AUDI A8 2021 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: AUDI, Model Year: 2021, Model line: A8, Model: AUDI A8 2021Pages: 362, PDF Size: 99.29 MB
Page 141 of 362

4N0012721BF
High-voltage system
Meaning
Do not use any travel adapters.
Do not use any power strips.
, Do not use any charging cables with
oo, damage to the electronics or the
connecting wires.
Operate the Audi charging system
in single-phase power supplies.
Grounding instructions
Audi charging systems must be grounded. If it
should malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric
current to reduce the risk of electric shock. Audi
charging systems are equipped with a cord hav-
ing an equipment grounding conductor anda
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into
an appropriate outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.
Z\ WARNING
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor is able to result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified elec-
trician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to
whether the product is properly grounded. Do
not modify the plug provided with the product
— if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper out-
let installed by a qualified electrician.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Fig. 103 Luggage compartment: storage compartment
Always store the charging equipment securely
before transporting.
> Open the luggage compartment lid > page 48.
> Open the storage compartment in the luggage
compartment > fig. 103.
>» Stow the charging equipment in the storage
compartment.
> Close the storage compartment and the lug-
gage compartment lid.
ZA WARNING
If the charging equipment is not secured or
positioned correctly, it can slide out of place
and endanger vehicle occupants when brak-
ing, when changing directions, or in a colli-
sion.
— Only transport charging equipment in the
transport bag in the luggage compartment
and never unsecured or in the passenger
compartment.
@) Note
Always lift or carry the Audi charging system
as one unit and never by the cables.
139
Page 142 of 362

High-voltage system
Audi e-tron compact charging system
Applies to: vehicles with Audi e-tron compact charging system
a oho
RAZ-0726}
Fig. 104 Audi e-tron compact charging system: compo-
nents (example)
Observe the safety precautions > page 132, Im-
portant safety precautions.
The Audi e-tron compact charging system can be
used for charging with a household or industrial
socket. Depending on the country and the vehicle
equipment, the following accessories may be
available:
@ Control unit
@ Vehicle cable with vehicle charging connector
@) Power cable with power plug for household
sockets
@ Power cable with power plug for industrial
sockets
The vehicle cable is securely connected to the
control unit. The power cable is plugged into the
upper end of the control unit and can be switched
=>page 145.
Control unit overview
© | On/Off button @, charging power lev-
el and LED
© _ |Status LED:
a Power supply/household
connection
& | Vehicle
0 Control panel
@ 9
Charging
Reset
Note the instructions for charging > page 134.
140
Fig. 105 Audi e-tron compact charging system: control
unit
Requirement: the correct power plug must be in-
stalled > page 145.
— Insert the plug into the socket.
— Plug the vehicle charging connector into the ve-
hicle charging port.
— The charging process e will start automatically.
— Once the charging process has completed, un-
lock the vehicle and remove the vehicle charg-
ing connector from the vehicle charging port.
Adjusting the charging power level
The control unit automatically recognizes the
voltage and the available current strength. You
can set whether you would like to charge with full
or reduced charging power. The last setting that
was selected will be saved and used again the
next time the vehicle is charged. If multiple
items are connected to the power circuit, the
charging current may be reduced when charging
at a power outlet. This can help to prevent the
electrical equipment from overheating.
Before charging, always check if the charging
power setting that was selected last is still suita-
ble.
—To set the charging power level, press and hold
the ® button © © fig. 105 for at least two sec-
onds.
After the charging power level is set, the status
LEDs (, and [) will flash green one time. The
selected value (50% or 100%) is displayed on the
left or right side of the ® button.
Page 143 of 362

4N0012721BF
High-voltage system
Control unit: status and malfunction indicators
Indicator lights Meaning Solution
O Green The charger is ready to charge, | Starting the charging process
but is not charging. => page 134. CQ Off
O & Off
O 0 Off
9 Off
© Flashing green | The vehicle is being charged
O QO Off with the ground conductor
O B oft monitor activated.
O 6 off
9 Off
© Flashing green | The power cable has overheat- | After the cable cools down, the malfunc-
© a Yellow ed. Possible cause of the mal- | tion will be automatically cleared. Until it
O B oft function: a multi-phase socket | cools down, charging performance will be
O 6 of is being used in single-phase | reduced. If the malfunction continues,
mode. The charging perform- | have the power supply/household con-
© Off ance will be reduced. nection checked by a qualified electrician.
®) Flashing green |The control unit has overheat- | After the control unit cools down, the
O QA Off ed. The charging performance | malfunction will be automatically
will be reduced. cleared. Never leave the control panel in
O & Off P
@ 0 vel direct sunlight for long periods or time.
enow Until it cools down, charging performance
© Off will be reduced. If the malfunction con-
tinues, have the control unit checked by
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
@ Yellow The charger is connected to
O O Off the vehicle. The high-voltage
O B oft battery is charged and the
charging process has ended
O 0 off successfully, or the vehicle is
© Off not requesting a charging pro-
cedure.
O Red The power cable has overheat- | After the cable cools down, the malfunc-
© Q Yellow ed. The charging process has __| tion will be automatically cleared and the
O B oft been interrupted. charging process will resume. If the mal-
O 6 of function continues, have the control unit
6 checked by an authorized Audi dealer or
Off
authorized Audi Service Facility, or have
the power supply/household connection
checked by a qualified electrician.
141
Page 144 of 362

High-voltage system
Indicator lights Meaning Solution
O Red The control unit has overheat- | After the control unit cools down, the
O A Off ed. The charging process has_ | malfunction will be automatically cleared
O @ oft been interrupted. and the charging process will resume.
Never leave the control panel in direct
© 0 Yellow sunlight for long periods or time. If the
9 Off malfunction continues, have the control
unit checked by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility.
oO Red The charging infrastructure of | After the power supply/household con-
© Flashing yellow |the power supply/household | nection stabilizes, the malfunction will be
O @ oft connection is restricted. Possi- | automatically cleared and the charging
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-
9 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 QO Off vehicle charging system. The | es, the malfunction will be automatically
© B Flashing yellow charging process has been in- | cleared and the charging process will re-
O 6 off terrupted. sume. If the malfunction continues, have
the vehicle checked by an authorized Audi
9° Off dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
O Red The power cable or vehicle ca- | Have the power or vehicle cable replaced
O QO Off ble is faulty. Possible cause of | by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
O 2 oft the malfunction: the coding ized Audi Service Facility.
. resistance of the power or ve-
© 0) Flashing yellow hicle cable is not compatible.
o Off The charging process has been
interrupted.
O Red There is a malfunction in the | End the charging process at the vehicle
O O Off vehicle charging system. The | and remove the vehicle cable from the ve-
@ 2 Red charging process has been in- |hicle charging port. Disconnect the charg-
O 0 oft terrupted. er from the power supply and reconnect it
after 60 seconds. Restart the charging
© Off process > page 134. If the malfunction
continues, have the vehicle checked by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
oO Red There is an overvoltage inthe | Disconnect the charger from the power
® 4 Flashing red charging infrastructure of the |supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
O 2B oft power supply/household con- | If the malfunction continues, have the
O 6 off nection. The charging process | power supply/household connection
© wi has been interrupted. checked by a qualified electrician.
142
Page 145 of 362

4N0012721BF
High-voltage system
Indicator lights Meaning Solution
© Red The control unit has atechni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
O A Off cal malfunction. The charging | supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
O @B oft process has been interrupted. |If the malfunction continues, have the
@ 30 Red control unit checked by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
© Off cility.
© Red The control unit has a techni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
O QO Off cal malfunction (self-test supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
O B oft failed). The charging process | If the malfunction continues, have the
. has been interrupted. control unit checked by an authorized
@ 0 Flashing red Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
9 Off cility.
© Red The charging infrastructure of | Have the control unit checked by an au-
@ QC Red the power supply/household | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ Bre connection is insufficient: the | Service Facility, and have the power sup-
O 0 of ground conductor is interrupt- | ply/household connection checked by a
ed or not present. The ground | qualified electrician. Do not use the pow-
© 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-
@ X Red button on the control unit is | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ & Red faulty. The charging process _| Service Facility.
@ 6 Red has been interrupted.
9 Off
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-
@ 2 Red process has been interrupted. | ues, have the control unit checked by an
@ 6 Red authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility, and have the power sup-
9 Flashing red ply/household connection checked by a
qualified electrician.
O Red The charging infrastructure is | Disconnect the charger from the power
© 1 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 can.
9 Off
O Red The control unit has atechni- | Disconnect the charger from the power
@ A Red cal malfunction. Possible supply and reconnect it after 60 seconds.
@ Bred cause of the malfunction: soft- | If the malfunction continues, have the
@ & Red ware error or the load relay control unit checked by an authorized
© Red has been switched incorrectly. | Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
The charging process has been
interrupted.
cility, and have the power supply/house-
hold connection checked by a qualified
electrician.
143
Page 146 of 362

High-voltage system
Indicator lights Meaning Solution
@ Flashing red The control unit has a serious | Have the control unit replaced by an au-
O Q Off malfunction. The charging thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
O @ oft process has been interrupted. | Service Facility.
@ § Red
9 Off
O Off The indicator light in the Have the control unit replaced by an au-
@ X Red On/Off button on the control | thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
@ S& Red unit is faulty. The charging Service Facility.
@ 6 Red process has been interrupted.
© Red
Technical Data
Output 9.6 kw
Current rating 40 A single phase
System voltage 120V-240V
Power frequency 50 Hz/60 Hz
Overvoltage category (IEC 60664) II
Short-time current rating (EN
61439-1)
<10 kA eff.
Power plug versions NEMA 6-30; NEMA 6-50; NEMA 14-30; NEMA 14-50; NEMA
S15
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)
@) 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
144
without a power cable, contact a qualified
electrician or an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
=> page 342.
Page 147 of 362

4N0012721BF
High-voltage system
g or attac g the cable
icles with Audi charging system
Applies to:
B4G-0681 Nn?
— Only change cables in a dry environment.
— The Audi charging system may only be used
as a complete unit consisting of the power
cables, the control unit, and the vehicle ca-
ble. Depending on the country, the total
length of the power cable, control panel and
vehicle cable may be restricted, for example
to 24.6 feet (7.5 m) in the USA. Audi recom-
Fig. 106 Control unit: removing and attaching the cable
Requirements:
> The charging process for the high-voltage bat-
tery must be ended > page 135.
> 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.
> Close the lever @ until it is resting on the con-
nector @).
» Remove the connector (2) completely.
Attaching the cable
> Lift the lever @ up slightly.
> Insert the connector (2) into the control unit
just until you feel resistance.
> Lift the lever @ all the way up.
> Insert the connector (2) all the way into the
control unit.
> Close the lever @).
> Tighten the screw @) using the screwdriver pro-
vided.
A WARNING
— Note the warnings for charging > A in
Charging on page 135.
— Before switching a cable, always unplug the
power cable from the socket.
mends using only cables approved by Audi.
Gi) Tips
The power cable with the power connector for
industrial sockets and the Audi charging sys-
tem control unit are designed to work togeth-
er. Changing the power cable to another con-
nector type may reduce the available charging
power of the entire system. Limitations on
the ability to transfer power (current capacity)
depending on the phase and the number of
available phases may affect the available
charging power.
Wall clip
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive and wall mount
clip
RAZ-0638,
Fig. 107 Wall mount clip: securing the Audi charging sys-
tem
Securing the Audi charging system
> First insert the control unit in the bottom tabs
on the wall mount clip and then into the upper
tabs.
> Push the control unit in the direction of the ar-
row toward the rear > fig. 107 and let it lock in-
to place.
> Wrap the excess length of cable around the
charging connector mount @) when you are not
charging the high-voltage battery.
145
>
Page 148 of 362

High-voltage system
> Plug the power cable into the socket (2).
> After charging, you can hook the vehicle charg-
ing connector to the charging connector mount
©.
Locking and unlocking the Audi charging
system
> You can lock or unlock the Audi charging sys-
tem using the key provided by turning it to the
lock position @) or the unlock position ©).
Removing the Audi charging system
> Remove the power cable connector from the
socket @).
> Unwind the cable from the charging connector
mount (4).
> To loosen the control unit from the bracket,
push the locking mechanism @) upward.
ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions in the assem-
bly instructions for the wall mount clip.
146
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4N0012721BF
Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.
Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch
Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @®.
CG) Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. Otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 299. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
147
>
Page 150 of 362

Trailer towing
you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 124
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 126.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 126.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch trailer mode off again when you are no
longer towing a trailer.
When using rear carrier systems that are mount-
ed directly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can
also switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 126.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.
148
ZA WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
C) Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function checked by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
@) Tips
— Block the wheels with chocks when parking
on inclines if the trailer is loaded.
— Audi recommends having the vehicle in-
spected between the inspection intervals if
you tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Pie Rie Relig
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.
Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.