warning lights AUDI A4 2020 User Guide

8W1012721BB
Lights and Vision

Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on


[RAZ-0149




Fig. 51 Lever: rear window wiper (allroad)
> Move the windshield wiper lever \7 to the cor-
responding position:
© Windshield wipers off
@ Rain sensor/intermittent mode. The wind-
shield wipers switch on once the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 2 mph (4 km/h) and it is
raining. The higher the sensitivity of the rain sen-
sor that is set (switch © to the right), the earlier
the windshield wipers react to moisture on the
windshield. You can deactivate the rain sensor
mode, which switches the interval mode on. In
intermittent mode, you can adjust the interval
time using the switch ©.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Light & Visibility > Rain sensor.
@® Slow wiping
@ Fast wiping
@ Single wipe. If you hold the lever in this posi-
tion longer, the wipers switch from slow wiping
to fast wiping.
© Clean the windshield @. The wipers wipe one
time after several seconds of driving to remove
water droplets. You can switch this function off
by moving the lever to position ©) within ten sec-
onds of the afterwipe. The afterwipe function is
reactivated the next time you switch the ignition
on.
Clean the headlights*. The headlight washer sys-
tem* operates only when the low beam head-
lights are on. If you move the lever into position
©, the headlights will be cleaned at fixed inter-
vals.
Applies to: vehicles with rear window wiper: @)
Wiping the rear window ]. The number of wipes
depends on the windshield wiper movement.
The rear wiper automatically switches on when
the reverse gear is selected and the front wind-
shield wipers are on and running.
Applies to: vehicles with rear window wiper:
Cleaning the rear window &. The number of
wipes depends on how long the lever is held in
position @).
This may also clean the rearview camera, depend-
ing on the vehicle equipment.

Z\ WARNING
—The rain sensor is only intended to assist the
driver. The driver may still be responsible for
manually switching the wipers on based on
visibility
conditions.
—The windshield must not be treated with
water-repelling windshield coating agents.
Under unfavorable conditions, such as wet-
ness, darkness, and when the sun is low,
these coatings can cause increased glare,
which increases the risk of an accident. They
can also cause wiper blade chatter.
— Properly functioning windshield wiper
blades are required for a clear view and safe
driving > page 56, Cleaning/changing wip-
er blades.
@) Note
— If there is frost, make sure the windshield
wiper blades are not frozen to the


55

Lights and Vision

windshield. Switching on the windshield
wipers when the blades are frozen to the
windshield can damage the wiper blades.
— Prior to using a car wash, the windshield
wiper system must be switched off (lever in
position @). This prevents the wipers from
switching on unintentionally and causing
damage to the windshield wiper system.
G) Tips
— The windshield wipers switch off when the
ignition is switched off. You can activate the
windshield wipers after the ignition is
switched on again by moving the windshield
wiper lever to any position. The single wipe
function (lever in position @) also functions
when the ignition is switched off.
— Worn or dirty windshield wiper blades result
in streaking. This can affect the rain sensor
function. Check your windshield wiper
blades regularly.
— The washer fluid nozzles for the windshield
washer system are heated when the ignition
is on if the outside temperature is low.
— When stopping temporarily, such as at a
traffic light, the speed of the windshield
wipers automatically reduces by one level.
— Certain settings are automatically stored
and assigned to the active user.
[eG cena es ct wiper blades

B8V-0696|
Ae

Fig. 52 Windshield wipers: changing the wiper blades
Windshield wiper service position/blade
replacement position
> Switch off the ignition and hold the windshield
wiper lever in position @) > page 55, fig. 50 un-
56
til the windshield wiper moves into the service
position.
> To bring the windshield wipers back to the nor-
mal position, switch the ignition on and hold
the windshield wiper lever in position @) until
the windshield wipers go back to the normal
position, or drive faster than 8 mph (12 km/h).
You can also turn the service position on or off in
the MMI:
> Switch the windshield wipers off (position @
=> page 55, fig. 50).
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Service posi-
tion.
Cleaning the wiper blades
Requirement: the windshield wipers must be in
the service position.
> Fold the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.
> For information on cleaning, see > table on
page 248.
Replacing the wiper blades
Requirement: the windshield wipers must be in
the service position.
> Fold the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.
> Press the locking knob () on the wiper blade.
Hold the wiper blade firmly.
> Remove the wiper blade from the windshield
wiper arm mount Q).
> Insert the new wiper blade into the mount on
the wiper arm until it clicks into place.
> Place the wiper arm back on the windshield.
> Exit the service position.

ZA\ WARNING
— For safety reasons, the windshield wiper
blades should be replaced once or twice
each year.
— Dirty windshield wiper blades can impair vi-

sion, which increases the risk of an accident. |>

8W1012721BB
Lights and Vision

@) Note
— The windshield wipers must only be folded
up when in the service position! Otherwise,
you risk damaging the paint on the hood or
the windshield wiper motor.
— You should not move your vehicle or press
the windshield wiper lever when the wiper
arms are folded up from the windshield. The
windshield wipers would move back into
their original position and could damage the
hood and windshield.
@ Tips
— You can also use the service position, for ex-
ample, if you want to protect the windshield
from icing by using a cover.
— You cannot activate the service position
when the hood is open.

Cleaning/ch g rear wiper blade
Applies to: vehicles with rear window wiper
B8R-0380


Fig. 53 Rear window wiper: installing the wiper blade
Cleaning the wiper blades
> Fold the wiper arm away from the rear window.
> For information on cleaning, see > table on
page 248.
Removing the wiper blade
> Fold the wiper arm away from the rear window.
>» Remove the wiper blade from its holder.
Installing the wiper blade
> Press the wiper blade mount into the retainer.
> Fold the window wiper arm back onto the rear
window.

ZX WARNING
For safety reasons, the windshield wiper
blades should be replaced once or twice each
year.
Messages
If the > indicator light turns on, then there is a
windshield wiper malfunction. The displayed
message indicates the cause and possible solu-
tions. If one of the messages does not turn off,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.

a Automatic wipers: malfunction! See owner's
manual
The light/rain sensor is malfunctioning. You can
still control all functions that are independent of
the rain sensor through the windshield wiper lev-
er. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
Digital compass
Sialic ma meelil eel mela
Applies to: vehicles with digital compass

BFV-0288


Fig. 54 Rearview mirror: digital compass is switched on
> To turn the compass on or off, press the button
@ until the compass display in the mirror turns
on or off.
The digital compass only works when the ignition
is turned on. The directions are indicated with ab-
breviations: N (north), NE (northeast), E (east),
SE (southeast), S (south), SW (southwest), W
(west), NW (northwest).
57

Sitting correctly and safely

— Your thighs are lightly supported by the front
surface of the seat
— The backrest is in an upright position and your
back is resting against it
— You have a sufficient view of the area around
the vehicle
— You have a clear view of the instrument cluster,
indicator lights, and the head-up display*

ZA WARNING
— If you are too close to the steering wheel or
instrument panel, the airbag system cannot
provide the optimal protection, which in-
creases the risk of injury and death.
— To reduce the risk of injury in the event of
sudden braking maneuvers or accidents,
never drive with the backrest reclined very
far. The airbag system and seat belts can on-
ly provide optimal protection when the back-
rest is in an upright position and the driver
is wearing the seat belt correctly. If the
backrest is angled back too far, the safety
belt can shift to soft areas of the body, such
as the stomach, which increases the risk of
injury.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, only adjust
the seats when the vehicle is stationary.
— Be careful when adjusting the seat. Lack of
control or attention when adjusting can re-
sult in injuries due to pinching to vehicle oc-
cupants both in the front seats and rear
seats.
— Never place objects in the driver's footwell.
Objects could shift and enter the area
around the pedals, which could prevent you
from using them. You would then be unable
to use the pedals if sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers were needed, which increas-
es the risk of an accident.
— Make sure that the floor mats are always se-
curely attached.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, never place
additional floor mats or other floor covers
over the installed floor mats, because this
reduces the pedal's range of motion and can
impair pedal operation.
—To reduce the risk of injury, never place your
feet on the instrument panel, out of the

60

window, or on the seat surfaces. This also
applies to passengers in the rear seats.
@) Note
Applies to: vehicles with manually adjustable head re-
straints

To reduce the risk of damage, be very careful
when adjusting the seat to make sure the
head restraints do not hit the headliner or the
panorama glass roof*.
oN eet Lar feet ana)







Fig. 57 Front seat: adjusting the seat (version B)
The settings depend on the vehicle equipment.
Adjusting the seat position
> To adjust the seat forward or backward, push
the button @) forward or backward.
> To adjust the seat upward or downward, push
the rear section of the button @) upward or
downward.
> To adjust the seat surface, press the front part
of the button @) upward or downward.
Adjusting the backrests
> To adjust the backrest forward or backward,
press the button @ forward or backward. >

Driving

@) Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 104. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
@ Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 222.
WEEE Tel
GG 7 @ Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
fs) and also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A.
Gia / © Warning! No brake booster function
If the brake booster is not working, you have to
use much more force when braking the vehicle.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
fia i 1] Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality.You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
102
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual
The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-
od of time after switching off the ignition. Secure
the vehicle from rolling by selecting “P” and set-
ting the parking brake.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the indicator
light EG if @® turns on briefly to check the
function. If the indicator light does not turn on,
there is a system malfunction.
iff / stays on, there is a malfunction in
the brake system.
@® - There was a heavy load on the brakes. Fol-
low the instructions in the message to utilize the
engine braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

ZA, WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that stabi-
lize the vehicle will no longer be available.
This could cause the vehicle to swerve, which
increases the risk that the vehicle will slide.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.

Electromechanical
parking brake
Operating the parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake is used to
secure the vehicle from rolling away unintention-
ally.
The ©) switch is located under the selector lever
in the center console. It turns on when the park-
ing brake is set. You can release the parking brake >

8W1012721BB
Driving

@ For the sake of the environment
Avoid actions that are damaging to the envi-
ronment. Show respect for the natural envi-
ronment and remain on marked routes.
@ Tips
Clean your vehicle after driving offroad. Dirt
and stones falling off your vehicle can affect
other road users.
Driving through water
If you must drive through water, follow these in-
structions:
— Check the stability of the ground, the current,
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,
there is a strong current, or there are waves,
the water must only reach up to the lower edge
of the body at the most.
— Deactivate the Start/Stop system*.
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from
creating waves, because they could splash
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Drive in reverse.
— Do not turn the engine off.
Hill descent assist
Applies to: vehicles with hill hold assist
The “2 button is located above the selector lever
in the center console. It lights up when the sys-
tem is turned on.
Hill descent assist can assist you when driving
down hills by maintaining a constant vehicle
speed by automatically braking all four wheels.
You can adjust the speed using the accelerator
and brake pedals. The regulation depends on the
hill and the vehicle speed.
> Switching on: press a
> Switching off: press “2 again.
Active regulation
Regulation begins shortly after you start driving
and is possible at speeds up to approximately 19
mph (30 km/h) and on hills that have an approxi-
mately 6-60% grade. If these conditions are met,
regulation will be activated and the indicator
light will turn on.
Ready mode
If one of the requirements for active regulation is
not met, the system will be in ready mode. The
a indicator light will turn on. Once the require-
ments are met again, the system will be able to
provide active regulation again.

ZA WARNING
After driving through water, press the brake
pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the
full braking effect will be restored.
@) Note
Vehicle components such as the engine, drive
system, suspension, or electrical system can
be severely damaged by driving through wa-
ter.
@ Tips
If possible, avoid driving through salt water
because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use
fresh water to clean any vehicle components
that come into contact with salt water.

ZA WARNING
— Be ready to apply the brakes at all times
when using the hill hold assist.
— Always adjust the speed to the visibility,
weather, road, and traffic conditions. The
system cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion.
— The system cannot maintain a constant vehi-
cle speed in all situations, for example when
on smooth or slippery ground. This can in-
crease the risk of an accident.
G) Tips
If you select the Audi drive select* Offroad
mode, hill descent assist will switch on.

105

Driving dynamic


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
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 0 button for controlling the ESC is located
in the center console, in front of the selector lev-
er.
The ESC is automatically switched on when the
ignition is switched on. It may make sense in
some situations to limit the ESC so that the
wheels can spin:
— Rocking the vehicle to free it when it is stuck
— Driving in deep snow, on unpaved ground, or
with snow chains
— Applies to: allroad: Driving downhill while brak-
ing on loose ground
— Applies to: allroad: Driving with axle articula-
tion
Limiting ESC (Sport/Offroad mode)
—To limit the ESC, press the 20" button briefly.
The B indicator light turns on.
110
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
When ESC is limited, allroad models switch to
Offroad mode. All other model versions switch to
Sport mode. Sport mode is particularly suited for
driving on an even road surface. Offroad mode is
designed for uneven terrain or loose ground.
Switching off ESC
— To switch off the ESC, press and hold the Sor
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.

Z\ WARNING
— When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will
be limited. The driving wheels could spin
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.
@ Tips
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
B fs i B © Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual

There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still >

8W1012721BB
Trailer towing

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
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.
@) Note
Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer hitch
ball head. In cases of damage, have the func-
tion 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.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
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.
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.
Downshift before driving on hills to utilize the en-
gine braking effect > 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 13. 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.

113

Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Safety precautions

ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Keep in mind that Audi pre sense front can
apply the brakes unexpectedly. Always se-
cure any cargo or objects that you are trans-
porting to reduce the risk of damage or in-
jury.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
> page 115.

@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving.
114
System limitations
ZA WARNING
— The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.

— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
G) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.


— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.

Driving information

Traffic light information
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information

Fig. 109 Instrument cluster: traffic light information dis-
play
The traffic light information gives you a speed
recommendation in order to reach the next traffic
light when it is green @, or it informs you of the
wait time at the next red light 2). Once traffic
light data is received, the traffic light information
will be displayed in the instrument cluster and in
the head-up display*. If the vehicle is in an area
with traffic light information but cannot receive a
traffic light signal, then a gray traffic light sym-
bol will be displayed @).
General information
The traffic light information is subject to system
limitations and may be unavailable or only parti-
ally available in the following situations:
—If the permitted speed limit is exceeded
— If driving below a certain speed limit
—If the next traffic light is less than approxi-
mately 100 feet (30 m) away
— Ifthe estimated wait time at a red light is less
than four seconds
—If there is no traffic light data available
— If emergency response vehicles or public transit
systems are active
— If traffic lights are in construction zones or be-
ing serviced
— If there are warnings from the camera-based
traffic sign recognition*
— If the camera-based traffic sign recognition” is
malfunctioning or not available
— If the data connection has been interrupted
120
— If data transmission is deactivated in the priva-
cy settings
— If the subscription has expired
If this is the case, the menu item will be grayed-
out or it will not be possible to select it.

ZA\ WARNING
— When traffic light information is shown, al-
so always pay attention to the traffic situa-
tion, the distance to other vehicles, and the
area around the vehicle. The driver is always
responsible for assessing the traffic situa-
tion.
— Always adapt your speed to the current
weather, road and traffic conditions. The dis-
played information must never cause you to
ignore legal traffic regulations and pose a
safety risk.
— Regardless of the traffic light information,
you should always monitor your speed using
the speedometer and make sure you are ad-
hering to the legal speed limit.
— The traffic light information does not adjust
your vehicle's speed to the speed recom-
mendation shown in the display.
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 114.

(i) Tips
— Traffic light information was only available
in select cities at the time this manual was
printed.
— Traffic light information is not available na-
tionwide.
— The functions depend on the navigation da-
ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-
tion by the traffic sign recognition*.
— Incorrect values from the camera-based
traffic sign recognition* or outdated naviga-
tion system* map data can result in missing
or incorrect display images.
— Certain traffic lights can automatically ad-
just to the current traffic situation. If this
occurs, the display of traffic light informa-
tion can change suddenly.