instrument cluster AUDI S8 2008 Owners Manual

Instruments and warning /indicator lights
Instruments and warning/indicator lights
Instruments
Instrument cluster and controls
The instrument cluster is your central source of informa­
tion.
F ig . 2 Overview of the instrume nt cluster
G) Coolant temperature gauge . ................... . .
0 Tachometer with time and date display .. ......... .
® Warning/indicator lights .. ... ..... ... ........ .. .
© Driver information system ............ .... .. .... .
© Speedome ter with odometer ..... .... ..... ..... .
© Fuel gauge . ........ .... .... ..... .. .... ... .... .
G) Reset button for trip odometer ... ... . .. ... .... .. .
12
13, 13
16
24
14
14
14
© I CH ECK] button ..... .. ...... ...... ... .. .. ..... .
® Instrument cluster illumination .. .... .... ... .... . .
[ i ] Tips
15
15
The illumination for the instrument cluster lights up whenever you
switch on the ignition with the
vehicle headlights off. As the
daylight fades, the instrument cluster illumination likewise dims
automatically and wil l go out complete ly when the outside light is
very low . This feature is meant to remind you to switch on the head­
lights when outside light conditions become poor. •
Engine coolant temperature gauge
The engine coolant gauge=> fig. 2 G) only works when the ignition
is on. To prevent damage to your engine, please note the following
important points:
Engine cold
As long as the needle remains at the left end of the gauge, the
engine still has not reached its operating temperature. Avoid high
engine speeds, heavy engine loads and heavy throttle applications .
Normal temperature
When the engine has reached its operating temperature, the needle
will move into the middle of the gauge and remain there. If the
engine is working hard at high outside temperatures, the needle
may go further to the right. This is no need to worry as long as the
-~-warning light in the instrument cluster does not illuminate.
Warning light in the instrument cluster -L
When the _L warning light starts to flash, this can mean one of two
things: either the coolant temperature is too high, or the coolant
level is too
low=> page 31. _.,

If the indicator goes all the way to the right side inside the coolant
temperature gauge, then the engine coolant temperature is too
high.
Pull off the road to safe location, turn off the engine and let it
cool down.
If the warning light comes on again after you have driven
a short distance, contact a qualified workshop.
& WARNING
• Always observe the warning in :::::, page 299, "Engine compart­
ment", before opening the hood and checking the engine coolant
level.
• Never open the engine hood if you see or hear steam, or if you
see engine coolant dripping from the engine compartment. You
could burn yourself. Let the engine cool off first so that you cannot
hear or see any steam or engine coolant.
0 Note
• Mounting additional lights or accessories in front of the air inlets
reduces the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside tempera ­
tures or high engine load, the engine could overheat.
• The front spoiler has been designed to properly distribute the
cooling air when the vehicle is moving . If the spoiler is damaged,
this could reduce the cooling effect and the engine could then over­
heat. Ask your authorized Audi dealer for assistance. •
Tachometer (engine rev counter)
The tachometer indicates the engine RPM (revolutions per
minutes).
The tachometer 0:::::, page 12, fig. 2 is the left of the two large clock­
type displays.
The engine turns at a speed
1,000 times the single digit in the
display, e.g. if the needle is pointing at the "2" the engine is turning
at 2,000 RPM.
Controls and equip­ ment
Instruments and warning/indicator lights
If engine RPM drops below 1,500, you should downshift to the next
lower gear. The red area at the end of the scale indicates maximum
permissible engine RPM after the break-in period . Before reaching
this area, move the selector lever to position "D (Drive)" or ease your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
0 Note
The tachometer needle should not move into the red range . If it
does, then only for a very short period of time. You could damage
your engine by driving at high RPM.
<£> For the sake of the environment
Upshifting early saves fuel and reduces engine noise.•
Digital clock with date display
Date and time of day can be set in MM/.
Fig . 3 Instrument
cluster with digital
clock
The date, time of day, and time and date format can be set in MMI.
You can find out more in the MMI manual.
~

Inst rum ents and warning /indi cato r li ghts
[ i J Tip s
• The digital c lock and the odometer are turned on for about 30
seconds when the driver's door is opened.
• When the ignition is turned off, the odometer reading and the
digital clock with date display can be switched on for about
30 seconds by pressing the
I CHECK) button => page 15, fig. 5. •
Speedometer with odometer
The speedometer shows you the vehicle speed, and the
odometer shows you how many miles (kilometers) you
have driven .
Fig. 4 In strume nt
c lu ster Odom ete r an d
rese t butt on
The odometer and trip odometer are located inside the speedom­
eter.
• USA models -Miles
• Canada models -Kilometers
You can swi tch the display from mi les to k ilometers and vice versa
via the MMI.
L ower odom eter
The lower odometer shows the total number of miles (kilometers)
driven.
U pper od om ete r (tr ip odo meter)
The upper odometer shows the total number of mi les (kilometers)
driven since you last reset the odometer to zero. You can use this
odometer when you wan t to keep track of how many mi les (kilome ­
ters) you have driven for a single trip or errand. The last d igit indi­
cates 1/10 of a mile (100 meters).
You can reset the trip odometer to ze ro by pressing the Reset button
(0.0).
M alf un ctio n message
If there is a malfunction somewhere in the instrument cluster, dEF
wi ll appear in the trip odometer and will stay on. Contact your
authorized Audi dealer to have the prob lem corrected.
Imm obilize r
When you switch on the ignition, the data chip inside the key is
"read" by the immobilizer system.
If an unauthorized key is inserted into the ignition lock, the word
S AFE will come on and stay on. You will not be able to start the
vehicle=> page 49.
[ i J Tips
• The digita l clock and the odometer are turned on for about 30
seconds when the driver's door is opened.
• When the ignition is turned off, the odometer reading and the
digital clock with date display can be switched on for about
30 seconds by pressing the
!CHECK) button=> page 15, fig. 5. •
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge only works when the ignition is on.
The fuel tank holds about 23 .8 gallons (90 liters). When the need le
reaches the reserve mark,
the=> page 35 symbol appears in the
instrument cluster display as well as the message
Ple as e refue l. .,_

There is still approximately 2.4 gallons (9 liters) of fuel left. This message is meant to remind you to
re fuel .
(D Note
Never run the tank completely dry . An irregular supp ly of fuel can
cause engine misfiring and fuel could enter the exhaust system . T he
cata lytic converter could then overheat and be damaged .•
[ C HECK] button
You can perform different functions with this button .
Fig . 5 CHECK butto n in
th e instr um ent clu ste r
The [ CHECK ] button performs the fo llowing functions:
Swi tch ing on th e clock and odom ete r
With the ignition turned off, the odometer reading and the digital
clock with date display can be sw itched on for about 30 seconds by
pressing the
I C HE CK I but ton ~ fig. 5 .
Sta rtin g the Au to-C heck se quen ce
The Auto -Check system ~ page 28 constantly monitors certain indi ­
vidual functions and components of the vehicle when the ignition is
turned on and when the vehicle is moving.
W ith the ignition turned on, you can start the "Auto -Check
sequ ence" by pr essing the !CH ECK ] bu tton . You can p erform an
Controls and equip­
ment
Inst rum ents and warning /indi cator light s
Auto-Che ck sequence when the vehicle is stationary and the ignition
is turned on or when the vehicle is moving no t faster than 3 mph
(5 km/h).
C alling up the dri ver inf ormatio n
A yellow or red symbol appears in the instrument cluster display ,
usually with a driver message. The driver message display disap ­
pears after about 5 seconds . The driver message can be displayed
again by briefly pressing the
I CHECK ] button .
Setting th e sp eed w arni ng
By pressing the [ CHECK! but ton briefly, you can set threshold 1 of
the speed warning while you are
driving ~ page 37. By maintaining
pressure on the [CHECK ! button, you delete the warning
threshold. •
Instrument cluster illumination
The basic brightness of the illuminati on f or the instru­
ments, the center console and the display can be
adjusted .
Ir ,-i:,.-.. I+ ,- i:,.--•/, ,,,,
Fig. 6 Instr ume nt
c lus te r ill umi nation
Press the"+" button to increase the brightness d uring
the hours of dar kness.
~
Vehicle care I I irechnical data

Instruments and warning /indicator lights
-Press the"-" button to decrease the brightness during
the hours of darkness.
A light sensor in the instrument cluster controls the illumination for
the instrument clust er, the center console and the displays . In a
bright environment , using the buttons to change the brightness has
no effect .
[ i] Tips
The illumination for the instrument cluster lights up whenever you
switch on the ignition with the
vehicle headlights off. As the
daylight fades, the instrument cluster illumination likewise dims
automatically and will go out completely when the outside light is
very low. This feature is meant to remind you to switch on the head­
lights when outside light conditions become poor. •
Warning/indicator lights
Overview
The warning/indicator lights indicate different functions
or a possible malfunction.
iWiii i ·i l· i hii
Fig. 7 Instrument cluster with warning/indicator lights
Your vehicle is equipped with several important warning and indi ­
cator lights to help you monitor the continued reliab le operation of
your
vehicle => &-
0
Electronic power control
Generator => page 18
=> page 18
Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) => page 18

Instruments and warning/indicator lights
&, WARNING (continued )
extreme caution when working under the hood => page 299,
''Engine compartment "
[ i] Tips
Many functions are monitored by the Auto -Check system
=> page 28 . Ma lfunctions or faults wil l be identified either with a red
symbo l (pr iority 1
-Danger!) or with a yel low symbol (priority 2 -
Warning) .•
Electronic power control EPC
This warning/indicator light monitors the electronic
power control.
The EPC warning/indicator light (Electronic Power Control) i llumi ­
nates when you turn on the ignition as a function chec k.
[ i ] Tips
If this warning/indicator l ight i lluminates whi le you are driving, then
there is a malfunction in the engine electronics . Have the malfunc­
t ion corrected as soon as possible by your authorized Audi dea ler or
qualified repair facility .•
Generator D
This warning/indicator light detects a malfunction in the
generator or in the vehicle's electrical system.
The D warning/indicator light illuminates when you switch on the
igni tion and must go out a fter the engine has started.
If the
D warning/indicator light illuminates while you are driving,
you shou ld contact your authorized Audi dealer. Since the vehic le battery is discharging, you should switch off any unnecessary elec
­
t rical consumers (for example, the air conditioner).
0 Note
If the _f_ warning/indicator light (ma lfunction in the engine coo ling
system) in the instrument cluster shou ld
illuminate=> page 31, stop
the vehicle and turn off the engine . The water pump is not working
-this can cause engine damage. •
Electronic stabilization program (ESP) f1.
This warning/indicator light monitors the electronic stabi ­
lization program.
Th e warning/indicator light has the following functions:
• I t blinks while you are driving when the ESP is working .
• It illuminates when you switch on the ignition for approximate ly
2 seconds as a function check.
• It illuminates when there is a malfunction in the ESP. The
message
ESP fault! See owner's manual also appears in the instru­
ment cluster display and a warning tone sounds .
• It illuminates continuously when the ESP is switched off.
• It illuminates if there is a malfunction in the ABS, since the ESP
is part of the ABS sys tem.
If the battery terminals were disconnected and re-connected , the
vehic le was jump sta rted or the battery is very weak, the ESP sensor
system goes through a learning process for the first few yards. The
warning/indicator light illuminates. The warning/indicator light
goes out as soon as the learning process is complete.
If the ESP warning/indicator light illuminates and stays on after you
have started the engine, this may mean that the control system has
temporarily switched off the ESP . If this is case, you can reactivate
th e ESP by turning the ignition off and then on again . The
~

If the ABS, ESP and brake force distribution fail, the ABS indicator
l ig ht ABS (USA
mod els)/ 0 (Cana da mod els) and t he ESP i nd ica tor
light
f;. come on along with the brake system ma lfunction light
BRAKE (USA m ode ls)/ (@ (C an ada model s). The mes sage Brake fault !
Drive carefully to nearest workshop appears in the instrument
cluster d isp lay and three consec utive wa rning tones
sound =>& .
& WARNING
• USA models: If the BRAKE warning light , the $';. warning light and
the ABS warning light come on together , the rear wheels could
lock up first under hard braking . Rear wheel lock-up can cause loss
of vehicle control and an accident . Ha ve your vehicle repaired
immediately by your authorized Audi dealer or a qualified work­
shop. Drive slowly and avoid sudden , hard brake applications.
• Canada model s: If the brake warning light
(CD) , the ~ warning
light and the ABS warning light
8 c ome on together , the rear
wheels could lock up first under hard braking. Rear wheel lock-up
can cau se los s of vehicle control and an accident. Have your
vehicle repaired immediately by your authorized Audi dealer or a qualified workshop. Drive slowly and avoid sudden , hard brake
applications.
• If the brake warning /indicator light does not go out after a few
seconds and the parking brake released , or lights up while you are
driving , the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is too low. If you
believe that it is safe to do so , pro ceed immediately at low speed
to the nearest authorized Audi dealer or qualified repair facility and have the brake system inspected .
• Always keep in mind that after several brake applications, you
will need greater pressure on the brake pedal to stop your vehicle.
Do not rely on strained brakes to respond with maximum stopping
power in critical situations . You must allow for increased braking
distances . The extra distance used up by fading brakes could lead
to an a ccident . •
Controls and equip­ ment
Instruments and warning /indicator lights

Driver inf orma tio n displ ay
Driver information display
Introduction
General notes
The driver information display inside the instrument
cluster provides you, the driver, with much useful infor­
mation.
F ig. 8 Inst rum ent
c luster : center d is pl ay
Information from the Driver Information System is shown in the
display in the center of the instrument cluster.
When you turn on the ignition and while you are driving, some func ­
tions and vehicle components are scanned for their operating status. Malfunctions or required service procedures are signalled
audibly and shown by red and yellow lighted symbols and
reminders to the driver in the display.
The driver is also shown information about radio and CD operation and directions for the navigation system. You can find additional
information on these subjects in the MMI manual.
The Driver Information System provides the fol lowing functions : Sound system display
=> page25
Outside air temperature => page25
Digital speedometer
=> page25
Door open indicator => page26
Defective light bulb
=> page26
Service interval display => page27
Auto Check system
=> page28
Driver information => page29
Speed limiter
=> page28
Trip computer => page38
Tire pressure monitoring
=> page 40
Selector lever position => page 764
[ i ] Tips
In the event of a malfunction either a red or yellow icon appears in
the display. Red symbols indicate
D ang er => page 30. Yellow
symbols indicate a
W arning => page 34 . •

fl::. WARNING (c o ntinue d)
• Wo rk with d ue care when handl in g th e high -v o lt age secti on of
gas disc harge !xe non) lig ht s. Fa ilur e to d o so c ould re sult i n de ath
or seriou s injur y.
[ i J Tips
Have the bulb replaced or the connection repaired by your autho ­
rized Aud i Service department .•
Service interval display
The service interval display reminds you when your next
service is due.
Fi g. 14 D isplay:
Se rvice i nterval displ ay
The date for service is calculated automa tically. Based on the
average distance driven in previous months, a monthly driving
distance is calculated. As soon as the distance remaining to the next
service drops below the distance driven monthly, the service
reminder is initiated. The maximum period from one service to the
next is one year.
S erv ice reminder
30 days before the next service is due, a service reminder appears
in the display when you turn on the
i gnition => fig. 14.
Contro ls a nd eq uip­
ment
Dr ive r inf ormati on d ispl ay
After about 5 seconds the display switches back to normal. The
distance and time remain ing are updated each time the ignition is
turned on unti l the date due for service is reached.
Servi ce
When the due date for service is reached, the message Serv ice due
! appears in the disp lay immediately after you turn on the ignition.
Additionally, a warning tone sounds. After about 5 seconds the
display switches back to normal.
0 Note
I f you disconnect the battery terminals, no calculations can be
made for the service interval display during this time and no service
reminder will appear. Remember that observing the proper service
intervals is vita lly important to extending the life of you r vehicle,
particularly the engine, and maintaining its value. Even if the
mileage driven is low, the maximum period of one year from one
service to the next must not be exceeded. •
On-Board Diagnostic system (OBD)
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIU in the instrument cluster
=> page 16, fig. 7 is part of the On -Board Diagnostic (OBD II) system.
The warn ing/indicator light illum inates when the ignition is
switched on and goes out after the engine starts and the idle has
stabilized . This indicates that the MIL is working properly.
If the light d oes not go out after the engine is started, or illuminates
while you are driving, a ma lfunction may exist in the engine system.
If the light starts flashing, the catalytic converter cou ld be damaged.
Continue driving
w ith redu ced po wer (avoiding sustained high
speeds and/or rapid accelerat ions) and have the condition
corrected. Contact your authorized Audi dea ler.
Vehicle care I I irechnical data

If a component is malfunctioning or if the need for an urgent repair
has been detected, this will appear in the instrument clus ter display .
You will a lso hear an audible warning tone . The displays are co lor
coded in either red or yellow depending on their level of priority.
A red symbol means
D anger , a yellow symbo l ind icates W arning . In
certain situations, information message for the driver appear in
addit ion to the red and yellow symbo ls .
Fun ction t est: au tom atic transmission
The Auto-Check Contro l will automat ically perform a test each time
you switch on the ignition. With the selector lever in
P or N , the
f ollowing message appears in the display:
When stati onar y appl y fo ot brake while selecting gea r.
When you a select a different gear (for example : R, D , etc.l, the
message will disappear and the Auto -Check function is disp layed.
If there is a malfunction , then the malfunction message will appear
about 15 seconds after the you start the vehicle . At the same time
you will hear a warning tone .•
Driver information messages
Driver i nfo rmation messages are shown in the instrument
cluster display in addition to the red and yellow symbols.
Controls and equip­ ment
Fig. 16 CHEC K button
in th e instru ment
c lu ster
Driv er information di splay
For example, if the transmission selector lever is not in the P posi­
ti on when the engine is turned off, the following message appears:
Shift t o P, otherwi se ve hic le can roll away. Doors do not lo ck if
le ver i s not in P .
The igni tion key can only be removed with the selector in this pos i­
tion. This and other messages are brought up if a function cannot
be car ried ou t.
Dri ver messa ges and r ed symbols
If a red symbo l appears in the display, a driver message can be
shown by pressing the [ CH ECK] button.
For example, the symbol f or a problem with engine oi l
pressure~
appears in the disp lay . If you then press the [ CHECK] button , the
fo llowing driver message appears in the d isp lay:
S witch off engine and che ck oil level
The driver message in the display goes out after about 5 seconds .
The dr iver message can be d isplayed aga in by briefly pressing the
[ CHECK] button .
Driver me ssages and yellow symbols
If a yellow symbol appears in the display, a driver message is also
displayed automat ica lly .
For examp le, the symbol
G> appears in the disp lay, indicating low
windshield washer fluid level. The following message also appears :
Please top up wa sher fluid
The driver message disappears after a few seconds . The driver
message can be d isplayed aga in by briefly pressing the [ CHECK]
button. •