towing AUDI A5 2008 8T / 1.G Owners Manual

Contents 2ContentsNotes on this Owner's
Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and displays
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and
warning/indicator lamps
. . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . .
Driver information system
. . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speed warning function . . . . . . . . .
Auto-check control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors and windows
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . .
Boot lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilting panorama roof . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and vision
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clear vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual adjustment of front seats
Easy-entry function . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjustment of front seats
Easy-entry function . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . .
Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and electrical
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On-board 230 Volt Euro socket . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . .
Heating and cooling
. . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner -
basic settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner
plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deluxe automatic air conditioner
plus - basic settings . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary heating and auxiliary
ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine
with the advanced key . . . . . . . . . .
Electro-mechanical parking brake
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
multitronic® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audi parking system
. . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid systems . . . . . . . . . . . .
parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
parking system plus . . . . . . . . . . . .
parking system advanced . . . . . . .
Towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special parking situations . . . . . . .
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HomeLink
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct sitting positions . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage safely . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why is it so important to use seat
belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forces acting in a collision . . . . . .
How to wear seat belts properly .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
7
9
9
11
11
15
20
20
25
28
29
39
39
42
48
50
52
54
54
60
61
6265
68
70
70
71
72
73
74
76
77
77
84
85
86
87
89
91
93
93
100
101
109
111
115
116
116
116
118
121
125130
130
137
137
137
138
140
147
148
150
152
154
154
161
162
162
164
167
168
170
170
171
173
175
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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
220
223
227
227
227
228
230
230
232
233
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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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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Driver information system 22
You can deactivate the gear-change indicator on the sound
system or MMI.
Switching the gear-change indicator on and off
– Select: Function selector button > Instrument
cluster > Suggested gear ⇒fig. 12.To familiarise yourself with the gear-change indicator, we recom-
mend driving in the normal way to start with. A gear change will be
recommended if the gear you are in is not the most economical
choice for the current driving conditions. The gear you are currently
in and the recommended gear will be displayed ⇒page 21, fig. 11.•
Shifting up a gear: The suggested gear appears to the right of the
current gear when a higher gear is recommended.
•
Shifting down a gear: The suggested gear appears to the left of
the current gear when a lower gear is recommended.
Gears may ocassionally be skipped (3 > 5).
If no gear change is recommended, you are already in the most
economical gear.Note
•
The gear-change indicator is intended to help save fuel. It is not
intended to recommend the right gear for all driving situations. For example, the display may not recommend a gear change while you
are overtaking, driving up a steep gradient or towing a trailer.
•
The gear-change indicator goes out when you press the clutch
pedal.
Applies to vehicles: with on-board computerDigital speedometerThe display shows the current speed. The speed is displayed in
increments of 1 km/h.
Fig. 12 MMI display:
Switching the
suggested gear on and
off
CAR
Fig. 13 Display: Digital
speedometer
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Driver information system 34
WARNING
The vehicle must not be towed if there is a fault in the electronic
steering lock: the steering will be locked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. Towing a vehicle with locked steering can cause an acci-
dent.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Ignition lock defective

A fault in the ignition lock must be rectified immediately.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic ignition lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information
about the fault. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by
pressing the button:
Ignition lock defective. Contact workshop!
–Do not switch off the engine.
– Drive the vehicle without delay to a qualified workshop
and have the fault repaired.
The ignition cannot be switched off if there is a fault in the elec-
tronic ignition lock. For this reason, you should drive the vehicle
without delay to a qualified workshop and have the cause of the
fault repaired.
If the vehicle is equipped with the advanced key* feature, you
should not switch off the engine with the Stop/Start button because
it cannot be started again after the ignition has been switched off.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a malfunction or other item
requiring attention.Yellow symbols indicate a Priority 2 fault.
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The
symbol is accompanied by a driver message giving you more infor-
mation about the fault. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by pressing the
button.
The function indicated should be checked as soon as possible. The
yellow symbol will only go out when the fault has been rectified.
If several Priority 2 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
SET
Fi g . 2 6 D i s p la y : Yel l o w
warning symbol
SET
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Lights and vision55
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
The automatic headlights are only intended to assist the driver.
The driver must always ensure that the headlights are used when
required, and may have to switch them on manually when the light
conditions or visibility are poor. For example, the light sensors are
not able to detect fog. Therefore, you should always switch on the
headlights
 in these conditions and when driving after dark.
Note
•
The light sensor for automatic headlight control is located in the
mounting for the interior mirror. Do not affix any stickers on this
section of the windscreen to avoid malfunctioning of the sensor.
•
The default sensitivity of the light sensor, which is set at the
factory, can be changed in the MMI menu Auto headlights
⇒page 56.
•
If the lights are left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, a buzzer sounds when the driver's door is opened.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant
statutory requirements.
•
The coming home/leaving home function is active only when the
light switch is set to AUTO.
Fog lights– Press button ⇒fig. 51 to switch on the front fog lights
.
– Press button to switch on the rear fog lights
.
Front fog lights
The side lights or headlights must be switched on. The green diode
at the edge of the switch lights up when the front fog lights are
switched on.
When the headlights are set to AUTO, the dipped headlights are
switched on automatically when you switch on the front fog lights.
Rear fog lights
The headlights or side lights and the front fog lights must be
switched on.
The yellow diode at the edge of the switch lights up when the rear
fog lights are switched on.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan equipped with a rear fog light
on a vehicle with a factory-fitted towing bracket, only the rear fog
light on the trailer or caravan will light up.
Fig. 51 Switch for
front fog lights
A1A2
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Lights and vision 58Applies to vehicles: with adaptive lightadaptive light
This feature provides better illumination when you drive
through a corner.The adaptive light gives better illumination of the bend and the side
of the road when driving through a corner ⇒fig. 55. The adaptive
light is controlled automatically, depending on the speed of the
vehicle and the steering wheel angle.
The headlights are regulated automatically when you drive through
a corner, depending on how far you turn the steering wheel. To
avoid having a dark spot in front of the vehicle the two headlights
are directed at different angles.
Note
The system is active at speeds from approximately 10 km/h to
110 km/h.
Hazard warning lights

The hazard warning lights are used to make other road
users aware of your vehicle in hazardous situations.– Press the switch
 to switch the hazard warning lights
on or off ⇒fig. 56.
All four turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning
lights are switched on. The two turn signal indicator lamps
  and
the indicator lamp in the switch
 will flash at the same time. The
hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning lights come on automatically in the event of an
accident in which an airbag is triggered or in the case of an emer-
gency stop (full brake application).
Note
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road
users, for instance:•
When reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
If your vehicle breaks down or there is an emergency
•
If your vehicle is being towed away, or if you are towing another
vehicle.
Fig. 55 adaptive light
when driving
Fig. 56 Switch for
hazard warning lights
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Driving 120lock the vehicle using the exterior locking switch on the door handle
or the remote control key.
Advanced key defective! Use ignition lock
This message appears if the vehicle has to be started with the igni-
tion key instead of the Start/Stop button.
Steering lock
The steering is locked if the key is not in the ignition and the driver
door has been opened. The steering lock acts as a theft deterrent.
WARNING
Never run the engine in confined spaces. The exhaust gases are
toxic.•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
•
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load condi-
tions until the engine has reached its normal operating tempera-
ture, otherwise this can damage the engine.
•
The engine cannot be started by push-starting or towing.
•
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason,
you should leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes before
switching it off.
Switching off the engine with the Start/Stop button–Stop the vehicle.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to position P
or N.
–Press the Start/Stop button ⇒page 118, fig. 135.Emergency Off function
Should it be necessary in an emergency, the engine can be switched
off when the selector lever is in position R, D or S. To switch off the
engine (max. speed 10 km/h) press and hold the Start/Stop button
and keep your foot on the brake.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only
when the engine is running. You need more strength to steer and
brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. This would
mean a greater risk of accidents and serious injury, because you
cannot steer and brake in the normal manner.Caution
If the engine has been working hard for a long time, there is a risk
of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason,
you should leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes before
switching it off.
Note
After the engine is stopped the radiator fan may run on for up to
10 minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The fan may also
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Driving123
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
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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Automatic gearbox 132Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary
and the engine is idling ⇒.
To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock
button and at the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on
the model, one or two reversing lights will come on in selector lever
position R (when ignition is switched on).
N - Neutral
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically selects the best gear
ratio. This depends on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control program (DCP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
In some situations (such as on mountain roads or when towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to
tiptronic mode ⇒page 134, so that the gear ratios can be selected
manually to suit the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
Select this position if you wish to take full advantage of the car's
performance. This setting makes use of the engine's maximum
power output. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if
the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
WARNING
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving, as this
could cause an accident.
•
In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with
the foot brake when the engine is running. This is because an auto-
matic gearbox still transmits power even at idling speed, and the vehicle tends to “creep”. The throttle must on no account be
opened inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine
compartment) when a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately (in some
cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an
accident.
•
To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the
selector lever in position P before opening the bonnet and working
on the vehicle with the engine running. Please observe the impor-
tant safety warnings ⇒page 231, “Working on components in the
engine compartment”.
Applies to vehicles: with multitronic®Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being
engaged inadvertently, so that the vehicle is not set in
motion unintentionally.The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch on the ignition.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 146 Selector lever
lock functions
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 132 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10