AUDI R8 2007 User Guide

Controls and displays9
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Controls and displaysOverview
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switches for
−Unlocking the luggage lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Unlocking the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for turn signals and main beam headlights . . . .
Steering wheel with:
−Horn
−Driver's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Controls for audio, telephone and speech dialogue
system
−Paddle levers for manual gearshift (R tronic) . . . . . .
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Levers and switches for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Lap timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Speed warning function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Navigation system
Lockable glove box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear lever/selector lever for:
−Manual gearbox
−R tronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls for:
−Audi magnetic ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . .
−Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Automatic rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray, cigarette lighter/socket
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustable steering column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine lid lock release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•
Separate operating instructions are enclosed if the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted navigation system.
•
The arrangement of switches and controls on right-hand drive
models* may be slightly different from the layout shown in
⇒page 8, fig. 1. However, the symbols used to identify the controls
are the same.
A1
50
A2A3
45
A4
64
A5
47
152
A6
77
A7
52
A8
56
A9
116
93
A10
10
A11
59
22
24
27
31
A12A13
73
A14
116
A15
79
A16
75
A17
90
A18
88
132
56
134
85
A19A20
83
A21
81
A22
81
A23
86
A24
55
A25
155
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 10Instruments and warning/indicator lampsInstrumentsInstrument cluster overview
The instrument cluster is the driver's information centre.Fig. 2 Instrument cluster
Engine oil temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rev counter incorporating digital clock and date . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer with mileage recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjuster/test button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The needles on the dials in the instrument cluster are illuminated
when the ignition is switched on. The main instrument lighting (for
the dials and needles) comes on when the vehicle's lights are
switched on.
Engine oil temperature gaugeThe engine oil temperature gauge ⇒fig. 2 only works when the igni-
tion is switched on. In order to avoid possible damage to the engine,
please read the following notes for the different temperature
ranges.
Engine cold
If the needle is still in the lower range of the dial, this indicates that
the engine oil has not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid
high engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads.
Normal temperature
In normal operation the needle will settle somewhere in the centre
of the dial once the engine has reached operating temperature. The
needle may also go further up when the engine is working hard at
high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern provided
the warning lamp

in the display does not start flashing.
Warning lamp

If the symbol

in the display flashes, either the engine oil temper-
ature is too high, or the engine oil level is too low ⇒page 157.
If the needle is at the top end of the dial, this means the engine oil
temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down. If the warning lamp starts flashing again
after just a short distance, contact a qualified workshop.
A1
10
A2
11, 12
A3
15
A4
12
A5
13
A6
13
A7
14
A8
12, 34
A9
20
A10
13
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps11
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolu-
tions per minute.You should select a lower gear if the engine speed drops below
1500 rpm. The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine
is warm and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable
to change up a gear or lift your foot off the accelerator (or shift out
of the R tronic sport mode) before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
Never allow the rev counter needle ⇒page 10, fig. 2 to go into
the red zone on the scale for more than a very brief period: there is
a risk of damaging the engine. The start of the red zone on the dial
is different for some engine versions.Radio-controlled clockWhen the clock is in “radio-control” mode the signal recep-
tion symbol (a radio tower with radio waves) appears in the
display ⇒fig. 3. It is then not possible to change the
minutes or the date manually. If you take your vehicle into a different time zone, the hour display will need to be
adjusted manually to local time using the adjuster button.
Setting the time zone
– Keep pulling the button ⇒fig. 3 briefly until the time
zone display flashes (select setting “0” if you do not wish
to change the time zone).
– Then turn the button to the left (to set an earlier time
zone: -1/-2) or to the right (to set a later time zone: +1/+2).
Switching date display on and off
– Keep pulling the button briefly until the date display
flashes.
– Then turn the button to the left or right.
When the display stops flashing, this means the setting you are
performing is completed and the time zone has been successfully
stored.
If the clock does not receive a radio signal for three consecutive
days, it will automatically switch to “quartz” mode. The signal recep-
tion symbol will then disappear. If you need to reset the time and
date, proceed as described on ⇒page 12.
A2
Fig. 3 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
Display with signal
reception symbol, time
and date
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 12Digital clock with date display
The vehicle is equipped with either a radio-controlled
clock or a normal quartz clock with date display.The time and date are set using the button ⇒fig. 4.
Setting the hour
– Pull the adjuster button (the hour display will flash). Then
turn the button to the left or right to alter the hour.
Setting the minutes
– Keep pulling the button briefly until the minutes display
flashes.
– Then turn the button to the left or right accordingly.
Setting time format (12 or 24 hour display)
– Keep pulling the button briefly until the time format
display flashes.
– Then turn the button to the left or right.Setting the date
– Keep pulling the button briefly until the day, month or
year flashes.
– Then turn the button to the left or right.
When the display stops flashing, this means the setting you are
performing is completed and the time and date have been success-
fully stored.
When the ignition is switched off, the display illumination can be
switched on for a few seconds by pressing the adjuster/test button
⇒page 10, fig. 2 .Coolant temperature gaugeThe coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 10, fig. 2 only works
when the ignition is switched on. In order to avoid possible damage
to the engine, please read the following notes for the different
temperature ranges.
Engine cold
If the needle is still on the left of the dial, this indicates that the
engine has not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high
engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads.
Normal temperature
In normal operation the needle will settle somewhere in the centre
of the dial once the engine has reached operating temperature. The
needle may also go further over to the right when the engine is
working hard at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for
concern provided the warning lamp in the display
 does not start
flashing.
Fig. 4 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
Digital clock and date
display
A8
A4
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps13
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Warning lamp

If the symbol
 flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low
⇒page 35.
If the needle is over to the far right on the dial, this means the
coolant temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle, switch off the
engine and wait for it to cool down. If the warning lamp starts
flashing again after just a short distance, contact a qualified work-
shop.
WARNING
•
Before opening the engine lid and checking the coolant level,
please observe the warning information on ⇒page 155, “Working
on components in the engine compartment”.
•
Never open the engine lid if you can see or hear steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of
being scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.Caution
•
Additional lights and other accessories in front of the air inlet
reduce the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside tempera-
tures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the engine over-
heating.
•
The front spoiler also ensures proper distribution of the cooling
air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can
reduce the cooling effect, which could cause the engine to overheat.
You should obtain professional assistance.
Fuel gaugeThe gauge only works when the ignition is switched on. When the
needle reaches the reserve zone, the symbol
 lights up in the instrument cluster display ⇒page 36. At this point there are still
about 10 litres of fuel left in the tank. This is your reminder to fill up
soon.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data
section ⇒page 198.
Caution
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel supply,
misfiring can occur. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.Speedometer with mileage recorder
This instrument indicates the speed of the vehicle and the
distance travelled.The mileage is normally stated in kilometres (km). On some models,
however, the mileage recorder will show miles.
Lower mileage recorder (odometer)
The lower counter records the vehicle's total mileage.
Fig. 5 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
Mileage recorder with
reset button
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 14Upper mileage recorder (trip recorder)
The upper mileage recorder shows the distance that has been trav-
elled since the trip recorder was last reset. It is used to measure indi-
vidual journeys. The last digit of the trip recorder indicates
distances of 100 metres or tenths of a mile. The trip recorder can be
reset to zero by pressing the reset button ⇒page 13, fig. 5.
When the ignition is switched off, the illumination of the mileage
recorder can be switched on for a few seconds by pressing the
adjuster/test button ⇒page 10, fig. 2 .
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instruments, the letters dEF appear perma-
nently in the trip recorder display. Please have the fault rectified as
soon as possible.
Immobiliser
When the ignition is switched on, the security programming of the
ignition key is verified electronically.
If an uncoded key is used, SAFE will appear continuously in the trip
recorder display. The vehicle cannot then be driven ⇒page 42.Voltmeter displayThe voltmeter indicates the voltage of the vehicle's electrical
system. The voltage of the electrical system should normally be
between 12 and 14 volts. If the display drops below 12 volts when
the engine is running, have the power supply (battery and alter-
nator) checked by a qualified workshop.
Note
The voltage may drop below 8 volts while the engine is being
started.
A8
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps15
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Warning and indicator lampsOverview
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of
different functions and possible faults.Fig. 6 Instrument cluster with warning and indicator lamps Warning and indicator lamps in the rev counter
Turn signals ⇒page 17
Warning and indicator lamps in the driver information system
⇒page 33
Warning and indicator lamps in the speedometer
Warning and indicator lamps in the rev
counter
Warning and indicator lamps in the speedometer
A1A2A3A4

Audi magnetic ride
⇒page 16

Tyre pressure too low
⇒page 16,
⇒page 172

Engine management
⇒page 16

Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
⇒page 16

Emission control system
⇒page 17

Main beam headlights
⇒page 17

Rear spoiler
⇒page 17

Cruise control system
⇒page 17

Airbag system
⇒page 17

Alternator
⇒page 18
A1A4
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 16
Note•
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The
function indicated should be checked as soon as possible.
•
A red symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The
symbol will keep flashing until the fault is corrected.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi magnetic rideAudi magnetic ride

This warning lamp monitors the damping effect of the
shock absorbers.The warning lamp
 lights up when the ignition is switched on.
Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indi-
cates a vehicle damping malfunction. The suspension should be
checked immediately by a qualified workshop.Applies to vehicles: with tyre pressure monitoring systemTyre pressure monitoring system

Th e t y re p re s s u re s h o u l d b e c o rre c t e d as s o o n as p o s s i b l e
if it is too low.If the
 symbol appears, the tyre pressure on at least one
of the wheels is too low.–Stop the vehicle.
– Check the tyre(s).
– Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒page 167.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring
system please refer to ⇒page 172.Engine management

This warning lamp monitors the engine management
system.The
 warning lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the
ignition is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly.Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indi-
cates a fault in the engine management system. The engine should
be serviced by a qualified workshop without delay.Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program.The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It flashes when the ESP or traction control system (ASR) inter-
venes while the vehicle is in motion.
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out
again after about 2 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working
properly.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.

Seat belt warning lamp
⇒page 18

Fault in brake system / handbrake is
applied
⇒page 18

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
⇒page 19
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps17
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the
ESP operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is
started, this may mean that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESP. In this case the ESP can be reactivated by
switching the ignition off and then on again. If the warning lamp
goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
For further information on the ESP ⇒page 132.
If the battery is disconnected and then reconnected, this warning
lamp will light up when the engine is started and stay on until you
have driven a few metres.
Emission control system

If the warning lamp lights up continuously you should take your
vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible in order to have
the fault rectified.
If the warning lamp flashes drive on at reduced speed and seek
professional help in order to avoid damage to the catalytic
converter.
For further information on the catalytic converter ⇒page 138.Main beam headlights

The indicator lamp
 lights up when the main beams are on or
when the headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights ⇒page 56.
Rear spoiler

This warning lamp monitors the automatic electrically
operated rear spoiler.The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out
again after about 3 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working
properly.
•
It lights up if a malfunction occurs on the automatic rear spoiler.
For further information on the automatic rear spoiler ⇒page 134.
Turn signals and hazard warning lights
 
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left
 or
right
 indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal should fail, the indicator lamp will start flashing
twice as fast.
For further information on the turn signals ⇒page 56.
Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemCruise control

The indicator lamp
 in the instrument cluster lights up when the
cruise control system is operating.
Airbag system

This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt
tensioner system.The warning lamp
 should light up for a few seconds when the
ignition is switched on.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 18If the warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up, flashes or
flickers when the vehicle is moving, this indicates a malfunction in
the system. This is also the case if the warning lamp does not light
up when the ignition is switched on.
WARNING
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immedi-
ately by a qualified workshop. If this is neglected, there is a risk
that the airbag system and/or belt tensioners may not be acti-
vated in an accident.Alternator

The warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator or in
the vehicle's electrical system.The warning lamp
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It
should go out when the engine starts running.
If the warning lamp  lights up when you are driving, you can
normally continue as far as the nearest qualified workshop.
However, you should avoid using electrical equipment that is not
absolutely necessary because this will drain the battery.
Caution
If the coolant warning lamp
 in the instrument display lights up
as well while driving ⇒page 35, stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. In this case the coolant pump is no longer
being driven, and there is a risk of engine damage.
Seat belt warning lamp

The warning lamp acts as a reminder to fasten the seat
belts.After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp
 will remain lit
until the driver has fastened his seat belt. When the vehicle has
gathered speed you will also hear a warning chime.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 109.
Brake system

The warning lamp flashes if the brake fluid level is too low
or if there is a fault in the ABS system.If the warning lamp
 flashes (and the handbrake is not applied),
stop the vehicle and obtain professional assistance ⇒.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp
 will
light up together with the brake warning lamp
 ⇒.
Handbrake applied
The warning lamp
 also lights up when the handbrake is applied.
If you drive by mistake with the handbrake still applied, you will hear
a warning buzzer.
WARNING
•
If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up
when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low – this
may cause an increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not
drive on. You should obtain professional assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS
warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS
is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively
easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid
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