tow AUDI A4 2008 B8 / 4.G Owner's Guide

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 168
– Briefly pull the left-hand paddle lever to change down
to a lower gear.
– Briefly pull the right-hand paddle lever to change up
to a higher gear.The paddle levers are activated when the selector lever is in position
D or S, or the position for the manual shift programme (tiptronic).
The manual shift programme can, of course, still be operated using
the selector lever in the centre console.Applies to vehicles: with multitronic® or tiptronicManual release of selector lever
The selector lever can be released manually if the elec-
trical power supply should fail.
The manual release mechanism is behind the ashtray.
– Slide open the cover for the ashtray.
–Slide the switch ⇒fig. 183 to the right to release the
ashtray.
– Take out the ashtray .
– You will now see a small cover cap at the front of the
opening in the ashtray mounting unit.
– Loosen and remove this cover cap.
– Use a screwdriver or similar object to press down the pin,
which is now accessible, and hold it down ⇒fig. 184.
– Now press the interlock button on the selector lever and
move the selector lever to position N.The selector lever can only be moved out of position P if the ignition
key is inserted and the ignition is switched on. If the power supply
should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and the vehicle has to be
pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be moved to
position N. This is possible after operating the manual release
mechanism.
A–A+Fig. 183 Removing
ashtray
Fig. 184 Manual
release of selector
lever
AA
AB
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Parking aid 170etc.) may not always be detected by the system, so take care not to
damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 177.
•
You can adjust the volume and pitch of the beeps ⇒page 177.
Audi parking system plusApplies to vehicles: with Audi parking system plusDescription
The Audi parking system plus is a parking aid with
acoustic signals and graphic display.Sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers. When the
sensors detect an obstacle, you are alerted by acoustic signals
(beeps) and a graphic display. The measuring range of the sensors
starts at about:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you
approach the obstacle. A warning tone will sound continuously
when the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle.
Stop moving immediately!
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).
Applies to vehicles: with Audi parking system plusSwitching on/offSwitching on
– Switch on the sound system or MMI*.
– Engage reverse gear, or
– Press the switch

in the centre console ⇒fig. 185 or
next to the selector gate. You will hear a brief acknowl-
edgement tone and the diode in the switch will light up.
Switching off
– Drive forwards faster than 10 km/h, or
Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
Fig. 185 Centre
console: Parking aid
switchFig. 186 Display:
Graphical distance
display
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Parking aid171
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Press the switch

, or
– Switch off the ignition.
Segments in the graphic display
You can estimate the distance to an obstacle by referring to the red
segments at the front and rear of the vehicle ⇒page 170, fig. 186.
The closer the vehicle gets to the obstacle the closer the segments
move towards the vehicle in the graphic. At the latest when the
penultimate segment is highlighted the vehicle has reached the
danger (collision) zone. Stop moving immediately ⇒!
WARNING
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking
and other manoeuvres.
•
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.
•
Always keep a close watch on the area around the vehicle and
make full use of the rear-view mirrors.Caution
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 obstacles
(such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars,
etc.) may not always be detected by the system, so take care not to
damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•
You can change the display and adjust the volume and pitch of
the beeps ⇒page 177.
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 177.
•
There is a slight delay in the picture display.
Audi parking system advancedApplies to vehicles: with Audi parking system advancedIntroductionA reversing camera is integrated in vehicles with the Audi parking
system advanced, in addition to a parking aid with acoustic signals
and graphic display ⇒page 170.
Two modes can be selected when parking. “Parking mode 1” can, for
example, be used when parking your vehicle in a parking bay or a
Fig. 187 Viewed from
above: Parking mode 1Fig. 188 Viewed from
above: Parking mode 2
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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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Parking aid 174•
Only use the reversing camera to assist you if it is supplying
you with a good and clear picture. The quality of the picture could
be impaired by adverse light, dirt on the lens or a defect (accident
risk).
•
Only use the reversing camera when the boot lid is completely
c lo s e d . P l e a se m a k e su re t h a t t here are no objects mounted to the
rear end of the vehicle which could block the view of the reversing
camera.Note
•
If your vehicle is near an obstacle, the graphic display will also
appear in the reversing camera image. This superimposed graphic
helps the driver to localise the critical area of the vehicle.
•
You can change the display and adjust the volume and pitch of
the beeps ⇒page 177.
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 177.
•
There is a slight delay in the picture display.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi parking system advancedParking perpendicular to the roadside
Parking mode 1 can be used when parking your vehicle in
a garage or parking bay.– Turn the steering wheel until the orange orientation lines
are pointing towards the parking space ⇒fig. 192.
You can estimate the distance to an obstacle by referring
to the markings . Each marking is equivalent to
1metre.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 192 MMI display:
Approaching a parking
spaceFig. 193 MMI display:
Aligning the vehicle
A1
A2
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Parking aid175
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Reverse into the space and adapt the steering angle to
the parking space, using the orange lines to assist you
⇒. indicates the rear bumper. You should stop
reversing, at the latest, when the red orientation line
is bordering on an object ⇒!
– Align your vehicle according to the blue area marking
⇒fig. 193. The blue marking is an extension of the
vehicle outline and reaches about five metres to the rear
of the vehicle. The shade of blue changes at a distance of
approx. 1m, 2m and 5m to the vehicle.
WARNING
•
The reversing camera does not show the complete area behind
the vehicle. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no
small children or animals near the vehicle, as the reversing camera
may not always be able to detect them (accident risk).
•
Please note that objects which are not touching the ground
may appear to be further away than they actually are (e.g. the
bumper of a parked vehicle, a towing bracket or the rear end of a
truck). In this case you should not use the orientation lines as a
guide when parking the car - accident risk!Caution
The MMI display shows the path of the rear end of the vehicle if you
were to reverse using the current steering angle. NB: The front end
of the vehicle swings out further than the rear. Please make sure you
keep a sufficient distance between the vehicle and any obstacles to
make sure that the exterior mirror or edge of the vehicle do not
collide with the obstacle (accident risk).
Applies to vehicles: with Audi parking system advancedParking parallel to the roadside
Parking mode 2 can be used when parking your vehicle at
the roadside.The following steps apply only when there are no obstacles
(such as a wall) next to the parking space. Otherwise, please
follow the “Instructions for parking next to obstacles”.
– Position your vehicle parallel to the roadside, about a
metre away from the next parked vehicle.
– Engage reverse gear. The parking aid will be switched on
and parking mode 1 will be displayed.
A3
A4
Fig. 194 MMI display:
Blue area marking
aligned in parking
spaceFig. 195 MMI display:
Blue marking touches
edge of pavement
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Parking aid 176
– Press the control button for Mode ⇒fig. 194 on the
MMI control console. Parking mode 2 is displayed.
– Reverse and align your vehicle in such a way that the blue
area marking borders onto the vehicle behind or onto
the parking space line marking. The blue marking is an
extension of the vehicle outline and reaches about five
metres to the rear of the vehicle. The long side of the blue
marking should border onto the kerb. The complete blue
area marking must fit into the parking space.
– When the vehicle is stationary turn the steering wheel to
the left as far as it will go.
– Reverse into the parking space.
– Stop the vehicle as soon as the blue curve touches the
kerb ⇒page 175, fig. 195.
– When the vehicle is stationary turn the steering wheel to
the right as far as it will go.
– Continue to reverse into the parking space until the
vehicle is standing parallel to the kerb. indicates the
rear bumper. You should stop reversing, at the latest,
when the red orientation line is bordering on an
object ⇒! Keep a close watch on the front of your
vehicle ⇒.Parking next to obstacles
If an obstacle (such as a wall) is located next to the parking space,
the clearance at the side of the vehicle must be larger. Position the
long side of the blue marking so that there is sufficient clearance
from the kerb. The marking must not touch the kerb. You must also
start turning the steering wheel much earlier. The blue curve
⇒page 175, fig. 195 must not touch the kerb - make sure there is
sufficient clearance from the kerb.
WARNING
•
The reversing camera does not show the complete area behind
the vehicle. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no
small children or animals near the vehicle, as the reversing camera
may not always be able to detect them (accident risk).
•
Please note that objects which are not touching the ground
may appear to be further away than they actually are (e.g. the
bumper of a parked vehicle, a towing bracket or the rear end of a
truck). In this case you should not use the orientation lines as a
guide when parking the car - accident risk!Caution
The MMI display shows the path of the rear end of the vehicle if you
were to reverse using the current steering angle. NB: The front end
of the vehicle swings out further than the rear. Please make sure you
keep a sufficient distance between the vehicle and any obstacles to
make sure that the exterior mirror or edge of the vehicle do not
collide with the obstacle (accident risk).
Note
The orientation lines and markings appear on the left or right side,
depending on which turn signals are on.
A1
A2
A3
A4
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Parking aid177
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with Audi parking system/plus/advancedSwitching display and acoustic signals on and offThe settings for the graphic display* and acoustic signals
are controlled via the sound system or MMI*.– Select: Function selector button > Audi parking
system.Display*•
off - The parking aid gives only acoustic warning signals when it
is activated.
•
Graphic - The graphic display appears when reversing and
driving forwards.
•
Rear View* - The picture from the reversing camera is shown
when reversing and driving forwards.
•
Automatic* - The picture from the reversing camera is shown
when reversing and the graphic display is shown when driving
forwards.
Warning beeps
•
Rear volume - Volume of the rear sensors
•
Rear frequency - Pitch of the rear sensors
•
Front volume* - Volume of the front sensors
•
Front frequency* - Pitch of the front sensors
You will hear a short test tone each time you make a new setting.Note
•
You can also change the warning beep settings directly from the
graphic display* or reversing camera* picture. Simply press the
control button for *.
•
New settings are not activated until you switch on the parking
aid again.
•
The settings will be automatically stored and assigned to the
remote control key.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi parking system/plus/advanced and towing bracketTo w i n g b r a c k e tIn towing mode, the rear parking sensors are NOT activated when
you select reverse gear or press the switch
. This may not apply if
the power socket was NOT factory-fitted. This results in the
following restrictions:
Audi parking system*
There is no distance warning.
Audi parking system plus*
There is no rear distance warning. However, the system will still give
a warning when obstacles are detected while driving forwards. The
proximity graphic will switch over to towing mode.
Audi parking system advanced*
There is no rear distance warning. However, the system will still give
a warning when obstacles are detected while driving forwards. The
proximity graphic will switch over to towing mode. The image of the
Fig. 196 Display:
Settings for parking
aid
CAR
Settings
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Safe driving 192
WARNING
Any obstructions that restrict pedal travel can cause loss of
vehicle control and critical situations on the road.•
Never place objects in the driver's footwell. Such objects could
move under the pedals and interfere with their proper function. In
the event of sudden braking or a change of direction, you would
not be able to use the pedals. This could result in a loss of control
and possibly cause an accident.
Floor mats on the driver's side
Use only floor mats which can be securely fastened in the
footwell and do not obstruct the pedals.– Make sure that floor mats are securely fastened and
cannot interfere with the pedals ⇒.Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area unobstructed and are
firmly secured to prevent them from slipping. You can obtain suit-
able floor mats from your dealer or a specialist retailer.
WARNING
Any obstructions that restrict pedal travel can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious personal injury. •
Always make sure that floor mats are properly secured.
•
Never lay or install additional floor mats or other floor cover-
ings over the existing floor mats; this would restrict the pedal area
and possibly obstruct the pedals, which could cause an
accident.
Stowing luggage safelyLuggage compartment
All luggage and other objects must be safely secured in
the luggage compartment.Loose items in the luggage compartment can shift suddenly
and cause a safety hazard or impair the handling of the
vehicle by changing the weight distribution.
– Distribute the load evenly in the luggage compartment
⇒page 79.
– Place heavy items as far forward as possible in the
luggage compartment and secure them properly.
– Use the fastening rings* provided ⇒page 193 or the
luggage net* for securing heavy items.
WARNING
•
Loose items in the luggage compartment can shift suddenly
and cause a safety hazard or impair the handling of the vehicle by
changing the weight distribution.
•
Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure
them on the fastening rings*.
•
Transporting heavy objects may affect the vehicle's handling by
shifting the centre of gravity – this could cause an accident. Take
extra care when driving and adjust your speed accordingly.
•
Never exceed the maximum axle loads or the maximum gross
weight for the vehicle ⇒page 323, “Performance, weights and
dimensions”. Exceeding the permitted axle loads or gross weight
limit can affect the vehicle's handling characteristics, and increase
the risk of accidents, personal injuries or damage to the vehicle.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended when the boot lid is open.
Children could climb into the boot and close the boot lid from the
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