towing AUDI E-TRON 2019 User Guide

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
ere eleurl lela)
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.

ZA WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Certain requirements must be met when towing
a trailer.

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.
120

AN WARNING
— Never mount a "weight-distributing" or
"load-balancing" trailer coupler as the trailer
hitch. The vehicle was not designed for
these types of trailer hitches. The trailer
hitch can malfunction and the trailer can
break off from the vehicle.
— If the trailer is equipped with electronic
brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by
a factory-installed control system, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, always remove
the ball hitch mount if no trailer is mount-
ed.
Oo} T-Te lalate mie as (olay
Towing capacity

The permitted towing capacity must not be ex-
ceeded under any circumstances > page 292.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
The towing capacities given only apply to eleva-
tions up to 3,200 feet (1,000 m) above sea level.
As the elevation increases, the motor power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressure. This
reduces the hill climbing ability and towing ca-
pacity. For every additional 3,200 ft (1,000 m),
the maximum permitted towing weight must be
reduced by approximately 10%. The permitted
towing weight is the combined weight of the
(loaded) vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must
not be exceeded.
Having the tongue weight too low affects the ve-
hicle's handling. For driving safety, always using
the maximum permitted tongue weight is recom-
mended, but not exceed it. Distributing the cargo
in the trailer correctly will help to achieve this
weight.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.

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Trailer towing

The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 292.
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 253. 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
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
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 98
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 99.
For vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch, you
must switch on the air suspension trailer mode
manually.
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch it off again when you are no longer towing
a trailer.
When using carrier systems that are mounted di-
rectly 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 99.
You can also increase ground clearance by select-
ing the Audi drive select* offroad or allroad
modes > page 98.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no Longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.

ZA WARNING
— 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.

121

Trailer towing


— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the

vehicle manually.

@) Note
— Select 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.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.
Driving with a trailer
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.
Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never try to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
122
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.

ZA WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

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Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Sica eel delay

ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Unexpected steering or braking interven-
tions may be initiated by the assist systems.
Note the information on storing luggage
items correctly > page 77.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
=>page 124 or > page 125.


G) Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system by braking or acceler-
ating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving. The settings could have been
changed, for example, by other drivers or if
another personal profile was used.
System limitations
ZA\ WARNING
—The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.

— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
@) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.


— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
—In trailer mode, some assist systems may be
limited, may not react as usual, or may be
unavailable. Please refer to the instructions
for towing a trailer located in > page 120.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.
123

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Driver assistance

left turn). The braking intervention causes your
vehicle to stay in its lane. The function is only
available when the turn signal is turned on and at
speeds up to maximum of 6 mph (10 km/h).

ZA\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 123.
— The turn assist does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, crossing objects, and ob-
jects not detected as vehicles.

@) Tips
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning > page 102, the turn assist
functions may also not be available.
— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
Adjusting Audi pre sense
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI = page 126.
You can adjust the Audi pre sense functions to
your preferences. The settings depend on the ve-
hicle equipment.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > (@}) > Audi pre
sense.
Possible settings:
— Turn assist
— Evasive steering support
Prewarning~ - The early warning can be switched
off or the Audi pre sense warning time can be set
(Early/Medium/Late).
Set the warning time for the early warning to
Early at first. If this causes undesired early warn-
ings to appear, then set the warning time to Me-

2) When making a right turn in countries with left-hand drive
vehicles.
2) In certain countries
dium. The Late warning time should only be set
in special circumstances.
G) Tips
— Switch Audi pre sense off when you are not
using public streets, when loading the vehi-
cle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or oth-
er type of transportation, or when towing
the vehicle. This can help to prevent an un-
desired intervention from the Audi pre
sense system.
—If the system is switched off, it switches on
again automatically once the ignition is
switched on again2).
— Specific settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
re or s displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the Audi pre sense functions may be un-
available or may be limited.

A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 124, fig. 97 and try to turn on
the systems again later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
153

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Driver assistance

— If the lanes are narrow or if you are driving on
the edge of your lane. If this is the case, the
system may have detected a vehicle in another
lane that is not adjacent to your current lane.
— If you are driving through a curve. Side assist
may react to a vehicle that is in the same lane
or one lane over from the adjacent lane.
—If side assist reacts to other objects (such as
roadside structures like guard rails).

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras © page 123.
— The display may not appear on time when
vehicles are approaching or being passed

very quickly.

G) Tips
— If the window glass in the driver's door or
front passenger's door has been tinted, the
display in the exterior mirror may be incor-
fects
— These systems are not available in trailer
towing mode. There is no guarantee the sys-
tems will switch off when using a retrofitted
trailer hitch. Do not use these functions
when towing a trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 289.
Adjusting side assist
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI = page 126. If the system is activated, the
displays will turn on briefly when the ignition is
switched on.
Adjusting the brightness
You can adjust the brightness of the display in
the exterior mirror. The settings depend on the
vehicle equipment.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > (<23) > Side as-
sist > Brightness.
The display brightness is automatically adapted
to the ambient light. If the automatic adaptation
has already reached the upper or lower limit, no
change will be apparent when the setting is
changed, or it will only become visible when the
ambient light changes. Adjust the brightness to a
level where the display in the information stage
will not disrupt your view ahead. If you change
the brightness, the display will briefly show the
brightness level in the information stage.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
rig or fii is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the side assist and exit warning system
functions may be unavailable or may be limited.

A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the sensor area in the ve-
hicle rear and try to turn the systems on again
later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
155

Driver assistance

Exit warning
Applies to: vehicles with exit warning system



Fig. 122 Front door: warning strip (diagram)
Within system limits, the exit warning system
can detect traffic approaching from behind such
as vehicles, and provide assistance based on this
information when you are exiting the vehicle. The
system uses the data from the radar sensors at
the rear corners of the vehicle > fig. 121.
General information
If you pull a door handle while the vehicle is sta-
tionary and an object classified as critical is ap-
proaching, the warning strip @ and the display
on the exterior mirror (2) will light up on the cor-
responding side of the vehicle. The opening of
the door will also be slowed briefly.
If the door is opened, the displays on that side
will flash. If another road user that is classified
as critical is approaching while a door is already
open, the displays on that door will turn on.
The same messages apply for the exit warning
system and side assist > page 155.
156

Switching the exit warning on and off
— The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI & page 126.

A WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 123.
— Always pay attention to traffic and to the
area around your vehicle. The exit warning
system does not replace the attention of the
vehicle occupants. The vehicle occupants are
always responsible for opening the doors
and exiting the vehicle.
— The exit warning system does not respond
to people and cannot warn you about every
type of approaching objects, such as cyclists.
Always monitor the traffic as well as the ve-
hicle's surroundings with direct eye contact.
— The display may not appear in time when ve-
hicles are approaching very quickly.
— The exit warning system does not react to
stationary objects or pedestrians.
— The exit warning system will not provide
alerts if your vehicle is pulled too far into
the parking space so that it is hidden by ad-
jacent vehicles.

@ Tips
— The exit warning system can be available for
up to approximately three minutes after un-
locking the vehicle and opening the door as
well as after switching off the ignition. Then
the displays flash briefly and the system
switches off.
— The system is not available when towing a
trailer. There is no guarantee the system
will switch off when using a retrofitted trail-
er hitch. Do not use these functions when
towing a trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 289.

Parking and maneuvering



detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

® Note
Keep enough distance from the curb to avoid
damage to the rims.
G) Tips
—The side area * > page 124, fig. 96 is de-
tected and evaluated when passing. There
may have been changes to the surrounding
area after switching the ignition off and on
again, after opening the doors, or if the ve-
hicle is left stationary for a period of time.
In this case, the area will appear black until
the area has been detected and evaluated.
— If the distance to an obstacle remains con-
stant, the volume of the distance warning
gradually lowers after a few seconds until it
is muted (this does not apply to the continu-
ous tone). If the obstacle comes closer than
it was before the sound was muted, the
tone will sound again. If the obstacle be-
comes farther away than it was before the
sound was muted, no tone will sound. Pay
attention to the vehicle's surroundings
when you start to drive.
— There is no distance warning for the rear
and the sides* when trailer towing mode is
detected. The front sensors remain activat-
ed. The visual display switches to trailer
mode. There is no guarantee the functions
will switch off when using a retrofitted trail-
er hitch.
162
Rearview camera and
peripheral cameras
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with rearview camera/peripheral cameras

B8V-0629



Fig. 127 Diagram: lines to aid in parking
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a rearview
camera or multiple peripheral cameras may be
available.
The rearview camera helps you to park or maneu-
ver using the orientation lines.
The peripheral cameras expand the vehicle over-
view to include various views around the vehicle
that can be selected.

Z\ WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 123.
Sica Re meal
Applies to: vehicles with rearview camera/peripheral cameras




Fig. 128 Center console: parking aid button
Switching on and off
Requirement: the vehicle speed must be under
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).

Parking and maneuvering

If # is displayed, there is a system malfunction
and the display area represented by that symbol
is not available. The camera is not working in this
area.
If Nis displayed, the respective ultrasonic sensor
is icy or dirty. Clean the area in front of the sen-
sors > page 124, fig. 97.
If one of the symbols continues to be displayed,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.

ZA\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 123.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's
surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

©) Note
— The orange orientation lines @) show the di-
rection the rear of the vehicle will be travel-
ing, based on the steering wheel angle. The
front of the vehicle swings out more than
the rear of the vehicle. Maintain plenty of
distance so that an exterior mirror or a cor-
ner of the vehicle does not collide with any
obstacles.
— Keep enough distance from the curb to
avoid damage to the rims.
— Only use the images provided by the camera
on the rear of the vehicle when the luggage
compartment lid is completely closed. Make
sure any objects you may have mounted on
the luggage compartment lid do not block
the rearview camera.
G) Tips
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: The
accuracy of the orientation lines and blue
surfaces on the camera display decreases
when the vehicle is raised or lowered with
the air suspension.
— There is no distance warning for the rear
and the sides* when trailer towing mode is
detected. The front sensors remain activat-
ed. The visual display switches to trailer
mode. The rearview camera image will not
show the orientation lines and the blue sur-
faces. There is no guarantee the functions
will switch off when using a retrofitted trail-
er hitch.
Oe lee maleate
Applies to: vehicles with peripheral cameras



RAZ-0131

Fig. 131 Upper display: left side: surrounding area. Right side: 3D surroundings.
164

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Parking and maneuvering

Displays, warnings, and braking
— Display: the indicator @ in the upper display
only appears when the parking aid is activated.
For vehicles with peripheral cameras, this only
happens in the Rear and Corner view (rear)
camera views. Arrows show the direction from
which the cross traffic is approaching.
— Audible warnings: an audio signal may sound
as an additional warning when driving in re-
verse.
— Automatic brake activation: if you do not react
to a warning, a brief braking by the system can
warn you of a potential collision with an ap-
proaching object.
The audible warning signal and the automatic
brake activation occur only when driving in re-
verse.
Messages
1f EM, Bg or > is displayed when there is a mal-
function, the rear cross traffic assist functions
may be unavailable or may be limited.
A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the sensor area in the ve-
hicle rear and try to turn the systems on again
later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 123.
— The rear cross-traffic assist will not provide
alerts about people and cannot warn you
about every type of approaching objects,
such as cyclists. Always monitor the traffic
as well as the vehicle's surroundings with di-
rect eye contact.
— The system may not react if objects are ap-
proaching very quickly.

— The rear cross-traffic assist will not provide
alerts if your vehicle is parallel parked or if
your vehicle is pulled too far into the park-
ing space so that it is hidden by adjacent ve-
hicles.


(i) Tips
— Once an automatic brake activation occurs,
the system cannot initiate another activa-
tion for several seconds.
—If there is an acoustic warning signal from
the rear cross-traffic assist, then the park-
ing system may not warn you of detected
obstacles under certain circumstances.
— The system is not available when the vehicle
detects that you are towing a trailer. There
is no guarantee the functions will switch off
when using a retrofitted trailer hitch. Do not
use
these functions when towing a trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 289.
Adjusting the parking
aids
You can adjust the parking aid to your preferen-
ces. The settings depend on the vehicle equip-
ment.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Parking aid.
> Applies to: MMI: Select L-] on the upper display
when the parking aid is active.


Possible settings:
Activating automatically
Trailer view - Shows the trailer view. In vehicles
with peripheral cameras, this can only be opened
in the Rear view.
View - Switches between the visual display
(Graphic) and vehicle surroundings (Camera) in
the side view on the screen.
Clean rearview camera - Starts cleaning the rear-
view camera.
167