check engine light AUDI R8 2007 Owners Manual
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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 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 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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Driver information system33
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Clearing speed limit
– Switch off the ignition.
– Briefly press the adjuster/test button in the instrument 
cluster ⇒page 32, fig. 29. The mileage recorder display 
and the digital clock will light up.
– Press the adjuster/test button for at least 2 seconds. The 
display will show the speed limit which is currently set.
– Now press and hold the   button on the wind-
screen wiper lever   ⇒page 32, fig. 30 until the 
crossed-out warning symbol for speed limit 2 appears on 
the display.The display lighting for the mileage recorder and digital clock goes 
off again a few seconds after the button is released.
Note
This speed limit function can also be operated via the on-board 
computer ⇒page 25, “Selecting options from the menu”.Notes and symbolsRed symbols
A red symbol warns of a serious malfunction.–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the function displayed. Obtain professional assist-
ance if necessary.
A red symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The symbol 
will keep flashing until the fault is corrected. If several faults are 
detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the 
other for about 2 seconds at a time.
Note
•
You can press the left adjuster button to display a message that 
gives you more information.
•
On vehicles equipped with a navigation system the warning 
symbol is displayed in the top section of the display while the route 
guidance is active.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a malfunction or other item 
requiring attention.
Reset
AB
BRAKE
Fault in the brake system
⇒page 35
COOLANT
Coolant level too low / coolant 
temperature too high
⇒page 35
OIL 
PRESS.
Engine oil pressure too low
⇒page 36
Tyre pressure monitoring sys-
tem*
⇒page 36
Fuel level low
⇒page 36
Check engine oil level
⇒page 37
Engine oil sensor defective
⇒page 37
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Driver information system 34Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The func-
tion indicated should be checked as soon as possible. If several 
faults are detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one 
after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
Driver messages
Additional messages to assist the driver are displayed in 
conjunction with the warning lamps and symbols in the 
instrument cluster.The display will show the appropriate message if the system detects 
a bulb failure ⇒page 37, if the brake pads are worn or you have not 
yet selected a gear on a vehicle with R tronic.
The driver can also call up messages in the display for additional 
information if a red warning symbol starts flashing.
Calling up driver messages
For example, in the event of an oil pressure malfunction the oil pres-
sure symbol 
 will appear in the display. If you now press the 
adjuster/test button ⇒fig. 31 for at least one second, the following 
message will appear in the display:
SWITCH OFF ENGINE AND CHECK OIL LEVEL
The message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds. 
If required, the message can be called up again by briefly pressing 
the adjuster/test button.
Brake pads worn
⇒page 37
Speed warning 1*
⇒page 37
Speed warning 2*
⇒page 37
Dynamic headlight range con-
trol faulty
⇒page 37
Washer fluid level low
⇒page 37
Battery voltage too high or too 
low
⇒page 37
Bulb monitor
⇒page 37
 or BRAKE 
LIGHT
Brake light failure
⇒page 38
Light sensor/rain sensor (auto-
matic headlights) defective
⇒page 38
 and 
Selector lever defective*
No R gear*
⇒page 38
 and 
Clutch overheating*
⇒page 38
Fig. 31  Detail of the 
instrument cluster: 
Adjuster/test button
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Driver information system35
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Fault in the brake system 
The warning lamp flashes when the handbrake is applied, 
or if the brake fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in 
the ABS system.If the symbol 
 flashes in the display when the handbrake 
is not applied, there is a fault in the brake system. One of the 
following messages will appear in the display together with 
the symbol:
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
Brake fault ! Drive carefully to nearest workshop
–Stop the vehicle.
– You should obtain professional assistance.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp 
 will light up together with 
the brake warning symbol 
 ⇒.
Handbrake applied
The warning lamp 
 also lights up when the handbrake is applied. 
In addition to this, a warning buzzer will sound after driving for 
3 seconds at a speed above 5 km/h.
WARNING
•
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could 
result in an accident. Do not drive on. You should obtain profes-
sional 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 
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and 
have the fault rectified.
Fault in the cooling system 
Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immedi-
ately.If the 
 symbol flashes in the display, this means that either 
the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is 
too low. The following message will appear in the display 
together with the symbol:
Switch off engine, check coolant level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 160.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 160.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a 
malfunction of the radiator fan.
If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒page 18, it is 
possible that the drive belt has broken.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle should break down for technical reasons, stop it 
at a safe distance away from moving traffic, switch off the engine 
and turn on the hazard warning lights ⇒page 56, “Hazard 
warning lights ”.
•
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.
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Driver information system 36•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous 
place. Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment, 
switch off the engine and allow it to cool down. Please observe the 
important safety warnings ⇒page 155, “Working on components 
in the engine compartment”.Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol 
 has come on to indicate a fault in 
the cooling system, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the 
engine.
Engine oil pressure too low 
If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be recti-
fied immediately.If the 
 symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is 
too low. The following message will appear in the display 
together with the symbol:
Switch off engine and check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 157.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the engine oil level is too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 158.If the engine oil level is correct
If the 
 symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain 
professional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the 
engine, not even at idle speed.
Applies to vehicles: with tyre pressure monitoring systemTyre pressure monitoring system 
The tyre pressure should be corrected as soon as possible 
if it is too low.If the 
 symbol appears, the tyre pressure on at least one 
of the wheels is too low. The message Tyre pressures too 
low will be displayed.
–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.Fuel level low 
When this symbol 
 comes on for the first time, there are about 
10 litres of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible 
⇒page 152.
If this warning symbol lights up although the fuel tank is sufficiently 
filled, there is a malfunction in the fuel tank system. The display will 
also show the driver message Tank system malfunction ! Contact 
workshop. Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop.
WARNING (continued)
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Driver information system37
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Check engine oil level 
 Please check oil level
If the  symbol lights up, add 1 litre of oil at the next opportunity 
⇒page 158.
Engine oil sensor defective 
If the 
 symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop 
and have the oil level sensor checked.
Front brake pads worn 
If the 
 symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for 
safety's sake the rear pads as well) inspected by a qualified 
workshop.
Speed warning 1 
If the 
 symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed 
that has been pre-set with the speed warning function. You should 
reduce your speed accordingly ⇒page 31.
Speed warning 2 
If the 
 symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed 
that has been pre-set for speed warning 2. You should reduce your 
speed accordingly ⇒page 31.
Headlight range control defective 
This symbol 
 indicates a malfunction in the dynamic headlight 
range control. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the 
dynamic headlight range control function repaired.
Washer fluid level low 
If the 
 symbol lights up, top up the fluid for the windscreen 
washer and headlight washer system ⇒page 164.
Battery voltage too high or too low 
If the 
 symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop 
and have the following items checked:
•
Poly-V belt
•
Battery condition
It is also advisable to check whether the alternator warning lamp 
has come on ⇒page 18.
Bulb monitor 
The bulb monitor checks whether the lights on the vehicle 
are working.If a defective bulb is detected, or if one of the lights has failed for 
any reason, the bulb monitor symbol 
 will appear in the display 
together with an additional message (which goes out after 
5 seconds). For instance, if the rear left turn signal is not working, 
the display in the instrument cluster will show the following 
message:
REAR LEFT TURN SIGNAL
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Driver information system 38The message disappears after 5 seconds. Press the adjuster/test 
button  ⇒page 10, fig. 2 briefly if you wish to call up the message 
again.
If the display indicates that one of the lights is not working, this can 
have a number of causes:•
Bulb failure ⇒page 193.
•
A “blown” fuse ⇒page 190, “Changing fuses”.
•
Defective electrical wiring. 
Have the components replaced or the wiring repaired as necessary 
by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
•
Bulbs are sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you 
touch the bulb, causing injury.
•
Incorrect handling of the high-voltage element of xenon gas-
discharge bulbs can have potentially fatal consequences.
Brake light failure 
If the symbol 
 or the text BRAKE LIGHT lights up, check the 
following components:
•
Brake light bulbs
•
Wiring connections
•
Brake light switch
Have the components repaired or replaced by a qualified workshop.Note
The brake light switch is only tested during the initial systems check 
after starting the engine.
Applies to vehicles: with light sensor/ rain sensorLight sensor/rain sensor 
This indicator lamp comes on if the automatic headlights/ 
automatic wipers are defective.If the 
 symbol appears, this means that the light sensor/ rain 
sensor is not functioning. For safety reasons, the dipped beam 
headlights 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. If the rain 
sensor is defective, the functions operated via the windscreen wiper 
lever will still be available. You should have the light sensor/ rain 
sensor checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicSelector lever defective 
 and 
   Selector lever defective! No R gear!
If these symbols light up, there is a fault in the R tronic selector 
lever. The indicators on the selector lever will go out or flash. It is no 
longer possible to engage reverse gear. If you were using the 
gearbox in manual mode, it will switch back to automatic mode.
You can continue to change gear manually. Starting in neutral (N), 
pull the   paddle lever on the steering wheel to engage first gear. 
The gearbox will now remain in manual mode and you can select the 
gears using the paddle levers.
You should have the selector lever checked by a qualified workshop 
as soon as possible.
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicClutch overheating 
 and 
  Clutch is overheating ! If possible please stop vehicle.
A8
A+
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Doors and windows 40Doors and windowsRemote control keysSet of keysThe set of keys for your vehicle ⇒fig. 32 includes:
two remote control keys
one spare key
Remote control key
The remote control key will lock and unlock the car via the central 
locking system and start the engine. Press the release button ⇒fig. 32 (arrow) to make the key spring out of the handle and to fold 
it back in.
Spare key
The spare key should be used only temporarily if the remote control 
key has been misplaced or lost.
Replacing a key
If one of the keys has been lost, you should take the vehicle to an 
Audi R8 dealer to have the remote control coding for that key deac-
tivated. For this purpose you should bring all available keys with 
you.
It is also important to notify your insurance company if a key has 
been lost.
Checking the key battery level
The indicator lamp ⇒fig. 33 lights up as soon as you press one of 
the buttons. If the indicator lamp does not light up or flash, this 
means the battery is exhausted and must be replaced. 
Changing the battery ⇒page 41.
WARNING
•
Always switch off the ignition and take the key with you when 
leaving the vehicle - even if you only intend to be gone for a short 
time. This is especially important if children are left in the car. They 
might otherwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated 
equipment such as the electric windows - this could lead to inju-
ries.
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the 
ignition key from the lock. Otherwise the steering lock could 
engage suddenly, causing an accident.
Fig. 32  Set of keysF i g .  3 3  R e m o t e  c o n t r o l  
key: Indicator lamp
AAAB
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