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

Towing a trailer239
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Check that the ball joint fits tightly in the mounting
fixture (try moving it about to check).
Electrical socket for trailer
– The cable of the towing bracket can be connected to the
socket ⇒page 238, fig. 242.If the safety check is not satisfactory, the ball joint must be fitted
again properly.
WARNING
To avoid accidents, the ball joint must meet all the safety require-
ments listed in the safety check. The towing bracket must not be
used if any one of these requirements is not met. If this is the case,
you should contact a qualified workshop.Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketRemoving the ball joint
– Take off the cover cap and insert the key ⇒fig. 243 in
the lock on the knob.
– Unlock the ball joint by turning the key clockwise.
– Take hold of the ball joint and pull out the knob in direc-
tion .
– Keep hold of the knob and turn it as far as it will go in
direction .
– Release the knob. The spring mechanism will remain in
the "ready" position ⇒.
– Pull the ball joint down out of the mounting fixture.
– Then swivel the socket up ⇒fig. 244 as far as it will go.
The mounting fixture will be closed automatically.
– Put away the ball joint attachment under the floor panel
in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Make sure that the socket unit has closed off the mounting fixture
of the towing bracket properly. Otherwise the ball joint may fail to
engage securely if dirt accumulates in the mounting fixture.
Fig. 243 Removable
towing bracket:
Removing the ball joint
Fig. 244 Area below
rear bumper: Folding
up the socketA8
Aa
Ab
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 239 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Towing a trailer 240Applies to vehicles: with towing bracketTowing bracket (retrofitting)
If required, the vehicle can be retrofitted with a towing
bracket.If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the car is purchased, this must
be done according to the instructions of the towing bracket manu-
facturer.
The securing points, which are marked by an in the illustrations
⇒fig. 245 and ⇒fig. 246, are located under the vehicle.
Audi dealers are familiar with the method of installation and any
modifications which may be required for the cooling system.
WARNING
•
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be
carried out by a qualified workshop.
•
If the towing bracket is incorrectly fitted, this could cause a
safety risk.
•
For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided
by the manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
If the connector socket is not fitted correctly, this could cause
damage to the vehicle's electrical system.
Fig. 245 Positions of
securing points (side
view)Fig. 246 Positions of
securing points (from
above)AA
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 240 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Towing a trailer241
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 241 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Self-help 288•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is
not possible with the sealing compound.
•
If tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar after driving about 10
minutes, the tyre is too badly damaged. Do not drive on. You
should obtain professional assistance.Caution
Take special care if you have to repair a tyre on a gradient.
Note
•
Do not use the compressor for longer than 6 minutes at a time,
as it could overheat. When the compressor has cooled down, you
can use it again.
•
If tyre sealant should leak out, leave it to dry and then pull it off
like foil.
•
After carrying out a tyre repair remember to buy a new tyre
sealant can at a qualified workshop. This will ensure that the Tyre
Mobility System is operative again.
•
Please observe the relevant regulations.
Changing a wheelPreparations
Some preparations are necessary before changing a
wheel.– If you have a flat tyre, stop the car well away from moving
traffic. Choose a location that is as level as possible.– All passengers should leave the car. They should wait in
a safe place (for instance behind the roadside crash
barrier).
– Apply the parking brake to stop the vehicle moving acci-
dentally.
–Engage first gear (manual gearbox) or move selector
lever to position P (automatic gearbox).
– When towing a trailer: unhitch the trailer from your
vehicle.
– Take the tools ⇒page 283 and the spare wheel*
⇒page 284 out of the luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you have a puncture in moving traffic, switch on the hazard
warning lights and place the warning triangle in a visible location.
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel oppo-
site the wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object
under it to prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe the relevant regulations.How to change a wheel
Change the wheel as described below.–Pull off the hub cap. Also refer to ⇒page 289, “Hub
caps”.
WARNING (continued)
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 288 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Self-help 296Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid
jerking the towrope. When towing on a loose surface there is always
a risk of overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
Caution
If there is no oil in the gearbox or no lubricant in the automatic
transmission the car may only be towed with the driven wheels
lifted clear of the road, or transported on a special car transporter
or trailer.
Note
•
Note the regulations concerning towing.
•
The hazard warning lights of both vehicles must normally be
switched on. However, observe any regulations to the contrary.
•
Make sure that the towrope is not twisted, as otherwise the front
towline anchorage on your vehicle could work itself loose.
Front towline anchorage
The front towline anchorage is only mounted if the vehicle
has to be towed.
The screw connection for the towline anchorage is located
behind a cover cap on the right side of the front bumper.
– Take the towline anchorage out of the vehicle's tool kit
⇒page 283.
– To detach the cover cap from the bumper, firmly press
the lower part of the cap inwards to release it ⇒fig. 280.
– Screw the towline anchorage firmly all the way into the
screw connection ⇒fig. 281.After use, unscrew the towline anchorage and put it back in the
toolbox. Replace the cap in the bumper. The towline anchorage
should always be kept in the vehicle.
WARNING
If the towline anchorage is not screwed in as far as the stop, there
is a risk of the screw connection shearing off during towing (acci-
dent risk).
Fig. 280 Front
bumper: Cover cap
Fig. 281 Front
bumper: Fitting the
towing eye
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 296 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Self-help 298
WARNING
There is a high risk of accidents when tow-starting, as the towed
vehicle can easily be driven into the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting the vehicle, do not tow it further than 50 metres:
otherwise the catalytic converter could be damaged.Towing a vehicle with manual gearbox and front-wheel drive
Towing is relatively straightforward.Please observe the notes ⇒page 295.
The vehicle can be towed using a towbar or towrope in the normal
way, with all four wheels on the road; it can also be towed with
either the front or rear wheels lifted off the road. The vehicle must
not be towed faster than 50 km/h.Towing a vehicle with automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive
Certain restrictions must be observed when towing your
vehicle.Please observe the notes ⇒page 295.
The vehicle can be towed with a towbar or towrope in the normal
way, with all four wheels on the ground. When doing so, please note
the following points:•
Release the parking brake ⇒page 121.
•
Make sure the selector lever is in the N position.
•
The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
•
The vehicle must not be towed further than 50 km. The reason
for this is: when the engine is not running, the gearbox oil pump
does not work and the gearbox is not adequately lubricated for
higher speeds or longer distances.
If the vehicle has to be towed with a breakdown truck, it must only
be suspended at the front wheels. The reason for this is: the drive
shafts are located on the front wheels. If the car is towed with the
rear wheels lifted off the road (i.e. travelling backwards), the drive
shafts also turn backwards. The planetary gears in the automatic
gearbox then turn at such high speeds that the gearbox will be
severely damaged in a short time.Note
If it is not possible to tow the vehicle as described above, or if it has
to be towed further than 50 km, it must be transported on a special
car transporter or trailer.Towing a vehicle with manual gearbox and four-wheel drive
Certain restrictions must be observed when towing your
vehicle.Please observe the notes ⇒page 295.
The vehicle can be towed with a towbar or towrope in the normal
way, with all four wheels on the ground. It can also be towed by a
breakdown truck, with the wheels lifted at either the front or rear.
When doing so, please note the following points:•
The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
•
The vehicle must not be towed further than 50 km.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 298 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Self-help299
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Note
If it is not possible to tow the vehicle as described above, or if it has
to be towed further than 50 km, it must be transported on a special
car transporter or trailer.Towing a vehicle with automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive
Certain restrictions must be observed when towing your
vehicle.Please observe the notes ⇒page 295.
The vehicle can be towed with a towbar or towrope in the normal
way, with all four wheels on the ground. When doing so, please note
the following points:•
Release the parking brake ⇒page 121.
•
Make sure the selector lever is in the N position.
•
The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
•
The vehicle must not be towed further than 50 km. The reason
for this is: when the engine is not running, the gearbox oil pump
does not work and the gearbox is not adequately lubricated for
higher speeds or longer distances.
The vehicle must not be towed with the wheels lifted at either the
front or rear.Note
If it is not possible to tow the vehicle as described above, or if it has
to be towed further than 50 km, it must be transported on a special
car transporter or trailer.
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 299 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Fuses and bulbs303
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Fuse list for luggage compartment– Remove the trim.
– Open the fuse cover.Fuse listFuse list
Fuse listNo.
Electrical equipment
amps
Fuse carrier (black)
1
Vacant
2
Control unit for trailer
15
3
Control unit for trailer
20
4
Control unit for trailer
20
5
Electronic parking brake
5
6
Electronic suspension control
15
7
Electro-mechanical parking brake
30
8
Control unit 2 for vehicle's electrical system
30
9
Vacant
Fig. 286 Diagram of
fuse panel
10
Control unit 2 for vehicle's electrical system
30
11
Control unit 2 for vehicle's electrical system
20
12
Vacant
No.
Electrical equipment
amps
Fuse carrier (brown)
1
Electrical socket
15
2
Vacant
3
Radio/navigation
7.5
4
Control unit for digital sound system
30
5
MMI
5
6
Door control unit (driver's side)
30
7
Electro-mechanical parking brake
30
8
Seat heating, rear
30
9
Door control unit (passenger side)
30
10
Remote control receiver for auxiliary heating
5
11
Door control unit (passenger side)
15
12
Control unit for reversing camera
5
No.
Electrical equipment
amps
Fuse carrier (red)
1
Socket, centre console, rear
15
2
Socket, centre console, front
15
3
Socket, luggage compartment
15
No.
Electrical equipment
amps
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 303 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

General notes 320General notesExplanation of technical dataWhere not otherwise indicated or separately listed, all technical
data apply to vehicles with standard equipment for the German
market. Other figures may apply for special versions and export
models.
Please note that the details listed in the vehicle's registration docu-
ments can be taken as correct.
Engine data
The figures for engine power output are determined according to
EU standards.
Performance figures
The performance figures were measured without equipment which
may influence performance, such as mudflaps or extremely wide-
section tyres.
Kerb weight (unladen weight)
These figures (kerb weight according to the currently applicable
version of EU Directive 92/21/EEC) apply to the vehicle with the tank
90% full, with no special equipment. The figures include an addi-
tional 75 kg to allow for the weight of the driver.
When towing a trailer, the gross vehicle weight may be exceeded by
up to 30 kg and the maximum rear axle weight may be exceeded by
up to 80 kg.
Maximum trailer weights
The maximum trailer weights are calculated in accordance with the
currently applicable version of EU Directive 92/21/EEC.
The figures for a trailer with brakes, on gradients up to 8% are appli-
cable only up to a maximum speed of 80 km/h (even though higher
speeds may be permitted when towing a trailer in some countries).The figures for a trailer with brakes on gradients up to 12% and for
the weight of car and trailer on gradients up to 12% are applicable
up to a maximum speed of 100 km/h. This maximum speed must not
be exceeded even in countries where higher speeds are permitted.
Maximum draw bar loading
The vertical load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint of
the towing bracket must not exceed 80 kg.
In the interest of safety, we recommend applying the maximum
permitted draw bar weight. The stability of the trailer could be
adversely affected if too little weight is applied.
If the maximum permitted drawbar weight cannot be obtained, e.g.
when using small or light trailers, statutory regulations require that
the drawbar weight be at least 4% of the actual trailer weight (for
single-axle trailers or twin-axle trailers with an axle spacing less
than 1.0 m).
Dimensions1) The height of the vehicle depends on the tyres and suspension.
Take care not to damage low-mounted parts of the car (such as the
spoiler or exhaust system) on steep ramps, uneven road surfaces or
roadside kerbs, etc.
This applies especially when the vehicle is fully laden.Length
mm
4703
Width
mm
1826
Width across mirrors
mm
1953
Height, unladen
1)
mm
1417-1437
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 320 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09

Performance, weights and dimensions323
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Performance, weights and dimensionsPetrol enginesA4 1.8Engine data
Performance figures
WeightsMaximum trailer weights
2)
Engine oil
MG = Manual gearbox / AG = Automatic gearbox1) With slight loss of power2) The specified trailer weights apply only to vehicles with a factory-
fitted towing bracket.
Power output
118 kW at 4500 - 6000 rpm
Maximum torque
250 Nm at 1500 - 4500 rpm
Cylinders, capacity
4 cylinders, 1,798 cm
3
Fuel
Premium unleaded 95 RON or
regular unleaded 91 RON
1)
MG
AG
Maximum speed
km/h
225
218
Acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h
sec.
8.6
8.6
MG
AG
Gross vehicle weight
kg
1960
2000
Kerb weight (unladen weight)
kg
1410
1450
Maximum front axle weight
kg
1035
1060
Maximum rear axle weight
kg
1050
1060
MG
AG
Trailer with brakes on
gradients up to 8%
kg
1500
1500
Trailer with brakes on
gradients up to 12%
kg
1300
1300
Weight of vehicle and
trailer on gradients up to 12%
kg
3330
3370
Trailer without brakes
kg
740
750
LongLife Service
VW 503 00, VW 504 00
Inspection Service
VW 502 00, VW 503 00, VW 504 00
Engine oil capacity
(including filter change)
approx. 4.6 litres
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 323 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09