technical data AUDI A5 2008 8T / 1.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: AUDI, Model Year: 2008, Model line: A5, Model: AUDI A5 2008 8T / 1.GPages: 313, PDF Size: 12.13 MB
Page 5 of 313

Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Description of airbag system . . . . 
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Head-protection airbags 
(sideguard)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating the front passenger's 
airbag via the key-operated switch
Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Points to remember if children are 
travelling in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fitting child safety seats  . . . . . . . . 
Driving tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . 
Electronic stabilisation program 
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Power steering (servotronic) . . . . . 
Four-wheel drive (quattro®) . . . . . . 
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Your vehicle and the 
environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running in  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Emission control systems . . . . . . . 
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
How to improve economy and 
minimise pollution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Environmental compatibility . . . . . 
Towing a trailer
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving the vehicle with a trailer or 
caravan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Removable towing bracket  . . . . . . 
General maintenance
 . . 
Care of vehicle and cleaning
. . . 
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel and filling the tank
. . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Filling the tank  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking and topping up fluidsBonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine compartment layout  . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and modifications 
to the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement 
parts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio transmitters and business 
equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To o l s  a n d  T y r e  M o b i l i t y  S y s t e m .  .  .
Compact temporary spare wheel*
Tyre repairs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing away . . .
Fuses and bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing bulbs for headlights  . . .
Changing bulb for turn signals  . . .
Changing bulb for side lights . . . . .
Changing bulb for front fog lights
Changing bulbs for rear lights in 
side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing bulbs in boot lid . . . . . . .
Number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
176
178
180
181
183
185
185
186
189
195
196
196
199
201
201
202
205
205
205
205
206
207208
208
211
219
220
220
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223
227
227
227
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230
230
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235
238
239
242
243
243250
250
250
251
253
254
254
254
255
255
256
257
260
265
267
272
272
276
278
282
282
283
284
286
288
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Page 6 of 313

Contents 4Technical data
 . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Explanation of technical data  . . . .
Dimensions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification data  . . . . . . .
Performance, weights and 
dimensions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .291
292
292
292
293
293
295
295
297
301
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Page 7 of 313

Notes on this Owner's Manual5
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Notes on this Owner's ManualThis Owner's Manual contains important information, tips, sugges-
tions and warnings.
Please ensure that this Owner's Manual is always kept in the vehicle. 
It should always be available to anyone else driving the vehicle, i.e. 
anyone renting, borrowing or buying the vehicle from you.
This manual describes the equipment available for the vehicle at the 
time of going to print. Some of the equipment described here will 
not be available until a later date, or may only be available in certain 
markets.
Some sections of this Owner's Manual do not apply to all vehicles. 
If this is the case, a text at the start of the section indicates which 
vehicles it applies to, e. g. “Applies to vehicles: with auxiliary 
heater”. This optional equipment is also marked with an asterisk “*”.
Illustrations are intended as a general guide, and may vary from the 
equipment fitted in your vehicle in some details.
At the beginning of this Owner's Manual, you will find a table of 
contents showing all the items described in this manual in the order 
in which they appear. An alphabetical index is included at the end 
of the Owner's Manual.
All references to positions such as “left”, “right”, “front” or “rear” 
are given as seen facing in the direction of travel.
* optional equipment
The section is continued on the following page.
Denotes the end of a section.
®Registered trademarks are marked ®. However, the absence of 
this symbol does not constitute a waiver of the rights 
concerning any proprietary name.
⇒  Refers to a “WARNING” within the same section. If the 
WARNING symbol is followed by a page number the warning text 
referred to is included in a different section.
WARNING
Texts with this symbol contain safety information. They warn you 
of serious dangers, possibly involving accident or injury.
Caution
Texts with this symbol draw your attention to a possible risk of 
damage to your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Texts with this symbol refer to points relevant to the protection of 
the environment.
Note
Texts with this symbol contain additional information of a more 
general nature.
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Page 11 of 313

Controls and displays9
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Controls and displaysOverview
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat memory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Light switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lever for turn signals and main beam headlights . . . . 
Headlight range control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel with:
−Horn
−Driver's airbag  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−Controls for audio, TV*, telephone and speech 
dialogue system*
−Paddle levers for tiptronic gearshift  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
SET button  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Reset button for trip recorder  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Control lever for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air outlets with thumbwheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−For deluxe automatic air conditioner  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−For deluxe automatic air conditioner plus  . . . . . . . . 
Depending on equipment fitted:
−Radio
−CD changer
Depending on equipment fitted:−Radio display
−MMI display 
1)
Hazard warning lights
Glove box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switches for the following (as applicable):
−Audi parking system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)  . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electric sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner, depending on equipment fitted:
−Deluxe automatic air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Deluxe automatic air conditioner plus  . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray with cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on gearbox fitted, gear lever or selector 
lever for:
−multitronic
® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Manual gearbox
Depending on equipment fitted:
−MMI control console or
−Switch for Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Switch for Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP 
OFF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Switch for electric sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start/stop button  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electro-mechanical parking brake  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A1A2
47
A3
67
A4
74
A5
54
A6
57
A7
59
A8
57
A9
178
135
A10
12
A11
11
A12
14
A13
62
25
A14
116
A15
108
99
108
A16A17
1)Depending on the MMI system fitted in your vehicle the display screen is
either two-coloured or multi-coloured. As the two displays are more or less
identical this Owner's Manual uses the multi-coloured displays for illustra-
tion purposes.A18A19
91
A20
178
A21
138
196
61
A22
93
101
A23
86, 87
A24
130
A25
138
196
61
A26
118
A27
121
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps11
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Instruments and warning/indicator lampsInstrumentsInstrument cluster overview
The instrument cluster is the driver's information centre.Fig. 2  Overview of instrument cluster
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rev counter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
 button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Display
−Driver information system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−Date and time display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−Mileage recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Reset button for trip recorder  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speedometer
Fuel gauge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•
The needles in the instrument cluster will sweep across the dials 
when you switch on the ignition.
•
The instrument lighting (illumination of dials and needles) is 
switched on when the ignition is on and the vehicle's lights are off. 
The instrument lighting is dimmed automatically as the daylight 
starts to fade. This function is intended to remind the driver to 
switch on the dipped-beam headlights in good time when light 
conditions become poor.
Coolant temperature gaugeThe coolant temperature gauge   ⇒fig. 2 only works when the 
ignition is switched on. In order to avoid possible damage to the 
engine, please read the following notes for the different tempera-
ture ranges.
Engine cold
If the needle is still in the lower range of the dial, this indicates that 
the engine has not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high 
engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads.
Normal temperature
In normal operation the needle will settle somewhere in the centre 
of the dial once the engine has reached operating temperature. The 
needle may also go further up when the engine is working hard at 
high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern provided 
the warning symbol 
 in the display does not start flashing.
A1
11
A2
12
A3
15
A4
SET
12
A5
20
13
14
A6
14
A7A8
19
A1
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps13
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The   button has the following functions:
Activating clock, date, temperature and mileage 
recorder displays
The display will appear for about 30 seconds if you press the   
button ⇒page 12, fig. 3 when the ignition is switched off.
Starting check procedure (auto-check control)
The auto-check control checks important components and vehicle 
systems. These background checks are run constantly, as long as 
the ignition is switched on ⇒page 29.
You can start the “check procedure” manually by pressing the   
button with the ignition switched on. This function check can be 
started at road speeds up to 5 km/h.
Calling up driver messages again
A red or yellow symbol appearing in the instrument cluster display 
is normally accompanied by a corresponding message. The 
message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds. If 
required, you can call up the message again by briefly pressing the 
 button.
Setting speed warning
You can press the   button briefly to set speed limit warning 1 
while the vehicle is moving ⇒page 28. If you press and hold the 
 button, this will cancel the speed warning.
Time and date displayQuart z clock
The date, time and display format can be changed using the sound 
system or MMI* control console. Please refer to the Operating 
Manual for the MMI or sound system for more details.
Radio-controlled clock*
When the clock is in “radio-control” mode the signal reception 
symbol (a radio tower with radio waves) appears in the display 
⇒fig. 4. It is then not possible to change the minutes or the date 
manually.
Note
•
The digital clock and mileage recorder displays are switched on 
for about 30 seconds when the driver's door is opened.
•
When the ignition is switched off, the clock and date display can 
be switched on for about 30 seconds by pressing the   button 
⇒page 12, fig. 3 ⇒page 12.
SET
SETSET
SET
SET
SET
Fig. 4  Instrument 
cluster: Time and date 
display
SET
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps15
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Warning and indicator lampsOverview
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of 
different functions and possible faults.Fig. 7  Instrument cluster with warning and indicator lamps
Note
A number of functions are monitored by the auto-check control 
⇒page 20. If a malfunction should occur, this will be shown by the 
display in the instrument cluster either with a red symbol (priority 1 
– serious malfunction) or a yellow symbol (priority 2 – other 
malfunction or item requiring attention).Applies to vehicles: with petrol engineEngine management 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management 
system on petrol engines.The 
 warning lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the 
ignition is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly.
Engine management (alternative 
to)
⇒page 15
(alternative to
)
⇒page 16
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
⇒page 16
Airbag system
⇒page 16
Left turn signals
⇒page 17
Trailer turn signals*
⇒page 17
Seat belt warning lamp
⇒page 17
Emission control system
⇒page 17
Main beam headlights
⇒page 17
Right turn signals
⇒page 17
Cruise control system*
⇒page 17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
⇒page 18
Electro-mechanical parking 
brake/Audi hold assist*
⇒page 19
Fault in brake system
⇒page 19
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps17
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immedi-
ately by a qualified workshop. If this is neglected, there is a risk 
that the airbag system and/or belt tensioners may not be acti-
vated in an accident.Turn signals 
 
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left 
 or 
right 
 indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when 
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal should fail, the indicator lamp will start flashing 
twice as fast.
This does not apply when towing a caravan or trailer. The indicator 
lamp will stop flashing if one of the turn signals on the vehicle or the 
caravan/trailer should fail. For further information on the turn 
signals ⇒page 59.
Applies to vehicles: with towing bracketTrailer turn signals 
The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are 
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.The indicator lamp 
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, 
provided a caravan or trailer is correctly attached and connected to 
the vehicle.
The indicator lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the 
trailer fails.
Seat belt warning lamp 
The warning lamp acts as a reminder to fasten the seat 
belts.After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp 
 will remain lit 
until the driver and front passenger (if applicable) have fastened 
their seat belts. When the vehicle has gathered speed you will also 
hear a warning chime.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 170.
Emission control system 
If the warning lamp lights up continuously you should take your 
vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible in order to have 
the fault rectified.
If the warning lamp flashes drive on at reduced speed and seek 
professional help in order to avoid damage to the catalytic 
converter.
For further information on the catalytic converter ⇒page 205.Main beam headlights 
The indicator lamp 
 lights up when the main beams are on or 
when the headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights ⇒page 59.
Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemCruise control 
The indicator lamp 
 in the instrument cluster lights up when the 
cruise control system is operating.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps19
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Electro-mechanical parking brake 
This warning lamp monitors the electro-mechanical 
parking brake.The warning lamp 
 lights up when the parking brake is applied 
with the ignition on. After the ignition has been switched off the 
lamp will stay on for about 30 seconds. The warning lamp will light 
up for about 30 seconds if the parking brake is applied with the igni-
tion switched off.
The warning lamp should go out when the parking brake is released.
If the warning lamp flashes continuously after the parking brake has 
been applied, the brake may not be strong enough to hold the 
vehicle on a slope. This may be due to the brakes overheating. 
Please note the following points:
•
If the gradient is too steep to park the vehicle safely, the display 
will show the message Caution: Vehicle parked too steep. 
•
In the event of a fault in the parking brake system the symbol 
 
will also appear in the instrument cluster display together with the 
message Parki ng  b rake! You should have the fault corrected by a 
qualified workshop without delay.
Brake system 
The warning lamp flashes if the brake fluid level is too low 
or if there is a fault in the ABS system or the parking 
brake.If the warning lamp 
 flashes, there is a fault in the brake system. 
The symbol 
 in the instrument cluster display will flash at the 
same time. You can press the   button to obtain a message 
explaining the fault ⇒page 31.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp 
 will 
light up together with the brake warning lamp 
 ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, 
observe the warning information on ⇒page 231, “Working on 
components in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up 
when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low – this 
may cause an increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not 
drive on. You should obtain professional assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS 
warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS 
is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively 
easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid 
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and 
have the fault rectified.
Fuel gaugeThe gauge only works when the ignition is switched on.
When the needle reaches the reserve zone, the symbol 
 lights up 
in the instrument cluster display ⇒page 36 together with the 
message Please refuel. At this point there are still about 8 litres of 
fuel left in the tank. This is your reminder to fill up soon.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data 
section ⇒page 293.
Caution
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel supply, 
misfiring can occur. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust 
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic 
converter.
SET
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Driver information system21
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
CD and radio displayIf no priority 1 or 2 faults have been detected by the auto-check 
control, the name or frequency of the current radio station and the 
selected waveband will appear the upper part of the display.
When a CD is playing, the display will show the current title. If the 
vehicle is equipped with a CD changer* the display will also show 
the number of the CD being played (CD1 to CD6).Outside temperature display
The outside temperature is shown when the display is 
activated.
At temperatures below +5°C a snowflake symbol appears next to the 
temperature display. This is to warn the driver to take extra care 
when there is a risk of ice on the road.
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the 
temperature displayed may be slightly higher than the actual 
outside temperature as a result of the heat radiated from the 
engine.
The temperature units can be set to °F or °C on the MMI* or sound 
system control console. The outside temperature is automatically 
displayed in the units you have selected. Please refer to the Oper-
ating Manual for the MMI* or sound system.
WARNING
Do not rely on the outside temperature display as an ice warning. 
Please bear in mind that there may be patches of ice on the roads 
even at outside temperatures around +5°C.Applies to vehicles: with manual gearbox and gear-change indicatorGear-change indicator
This additional indicator function can help to save fuel.
Fig. 9  Display: Radio 
informationFig. 10  Display: 
Outside temperature
Fig. 11  Display: Gear-
change indicator
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