ECU AUDI A5 COUPE 2008 Owner's Manual

Safe driving169
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
inside. In this case the child wo
uld be unable to get out of the
vehicle without help. This could have fatal consequences.
•
Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Always
close and lock the boot lid and all the doors when you leave the
vehicle.
•
Never let passengers ride in the luggage compartment. All
occupants must be properly restrained by the seat belts at all
times ⇒page 170 .Note
•
Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the
windows. Used air escapes through ventilation slots in the rear of
the vehicle. Make sure that these ventilation slots are not
obstructed.
•
Suitable belts for securing loads to the fastening rings* are
commercially available.
Applies to vehicles: with fastening ringsFastening rings
Unsecured loads are a hazard to all vehicle occupants.There are fastening rings in the luggage compartment
which can be used to secure luggage and other objects
⇒ page 78 .
– Use the fastening rings to secure items safely in the luggage compartment ⇒ in “Loading the luggage
compartment” on page 77.During a collision or an accident, even small and light objects can
possess so much energy that they can cause very severe injuries.
The amount of this “kinetic energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the object. The most significant factor,
however, is the speed of the vehicle.
An example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying unsecured in the
vehicle. During a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, this object
generates a force corresponding to 20 times its weight. That means
that the effective weight of the object increases to about 90 kg. You
can imagine the severity of the injuries which might be sustained if
this “projectile” strikes an occupant as it flies through the
passenger compartment.
WARNING
If items of luggage or other obje
cts are secured to the fastening
rings with inappropriate or da maged retaining cords, injuries
could result in the event of sudden braking or a collision.•
To prevent pieces of luggage or other objects from flying
forward, always use appropriate retaining cords which are prop-
erly secured to the fastening rings.
•
Never secure a child seat on the fastening rings.
WARNING (continued)
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Seat belts173
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
It is also important for the rear passengers to wear seat belts, as
they could otherwise be thrown forwards violently in an accident.
Rear passengers who do not use seat belts endanger not only them-
selves but also the other occupants
⇒page 172, fig. 181.
How to wear seat belts properlyPutting on the three-point seat belts
Always fasten your seat belts before driving off.– Adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly before
putting on the seat belt ⇒page 70, “Seats and storage”. – To fasten the belt, take hold of the latch plate and pull it
slowly across your chest and lap ⇒.
– Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and push it down until it is securely locked with an
audible click ⇒fig. 183.
– Pull the belt to check that it is now securely fastened.
The three-point inertia reel belts are tensioned automatically. The
retractor system gives complete freedom of movement, as long as
the pull on the belt is slow. Hard braking locks the belt. The belt will
also lock when you accelerate, drive up or down a steep hill or in a
sharp curve.
WARNING
•
Always make certain that the belt is positioned properly
⇒ fig. 182 – risk of injury ⇒page 173, “Adjusting the seat belts”.
•
The latch plate of the belt must always be engaged in the
correct buckle for that seat. Oth erwise the belt will not be fully
effective and the danger of injury increases.
Adjusting the seat belts
Always position seat belts properly for maximum safety.
Fig. 182 Positioning of
head restraints and
seat beltsFig. 183 Driver's seat:
Belt buckle and latch
plate
Fig. 184 Adjusting
shoulder and lap belt
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Seat belts
174The height of the front seat on your vehicle can be adjusted in order
to match the position of the seat belt to your height.
WARNING
•
The diagonal part of the belt s hould never be positioned across
the neck, but roughly over the centre of the shoulder; it should fit
closely against the upper part of the body. The lap part of the belt
must be worn tightly across the hips, and not over the abdomen
⇒ page 173, fig. 184. Pull the belt tight if necessary to take up any
slack.
•
Always make sure that belt is positioned properly. Incorrectly
worn seat belts can give rise to injuries even in a minor collision.
•
Seat belts worn too loose can re sult in injuries because they
allow excessive forward movement in a crash; the occupant will
be brought to a sudden stop by the belt webbing.
Wearing and adjusting the seat belts during pregnancy
To afford the best protection for the unborn child it is
important for the mother to wear the seat belt properly at
all times.
Women should always ensure they adjust the seat belt
correctly during pregnancy.
– Adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly before putting on the seat belt ⇒page 70, “Seats and storage”.
– To fasten the belt, take hold of the latch plate and pull it slowly down across your chest. Wear the lap portion of
the seat belt as low as possible over the hips so that there
is no pressure on the stomach ⇒fig. 185, ⇒.
– Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and push it down until it is securely locked with an
audible click ⇒page 173, fig. 183.
– Pull the belt to check that it is now securely fastened.
WARNING
During pregnancy, women should especially make sure to wear
the lap portion of the seat belt as low as possible across the hips
so that there is no pressure on the stomach.Taking off the seat belts
The red button releases the belt from the buckle.
Fig. 185 Positioning
seat belts during preg-
nancy
Fig. 186 The latch
plate of the belt
springs out of the
buckle
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Child safety
190Extended list of recommended child restraint systems1)manufacturer details:
Company: FAIR srl
Address: Strada della Cisa 249/251, I- 42040 Sorbolo Levante di Bres-
cello (RE) / Italy.
http://www.fairbimbofix.com2) may also be secured wi th two-point seat belt.Weight class
Identification
Catalogue number
Manufacturer
Model /
Mode of securing seat
Approval number
0 - 1
(up to 18 kg)
ISOFIX RWF
4590.xx, 4710.xx
1)
FA I R
FAIR G0/ 1
rearward-facing with vehi-
cle-specific platform type A
(RWF)
E4 04443513
1
(9 to 18 kg)
ISOFIX FWF



Universal
4590.xx, 4610.xx
1)




4590.xx
1)
FA I R



FA I R
FAIR G0/ 1
forward-facing with vehicle- specific platform type A (FWF)

FAIR G0/ 1
standard three-point seat
belt
2)
E4 04443513




E4 03443416
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Child safety191
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Possible alternatives for securing a child safety seat
A child safety seat can be secured on the rear seats and
on the front passenger's seat.The following alternatives are avai lable for safely securing a child
safety seat on the rear seats and on the front passenger's seat.•
Child safety seats of the categories 0 to 3 can be secured with the
standard three-point seat belts.
•
Child safety seats of the categories 0, 0+ and 1 with the “ISOFIX”
system can be secured without seat belts using the “ ISOFIX”
retainers* ⇒page 191 .
Compatibility of vehicle seat positions for child safety seats
(according to EC directive 77/541):
“universally compatible”
The front passenger's backrest must be set as far forward as
possible or adapted to the child safety seat as required, and the
seat height must be adjust ed to its highest position.
The front passenger's airbag must be deactivated if a rearward-
facing child seat is used.
The front passenger's seat can be equipped with optional
“ ISOFIX ” retainers.
The rear seats can be equipped with optional “ ISOFIX” retainers.
WARNING
While the vehicle is moving, chi ldren must always be protected
with a restraint system which is suited to their age, height and
weight. Please refer to the chapter “Child seat categories”.•
Never install a rearward-facing child safety seat on the front
passenger's seat unless the fr ont passenger's airbag has been
deactivated. This could result in potentially fatal injuries. If you
have no alternative but to let a child travel on the front passenger's
seat, the front passenger's airb ag must be deactivated before-
hand. Please refer to the chapter “Deactivating airbags”.
•
Note the important information and warnings concerning the
use of child safety seats found in the chapter “Important safety
notes when using child safety seats” and in the installation
instructions provided by the manufactur er of the child safety
seat.
Applies to vehicles: with ISOFIX system“ISOFIX” child seat mounting system
Child safety seats with the “ISOFIX” system can be
secured quickly and easily.When removing or fitting the child safety seat, please be
sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Weight class
Front passen- ger's seat
Rear seats
0, 0+
u, a, b, c
u, d
1
u, a, b, c
u, d
2
u, a
u
3
u, a
u
AuAaAbAcAd
Fig. 202 The ISOFIX
child safety seat is
pushed into the protec-
tive sleeves.
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Child safety
192
– Fit the protective sleeves onto the retainers between the backrest and the seat cushion ⇒page 191,
fig. 202.
– Push the mountings on the child safety seat into the protective sleeves until they engage audibly (2x)
⇒page 191, fig. 202.
– Pull on the child safety seat to check whether both
catches have engaged properly.Child safety seats with the “ISOFI X” system can be secured quickly
and safely on the rear seat* or on the front passenger's seat*.
Detailed fitting instructions are supplied with the child safety seat.
Child seats with “ISOFIX” mounting s are available from Audi dealers
and specialist retailers.
If required, the “ISOFIX” mounti ng system can be retrofitted.
WARNING
The retainers used here are spec ially designed for child safety
seats with “ISOFIX” mountings. Do not attempt to secure other
types of child safety seat, seat bel ts or other objects with these
retainers – this could result in serious or possibly fatal injury.
AA
AB
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Towing a trailer
208Towing a trailerDriving the vehicle with a trailer or
caravanTechnical requirements
The towing bracket must comply with certain technical
requirements.Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers and
luggage. However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a
trailer or caravan.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will
already have the necessary technical modifications and meet the
statutory requirements.
A 13-pin socket is provided to make the electrical connection
between the car and the trailer. If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you can
use an adapter cable. This is available from Audi dealers.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried
out by a qualified workshop.•
In particular in high outside tem peratures it is not possible to
drive up long steep gradients with out a suitable cooling system.
The engine would then overheat.
•
Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk.
Points to check before towingTrailer weights
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒page 295 .If you do not load the trailer up
to the maximum permitted trailer
weight, you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes
up to 1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine
power and therefore the car's climbing ability are impaired because
of the reduced air density, so the maximum trailer weight has to be
reduced accordingly. The weight of the car and trailer must be
reduced by 10% for every further 1000 m (or part thereof). This
figure refers to the combined weight of the (loaded) vehicle and
(loaded) trailer.
The figures for the draw bar weight that appear on the identification
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The
correct figures for your specific vehicle, which may be lower than
these figures for the towing bracket, are given in the registration
documents. Also refer to ⇒page 295 .
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so th at heavy objects are as near to the
axle as possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to
prevent them slipping.
Where possible, operate the trai ler with the maximum permitted
draw bar weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not
exceed the specified limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car and adjust for “full load” condi-
tions (refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the end face
of the driver's door). It may also be necessary to adjust the tyre pres-
sures on the trailer according to the recommendations of the trailer
manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer
with the standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have
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Towing a trailer209
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
additional mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted
on hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient
vision to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check
the headlight beam settings with
the trailer hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight
beams by means of the headlight range control ⇒page 56 .
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key the power supply to the trailer is
interrupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a
removable ball joint coupling. It is carried under the floor panel on
the left-hand side of the luggage compartment.
Note
We recommend having the car serviced between the normal inspec-
tion intervals if it used frequently for towing a trailer.Applies to vehicles: with towing bracketTrailer stabilisation system
Trailer stabilisation helps to reduce the risk of the vehicle
skidding when towing a trailer.When is the trailer stab ilisation system activated?
Trailer stabilisation is active when the following requirements are
met:•
The ESP must NOT be switched off ⇒page 196 ,
•
The trailer connector must be properly secured in the vehicle
socket.
•
Vehicle speed must be higher than approx. 60 km/h. How trailer stabilisation works:
In many cases, the driver can stabilise a swaying trailer by manually
braking the vehicle.
However, if the ESP detects that th
e trailer is swaying and this is
affecting the towing vehicle, it will automatically brake the vehicle
to stabilise the trailer by slowing it down. The warning lamp
 will
light up in the instrument cluste r. If possible, do not turn the
steering wheel at this stage.
In order to warn traffic behind you, the brake lights will come on
during this automatic braking operation.
A trailer weighing less than 70% of the kerb weight of the towing
vehicle may sway quite considerably without the trailer stabilisation
system intervening. This can happen when the swaying movements
of the light-weight trailer are not or hardly passed on to the towing
vehicle and are therefore not detected by the ESP.
If the system for activating the trai ler brake lights is defective, this
will be indicated in the instrument cluster display ⇒page 36, “Bulb
monitor ”.
Requirements for correct functioning of the trailer
stabilisation system
If these conditions are not met in full, the trailer stabilisation system
will only intervene to a limited extent or not at all ⇒.
•
The electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the
trailer must be functioning correctly, without any defects.
•
The load on the trailer must be properly secured.
•
The tyre pressures on both the vehicle and the trailer must be
adapted to the load that is being carried.
•
Where possible, operate the trai ler with the maximum permitted
draw bar weight.
•
The trailer overrun brake must be set correctly. This is important
to ensure that the trailer can be braked correctly, to avoid the vehicle
and trailer “jack-knifing” and to pr event excess braking of the trailer.
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Towing a trailer
212The removable ball joint attachment for the towing bracket is stored
under the floor panel on the left-h and side of the luggage compart-
ment.
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
WARNING
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball
joint. This coul d damage the mechanism wh ich locks the ball joint
in place and impair it s safety (accident risk).
Note
•
Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball joint or other towing
bracket components.
•
Should you have any difficulties when using the towing bracket,
or suspect that it is not fitted properly, contact a qualified workshop.
•
Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured
properly ⇒page 214 .
•
Never disengage the ball joint with the caravan / trailer still
hitched or with a bicycle rack or similar accessory still attached.
•
It is advisable to remove the ball joint when you are not towing a
trailer. Fold the socket back to its original position so that the
mounting fixture is properly closed.
•
The ball joint must be removed if you intend to clean the car with
a steam cleaning attachment. Make sure that the mounting fixture
is properly closed.
•
For installation and removal of the ball joint we recommend that
the gloves provided be used.
Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketFitting the ball joint (step 1)– Remove the bumper cover to access the socket unit.
– Fold the socket unit all the way out in the direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 207.
– The cover piece is held automatically in the open posi- tion.
– Check that the mounting for the towing bracket, which will now have become visible -arrow- ⇒fig. 208, is free of
dirt, and clean if necessary ⇒.
Fig. 207 Area below
rear bumper: Folding
down the socketFig. 208 Socket
(folded down)
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Towing a trailer213
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Also check the shaft section of the ball joint and its asso-
ciated mechanical parts to make sure they are clean and
undamaged.Continued ⇒page 213, “Fitting the ball joint (step 2)”.
WARNING
It is important to keep the mounti ng fixture clean. Otherwise the
ball joint may fail to engage securely (accident risk).Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketFitting the ball joint (step 2)The spring mechanism inside the ball joint must
be in the "ready" position.
– Check that the red marking ⇒fig. 209 on the knob is
inside the green zone on the ball joint.
– Check that the locking ball is inside the hole in the shaft section of the ball joint.
– Check that the knob protrudes visibly from the ball joint, so that there is a clear gap between the knob and the
ball joint.
The ball joint can only be installed if the internal spring mechanism
is in the ready position.
Continued ⇒page 213, “Fitting the ball joint (step 3)”.Applies to vehicles: with removable towing bracketFitting the ball joint (step 3)Setting the spring mechanism to the "ready"
position (if required)
– Insert the key ⇒fig. 210 for locking the ball joint into
the lock on the knob and turn it clockwise.
Fig. 209 Removable
towing bracket: Ball
joint
A2A1A3
Fig. 210 Removable
towing bracket:
Setting the spring
mechanism to the
"ready" positionFig. 211 Removable
towing bracket:
Inserting the ball joint
A4
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