warning AUDI A8 2021 Manual Online
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Page 133 of 362
4N0012721BF
High-voltage system
High-voltage system
General information
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
All work done on the high-voltage system must
only be performed by certified high-voltage tech-
nicians at authorized Audi dealers or authorized
Audi Service Facilities in accordance with Audi
guidelines.
The high-voltage system is composed of the fol-
lowing high-voltage components, among other
things: the high-voltage battery, the power elec-
tronics, the electric motor, the high-voltage A/C
compressor, the high-voltage heater, the charg-
ing system and charging port, and the orange
high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the cargo floor and
does not require any maintenance from the driv-
er.
ZX WARNING
The voltage in the high-voltage system is high
enough to cause fatal injuries. Touching a
damaged high-voltage component can result
in a fatal electric shock. The components in
the high-voltage system are marked with a
warning label which warns against the high-
voltage.
— The voltage level in the high-voltage system
is still dangerous and potentially life-threat-
ening when the ignition is switched off.
— Never perform work on the orange high-
components. Only authorized repair facili-
ties that are certified may perform work on
the high-voltage system.
— Never damage, alter or remove the orange
high-voltage cable or disconnect it from the
high-voltage system.
— Never perform any work using cutting, shap-
ing or sharp-edged tools or heat sources
near the high-voltage system and high-volt-
age cables.
— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.
— Damage to the high-voltage battery could
cause the high-voltage battery to leak im-
mediately or in the future, and poisonous or
flammable gases could escape. Do not in-
hale the gases!
— Do not expose yourself to any leaking fluids
and do not come into contact with them.
— The high-voltage battery electrolyte fluid is
caustic. If electrolyte fluid comes into con-
tact with the skin, flush the affected area for
at least 15 minutes with clean water. Then
wash the affected area with soap. Have the
affected area examined by a medical profes-
sional.
— In the event of a technical emergency, in-
form the responders that the vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage battery.
voltage cables or on other high-voltage
() Note
The high-voltage system can be damaged if
the vehicle underbody comes into contact
with the ground. Immediately drive your vehi-
cle to an authorized repair facility and have it
inspected.
Charging the high-voltage battery
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The following options are available to charge the
high-voltage battery:
131
Page 134 of 362
High-voltage system
Charging method Charging cable
Charge with household and industrial alternat-
ing current (AC) sockets
Audi e-tron compact charging system > page 140
Charge at public alternating current (AC) charg-
ing stations
Charging station cable
Audi recommends using alternating current (AC)
to charge the high-voltage battery at industrial
sockets, charging stations, or a wallbox. This will
allow you to achieve higher efficiency and a con-
siderably shorter charging time when compared
to charging with a household socket.
Only charge at household sockets with the
Audi e-tron compact charging system under spe-
cial circumstances when it is not possible to
charge at an industrial alternating current (AC)
socket or at a public alternating current (AC)
charging station.
High-voltage batteries age over time, which re-
duces the available range. High-voltage batteries
can also age because of how they are used: fre-
quently charging the high-voltage battery com-
pletely accelerates the aging of the battery and
reduces the available range.
Charging time
The duration of the charging process may vary
based on the following factors:
— Sockets being used (household or industrial
sockets)
— Country-specific system voltage, current
strength and number of available phases
— Household connection
— The value set for the charging power level on
the Audi charging system control unit
— Fluctuations in the system voltage
— The temperature outside the vehicle
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
and the Audi charging system control unit.
— Settings for the climate control inside the vehi-
cle
— Current capacity of the charging connector
— Whether the ignition is on or off
132
Tae ela)
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
ZA WARNING
Short circuiting, electric shock, explosions,
fire, and severe burns can result from charg-
ing the battery incorrectly (for example by
disregarding general safety precautions, using
unsuitable or damaged sockets and charging
cables, or charging with unsuitable electrical
equipment) and can lead to serious and fatal
injuries.
— Do not charge using sockets/electrical
equipment that is clearly damaged or instal-
led incorrectly.
— Never use charging equipment that is clearly
damaged and/or dirty. Check the charging
equipment for damage before every use.
— Never modify or repair any electrical compo-
nents, especially the high-voltage system.
— Never charge in areas at risk for explosions.
The components in the charging equipment
can trigger sparks, which can cause flamma-
ble or explosive fumes to ignite. To reduce
the risk of explosions, especially in garages,
make sure the Audi e-tron charging system
control unit is at least 19 inches (50 cm)
above the floor when charging.
— Never use the charging equipment with an
extension cord, a cable reel, a power strip,
or an adapter, for example, a travel adapter
or timer.
— Do not touch the contacts on the vehicle
charging port or charging equipment.
— Do not insert any objects in the vehicle
charging port or in the charging equipment.
— Always protect the sockets and connections
from water, moisture and other fluids.
— Only use the charging equipment provided
by the factory or the charging station cable.
Page 135 of 362
4N0012721BF
High-voltage system
ZA WARNING
Applies to: Audi charging systems
Sockets that are installed incorrectly can
cause electric shock or fire when charging the
high-voltage battery using the vehicle charg-
ing connection.
— Read all information and safety precautions
for Audi charging systems before using
them.
— Monitor the Audi charging system if it is be-
ing used near children.
— Installation and setup of the household con-
nection for Audi charging systems may only
be performed by a qualified electrician. The
qualified electrician is thereby responsible
for adhering to applicable standards and
regulations.
— Make sure that the household socket is
grounded and shielded from water.
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac-
cording to the specifications in the operat-
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— Audi charging systems are intended for use
in private and semi-private areas (for exam-
ple, private property and company parking
lots). Depending on the country where the
vehicle is operated, charging with a mode 2
charging cable (meaning charging with the
Audi charging system) may be prohibited in
public areas. Contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
more information.
— Operate the Audi charging systems in power
networks that are properly grounded. It can-
not be used with non-grounded power net-
works (such as IT networks).
— When charging the high-voltage battery us-
ing household/industrial sockets, the elec-
trical installation can be used at full capaci-
ty. Having a qualified electrician regularly in-
spect the electrical installations that are
used for charging is recommended.
— If possible, disconnect Audi charging sys-
tems from the power network during a
thunderstorm.
— Never submerge the Audi charging systems
or the connectors in water.
— Audi charging systems must only be cleaned
when the control unit is completely discon-
nected from the power supply and from the
vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean.
— Audi charging systems are only intended for
use on Audi vehicles and vehicles within the
Volkswagen Group. Using the devices on
vehicles made by another manufacturer is
not authorized.
CG) Note
— Severely draining the high-voltage battery
can damage it. Once a O mi (0 km) electric
range is displayed, charge the high-voltage
battery within two months. If the stationary
time is unknown with the electric range at 0
mi (0 km), charge the high-voltage battery
immediately. Even if the vehicle is not used,
the high-voltage battery charge level will
naturally reduce over time. To avoid a total
battery drain during long periods without
use (more than one year), charge the high-
voltage battery to the highest level possible
before discontinuing driving it.
— Make sure that you always use the correct
charging equipment for the country in
which it is being used. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for more information.
G) Tips
— Your vehicle can only be charged at charging
stations that meet the requirements in the
respective country and meet the following
standards, at a minimum:
— GB/T 18487.1 and GB/T 20234 (China)
— IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (Europe)
— SAE J1772 (North America, Japan)
— You can use your Audi charging system if
there is a household or industrial connec-
tion available at the charging station.
133
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High-voltage system
If the driver's door is opened while the ignition is
switched off, the current battery charge level and
the high-voltage battery range will be displayed
in the instrument cluster. If charging is in prog-
ress, the remaining charging time will also be
displayed.
Immediate charging and timer charging
You can switch between the immediate charging
@ and charging timer @) options during the
charging process if a charging timer is set
=> page 136. Press the corresponding button to
do this.
Ending the charging process
You can interrupt the charging process at any
time.
— Unlock the vehicle or press the @/@) button
when the vehicle is unlocked, and the LED will
turn on.
— Remove the charging connector. If the charging
connector is not removed within 30 seconds, it
will automatically relock and the charging proc-
ess may continue.
— Put the cap back on the charging port.
— Close the charging port door.
— Disconnect the charging cable from the power
supply if necessary or return it securely to the
charging station.
— Install the protective caps on the charging ca-
ble again.
— If you are transporting the charging cable in
the vehicle, store it securely > page 139.
If the charging connector cannot be removed,
you must unlock it manually > page 137.
If you cannot disconnect the charging connector
from the charging station, authenticate yourself
again at the charging station and then try again
to disconnect the charging connector. If you still
cannot disconnect the charging connector from
the charging station, contact the charging sta-
tion operator.
A WARNING
— Do not disconnect the charging cable from
the socket or the vehicle charging port while
the vehicle is charging. End the charging
process before removing the charging cable
from the socket in order to reduce the risk of
damaging the connector contacts from
sparks.
—If the charging unit is damaged, do not
charge using the charging port to reduce the
risk of injury.
— If the charging unit is damaged or the
charging port door cannot close or is miss-
ing, drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the malfunction corrected to re-
duce the risk of injury.
() Note
If you drive with the charging unit open, both
the charging port door and the electronics in-
stalled behind it could be damaged. Check
each time after charging if the port door is
locked before you start driving the vehicle.
@) Tips
— If the parking brake is set, it could create
noises when the charging connector is con-
nected.
— Remove ice and snow in the charging unit
using a hand brush and solvent-free deicing
spray.
— The vehicle radio and TV systems may have
limited reception when charging the vehicle.
Charging display
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The charging display is an LED light on the charg-
ing unit @) > page 134, fig. 100 that indicates
the charging status. The key for the LED light is
explained in the following table.
135
Page 140 of 362
High-voltage system
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.
is 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
this message does not turn off, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
Charging equipment
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the Audi e-
tron compact charging system may be available.
Using the charging equipment
Pay attention to the following information for
safe handling of the charging equipment:
— Secure the charging equipment against any
strain, such as being run over, falling, pulling,
bending, and crushing.
— Do not submerge the charging equipment in
water and do not cover it with snow or ice.
— When you remove the charging cable from the
vehicle and from the power supply, only pull at
the connectors and not at the cable.
— Put the cap on after using the charging cable.
— Only operate the Audi charging system ina
power supply system with a frequency of
50 Hz/60 Hz.
— Only operate or store the Audi charging system
at a humidity level between 5% and 95% (no
condensation).
— The Audi charging system is protected against
dust and splashing water (IP55 (USA: Enclosure
3).
Depending on the country, different warnings
may be on the charging equipment.
138
Symbol Meaning
Operate or store the Audi charging
system at a temperature range of
-22 °F (-30 °C) to +122 °F (+50 °C).
Operate or store the Audi charging
system at a temperature range of
“22 °F (30°C) to +122 °F (+50 °C).
Operate or store the Audi charging
system at a maximum elevation of
13,000 feet (4,000 m) above sea
level.
g 3
Operate or store the Audi charging
system at a maximum elevation of
16,400 feet (5,000 m) above sea
level.
The Audi charging system is not
equipped with a connected ground
conductor.
The Audi charging system is equip-
LW ped with a connected ground con-
ductor.
&
Do not operate the Audi charging
system in power networks that are
not grounded (such as IT networks).
Only operate the Audi charging sys-
tem in grounded power networks.
Surfaces can become very hot when
in direct sunlight.
Incorrect use increases the risk of
electric shock.
Pay attention to the applicable own-
er's manual, particularly the safety
precautions.
Pay attention to all applicable dis-
posal regulations when disposing.
kx
Berl
pep
Do not use any extensions cords or
cable reels.
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
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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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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.