded petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will be
destroyed.
Never run the tank completely dry. The irregular fuel supply can
cause misfiring, which would allow unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the
catalytic converter.Diesel particulate filter
Applies to vehicles with diesel engine: The diesel particulate filter
can filter out almost all soot particles contained in the exhaust gas.
In normal driving conditions the filter is self-cleaning. Should the
self-cleaning function of the filter not be able to operate, e.g. when
the vehicle is continuously used only for short trips, the filter
becomes obstructed with soot and the symbol

for the diesel
particulate filter lights up ⇒page 38.
WARNING
•
Because of the high temperatures which can occur in the emis-
sion control system (catalytic converter or diesel particulate
filter), do not park the vehicle where the exhaust can come into
contact with flammable materials under the car (e.g. on grass or
at the forest edge). - Fire hazard!
•
Do not apply any underseal agents in the area around the
exhaust system - fire hazard!
How to improve economy and minimise pollutionFuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine,
brakes and tyres depend largely on the way you drive the vehicle. By
adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic
situation ahead, you can reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. The
following section gives you some tips on lessening the impact on
the environment and reducing your operating costs at the same
time.
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