gearbox AUDI A5 2008 8T / 1.G Owner's Manual

Automatic gearbox 134the 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.
The gearbox continuously adapts the gear ratios on uphill gradi-
ents. 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.Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Manual gear selection (tiptronic mode)
With the manual shift programme (tiptronic) the driver
can manually select seven 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.
Shifting up a gear
– Briefly push the selector lever forwards (in the tiptronic
gate) ⇒fig. 147 .
Shifting down a gear
– Briefly pull the selector lever backwards (in the tiptronic
gate) .With the tiptronic system the driver can manually choose between
7 different pre-programmed gears. The manual programme can be
selected either when stationary or while driving (by moving the
lever out of position D).
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next
gear shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a gear which is lower than the gear shown in the instru-
ment display ⇒fig. 148, the gearbox will only shift down when
there is no longer a risk of overrevving the engine.
Fig. 147 Centre
console: Manual gear
selection (tiptronic
mode)
Fig. 148 Display:
Manual gear selection
(tiptronic mode)
A+
A…
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Automatic gearbox135
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data When the vehicle slows down (for instance when braking), the
gearbox automatically shifts down into the next gear when the
minimum engine speed is reached.
Changing down to a lower gear increases the engine braking effect
on downhill gradients.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear,
depending on road speed and engine speed.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Back-up programme
A back-up system is in place should a fault occur in the
control system.The automatic gearbox switches to the back-up programme if a fault
should occur in the control system. This is indicated by all segments
of the display panel either lighting up together or going out
completely.
It is still possible to move the selector lever to all positions. The
manual shift programme (tiptronic) is not available when the back-
up programme is active.
It will still be possible to use reverse gear in the normal way.
However, the electronic lock for reverse gear will be switched off.
Caution
Should the gearbox ever switch into the back-up programme, you
should take the vehicle to an Audi dealer or qualified workshop as
soon as possible.
Applies to vehicles: Tiptronic controls on steering wheelSteering wheel with tiptronic controls
The paddle levers on the steering wheel enable the driver
to manually select seven pre-programmed ratios (gears).– 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.
Fig. 149 Steering
wheel: tiptronic
switchesA…A+
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Automatic gearbox 136Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Manual 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. 150 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. 151.
– 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.
Fig. 150 Removing
ashtrayFig. 151 Manual
release of selector
lever
AA
AB
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Audi parking system139
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating
– Engage reverse gear to automatically activate the
parking system plus, or
– Press the switch

⇒page 138, fig. 152 in the centre
console to activate the parking system plus manually.
You will hear a short beep to confirm that the parking
system has been activated. The indicator lamp in the
switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forwards faster than approx. 10 km/h, or
– Switch off the ignition to automatically deactivate the
complete parking system, or
– Press the switch

⇒page 138, fig. 152 to deactivate the
parking system plus manually. The indicator lamp in the
switch will go out.
Activate the system manually if you are driving forwards and would
like the system to give a warning as you approach potential obsta-
cles, for instance when parking.
The measuring range of the sensors in the front and rear bumpers
starts at approximately:
Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.Mute function
An acoustic proximity warning is cancelled when you apply the
parking brake or move the selector lever of the automatic gearbox
to position P. However, the system remains active. The warning
beeps will start again as soon as you release the parking brake or
move the selector lever out of position P if the system has detected
an obstacle.
Reversing/driving forwards
When the vehicle is reversing/driving forwards, the system starts to
beep if it registers an obstacle within its detection range (see
above). The warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle
approaches the obstacle.
When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest,
the driver should then not reverse/drive forwards any further.
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). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Parking
If the parking manoeuvre involves shunting backwards and
forwards, the warning sound will be switched off temporarily while
you change gear. The proximity graphic will, however, still be
displayed on the MMI screen. The warnings will then return to the
normal volume if the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle
again.
Graphic display
The segments in the MMI display indicate the distance between the
vehicle and a detected obstacle. The number of segments shown
depends on the obstacle in front of or behind the vehicle. The closer
the vehicle gets to the obstacle the closer the segments move
towards the vehicle in the graphic ⇒page 138, fig. 153. At the latest
when the penultimate segment is highlighted the vehicle has Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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Audi parking system141
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating
– Engage reverse gear to automatically activate the
parking system advanced, or
– Press the switch

in the centre console ⇒page 138,
fig. 152 to manually activate the parking system
advanced. You will hear a short beep to confirm that the
parking system has been activated. The indicator lamp in
the switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forwards faster than approx. 10 km/h, or
– Switch off the ignition to automatically deactivate the
complete parking system, or
– Press the switch

in the centre console ⇒page 138,
fig. 152 to deactivate the parking system advanced. The
indicator lamp in the switch will go out.
Activate the system manually if you are driving forwards and would
like the system to give a warning as you approach potential obsta-
cles, for instance when parking.
The measuring range of the sensors in the front and rear bumpers
starts at approximately:Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.
Mute function
An acoustic proximity warning is cancelled when you apply the
parking brake or move the selector lever of the automatic gearbox
to position P. However, the system remains active. The warning
beeps will start again as soon as you release the parking brake or
move the selector lever out of position P if the system has detected
an obstacle.
Reversing/driving forwards
When the vehicle is reversing/driving forwards, the system starts to
beep if it registers an obstacle within its detection range (see
above). The warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle
approaches the obstacle.
When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest,
the driver should then not reverse/drive forwards any further.
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). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Parking
If the parking manoeuvre involves shunting backwards and
forwards, the warning sound will be switched off temporarily while
you change gear. The proximity graphic will, however, still be
Fig. 155 MMI display:
proximity graphic
Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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Your vehicle and the environment 206safety reasons, the dip settings may only be changed by a qualified
workshop.
For further information, please consult an Audi dealer or other qual-
ified workshop.
Unleaded petrol
A car with catalytic converter must not be run with leaded petrol
⇒page 205. Before driving abroad make sure that unleaded petrol
is available there.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.
Anticipate well in advance
A car uses most fuel when accelerating. If you anticipate hazards
and speed changes well in advance, you will need to brake less and
thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car slow down grad-
ually with a gear engaged, for instance when you can see that the
next traffic lights are red. This takes advantage of the engine
braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and tyres. Emissions
and fuel consumption will drop to zero due to the overrun fuel cut-
off.
Change gear early to save fuel
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the
gears. Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an
unnecessary amount of fuel.Manual gearbox: Shift up to second gear as soon as possible. If
possible, we recommend shifting up to the next gear at approx.
2,000 rpm.
Automatic gearbox: Press the accelerator slowly and avoid using
the “kick-down” feature.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed. Fuel consumption, exhaust emissions
and noise levels all increase very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Do not let the engine idle for longer than necessary
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic
jam, at level crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The
fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of
fuel needed to restart the engine.
The engine takes a very long time to warm up when it is running at
idling speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also
especially high during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best
to drive off immediately after starting the engine. Avoid running the
engine at high speed.
Regular servicing
Regular servicing can establish a basis for good fuel economy
before you start driving. A well-serviced engine gives you the
benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maximum reliability
and an enhanced resale value. A badly tuned engine can consume
up to ten percent more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short trips
The engine and emission control system need to reach their proper
working temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.
A cold engine uses disproportionately more fuel. The engine only
reaches its working temperature after about four kilometres, when
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Checking and topping up fluids231
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components
in the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working in the engine compartment
(e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warn-
ings listed below and follow all normal safety precautions. The
engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially
hazardous area. ⇒.
WARNING
•
Switch off the engine.
•
Remove the ignition key.
•
Apply the parking brake.
•
Put the gear lever in neutral or selector in P.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Keep children away from engine compartment.
•
Never spill fluids on hot engine components. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).
•
Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system,
especially when working on the battery.
•
Do not touch the radiator fan when the engine is hot. The fan
may start running suddenly.
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine
is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large,
thick rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
If any tests have to be performed with the engine running,
there is an extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
drive belts, alternator and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-
voltage ignition system.
•
Vehicles with automatic gearbox: Never open the throttle inad-
vertently (for instance by hand from the engine compartment) if a
gear is engaged while the vehicle is stationary with the engine
running. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
and possibly cause an accident.
•
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery.
−Do not smoke.
−Never work near naked flames.
−Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/ reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.
WARNING (continued)
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Self-help 258The TMS can be used at outside temperatures down to – 20 °C.
WARNING
After repairing a tyre please note the following points:•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering.
•
Vehicle handling could be impaired.
•
Tyres which have been sealed using the TMS are only suitable
for temporary use. Damaged tyres must be renewed.
•
The TMS must NOT be used,
−on cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm
−if the wheel rim has been damaged
−if you have been driving with very low pressure or a
completely flat tyre
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is
not possible with the sealing compound.
•
Do not allow the sealant to come into contact with your eyes,
skin or clothing.
•
If you do come into contact with the sealant immediately rinse
the eyes or skin affected with clean water.
•
Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the tyre
sealant.
•
Make sure you do not breathe in the fumes!
•
If any of the tyre sealant is accidentally ingested, immediately
rinse the mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water.
•
Do not induce vomiting. Immediately contact a doctor!
•
If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immedi-
ately.
•
Keep the sealant away from children.
For the sake of the environment
Used bottles of sealing compound can be returned to an Audi dealer
for disposal.
Note
•
If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. When it has dried, you
can pull it off like a piece of foil.
•
Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can.
Have the sealing compound exchanged by a qualified workshop.
Repairing a tyrePreparations
– If you have a flat tyre, stop the car well away from moving
traffic.
– 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).
Fig. 240 Repairing a
tyre
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Self-help 260•
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 255 and the spare wheel*
⇒page 256 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 261, “Hub
caps”.
WARNING (continued)
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Self-help267
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data terminal must not touch metal parts of the vehicle: this can cause
short circuiting.
•
Do not bend over the batteries – risk of acid burns.
•
The screw plugs on the battery cells must be screwed in firmly.
•
Keep sparks, flame and lighted cigarettes away from batteries:
the gases given off can cause an explosion.
•
If jump-starting another vehicle, position the jump leads in
such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving
parts in the engine compartment of the other vehicle.Caution
Please note that the above method of connecting the leads is meant
for jump-starting your vehicle. If jump-starting another vehicle, you
should not connect the negative lead (–) to the negative terminal of
the discharged battery, but directly to the engine block or a solid
metal part bolted to the engine block. If the battery of the other
vehicle does not have a gas vent, there is a risk that a mixture of
oxygen and hydrogen gas can accumulate and cause an
explosion.Tow-starting and towing awayGeneral notes
Points to observe when tow-starting or towing awayIf you use a towrope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– The towrope must be taut before driving off.– Engage the clutch very gently when starting to move; on
vehicles with automatic gearbox press the accelerator
slowly.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– The ignition should be switched on so that the turn
signals, horn, windscreen wipers and washers can be
used. Please ensure that the steering wheel is unlocked
when you switch on the ignition, and that it moves freely.
–Put gear lever in neutral (manual gearbox) or move
selector lever to position N (automatic gearbox).
– The brake servo and power steering only work when the
engine is running. Considerably more effort is required
on the brake pedal and steering wheel when the engine
is switched off.
– Ensure that the towrope remains taut at all times when
towing.
Towrope or towbar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a towbar. You should only
use a towrope if you do not have a towbar.
A towrope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both
vehicles. It is advisable to use a towrope made of synthetic fibre or
similar material.
Attach the tow-rope or tow-bar only to the towing anchorages
intended for this purpose ⇒page 268 or ⇒page 269.
Driving technique
Towing requires some experience – especially when using a
towrope. Both drivers should be familiar with the technique required
for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or
tow away another vehicle.
WARNING (continued)
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