service indicator AUDI A8 2020 User Guide

Driving

@) Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 126. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
@ Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 283.
WEEE Tel
GG 7 @ Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
fs) and also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A.
Gia / © Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality.You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
124
Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual
The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-
od of time after switching off the ignition. Secure
the vehicle from rolling by setting the parking
brake and select the “P” gear.
Other indicator lights
if is displayed when there is a malfunction,
the brakes were under heavy load. Follow the in-
structions in the message to utilize the engine
braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

Z\ WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that stabi-
lize the vehicle will no longer be available.
This could cause the vehicle to swerve, which
increases the risk that the vehicle will slide.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.

Electromechanical
parking brake
Operating the parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake is used to
secure the vehicle from rolling away unintention-
ally.
The @) switch is located under the selector lever
in the center console. It turns on when the park-
ing brake is set. You can release the parking brake
manually or automatically when you start to
drive.
Setting and releasing the parking brake
> Closing: Pull the © switch.
> 1* ©) appears, the parking brake is hold-
ing the vehicle. You can remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
> Releasing: when the ignition is switched on,
press and hold the brake pedal and press the
button.
If the red indicator light flashes, the braking
force has not built up enough or it has decreased.
You can also secure the vehicle by selecting the >

4N0012721BD
Driving

“P” gear or pressing the brake pedal. Make sure
the indicator light is off before you start driving.
Automatically releasing the parking brake
when starting to drive
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed
and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
> Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.

ZA\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. In this case, park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it by engaging the
"P” gear. Contact an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.

@) Tips
— On steep inclines, especially when in trailer
mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unin-
tentionally when starting to drive. To re-
duces the risk of this happening, pull and
hold the ©) switch while pressing the accel-
erator pedal. If enough drive power has
built up at the wheels and the vehicle does
not roll backwards, then release the switch
to start to drive.
— If you leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are
engaged, the parking brake will be set auto-
matically.
— Noises when the parking brake is set and re-
leased are normal and are not a cause for
concern.
— The parking brake goes through a self-test
cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is
stopped. Any noises associated with this are
normal.
Emergency braking function
Emergency braking should only be used in an
emergency, if the standard brake pedal is mal-
functioning or obstructed. When the emergency
braking function is activated, the braking effect is
similar to a heavy braking maneuver.
> Pull and hold the ©) switch while driving.
> An audio warning signal will sound and emer-
gency
braking will begin.
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency
braking will be canceled.

ZA WARNING
Heavy
braking while driving through curves or
in poor road or weather conditions can cause
the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to
swerve, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.

Messages
EG / @ Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level
ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
GG / @ Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake
There
is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level
ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
125
>

4N0012721BD
Driving dynamic

There is a malfunction. Do not continue driving.
Stop the vehicle safely. Avoid turning the steer-
ing wheel, because the vehicle ground clearance
may be so low that turning the steering wheel
could result in damage to the wheels and wheel
housings.
EB Active suspension: unavailable. Limited sta-
bility. Can continue driving with caution. See
owner's manual
There is a heavy load on the vehicle electrical sys-
tem or the active suspension. Therefore, the ac-
tive suspension functions will be temporarily
switched off. Driving stability is reduced. Contin-
ue driving with caution.
EB Active suspension: malfunction! Limited sta-
bility. You can continue driving with caution
There is a malfunction. Driving stability is re-
duced. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
B Air suspension: vehicle too low. Limited
ground clearance
The vehicle ground clearance is very low. Wait un-
til the air suspension system has restored normal
ground clearance. Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility repair the mal-
function immediately if the indicator light does
not turn off after a significant period of time.
B Air suspension: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction. The driving stability may
be limited and the ground clearance may be low.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Active suspension: currently limited. See
owner's manual
There is a heavy load on the vehicle electrical sys-
tem or the active suspension. Therefore, the ac-
tive suspension functions are temporarily limit-
ed.
Active suspension: predictive scanning un-
available. See owner's manual
There is a malfunction. The camera’s visual field
may be blocked. Clean the windshield. If the mal-
function continues, drive to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension low-
ering. See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 41.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension lift.
See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 41.
Steering
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's
steering movements by electronically adapting
the power steering depending on the vehicle
speed. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Dynamic all-wheel steering
Applies to: vehicles with dynamic all-wheel steering
Active corrective steering at the front and rear
axles increases the driving dynamic and driving
stability. At low speeds, the rear wheels are
steered in the opposite direction from the front
wheels to reduce the steering effort needed by
the driver and to reduce the turning radius. Vehi-
cle handling improves. At high speeds, steering
the rear wheels in the same direction as the front
wheels improves the vehicle response and driving
stability. The vehicle reacts quickly and precisely
to the driver's steering movements.
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
The power steering may have failed. Adapt your
driving style immediately to compensate for the
fact that it may be more difficult to turn the
steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-
cation as soon as possible. Do not continue driv-
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
131

Driving dynamic

& Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle.
Pay attention to distance at side
The rear axle steering may have failed. More
space on the road may be needed at the side of
the vehicle. Slow down immediately, and stop
your vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location
with enough space at the sides of the vehicle. Do
not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
BS Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Do not tow
your vehicle because it cannot be steered. See an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
a Steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. Steering may be more dif-
ficult or more sensitive. Adapt your driving style.
Have the steering system checked immediately
by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Please note that the red indicator
light may turn on after restarting the engine. Do
not continue driving if it does.
a Steering: malfunction! Adapt driving style.
Larger turning radius
The rear axle steering may have failed. The vehi-
cle will have a larger turning radius, and the sta-
bility when driving around curves will be compa-
rable to a vehicle without rear axle steering. Drive
carefully to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction
corrected.
BS Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.
Dynamic steering: correcting steering wheel
position
132
The steering is reinitializing. The steering wheel
will move easily after starting the vehicle. Reiniti-
alization might be necessary if the steering wheel
was moved while the engine was switched off.
The display turns off if the initialization was suc-
cessful.

Z\ WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident.
@ Tips
— If there is a malfunction, the steering wheel
may be crooked when driving straight.
—Ifthe a or a indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.


ALL wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving through curves
> page 134.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
engine power. Your vehicle is exceptionally pow-
erful and has excellent driving characteristics
both under normal driving conditions and on
snow and ice. Always read and follow safety pre-
cautions > A\.

Z\ WARNING
— Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you
should adapt your driving style to the cur-
rent road and traffic conditions to reduce
the risk of an accident.
— The braking ability of your vehicle is limited
to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it
is not different from a two wheel drive vehi-
cle. Do not drive too fast because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane” if driving at speeds that >

4N0012721BD
Driving dynamic


are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the engine RPM does not increase
suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-
planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-
tions to reduce the risk of an accident.
Sy Telamelaielcls
Applies to: vehicles with sport differential

The sport differential distributes the drive power
to the rear axle based on the situation. The goal
is a high level of agility and ability to accelerate
on curves. The vehicle is very responsive to steer-
ing. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Messages
Hi Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
it} Sport differential: temperature too high.
Please adapt driving style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive
in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-
turns to the normal range and the indicator light
switches of.

Z\ WARNING
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility if the sport differen-
tial is faulty or malfunctioning. The repair
must be performed by trained personnel us-
ing the correct oil in order to ensure safety.

Electronic Stabilization
Control
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-
uations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or
understeering, or if the wheels are spinning. The
brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-
duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.
If the [i indicator light blinks while driving, the
ESC is actively regulating.
If the B&B indicator light turns on, the system has
switched the ESC off. In this case, you can switch
the ignition off and then on to switch the ESC on
again. The indicator light turns off when the sys-
tem is fully functional.
If the B indicator light turns on, ESC was limit-
ed or switched off manually > page 134.
The following systems are integrated in the ESC:
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the
system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.
Brake assist
The brake assist system can decrease braking dis-
tance. It increases braking power when the driver
presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency sit-
uations. You must press and hold the brake pedal
until the dangerous situation is over. Depending
on the activated driver assistance systems, the
brake assist system may react with increased sen-
sitivity.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are
slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth-
er wheels. This function is not available at higher
speeds.
In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off
to keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly. >
133

High-voltage system

Emergency release
In case of malfunction, you can manually release
the charging port door or the charging connec-
tor.


Fig. 108 Left side of luggage compartment: emergency re-
lease cover



Fig. 109 Left side of the luggage compartment: emergen-
cy release
Manually releasing the charging port door
> Open the luggage compartment lid.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316 and pry off the cover > fig. 108.
> Loosen the red loop @) > fig. 109 from the re-
tainer and then pull on the loop carefully >@.
> To open the charging port door, press on the
right side of the door.
>» After releasing manually, secure the loop on
the retainer and close the cover.
> Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
Manually releasing the charging connector
If you are not able to pull the charging connector
out of the vehicle charging port, there may bea
malfunction. You must use the emergency re-
lease to release the vehicle charging connector.
142
Requirement: the “P” gear must be selected and
the vehicle must be unlocked.
> End the charging process > page 140.
> Open the luggage compartment lid.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316 and pry off the cover > fig. 108.
> Carefully pull on the red loop @) > fig. 109
>©.
> Remove the charging connector.
> Close the emergency release cover.
> Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
If the charging connector still cannot be removed
after using the emergency release, see an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for assistance.
® Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You
will not hear it release. If you continue to
pull, you could damage the emergency re-
lease mechanism.
IY tre (1
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
If the or =] indicator light turns on, then the
range is low or very low. Charge the high-voltage
battery.
B AC charging system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the charging system. Drive to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately.
Incompatible charging system. Please check
charging system
This message appears when the charging system
is incompatible. Only charge using the Audi
charging system that is designed for your vehicle.
|< Charging system: malfunction
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the vehicle charging infrastructure or the charg-
ing station. Use a different charging station. If >

High-voltage system


Indicator lights Meaning Solution





Q Flashing green |The control unit has overheat- | After the control unit cools down, the
O 0 off ed. The charging performance | malfunction will be automatically
will be reduced. cleared. Never leave the control panel in
O B Of P
direct sunlight for long periods or time.
© 1 Yeltow Until it cools down, charging perform-
9 Off ance will be reduced. If the malfunction
continues, have the control unit checked
by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility.
O Red The power cable has overheat- | After the cable cools down, the malfunc-
© © Yellow ed. The charging process has __| tion will be automatically cleared and the
been interrupted. charging process will resume. If the mal-
O & off
O 6 of function continues, have the control unit
checked by an authorized Audi dealer or
© Off authorized Audi Service Facility, or have
the power supply/household connection
checked by a qualified electrician.
O Red The control unit has overheat- | After the control unit cools down, the
O QO Off ed. The charging process has__| malfunction will be automatically cleared
been interrupted. and the charging process will resume.
O & Off
@ 0 Yew Never leave the control panel in direct
evo sunlight for long periods or time. If the
© Off malfunction continues, have the control
unit checked by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility.
© Red The charging infrastructure of | After the power supply/household con-
© @ Flashing yellow |the power supply/household | nection stabilizes, the malfunction will be
connection is restricted. Possi- | automatically cleared and the charging
O & off
O 6 of ble cause of the malfunction: | process will resume. If the malfunction
low voltage or poor power fre- | continues, have the power supply/house-
© Off quency. The charging process | hold connection checked by a qualified
has been interrupted. electrician.
O Red There is a malfunction inthe | After the vehicle charging system stabiliz-
O 0 Off vehicle charging system. The | es, the malfunction will be automatically
: charging process has beenin- | cleared and the charging process will re-
© & Flashing yellow ging ging
O 0 of terrupted. sume. If the malfunction continues, have
the vehicle checked by an authorized Audi
© Off dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
O Red The power cable or vehicle ca- | Have the power or vehicle cable replaced
O Q Off ble is faulty. Possible cause of | by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
the malfunction: the coding ized Audi Service Facility.
O B&B off
. resistance of the power or ve-
© 0 Flashing yellow hicle cable is not compatible.
9 Off

The charging process has been
interrupted.

146

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system


Indicator lights Meaning Solution




© Red There is a malfunction inthe | End the charging process at the vehicle
O O off vehicle charging system. The | and remove the vehicle cable from the ve-
@ B Red charging process has been in- | hicle charging port. Disconnect the charg-
O 6 of terrupted. er from the power supply and reconnect it
after 60 seconds. Restart the charging
9 Off process > page 139. If the malfunction
continues, have the vehicle checked by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
O Red There is an overvoltage inthe | Disconnect the charger from the power
© CQ Flashing red charging infrastructure of the | supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
power supply/household con- | If the malfunction continues, have the
O & off
O 6 off nection. The charging process | power supply/household connection
© has been interrupted. checked by a qualified electrician.
Off
© Red The control unit has atechni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
O 0 Off cal malfunction. The charging | supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
O Bot process has been interrupted. |If the malfunction continues, have the
@ 0 Red control unit checked by an authorized
© Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
9 Off cility.
© Red The control unit has atechni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
O 0 off cal malfunction (self-test supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
O Bot failed). The charging process _ | If the malfunction continues, have the
© 6 Flashi d has been interrupted. control unit checked by an authorized
asning re Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
© Off cility.
© Red The charging infrastructure of | Have the control unit checked by an au-
@ CO Red the power supply/household | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ & Red connection is insufficient. The | Service Facility, and have the power sup-
O 6 of ground conductor is interrupt- | ply/household connection checked by a
ed or not present. The ground | qualified electrician. Do not use the pow-
9 Off conductor monitor has inter- | er supply/household connector until the
rupted the charging process. | malfunction is corrected.
© Red The indicator light in the reset | Have the control unit replaced by an au-
@ OC Red button on the control unit is | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ B& Red faulty. The charging process _| Service Facility.
@ © Red has been interrupted.
e
9 Off
147

High-voltage system


Indicator lights Meaning Solution



O Red The control unit has detected | Press and hold the © button for at least
@ X Red residual current. The charging | two seconds. If the malfunction contin-
@ EB Red process has been interrupted. | ues, have the control unit checked by an
@ © Red authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
. / Service Facility, and have the power sup-
o Flashing red ply/household connection checked by a
qualified electrician.
© Red The charging infrastructure is | Disconnect the charger from the power
© Q Flashing red wired incorrectly. The charging | supply. Have the power supply/household
© & Flashing red process has been interrupted. | connection checked by a qualified electri-
© § Flashing red eas
9 Off
O Red The control unit has a techni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
@ CX Red cal malfunction. Possible supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
@ EB Red cause of the malfunction: If the malfunction continues, have the
@ 0 Red software error or the load re-_ | control unit checked by an authorized
. lay has been switched incor- _| Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
9 Red rectly. The charging process cility, and have the power supply/house-
has been interrupted. hold connection checked by a qualified
electrician.
O Flashing red The control unit has a serious | Have the control unit replaced by an au-
O 0 off malfunction. The charging thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
O Bot process has been interrupted. | Service Facility.
@ @ Red
9 Off
© Off The indicator light in the Have the control unit replaced by an au-
@ C Red On/Off button on the control | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ B Red unit is faulty. The charging Service Facility.
@ 0 Red process has been interrupted.
e
© Red

148

4N0012721BD
High-voltage system

Technical Data

Output 9.6 kw

Current rating 40 A single phase

System voltage 120V-240V
Power frequency 50 Hz/60 Hz
Overvoltage category (EN 60664) II
Short-time current rating (EN <10 kA eff.
61439-1)

Power plug versions NEMA 6-30; NEMA 6-50; NEMA 14-30; NEMA 14-50; NEMA

5-15
Integrated residual-current device |AC: 20 mA; DC: 56 mA
Vehicle charging connector Type 1
Protection class I

IP Code 55 (USA: Enclosure 3)

Control unit mass 5.3 lbs - 7.7 lbs (2.4 - 3.5 kg)

Control unit dimensions (height x

width x depth)
12.2 inx 4.1 in x 2.8 in (310 mm x 105 mm x 72 mm)

G) Tips
— The device runs a self test after power has
been restored to the control unit. If a self
test is successful, all indicator lights will il-
luminate green for two seconds.
— The Audi e-tron compact charging system is
designed for charging at sockets with a volt-
age of 120 V/240 V. If your socket has a dif-
ferent voltage, contact and authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— If your Audi e-tron compact charging sys-
tem has a fixed connection, meaning can be
connected directly to the power supply
without a power cable, contact a qualified
electrician or an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
Changing or attaching the cable
Applies to: vehicles with Audi charging system



8
° oO
a
Fig. 113 Control unit: removing and attaching the cable
Requirements:
> The charging process for the high-voltage bat-
tery must be ended > page 140.
> The vehicle charging connector must be re-
moved from the vehicle charging port.
> The power cable must be removed from the
socket.
Loosening the cable
» If necessary, loosen the screw @) using the
screwdriver provided.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Pull the connector @) out just until you feel re-
sistance.
149
>