warning lights AUDI R8 2007 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: AUDI, Model Year: 2007, Model line: R8, Model: AUDI R8 2007Pages: 210, PDF Size: 8.1 MB
Page 55 of 210

Lights and vision53
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with automatic headlightsAutomatic (sensor-controlled) headlights
If you set the switch to “AUTO”, the headlights will come 
on and switch off automatically according to the ambient 
light level.The automatic headlight setting only activates the dipped 
beam headlights (not the main beam headlights) 
⇒page 52.
Activating automatic headlights
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 47 to the AUTO position.
Deactivating automatic headlights
– Turn the light switch to position O.The symbol in the switch lights up when the switch is in the AUTO 
position.
The dipped beams, side lights, rear lights and number plate lights 
come on together when the headlights are switched on automati-
cally.
When you are using the automatic headlights you can also operate 
the main beam headlights, however, please note the following: If you activate the main beam headlights while using the automatic 
headlights function (e.g. when driving through a tunnel), but do not 
deactivate them again, only the dipped beam headlights will come 
on the next time the lights are automatically switched on. To be able 
to use the main beam headlights again you must first pull the main 
beam lever back to the "off" position and then push it forward again 
to "on".
The side lights, headlights and rear fog light can still be switched on 
manually in the normal way by using the light switch ⇒page 52.
Sensors in the mounting for the interior mirror monitor the ambient 
light level. The headlights will be switched on automatically if the 
available light drops below a preset value (for instance when driving 
through a tunnel, etc.). The headlights switch off again automati-
cally when the light level increases ⇒.
Malfunction of light sensor
If a malfunction should occur in the light sensor, the symbol 
 will 
light up in the display. For safety reasons, the dipped beam head-
lights will then be switched on permanently when the light switch 
is set to the AUTO position. However, you can still switch the lights 
on and off in the normal way with the light switch. You should have 
the light sensor checked by a qualified workshop as soon as 
possible.
WARNING
•
The automatic headlights are only intended to assist the driver. 
The driver must always ensure that the headlights are used when 
required, and may have to switch them on manually when the light 
conditions or visibility are poor. The light sensors are, for example, 
not able to detect rain and fog - you should therefore always 
switch on the headlights 
 in these conditions and when driving 
after dark.
•
Observe all relevant statutory requirements when using the 
lighting systems described here.
Fig. 47  Detail of the 
dashboard: Light 
switch
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 53  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 58 of 210

Lights and vision 56Hazard warning lights 
The hazard warning lights are used to make other road 
users aware of your vehicle in hazardous situations.– Press the switch 
 to switch the hazard warning lights 
on or off ⇒fig. 50.
All four turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning 
lights are switched on. The two turn signal indicator lamps 
  and 
the indicator lamp in the switch 
 will flash at the same time. The 
hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
In an accident in which the airbags are activated, the hazard 
warning lights are switched on automatically.
Note
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road 
users, for instance:•
When reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
If your vehicle breaks down or there is an emergency
•
If your vehicle is being towed away, or if you are towing another 
vehicle.
Tu r n  s i g n a l  
  and main beam lever 
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the 
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the 
following functions:
Turn signals 
 
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒fig. 51 to indicate right, 
or all the way down to indicate left.
– Move the lever up or down to the point of resistance and 
hold it there to signal briefly, for instance when changing 
lane.
– Move the lever briefly up or down as far as the point of 
resistance and release it to signal three times with the 
turn signals. This one-touch signalling function must be 
activated in the menu display ⇒page 24.
Main beam headlights 
– Press the lever forward to switch on the main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam 
headlights off again.
Fig. 50  Centre console: 
Switch for hazard 
warning lights
Fig. 51  Turn signal and 
main beam headlight 
lever
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 56  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 59 of 210

Lights and vision57
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Headlight flasher 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the 
flasher.
Parking lights 
– Switch off the ignition.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-
hand parking lights respectively.Notes on these functions•
The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The 
corresponding indicator lamp 
 or 
 flashes in the instrument 
cluster ⇒page 15.
•
The turn signals are cancelled automatically when the steering 
wheel is returned to the straight-ahead position.
•
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped 
beam headlights are already on. The main beam headlight indicator 
lamp  then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever – 
even if no other lights are switched on. The main beam headlight 
indicator lamp 
 then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the 
rear light on one side of the car light up with reduced intensity. The 
parking lights will only work with the ignition off. A warning buzzer 
will sound for as long as the driver's door is open.Caution
Do not use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if this 
would dazzle oncoming traffic.
Interior lightsInterior lights
The interior light also incorporates the reading lights for 
the driver and front passenger.Activating the courtesy light function
– Press switch  . The diode in the switch will light up.
Deactivating the courtesy light function
– Press switch  . The diode in the switch will go out.
Front reading lights 
– Press the switches   to switch the left and right reading 
lights on and off.If the switch is in the courtesy light position, the interior light comes 
on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked or the doors are 
opened. The light also comes on when the key is pulled out of the 
ignition. It goes out approximately 30 seconds after the doors are 
closed. The interior light is switched off immediately when the 
vehicle is locked or when the ignition is switched on.
Fig. 52  Detail of head-
liner: Interior lights
AAAA
AB
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 57  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 62 of 210

Lights and vision 60The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is 
switched on.
When the lights are switched on you should only pull the lever 
briefly to wash the windscreen, otherwise the headlight washers 
will also be activated. This will use an unnecessary amount of fluid 
from the reservoir.
WARNING
•
Poor visibility can cause accidents. Always ensure that the 
wiper blades are in good condition ⇒page 62, “Changing wiper 
blades”.
•
The light sensor/ rain sensor* is only intended to assist the 
driver. The driver is still obliged to manually operate the wind-
screen wipers and the lights as required depending on visibility.
•
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad 
visibility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at 
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a 
serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper 
blades to judder.Caution
•
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not 
frozen to the glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you 
switch on the wipers when the wiper blades are frozen to the glass, 
this could damage both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
•
Make sure you switch off the windscreen wiper system (lever in 
position "0") before you use an automatic car wash. This will avoid 
inadvertent triggering of the wipers and possible damage to the 
wiper system.Note
•
Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long 
journey. Filling the reservoir ⇒page 164.
•
Worn or dirty wiper blades can cause smearing on the glass 
which can also impair the effectiveness of the light sensor/ rain 
sensor*. Please check the wiper blades regularly.
•
If you leave the windscreen wiper lever set to the intermittent 
wipe function when the ignition is switched off, the light sensor/ 
rain sensor* will not be activated until you reach a road speed of at 
least 6 km/h.
•
Applies to vehicles with light sensor/ rain sensor: If the wind-
screen wipers have been activated manually and it is raining, the 
automatic headlights* will come on ⇒page 53, “Automatic (sensor-
controlled) headlights”. In the daytime the headlights will automat-
ically go off again once the wipers are switched off. The automatic 
headlights* function is only available if the light switch is in the 
“AUTO” position ⇒page 53, fig. 47.
Headlight washer systemWith the lights switched on, operate the automatic wind-
screen wash and wipe ⇒page 59, fig. 54   , and keep the 
lever pulled towards you for at least 1 second.The headlight washer jets come out of the bumper automatically 
(under water pressure).
Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the lenses at regular 
intervals, for instance when stopping for fuel.
To ensure that the system works properly in winter, keep the nozzle 
holders free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer spray.
A5
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 60  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 64 of 210

Lights and vision 62Changing wiper blades
Good wiper blades are essential for clear vision.Taking off the wiper blade
– Place the wipers in the service position ⇒page 61.
– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
– Press both sides of the plastic retainer at the top end of 
the wiper arm together in the direction of the arrows 
⇒fig. 56.
– Now twist the wiper blade off the wiper arm in the direc-
tion of the arrow   ⇒fig. 57.– Lift the wiper blade off in direction of the arrow  .
Fitting the wiper blade
– Fit the plastic cap of the wiper blade onto the end of the 
wiper arm (in opposite direction of arrow   ⇒fig. 57).
– Make sure you hear the retainer click into place on the 
wiper arm.
– Fold the wiper arm back down onto the glass.
– Switch the ignition on and briefly press the windscreen 
wiper lever downwards ⇒page 61, fig. 55. The wipers 
will return to their normal park position.
WARNING
•
To prevent smearing on the glass, the wiper blades should be 
cleaned regularly using a window cleaner solution. If the wiper 
blades are very dirty (insects etc.), they should be cleaned using a 
sponge or cloth – bad visibility can cause accidents.
•
For safety, the wiper blades should be changed once or twice a 
year.Caution
The ignition must not be switched on while the front wiper arms are 
in a raised position. The wipers would otherwise return to their park 
position when you operate the windscreen wiper lever and damage 
the paintwork on the luggage lid.
Note
The windscreen wiper blades differ in length, the wiper blade on the 
driver's side is the shorter of the two.
Fig. 56  Releasing the 
wiper bladesFig. 57  Removing the 
wiper blades
AA
AB
AB
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 62  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 65 of 210

Lights and vision63
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Rear-view mirrorsManual anti-dazzle adjustmentNormal setting
– Push the lever at the bottom of the mirror away from you.
Anti-dazzle setting
– Pull the lever at the bottom of the mirror towards you.Applies to vehicles: with automatic anti-dazzle adjustment for interior mirrorAutomatic anti-dazzle interior mirror
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on 
and off as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
– Press button   ⇒fig. 58 - the indicator lamp   will go 
out.
Switching on anti-dazzle function
– Press button   ⇒fig. 58 - the indicator lamp   will light 
up.
Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is 
switched on. The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror 
housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is activated the interior mirror will 
darken automatically according to the amount of light it receives 
(for example from the headlights of a vehicle behind). The mirror 
will not darken automatically:•
when the interior lighting is switched on
•
when reverse gear is engaged
Sensors for automatic headlights
When the light switch is set to the AUTO position the dipped beam 
headlights are switched on and off automatically according to the 
ambient light level with the aid of the sensors located in the mirror 
⇒page 53.
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause 
irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory organs. Wash thor-
oughly with clean water should you come into contact with this 
fluid. Seek medical assistance if needed.
Caution
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to 
plastic surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove the fluid as soon 
as possible.
Note
•
If you switch off the anti-dazzle function for the interior mirror, 
this will also deactivate the anti-dazzle function* for the exterior 
mirrors.
Fig. 58  Anti-dazzle 
interior mirror: Indi-
cator lamp and on/off 
switch
AA
AB
AA
AB
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 63  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 67 of 210

Lights and vision65
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause 
irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory organs. Wash thor-
oughly with clean water should you come into contact with this 
fluid. Seek medical assistance if needed.
Caution
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to 
the paintwork or plastic surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove 
the fluid as soon as possible.
Note
•
If you switch off the automatic anti-dazzle function for the inte-
rior mirror, this will also deactivate the automatic anti-dazzle func-
tion for the exterior mirrors.
•
The automatic anti-dazzle function will only work properly if 
there are no objects preventing light from reaching the interior 
mirror.
Digital compassApplies to vehicles: with digital compassActivating and deactivating the compass
The compass direction will appear in the mirror.– To switch the compass on and off, press and hold 
button  until the compass display in the mirror 
appears or disappears.The digital compass only works when the ignition is on. The points 
of the compass are displayed as follows: N (North), NE (North East), 
E (East), SE (South East), S (South), SW (South West), W (West), NW 
(North West).
Note
To avoid inaccurate compass readings, do not hold any remote 
controls or other electrical devices or metal objects near the interior 
mirror.
Fig. 60  Interior mirror: 
activated digital 
compass
AA
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 65  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 68 of 210

Lights and vision 66Applies to vehicles: with digital compassSetting the correct compass calibration zone
The correct compass calibration zone must first be set 
before the compass can give an accurate reading.Fig. 61  Map of compass calibration zones– Press and hold button   ⇒page 65, fig. 60 until the 
currently set zone number is displayed on the interior 
mirror.
– Press button   repeatedly until the correct zone number 
appears. The adjustment mode will be ended automati-
cally after a few seconds.
Applies to vehicles: with digital compassCalibrating compass
The compass must be re-calibrated if the display is incor-
rect or inaccurate.– Press and hold button   until the letter C appears in the 
interior mirror.
– Drive in a circle at a speed of about 10 km/h until a point 
of the compass is displayed in the interior mirror.
WARNING
Calibrate your compass at a location where there is no traffic so 
that you do not endanger yourself or other road users (accident 
risk).
AA
AA
AA
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 66  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 75 of 210

Seats and storage73
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Using cigarette lighter
– Open the ashtray cover to access the cigarette lighter 
⇒page 72.
– Press in the cigarette lighter knob.
– Wait for the lighter to spring out.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter immediately.
– Use the glowing heater element of the cigarette lighter to 
light your cigarette.
– Put the cigarette lighter back in its socket.
Operating electrical socket
– Open the cover to access the cigarette lighter.
– Take out the cigarette lighter.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the ciga-
rette lighter socket.The cigarette lighter employs a standard 12 Volt socket which can 
also be used as a power source for electrical appliances. The appli-
ances connected to the socket must not exceed a power rating of 
100 W.
WARNING
Take care when using the cigarette lighter. Carelessness or negli-
gence when using the cigarette lighter can cause burns.
Caution
Always use the correct type of plugs to avoid damaging the sockets.
Note
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off will drain 
the battery.Storage compartmentsGlove box
The lockable glove box is equipped with a light.Opening glove box
– Pull the catch on the lid in the direction indicated (arrow) 
⇒fig. 68 and open the lid.
Closing glove box
– Close the lid and push it in until it engages.If the side lights or headlights are switched on, the light in the glove 
box comes on when the glove box is opened. You will find a 
compartment for (sun)glasses in the lid.
The glove box has a standard 12 Volt socket which can also be used 
as a power source for electrical appliances. The appliances 
Fig. 68  Glove box
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 73  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13 
Page 81 of 210

Heating and cooling79
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data When driving through a tunnel or in queues of traffic, to prevent 
fumes entering the interior of the vehicle.
WARNING
For reasons of safety you should not leave the air recirculation 
switched on for too long. This mode prevents fresh air from 
entering the vehicle, so the windows can mist over if the air 
cooling is switched off. Bad visibility can cause an accident.AC mode Activating the AC mode
– Press the   button ⇒page 75, fig. 69.
Deactivating the AC mode
– Press the   button again.In the AC mode, the air cooling system is switched on and the 
heating and ventilation are regulated automatically.
Note
If the LED in the AC button should continue to light up when the AC 
mode has been switched off (i.e. the air conditioner has been 
switched off) this is due to a defect in one of the air conditioner 
components. If a malfunction should occur, please contact a quali-
fied workshop.
Economical operation of the air conditioner
Economical operation of the air conditioner will help to 
save fuel.When the air conditioner is operating in the cooling mode it 
reduces engine power and increases fuel consumption. To 
ensure that the cooling mode is activated only when really 
necessary, please note the following points:
– Switch the AC mode off if you wish to save fuel.
– Switch the AC mode off if you decide to open the 
windows while driving.
– If the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun, 
open the windows and doors for a short time to cool the 
vehicle.
For the sake of the environmentBy saving fuel you also reduce the amount of pollutants emitted 
from your vehicle.Rear window heating 
The rear window heating helps to demist the rear window.– Press the 
 button ⇒page 75, fig. 69 to switch the rear 
window heating on or off.
The rear window heating only works when the engine is running. An 
indicator lamp in the button lights up when the rear window heater 
is switched on.
The rear window heating switches off automatically after about 
10 minutes.
ACACAC
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book  Seite 79  Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007  1:32 13