towing AUDI E-TRON 2021 Owners Manual

Opening and closing

Interior/towing protection monitor
The alarm will be triggered if there are move-
ments detected in the vehicle interior (for exam-
ple, by animals) or if there is a change in the vehi-
cle angle (for example, when the vehicle is being
towed).
You can prevent the alarm from being triggered
by deactivating the interior/towing protection
monitor.
Deactivating the interior/towing protection
monitor
There are the following options for deactivating
the interior/towing protection monitor:
> Press the & button on the vehicle key a second
time within two seconds. Or
» Applies to: vehicles with convenience key:
Touch the sensor on the door handle a second
time within two seconds. Or
> Turn the mechanical key in the door lock to the
close position a second time within two sec-
onds.
> Applies to: vehicles with MMI: Select on the
home screen: VEHICLE > Settings & Service >
Interior monitoring.
If you lock the vehicle, then the interior/towing
protection monitor will stay off until the next
time the vehicle is unlocked.

ZA WARNING
No one, especially children, should stay in the
vehicle when it is locked from the outside, be-
cause the windows can no longer be opened
from the inside. Locked doors make it more
difficult for emergency workers to enter the

vehicle, which puts lives at risk.

@ Tips
The interior/towing protection monitor only
functions correctly when the windows and the
panorama glass roof* are closed.
36


RAZ-0621



Fig. 24 Your vehicle key set
@ Vehicle key
You can unlock and lock your vehicle with the ve-
hicle key.
@ Mechanical key and release button for
mechanical key
A mechanical key is integrated in the vehicle key.
To remove it, press the release button and re-
move the mechanical key.
Using the mechanical key, you can:
— Lock or unlock the glove compartment.
— Manually unlock and lock the doors > page 35.
— Unlock the luggage compartment lid using the
emergency release > page 42.
@ Key fob with vehicle code
Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect vehicle control
Open the key tag and scratch to reveal the vehicle
code. You can unlock the Audi connect vehicle
control services* for your vehicle with this vehicle
code. For additional information, see
=> page 188. If a key fob is lost, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
@ PANIC button
In an emergency, you can press the PANIC button
to trigger the alarm for the anti-theft alarm sys-
tem. The vehicle horn and emergency flashers
will turn on if you trigger the alarm.

—To trigger the alarm, press the [PANIC] but-
ton @ © fig. 24.

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Driving

be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en
frequently or for long distances. In this case,
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.
To do this, select the “N” gear so that recupera-
tion is not used for braking.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 500 mi (800 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Because recuperation is also used for braking, the
break-in period for new brake pads is 500 miles
(800 km).
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
—The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

ZA WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the drive sys-
tem is switched off because this increases
the risk of an accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
place your foot under the brake pedal.
CG) 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 100. 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 236.
We Te(4
EG / @ Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
BS / Gana B also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution. If >
97

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Driving dynamic

Suspension
CET tes un) Led
Applies to: vehicles with suspension control
The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con-
trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus-
pension will adapt to the driving conditions and
the driving situation. The settings depend on the
selected Audi drive select* mode.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The air suspension is an electronically-controlled
suspension and leveling system. The firmness of
the suspension will adapt to the driving condi-
tions and the driving situation. The system balan-
ces out changes in load. The vehicle level will also
adapt gradually to the vehicle speed in order to
reduce the wind resistance at high speeds and in-
crease the ground clearance at low speeds. The
settings depend on the selected Audi drive se-
lect* mode.
Displaying the vehicle level
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
The filled-in boxes represent the current vehicle
level. The more boxes that are filled in, the high-
er the ground clearance. The box that corre-
sponds with the current vehicle level will flash
while the vehicle is lifting or lowering. The target
level is highlighted in color.
Raising the vehicle
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
> Press Raise to reach the highest vehicle level
and thus the maximum ground clearance.
> Press Lower to lower the vehicle down again.
The Audi drive select* mode will be changed if
necessary when the vehicle is raised.
The vehicle will lower at speeds of approximately
22 mph (35 km/h) and below. This function may
only be used temporarily when increased ground
clearance is necessary. It is not intended for long
drives.
CG) Note
—Also refer to the information about ground
clearance > page 103.
— When transporting the vehicle on a road
carrier, rail carrier, ship carrier, or other car-
rier, it may only be secured at the running
surfaces of the tires (circumference). Secur-
ing the vehicle at the axle components, sus-
pension struts, or towing eyes is not permit-
ted because the pressure in the air suspen-
sion struts can change during transport. The
vehicle might not be secured sufficiently if
this happens.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature
— Change in load
— Change to the Audi drive select* mode
— Lifting and lowering via the air suspension*

ZA WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one
gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-
ing, for example when cleaning the under-
body or the wheel housings.
CG) Note
Always make sure there is enough clearance
above and below the vehicle. This is especially
important for entrances with height restric-
tions, for example, before driving into under-
ground garages. You could also scrape the
ground when driving over the edges of curbs
or on steep ramps, which could damage your
vehicle.
B Air suspension: malfunction! You may con-
tinue driving slowly at max. XX mph (km/h)

103
>

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
er else)
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
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 modifications to 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.

ZA 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

126

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.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity

The permitted towing capacity must not be ex-
ceeded under any circumstances > page 291.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must
not be exceeded.
For driving safety, Audi recommends always us-
ing
the maximum permitted tongue weight, but
do not exceed this weight. Distributing the cargo
in the trailer correctly will help to achieve this
weight. Having the tongue weight too low affects
the vehicle's handling.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 291.
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.

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Trailer towing

— 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 251. 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
Make sure that you can also observe the traffic
area behind the vehicle using the exterior mir-
rors, and use additional exterior mirrors if neces-
sary. Adjust the additional exterior mirrors so
that you have a sufficient visibility behind the ve-
hicle. Follow the local legal regulations for instal-
ling additional exterior mirrors.
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
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 102
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 103.
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.
For vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch,
the air suspension trailer mode will automatically
switch on if you connect the trailer connector to
the socket.
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 103.
You can also increase ground clearance by select-
ing the Audi drive select* offroad or allroad
modes > page 102.
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
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.
@) Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.

127

Trailer towing

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.
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 attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
reduce the speed and use the recuperation brak-
ing effect > page 94 to relieve the brakes > A\.
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.
128


AN 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
Sra 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.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— 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 130.



@ 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 by
using another user.
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.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
—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 126.
— The steering wheel touch recognition may
be limited when you wear gloves. Steering
intervention requests from the steering as-
sist systems may occur more frequently.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the steering assist systems
may
be limited. The frequency of steering



129
>

Driver assistance

@® Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.
— 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 132. You can adjust Audi pre sense
functions to your preferences. The adjustment
options depend on the vehicle equipment.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > (<3) > Audi pre
sense.
Setting the prewarning
You can adjust the warning time for the prewarn-
ing» individually (Early/Medium/Late) or switch
the prewarning off.
Set the warning time for the early warning to
Early at first. If you feel that the prewarnings ap-
pear too early, then set the warning time to Me-
dium. The Late warning time should only be set
in special circumstances.
@o Tips
— If the system is switched off, it switches on
again automatically once the ignition is
switched on again).
— 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.

D_Incertain countries.
160

IY ett Tel -1
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
re is displayed when there is a malfunction,
the Audi pre sense 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. Bring the vehicle to a full stop,
switch the ignition off, and clean the area in front
of the sensors > page 131.
If the message still appears after switching the
ignition on again, have an authorized repair facili-
ty correct the malfunction as soon as possible.
Side assist
Description
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
al 3
eI
3 |

Fig. 114 Driving situations and exterior mirror display
General information
Side assist monitors the blind spot and traffic in
the adjacent lanes behind the vehicle. Within sys-
tem limits, side assist can detect traffic that is >

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Driver assistance

approaching from behind and provide a warning
when you are changing lanes and turning. The
system uses the data from the radar sensors at
the rear corners of the vehicle.
The side assist is active at walking speeds and
higher. If an object that is classified as critical is
approaching, the display in the exterior mirror @)
on the corresponding side of the vehicle will light
up.
Driving situations
The system can provide warnings about the fol-
lowing risks:
@ Approaching vehicles: a vehicle may be clas-
sified as critical in some cases, even if it is
farther away. The faster a vehicle ap-
proaches, the sooner the display will turn on.
@® Vehicles traveling in the same direction: the
display will turn on if vehicles traveling in the
same direction as your vehicle are classified
as critical. The side assist warns you of all de-
tected vehicles when they are in the “blind
spot” or before they reach that point.
@® Vehicles you are passing: the display only
turns on if you slowly pass a detected vehicle
(difference in speed between the two vehicles
is less than 9 mph (15 km/h)). There is no
display if you pass a vehicle more quickly.
Information stage
At the information level, the side assist informs
you of detected objects that are classified as criti-
cal. This is even possible when your vehicle is sta-
tionary and the turn signal is turned on, so that
the system can also assist you when turning.
From speeds of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
and higher, the system will warn you of detected
objects that are classified as critical, even if the
turn signal is not turned on.
The display remains dim in the information stage
so that you are not distracted while looking for-
ward.
Warning stage
If you activate a turn signal and the display flash-
es, side assist is warning about objects that have
been classified as critical.
Depending on the vehicle equipment and other
driver assistance systems, the display may also
flash if you have not activated a turn signal. If
you are approaching a detected lane marker line
and it appears you will be leaving the lane, the
display will warn you about detected vehicles
that are classified as critical. You can also be
warned with corrective steering > page 155,
Lane departure warning.
Detection range
The radar sensors are designed to detect the left
and right adjacent lanes when the road lanes are
the normal width. In some situations, the display
may turn on even though there is no vehicle lo-
cated in the area that is critical for a lane change.
For example:
— 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
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 129.
— The display may not appear on time when
vehicles are approaching or being passed
very quickly.
@ 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-
rect:

— 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.
161

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Driver assistance

The same messages apply for the exit warning
system and side assist > page 162.
Switching the exit warning on and off
— The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI & page 132.

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 129.
— 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
vehicles 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.

G) 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.
— The coverage areas of the sensors > fig. 115
are diagrams and do not represent a true-
to-scale image of the sensor ranges.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
> page 288.
Intersection assistant
Applies to: vehicles with intersection assistant
eo a oS
9 S| % oO
RAH-9247

Fig. 118 Instrument cluster: directional display from the
intersection assistant
General information
The intersection assistant can warn the driver of
approaching cross traffic in complex intersections
> fig. 117.
The system monitors intersections and exit
ramps using the sensors installed in the vehicle
that detect the front and side areas around the
vehicle. Moving objects that are approaching
from behind, such as cars, are detected within
the limits of the system > A\. The system can al-
so warn the driver of a potential collision with de-
tected approaching cross traffic in intersections
and exit ramps with poor visibility.
163
>