ignition AUDI R8 2007 Repair Manual

Checking and topping up fluids163
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data removed from the vehicle cannot tip over. Otherwise, sulphuric acid
could escape.
Important safety warnings for handling a car battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as
well as the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and
the electrical system.•
Switch off all electrical equipment and remove the ignition key
before starting any work on the vehicle electrical system. The
minus cable of the battery must be disconnected. When changing
a light bulb, it is sufficient to only turn off the light.
•
Keep children away from the battery and battery acid.
•
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and
safety glasses. Do not tilt the battery - acid can leak out of the
vapour vent. Do not allow acid or lead particles to come into
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. If electrolyte should splash
into the eyes rinse at once for several minutes using clear water.
Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing with soap solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor
immediately.
•
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away from battery. Avoid sparks (including those from static
charges) when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never
cross the battery poles. The resulting high-energy sparks can
cause injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge. Only charge battery in a well ventilated
area.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle's electrical
system, first disconnect the minus cable and then the plus cable.
•
Before reconnecting the battery, turn off all electrical equip-
ment. First connect the plus cable, then the minus cable. The
battery cables must not be connected to the wrong battery poles
- serious risk of cable fire.
•
Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery - risk of explosion
and chemical burns! A battery must be replaced once it has been
frozen. When it is discharged the battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 0°C.
•
Never use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace the
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the car's battery with the engine running or
with the ignition turned on, otherwise the electrical system or elec-
trical components will be damaged.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of
time, as the intense ultraviolet radiation can affect the battery
housing.

Wear safety glasses!

Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protec-
tive gloves and safety glasses.

Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and
lit cigarettes away from battery!

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off
when the battery is under charge!

Keep children away from the battery and battery
acid.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and topping up fluids 164Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is important for reliable starting.–Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings
for handling a car battery” on page 163 and ⇒.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– Only if “fast-charging”: both battery cables must be
disconnected (first the “negative” cable, then the “posi-
tive” cable).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals,
noting the colour code (red is used for “positive”, black
or brown for “negative”).
– Now connect the battery charger to the mains and switch
on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger
and disconnect the mains cable.
– Now disconnect the charger cables.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables to the battery
(first the “positive” cable, then the “negative” cable).When charging with a low current (for example with a small battery
charger) the battery cables do not normally have to be discon-
nected. However, both battery cables must be disconnected before
“fast-charging” the battery with a high current. However, always
follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the battery
charger.
Fast-charging a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Important safety
warnings for handling a car battery” on page 163. This work should
only be performed by a competent mechanic with the proper equip-
ment. If necessary, we therefore recommend that this work should
only be performed by a qualified workshop.When it is discharged the battery can freeze at temperatures
around 0°C. A frozen battery must be thawed before charging ⇒.
However, it is advisable to replace the battery if it has frozen,
because the ice can crack the battery casing and allow the battery
acid to escape.
The battery caps should not be opened while the battery is being
charged.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen battery – it could explode. Windscreen washerPlain water on its own is not sufficient for the windscreen
washer system.The container for the windscreen washer
 is located in the
luggage compartment and contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen and the headlight washer system ⇒fig. 121. Container
capacity: ⇒page 199.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass properly. It
is therefore advisable to add a suitable washer fluid additive (with
Fig. 121 Luggage
compartment: Wind-
screen washer
container
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Self-help187
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Caution
Please note that the described method of connecting the leads is
meant for jump-starting your vehicle. If jump-starting another
vehicle, you should not connect the negative lead (–) to the negative
terminal of the discharged battery ⇒page 186, fig. 131 , but
directly to the engine block or a solid metal part bolted to the engine
block. If the battery of the other vehicle does not have a gas vent,
there is a risk that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas can accu-
mulate and cause an explosion.Tow-starting and towing awayGeneral notes
Points to observe when tow-starting or towing awayIf you use a towrope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– The towrope must be taut before driving off.
– Engage the clutch very gently when starting to move
(press the accelerator slowly if you have R tronic).
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– The ignition should be switched on so that the turn
signals, horn, windscreen wipers and washers can be
used. Please ensure that the steering wheel is unlocked
when you switch on the ignition and that it moves freely.
– Put the gear lever in neutral or move the selector lever to
position N.– The brake servo and power steering only work when the
engine is running. Considerably more effort is required
on the brake pedal and steering wheel when the engine
is switched off.
– Ensure that the towrope remains taut at all times when
towing.
Towrope or towbar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a towbar. You should only
use a towrope if you do not have a towbar.
A towrope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both
vehicles. It is advisable to use a towrope made of synthetic fibre or
similar material.
Attach the towrope or the towbar only to the towing anchorages
provided for this purpose ⇒page 188.
Driving technique
Towing requires some experience – especially when using a
towrope. Both drivers should be familiar with the technique required
for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or
tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid
jerking the towrope. When towing on a loose surface there is always
a risk of overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
Caution
If there is no oil in the gearbox or no lubricant in the automatic
transmission the car may only be towed with the driven wheels
lifted clear of the road, or transported on a special car transporter
or trailer.
Note
•
Note the regulations concerning towing.
A4
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Self-help 188•
The hazard warning lights of both vehicles must normally be
switched on. However, observe any regulations to the contrary.
•
Make sure that the towrope is not twisted, as otherwise the front
towline anchorage on your vehicle could work itself loose.
Front towline anchorage
The front towline anchorage is only mounted if the vehicle
has to be towed.The towline anchorage is screwed anti-clockwise into the
screw connection (left-hand thread) which is located on the
right side of the front bumper behind the air intake grille.
– Take the towline anchorage out of the vehicle's tool kit
⇒page 178.
– Pull the bottom part of the grille out.
– Screw the towline anchorage firmly all the way into the
screw connection ⇒fig. 132.After use, unscrew the towline anchorage and put it back in the
toolbox. The towline anchorage should always be kept in the
vehicle.When refitting the air intake grille, first insert the lugs on the grille
into their mountings in the intake duct. Then press the grille firmly
back into place.
WARNING
If the towline anchorage is not screwed in as far as the stop, there
is a risk of the screw connection shearing off during towing (acci-
dent risk).Tow-starting
As a general rule, tow-starting is not recommended.Vehicles with manual gearbox
– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear before moving off.
– Press the clutch and hold the pedal down.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts: press the clutch and put the
gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with R tronic
– Switch on the ignition.
– When both vehicles are moving, engage a gear using the
selector lever or the paddle levers. Which gear is selected
will depend on how fast the vehicle is travelling.
– As soon as the engine starts: Put the gear lever in neutral.If the engine will not start, it is best to try starting it using the
battery of another vehicle ⇒page 185 before attempting to tow
start. You should only try to tow-start the engine if jump-starting is
Fig. 132 Detail from
front of vehicle, right
side with air intake
grille removed: Towline
anchorage screwed in
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Fuses and bulbs 190Fuses and bulbsFusesChanging fuses
If a fuse has blown it must be replaced.The various electrical circuits are protected by fuses. The
fuses are located behind a cover in the passenger's foot-
well.
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Remove the floor mat.
– Fold out the foot rest ⇒fig. 133.
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 190,
“Fuse list”.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse box, fit it onto
the blown fuse, and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal
strip) with a new fuse of the same amp rating.
– Fold the foot rest back into place.Caution
Never attempt to “repair” a fuse or replace it by fitting a fuse with a
higher rating - risk of fire! It could also cause damage to other parts
of the electrical system.
Note
•
If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the elec-
trical system must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as
possible.
•
It is advisable to carry several spare fuses at all times. They are
available from Audi R8 dealers and specialist retailers.
Fuse listFig. 134 Fuse layout in passenger's footwell, rows A to F
Fig. 133 Passenger's
footwell: Foot rest/fuse
box
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Index205
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
GGarage door opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Gearbox (R tronic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Glove box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73HHandbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Handbrake warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Indicator lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Headlight flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Headlight range control
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Headlight switch (automatic) . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Headlights
Changing dip settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Heated
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Washer jets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Front seats (air conditioner) . . . . . . . . . 80
Rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
hill hold assist
Driving away on a slope . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
HomeLink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
IIgnition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Main beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Inflation pressures (tyres) . . . . . . . . 167, 172
Inspection intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Interior mirrors
SeeMirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Interior monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Intermittent wipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128JJack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Jacking points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Journey distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185KKey-operated switch for front passenger's
airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Spare key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Kick-down feature
R tronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
LLap timer
Calling up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Clearing overall results . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Displaying split times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Evaluating lap times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Finishing the session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Interrupting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Resuming the session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Switching to on-board computer . . . . . 30
Launch control programme
R tronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Leather care
Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Natural leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Leaving home function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Light sensor/rain sensor
Automatic headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Headlight switch (automatic) . . . . . . . . 53
Windscreen wipers (intermittent wipe) . .
59
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