technical data AUDI A5 2008 8T / 1.G Repair Manual
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Driving123
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Technical data braking force of the parking brake is only released when there is 
enough power at the wheels to make the vehicle move in the desired 
direction.
Note
For safety reasons the parking brake will only release automatically 
if the driver's seat belt is engaged in its buckle.Driving away when towing a trailer
Please note the following points to prevent the vehicle 
from rolling back unintentionally on a gradient.– Pull and hold the parking brake switch and press the 
accelerator. The parking brake will remain engaged and 
prevent any tendency to roll back down the slope.
– You can release the parking brake switch as soon as the 
engine is delivering enough power to the wheels.Depending on the weight of the vehicle and trailer and the steep-
ness of the slope, there may be a tendency to roll back downhill 
when driving away from a standstill. You can prevent this by pulling 
out the parking brake switch as you press the accelerator (in the 
same way as with a conventional handbrake).Emergency braking function
This feature enables you to stop the vehicle if the main 
brake system should fail or if the pedal is obstructed.– Pull out and hold the parking brake switch to stop the 
vehicle with the parking brake in an emergency.
– The brakes will be released immediately if you release the 
switch or press down the accelerator.
If you pull out and hold the parking brake switch at a road speed 
above about 8 km/h, this will initiate an emergency brake applica-
tion. The brakes are then applied hydraulically at all four wheels. 
The effect is the same as an emergency stop (full brake application) 
⇒
To prevent the emergency braking function from being used acci-
dentally, a warning buzzer sounds when the switch is operated. The 
brakes are released immediately when you release the switch or 
press down the accelerator.
WARNING
You should only use the emergency braking function in a real 
emergency, for example if the brake system should fail or if the 
brake pedal is obstructed. If you use the emergency braking func-
tion by activating the parking brake switch, the effect is similar to 
a full brake application (emergency stop). Please remember that 
the ESP (with its combined ABS, EDL and traction control func-
tions) is still subject to certain physical limits. In a corner or in bad 
road or weather conditions an emergency stop can cause the 
vehicle to skid or lose steering control.Driver messages in the instrument cluster displayCaution: Vehicle parked too steep
This message can appear when you apply the parking brake if the 
car is parked on a gradient steeper than about 30%.
In this case the parking brake may not be strong enough to prevent 
the vehicle from rolling back accidentally.
Please release parking brake
However, please remember that, for safety reasons, the parking 
brake will only release automatically if the driver's seat belt is 
buckled.
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Technical data lights or in stop-and-go traffic. When the Audi hold assist function 
is on, you don't have to keep your foot on the brake to prevent the 
vehicle from accidentally rolling away. Once it detects that the 
vehicle is stopped, Audi hold assist keeps the vehicle stationary. The 
green symbol 
 in the instrument cluster indicates that the func-
tion is activated. You can now take your foot off the brake pedal.
As soon as you drive off in the normal way, the parking brake will 
automatically be released and the vehicle will start moving.
If the conditions for Audi hold assist change and the function is 
switched off as a result, the parking brake will be applied automati-
cally to ensure that the vehicle is parked safely. The diode in the 
button will go out when the Audi hold assist function is switched 
off.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in Audi hold assist cannot defy the laws 
of physics. Do not let the extra convenience provided by Audi hold 
assist tempt you into taking a safety risk.•
Audi hold assist cannot keep the vehicle stationary in all condi-
tions on a gradient (e.g. if the road is slippery or icy).
•
Audi hold assist must be switched on again each time the 
engine is started – Risk of accident!
•
Never get out of the vehicle when the engine is running and 
Audi hold assist is switched on – Risk of accident!
•
Always ensure that the vehicle is stopped properly and safely 
to avoid injury to yourself and others.Caution
Switch off the Audi hold assist function before driving the vehicle 
into a car wash.
Note
•
Audi hold assist can be switched on only when the driver's door 
is closed, the driver's seat belt is buckled and the engine is running.
•
Audi hold assist prevents automatic vehicles from creeping 
forwards when the brake pedal is released with the car in gear.
•
When the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period, 
Audi hold assist will automatically apply the parking brake. In this 
case, the green symbol 
 in the instrument cluster display will 
change to red 
.
Cruise control systemIntroduction
The cruise control system allows you to maintain a 
constant speed.
Fig. 138  Control lever 
and pushbutton for 
cruise control system
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Technical data
– Pull the lever   to position   ⇒page 125, fig. 138 to 
switch on the system.
– Drive at the speed you wish to set the system to (must be 
higher than 30 km/h).
– Briefly press button  .When the pushbutton is released, the current speed is stored in the 
memory and the vehicle will maintain this speed. The cruise control 
system is then operating. If you have selected the display for the on-
board computer 1 or 2, a green symbol in the instrument cluster 
display indicates that the cruise control is operating ⇒page 126, 
fig. 140. The speed which is being maintained is displayed next to 
the symbol.
The information for the cruise control system is shown briefly in the 
system status indicator if you have selected the display for the 
digital speedometer or the route guidance ⇒fig. 141. In addition, 
the indicator lamp ⇒page 126, fig. 139 lights up to tell you that the 
system is in cruise mode.
Adjusting speed (without storing it)
When the cruise control system is operating it is possible 
to briefly drive at a higher speed without storing this new 
speed.– Press the accelerator, for example to overtake another 
vehicle.Once you release the accelerator the system will automatically 
revert to the speed you stored initially. However, the system will only 
function in this manner for as long as the symbol ⇒page 126, 
fig. 140 lights up green.
If your speed is more than 10 km/h higher than the stored speed 
over a period of more than 5 minutes the cruise control system will 
temporarily be deactivated. The green symbol will go out and the 
white symbol will light up. The stored speed will, however, be 
retained ⇒page 128, fig. 142.Adjusting speed and storing new speedTo set a higher speed
– Move the lever   up towards   ⇒page 125, fig. 138.
– Release the lever to store the current cruising speed.
To set a lower speed
– Move the lever   down towards   ⇒page 125, fig. 138.
– Release the lever to store the current cruising speed.When you press and hold lever   the speed is changed in incre-
ments of 10 km/h. The speed selected can be higher/lower than the 
current driving speed.
Fig. 141  Symbol and 
speed display while in 
cruise mode (short-
term display)
AA
A1
AB
AA
A+
AA
A-
AA
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Technical data joined the motorway you can then activate the cruise control system 
as if you were resuming the function ⇒page 128, “Resuming cruise 
control”.
Pre-selection after starting the engine
After starting the engine there is no cruising speed stored in the 
system. The current speed is stored when you briefly push lever   
up towards   (if the speed is above 30 km/h). If the speed is lower, 
30 km/h is stored.
Switching off the cruise control systemWhile driving
– Press the lever   to position   (click stop engaged) 
⇒page 125, fig. 138.
When the vehicle is stationary
– Switch off the ignition.The stored speed will be deleted when the ignition is switched off.
AA
A+
AA
A2
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Automatic gearbox131
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Technical data
– To prevent the vehicle from rolling away, apply the 
parking brake before moving off on steep gradients 
⇒.
– As soon as you accelerate as normal, the parking brake 
will automatically be released and the vehicle will start 
moving.
Pa rking the c ar
– Press and hold the brake pedal ⇒.
– Apply the parking brake.
– Press and hold the interlock button, move the selector 
lever to P and release the interlock button.Your vehicle is equipped with the hill hold assist function which 
makes it easier to drive away on a slope. The system is activated 
when you press and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds. When 
you release the brake pedal the braking force will be maintained for 
a moment in order to prevent the vehicle rolling back when you drive 
away.
The engine c an only be started when the selector lever is at P or N.
On level ground it is sufficient to move the selector lever to P. On a 
gradient the parking brake should be applied first and the selector 
lever should be moved to P. This reduces the load on the locking 
mechanism and makes it easier to move the selector lever out of 
position P.
WARNING
•
Do not press the accelerator while selecting a gear with the 
vehicle stationary and the engine running, as this could cause an 
accident.
•
Please note that some power will still be transmitted when you 
stop temporarily with the selector lever in position D, S or R. For this reason, to avoid risking an accident, apply the footbrake firmly 
when stopping to prevent the vehicle rolling away.
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving, as this 
could cause an accident.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Selector lever positions
This section covers all the selector lever positions.The current selector lever position is shown in the instrument 
cluster display.
P - Parking lock
This locks the driving wheels mechanically. The parking lock must 
only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary ⇒.
The interlock button (the button in the selector lever handle) must 
be pressed in and the brake pedal must be depressed before 
moving 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.
Fig. 145  Display: 
Selector lever posi-
tions
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Technical data
– Press the brake pedal and at the same time press in the 
interlock button.Automatic selector lever lock
The selector lever is locked in the P and N positions when the igni-
tion is on. The brake pedal must be depressed before the lever can 
be moved out of either of these positions. The following message 
appears in the instrument display as a reminder for the driver when 
the selector lever is in position P or N:
WHEN STATIONARY APPLY FOOTBRAKE WHILE SELECTING GEAR.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or 
driving at speeds up to 5 km/h. At higher speeds the selector lever 
lock in the N position is disengaged automatically.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved 
quickly through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This 
makes it possible, for instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and 
forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock 
engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and the 
lever is in position N for more than about a second.
Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever handle prevents the driver 
from inadvertently engaging particular gears. Press the button in to 
disengage the selector lever lock. The illustration shows the selector 
lever positions in which the button has to be pressed, highlighted in 
colour ⇒page 132, fig. 146.
Safety interlock for ignition key
The key can only be withdrawn with the ignition switched off and 
the selector lever in position P. When the ignition key is removed, 
the selector lever is locked in position P.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature is designed to give maximum 
acceleration.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. While you keep the 
accelerator depressed the engine speed is automatically controlled 
to give your vehicle maximum acceleration.
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-
down feature could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could 
result in skidding.Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Dynamic gear control program (DCP)
The multitronic
® gearbox is controlled electronically.
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled gearbox. 
The gear ratios are selected automatically according to preset gear-
shift programmes.
When you drive at moderate speeds the gearbox will select the most 
economical shift programme. It will then change up early and delay 
the downshifts to give better fuel economy.
If you drive at higher speeds with heavy acceleration, if you open the 
throttle quickly, or if you use the kick-down or the car's maximum 
speed, the gearbox will automatically select the more “sporty” shift 
programmes.
The gearbox is self-adapting, and continuously selects the most 
suitable shift programme. At the same time, the driver can also 
make the gearbox switch to a more "sporty" programme by pressing 
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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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Audi parking system137
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Technical data
Audi parking systemParking aid systemsApplies to vehicles: with parking systemGeneral notes
Depending on the optional equipment fitted, there are 
various parking aid systems to assist you when parking or 
manoeuvring in tight spaces.parking system*:
The parking system comprises the rear acoustic parking aid 
⇒page 137.
The rear acoustic parking system uses ultrasonic sensors to 
measure the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle which 
has been detected. There are four sensors which are located in the 
rear bumper (two in the centre, two at the sides).
parking system plus*:
The parking system plus* comprises the rear and front acoustic 
parking aid ⇒page 138 in conjunction with a graphic display.
The parking system plus* uses ultrasonic sensors to measure the 
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle which has been 
detected. There are a total of 8 sensors located in the front and rear 
bumpers (2 in the centre and 2 on the side of each bumper).
parking system advanced*:
The parking system advanced* comprises the rear and front 
acoustic parking aid in conjunction with the graphic display as well 
as a reversing camera (Rear View) ⇒page 140.
The reversing camera is located in the boot lid ⇒page 140, fig. 154 
and assists the driver when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces. 
The reversing camera provides an image which is shown in the MMI display. It represents the mirror image of a section of the area 
behind the vehicle ⇒page 144, fig. 159.
Note
There is a slight delay in the picture display.parking systemApplies to vehicles: with parking systemRear parking aid
The parking aid gives an acoustic warning if it detects any 
obstacles behind the vehicle.– Engage reverse gear. You will hear a short beep to 
confirm that the rear parking aid has been activated. The 
rear parking aid remains active for as long as the reverse 
gear is engaged.The measuring range of the sensors in the rear bumper starts at 
approximately:
Reversing
When the vehicle is reversing, the system starts to beep when it 
registers an obstacle within its detection range (see above). The 
warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle approaches 
the obstacle.Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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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
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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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