dashboard AUDI R8 2007 Owners Manual

Driver information system 20Driver information systemIntroductionThe driver information system in the instrument cluster
shows you the status of various on-board systems at a
glance.Standard display
The following information is shown in the driver information system
display when the ignition is on:•
CD* in the CD player or current radio* station
•
Outside temperature*: At temperatures below +5°C a snowflake
symbol appears next to the temperature display ⇒.
•
Door catches, engine lid and front lid warning: The warning lamp
comes on if the door, engine lid or front lid is open.
Further functions
Press the button ⇒fig. 8 one or more times to call up the
following functions in the driver information system display:
The speed warning function is also displayed in the driver informa-
tion system. For information on how to select this setting please
refer to ⇒page 31.
Auto-check control
The system runs a check on certain components and functions
when the ignition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. It
gives an audible warning if a fault should occur or if servicing is
required, and a red or yellow warning symbol (in some cases with a
corresponding driver message) appears in the dashboard display
⇒page 33.
WARNING
Do not rely on the outside temperature display as an ice warning.
Please bear in mind that there may be ice on the roads even at
outside temperatures of +5 °C: beware of ice patches.
Note
•
On vehicles with R tronic, the displays only appear after the
driver has engaged a gear.
Fig. 7 Display:
Standard displayFig. 8 Windscreen
wiper lever: Reset
button and rocker
switch
On-board computer
⇒page 22
Digital speedometer*Menus
⇒page 24
Lap timer
⇒page 27
Reset
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Doors and windows49
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Turn signals
The turn signals flash briefly when the vehicle is locked to confirm
that the doors, the engine lid and the luggage lid are properly
closed and locked.
If the turn signals do not flash, check the doors, engine lid and
luggage lid to make sure they are properly closed. The turn signals
will flash briefly if one of the doors, the luggage lid or the engine lid
is closed after the system has been switched on.
Note
•
To make sure that the alarm is fully operative when leaving the
vehicle, briefly check that all the doors and windows are closed.
•
If the vehicle is unlocked at the driver's door using the key, the
central locking switch only becomes fully functional after the igni-
tion is switched on.
•
The alarm is triggered immediately if one of the battery cables is
disconnected while the alarm system is active.
Interior monitor
The interior monitor triggers an alarm if it detects move-
ment inside the vehicle.
You should deactivate the interior monitor if there is a
possibility that the alarm could be set off, for instance, by a
pet or by an object moving about inside the car ⇒. The
tow-away protection function* should be deactivated if the
car is being towed or transported (for instance by rail or
ship).
Deactivating interior monitor

– Press the switch on the door ⇒fig. 43.
– Then lock the vehicle.
Deactivating the tow-away protection*

– Press the switch on the door.
– Then lock the vehicle.The diode in the switch
 or
 will light up when the interior
monitor / tow-away protection* function is deactivated. In addition,
the diode on the dashboard will light up for about 3 seconds. The
diode on the dashboard will flash rapidly for about 3 seconds after
the vehicle is locked. There then follows an interval of about 30
seconds before the diode starts flashing slowly.
The interior monitor / tow-away protection* function is automati-
cally switched on again next time the vehicle is locked.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside.
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
Fig. 43 Switches for
the interior monitor in
the door trim (only
visible when the
driver's door is open)
AAAB
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Lights and vision 52Lights and visionLightsSwitching lights on and off

Switching on the side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 46 to position

. The indi-
cator lamp

lights up when the side lights are on.
Switching on the dipped or main beam
headlights
– Turn the light switch to position

.
– Press the main beam lever forward ⇒page 56.
Switching off the lights
– Turn the light switch to position O.
The dipped beam headlights will only work with the ignition on. The
headlights are switched to side lights while the engine is being
started and after the ignition has been switched off.The daytime running lights are activated when you switch on the
ignition if the light switch is in position 0 or AUTO, provided that the
daytime running lights function has been activated in the menu
display ⇒page 24.
Note
•
If the lights are left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, a buzzer sounds when the driver's door is opened.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant
statutory requirements.
•
The headlights and rear lights may mist up temporarily on the
inside in cool or damp weather.
−This is due to the difference in temperature on the inside and
the outside of the headlight glass.
−When the headlights are switched on the surface heated by
the light will soon be demisted, however the glass may still be
misted up inside, around the edges.
−This phenomenon has no influence on the life expectancy of
the vehicle lights.
•
Switch on the headlights when the ambient light starts to fade
or in conditions of poor visibility.
Fig. 46 Detail of the
dashboard: Light
switch
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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
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Lights and vision 54
Note•
When the automatic headlights have been activated, the dipped-
beam headlights will go out when the ignition is switched off, and
the side lights will go out when the key is taken out.
•
Do not attach any stickers to the windscreen in front of the
sensor, as this would interfere with the operation of the automatic
headlights and the automatic anti-dazzle function for the mirrors.
Rear fog light

The light switch can also be used to turn on the rear fog
light.–Do not turn the light switch
 ⇒page 52, fig. 46 to the
symbol
.
– First turn the light switch
 ⇒page 52, fig. 46 to posi-
tion

.
– Then pull out the light switch to switch on the rear fog
light.
The symbol
 next to the switch will light up when the rear fog light
is on.
Caution
To avoid dazzling the traffic behind you, the rear fog light should
only be used in accordance with statutory regulations.
Applies to vehicles: with coming home/leaving home functionComing home/leaving home function

After dark the area around the car is lit up with the aid of
the coming home / leaving home function.Activating the functions
– Press the button
 ⇒fig. 48. The diode will be lit in the
button.
Deactivating the functions
– Press the button . The diode in the button will go off.
The coming home / leaving home function is controlled by light
sensors in the mounting for the rear view mirror. The system will
function when the following requirements are met:•
The diode in the button is lit
.
•
The headlights and the ignition are switched off.
•
Dark conditions; the sensors register little or no light.
•
The leaving home function is activated in the menu display
⇒page 24.
Fig. 48 Detail of the
dashboard: Coming
home / leaving home
switch
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Heating and cooling77
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Switching air conditioner on or offSwitching air conditioner on or off
– Turn the control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 clockwise to switch
the air conditioner on. The diode next to the word OFF
will go out.
– Turn the control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 anti-clockwise to
switch the air conditioner off. The diode next to the word
OFF will light up.
Regulating the blower speed

– Turn the control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 to the desired
setting for the blower speed (amount of air to be deliv-
ered).In automatic mode, the air conditioning system automatically regu-
lates the blower speed according to the interior temperature.
However, you can also adjust the blower speed manually.
Note
The blower speed will automatically be adjusted if the difference
between the selected temperature and the actual temperature in
the vehicle is too high. This ensures that the selected temperature
is reached as quickly as possible.
Air distributionFig. 70 Dashboard: Location of air outlets– Turn the rotary control ⇒page 75, fig. 69 to the
desired setting.
– The outlets can be opened and closed by turning the
adjustment ring.
– The direction of air delivery from these outlets can be
adjusted horizontally and vertically using the adjuster in
the centre of each outlet grille.Air distribution:•
In position
 the air will flow only to the windows. Air outlets
and will be opened. For maximum defrosting effect on the side
windows in the driver's door and front passenger's door the
outlets should be directed at the side windows.
A2A2A2
A3
A1
A2A2
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Safe driving103
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Check the tyre pressures.
– Make sure that all windows are clean and give good visi-
bility to the outside.
– Secure all luggage and other items carefully.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust the front seat, head restraint and mirrors
correctly.
– Make sure that the head restraints for all passengers are
adjusted to the correct position.
– Make sure that children are protected with suitable
safety seats and properly worn seat belts ⇒page 122.
– Sit in the correct position in your seat and make sure that
your passengers do the same. ⇒page 67.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly. Make sure that your
passengers do the same ⇒page 109.What affects driving safety?
Safety on the road is directly related to how you drive, and
can also be affected by the passengers in the vehicle.The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and all
its occupants. If your ability to drive is impaired in any way,
you endanger yourself and other road users ⇒. There-
fore:
– Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers or by
using a mobile phone, etc.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (by
medication, alcohol, drugs, etc.).– Obey all traffic regulations and speed limits.
– Always adjust your speed to suit the road, traffic and
weather conditions.
– Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive for more
than two hours without a stop.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
WARNING
•
Distractions while driving or any kind of impairment to your
driving ability increase the risk of accident and injury.
•
Do not store loose objects on the dashboard. These objects
could fly around the interior when the vehicle is moving (under
acceleration or whilst cornering) and distract the driver – this
could lead to an accident.
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Seat belts111
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The physical principles involved in a frontal collision are relatively
simple:
Both the moving vehicle and the passengers possess energy, which
is known as “kinetic energy” ⇒page 110, fig. 87. The amount of
“kinetic energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight
of the vehicle and passengers. The higher the speed and the greater
the weight, the more energy there is to be absorbed in an accident.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle. If
the speed doubles from 25 km/h to 50 km/h, for example, the kinetic
energy increases by a factor of four. Because these passengers are
not restrained by seat belts, the entire amount of kinetic energy has
to be absorbed at the point of impact ⇒fig. 88. This would result in
serious or potentially fatal injury.
Even at urban speeds of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces acting on the
occupants in a collision can reach the equivalent of 1 ton (1000 kg)
or more. At greater speed these forces are even higher. A rule of
thumb: if the speed doubles, the forces increase by a factor of four.
Passengers who do not wear seat belts are not “attached” to the
vehicle. In a frontal collision they will continue to move forward at
the speed their car was travelling just before the impact.
What happens to passengers not wearing seat belts?
Passengers not wearing seat belts risk fatal injuries in the
event of an accident.In a frontal collision, unbelted passengers will be thrown forwards
and make violent contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, wind-
screen, etc ⇒fig. 89. Passengers not wearing their belts risk being
thrown out of the car, resulting in potentially fatal injuries.
The common belief that occupants can brace their weight with their
hands in a minor collision is false. Even at low speeds the forces
acting on the body in a collision are so great that it is not possible
to hold yourself in the seat.
Fig. 88 The vehicle
crashes against the
wall
Fig. 89 A driver not
wearing a seat belt can
be thrown forwards
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Airbag system117
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The front airbag for the driver is located in the padded hub of the
steering wheel ⇒page 116, fig. 95. The front airbag for the front
passenger is in the dashboard above the glove box ⇒fig. 96. The
locations of the airbags are marked with the word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the three-point seat belts, the front airbags give
additional head and chest protection for the driver and front
passenger in the event of a severe frontal collision ⇒ in “Impor-
tant safety notes on the front airbag system” on page 117.
How the front airbags work
When fully inflated, the airbags reduce the risk of head or
chest injury.
The airbag system is designed so that the airbags for the driver and
front passenger are triggered in a severe frontal collision.
In certain types of accident the front airbags and the side airbags
may be triggered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbags fill with a propellant gas
and open out in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒fig. 97. In
order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the
airbags have to inflate extremely rapidly (within fractions of a
second). The fully deployed airbags cushion the forwards move-
ment of the front occupants and help to reduce the risk of injury to
the head and the upper part of the body.
Special openings in the airbag allow the gas to escape at a
controlled rate to restrain the forward movement of the occupant's
head and torso. Once the impact has been absorbed, the airbag
deflates sufficiently for the front occupants to see forward.Important safety notes on the front airbag system
There are a number of safety points concerning the airbag
system which you should remember. This will help to
reduce the risk of injury in an accident.
Fig. 96 Front
passenger's airbag in
dashboardFig. 97 Front airbags
in inflated condition
Fig. 98 Minimum
distance from steering
wheel
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Airbag system 118
WARNING
•
It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a
distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dashboard
⇒page 117, fig. 98. The airbag system will not be able to give the
required protection if you sit too close to the steering wheel or
dashboard. There is also a risk of injury if the airbags are inflated.
The front seats and head restraints must always be positioned
correctly for the height of the occupant.
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward or to the side,
or are not seated correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are
at greater risk of injury. Should the airbag system be triggered in
an accident there is an even greater risk of injury.
•
Never let a child travel on the front seat without an appropriate
restraint system. If the airbag is triggered in an accident, the child
could sustain serious or fatal injuries ⇒page 122, “Child safety”.
•
Never install a rearward-facing child safety seat on the front
passenger's seat unless the front passenger's airbag has been
deactivated. However, if you have no alternative but to use a rear-
ward-facing child seat on the front passenger's seat, the front
passenger's airbag must be deactivated beforehand by means of
the key-operated switch ⇒page 120, “Deactivating the airbags”.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in serious or poten-
tially fatal injury.
•
Occupants sitting in the front of the car must never carry any
objects or pets in the space between them and the airbags, or
allow children or other passengers to travel in this position.
•
Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the
soft plastic surface of the airbag unit on the passenger's side of
the dashboard, and do not obstruct or modify them in any way.
These parts should only be cleaned with a dry cloth (or with a
cloth moistened with plain water). It is also important not to
attach any objects such as cup holders or telephone mountings to
the surfaces covering the airbag units.
•
Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of
the airbag components for other repairs (such as repairs to the
steering wheel) should be performed by a qualified workshop.Note
If necessary, you can deactivate the front passenger's airbag by
means of the key-operated switch ⇒page 120, “Deactivating the
airbags”.Side airbagsDescription of side airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.The side airbags are located in the backrest padding of the front
seats ⇒fig. 99. The locations of the airbags are marked with the
word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the three-point seat belts, the side airbags give
the occupants additional protection for the whole upper part of the
body (i.e. the chest, stomach and pelvis) in the event of a severe side
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 99 Location of
side airbag in driver's
seat
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