Audi R8 Spyder 2012 User manual

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2012 Audi RS Spyder
Owner 's Manual
Audi
Vo r spr u ng du r ch Techn ik (HD

Introduction
Thank you for choosing an Audi R8 Spyder - we value your trust in us.
Your new Audi R8 Spyder incorporates the newest technology as well as numer -
ous features designed fo r your comfo rt, convenience and safety . We recommend
you read your Owner's Manual tho roughly so that you can quickly become ac-
quain t ed with your Audi .
In addition to explaining how the different features work , we also give you many
usef ul tips and information concerning your safety and that of yo ur passengers,
how to care fo r you r vehicle and maintain your vehicle's value.
We hope you enj oy driving your Audi R8 Spyder and we w ish you safe and pleas-
ant motor ing .
AUDIAG
12256 14272 1

2 Table of contents
Vehicle literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About this Owner's Manual . ..
Controls and equipment . . . .. .
Cockpit ... . ............ . ... . . . .
General illus tr at ion .... . . . . . . . . .. .
Instruments and warning/
indicator lights ...... . . . . . . . . . .
Inst ruments . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . .. .
War ning/ indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver information system . . .
I ntroduct ion . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . .. .
Service interval disp lay . . . . . . . . . . . .
On-Board Diagnostic system (OBD) .. .
Trip computer ............ . . . . . . . .
Menu display ....... ...... . . . . . . .
Lap t imer . . .......... . ....... . . .
4
5
6
6
6
8
8
11
21
21
22
22
23
25
27
Speed war ning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Opening and closing . . . . . . . . . .
Keys ........................ . . .
Power locking system ............ .
Front lid . . . . . . .......... . . . . . . . .
Ant i-t heft alarm system ... . . . . . . . .
Power win dows . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. .
Convertible top .............. .
Convert ible top . . . .... . . . . . . . . .. .
W ind deflecto r . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. .
Rear window . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . .. .
Convertible top emergency operation .
Clear vision . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . .. .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . .. .
Inter ior lights .............. . . . .. .
Sun visors ...................... .
W iper and washer system ... . ... . . .
Mirrors . . . . ................ . . . . .
Digit al compass . ... ... . . . . . . . . . . .
32
32
34
37
3 8
39
4 0
4 0
42
4 2
43
4 9
4 9
52
53
53
56
57
Seats and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
General recomme ndat ions . . . . . . . . .
Power seats . ............ . . . . . . . .
Head rest raint s .......... . . . . . .. .
Cup holder .............. . . . . . .. .
59
60
6 1
6 1
Asht ray . . . . ... . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter/socket . . .... . . . . . .
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .
Warm and cold . . . . . . .... . . . . . .
Climate controls . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . .
Heated seats ................... .
On the road . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . .
Steering .. . . . . . . . . . .......... . . .
Ig nit ion lock/Ignition switch ....... .
Starting the engine ............ . . .
Stopping the eng ine ... . ......... .
Parking brake . . . . ............... .
Cruise contr ol . . . . . . . ... .... . . . . . .
Audi mag netic ride ............... .
Transm1ss1on . . . .. . . . ...... . . . .
Manua l tr ansm ission . ........ . . . . .
R t ronic ... . ... . . . ............ . . .
62
62
62
65
65
69
70
70
70
71
72
72
74
75
77
77
78
Parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Parking system advanced
Homelink ® ................... .
Universal remote cont rol ........ . . .
Safety first . . ....... . ......... .
82
88
88
91
Driving Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Proper occupant seati ng positions . . . 92
Driver and passenger side footwe ll . . . 95
Stow ing luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Reporting Saf ety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Active rollover protection system 99
Safety belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Why safety belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Illustrat ing the principle of an
accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
How are safety belts wo rn correct ly? . 104
Safety belt pret ensioners . . . . . . . . . . 107
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
I mportant t hings to know . . . . . . . . . . 109
Fron t airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Monitoring the Advanced Airbag
System .. . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . .
Knee airbags . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . ............ . ... . . . .
Child Safety . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . .
120
124
127
130
Important things to know . . . . . . . . . . 130
Child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Instal li ng a child safety seat . . . . . . . . 138
Addit ional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Vehicle operation ..... . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology . . . . ... .
Not ice about data recorded by vehicle
cont rol modules . . . .. ... . . . . . . . . . .
Elect ronic Stability Cont rol (ESC) . . . .
Rear spoiler . ............ . . . . . . . .
Braking .. . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . .
Power steering . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with your quattro ® . . . . . . . . .
Energy management ...... . . . . . . . .
Dry sump lubr ication ...... . . . . . . . .
142
142
142
142
144
14 5
146
147
147
149
Driving and environment . . . . . 150
Break-in period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Driving through water on roads . . . . . 150
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Sporty driving ......... . ..... . ... . 151
Operation and maintenance . . . . . . . . 15 1
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Vehicle care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Cleaning and protection . . . . . . 153
General inf ormatio n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Fuel s upply and filling your
fuel tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Fuel tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Checking and filling . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Engine compartment lid . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Engine cooling system..... . . . . . . . . 175
Brake fluid . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Table of contents 3
Battery . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . .... . . . .
Windshie ld washer container
Tires and wheels . . . . .... . . . . . .
Tires . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . .... . . . .
Tire pressure monitoring system
178
182
183
183
200
Do-it-yourself service . . . . . . . . . 203
What do I do now? . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Trunk escape handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Breakdown kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Tire repair . . . . . . . . .............. .
What should I be aware of when
h . t· 7 c anging a rre. . .. . ............. .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . ... .
Emergency t owing wit h commercia l
tow tr uck . . ... . . . . . ............ .
Fu se s and bulbs . . . . .......... .
Electr ical fuses . . . . .............. .
Bul bs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . .
203
206
209
212
213
213
214
Technical da t a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
General information . . . . . . . . . . 215
Explanation of techn ical dat a . . . . . . . 215
Vehicle identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Dimens ions.. . . . ..... . ........... 216
Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
R8 Spyder 4.2 quattro . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
R8Spyder5.2quattro ............. 217
Dimens ions . . . . . . . ... . ... ... .. . . . 218
Capacities (approx .) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Consumer Information . . . . . . . 219
Warranty coverages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Operating your vehicle outs ide the
U.S.A. or Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Audi Service Repair Manuals and
Lite ratu re . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 19
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . 219
Additional accessories, modifications
and parts replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Inde x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
•
•

4 Vehicle literature
I n addition to this Owner's Manual , your Audi
comes with a Warranty & Maintenance book-
let.
Moreover, depending on the mode l and the
equipment, there may be additiona l instruc-
tion booklets delivered with your vehicle (for
examp le, Operating Instr uctions for your
Sound System, Navigation System etc .) .
If you are missing one of these publications,
or if you believe that the information is not
comp lete, contact your authorized Audi dealer
for assistance .
The Warranty & Maintenance booklet
explains how you can keep you r Audi in top
driving condition by having it serviced regu lar-
ly and contains detai led information about
the warranties covering your Audi. Always
have the booklet with you when you take your
vehicle to an author ized Audi dealer for serv-
ice. Your Audi Service Adviser w ill record each
scheduled service and can answer any ques-
tions you may have regarding how to maintain
your vehicle.
In Canada,
the vehicle literature is also availab le in
French. To obtain a copy, contact your dealer
or write to :
Au Canada, on peut se procurer un exemplaire
en fran~ais de ce document aupres du conces-
sionna ire ou de:
Volkswagen Canada, Inc.
Client Assistance
Assistance a la Clientele
777 Bayly Street, West,
Ajax, Ontario LIS 7G7
If you sell your Audi
all literature should be left in the vehicle to
make the Warranty terms as well as all oper-
ating, safety and maintenance information
available to the next owner.
If you change your address or if you
bought this Audi used
be sure to send in a "Notice of Address
Change"/ "Notice of Used Car Purchase" post
card. This card can be found in the Warranty &
Maintenance booklet or obtained from your
authorized Audi dealer.
It is in your own interest that we are able to
contact you should the need arise .

This owner's manua l contains important infor-
mation, tips, suggestions , and warnings for
the use of your vehicle.
Make sure that this owner 's manua l is always
located in the vehicle . This is especially impor-
tant if you allow other people to drive the ve-
hicle, or if you sell it.
This owner's manua l describes the equipment
range specified for this model at the editoria l
deadline date. Some of the equipment descri-
bed here will only be available at a later date,
or only in specific markets.
Some sections in this owner's manua l do not
apply to all vehicles . In that case, the range of
applicability is given at the beginning of the
section, e.g. "Applies to vehicles: with Rtron-
ic". In addition, optional equipment is indicat-
ed by an asterisk "*" .
The details in the illustrations may be differ-
ent from those in your vehicle, and are intend-
ed to be viewed as a basic guide.
Please note that the pictures in this manual
show the European Audi RB model. It may
show features not available in North America.
You will find a table of contents at the begin-
ning of this book, which disp lays all topics de-
scribed in this manual in order of appearance.
You will f ind an alphabetical index at the end
of this book.
All directions , such as " left", " right", "front",
"back", are relative to the direct ion of travel.
* optional equipmen t
~ This section continues on the next page.
® Registered trademarks are identified with
a®. If this symbol is missing, it is no guar-
antee that the terms can be used free ly.
c:>.&. Cross-reference to a "WARNING!" with-
in a section. For ind ication with a page num-
ber, the corresponding "WARNING!" can be
found outside of the section.
About this Owner 's Manual 5
A WARNING
Text with this symbol conta ins important
information on safety and how to reduce
the risk of personal injury or death.
@ Note
Text with th is symbo l draws your attention
to potentia l sources of damage to your ve-
hicle.
® For the sake of the environment
Text with th is symbo l conta ins information
about the environment and how you can
help protect it.
(D Tips
Text with th is symbo l contains special tips
and other informat ion about gett ing the
most out of your vehicle and its features.
•
•

6 Cockpi t
Cockpit
General illustration
Fig. l Cockpit: left section
Fig. 2 Cockpit : right section

(!) Adjuster control for outside mir-
rors .. . . . . ... .......... . . .
@ Door handle
@ Power locking switch
© Switches for:
- Front lid release .......... .
- Fuel filler flap release . . . . . .
® Air outlets ............ . ... .
® Light switch ............... .
(J) Turn signal and high beam ... .
@ Multifunction steering wheel
with:
- Horn
- Driver's airbag ........... .
- Audio, telephone and voice
control system operating but -
tons
- Shift buttons for manual oper-
at ion (R tronic) ........... .
® Instrument cluster
@ Switches for:
57
36
37
166
67
49
51
113
81
8
- Windshield wiper/washer 53
- Trip computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
- Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
- Lap Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
- Speed warning system . . . . . . 29
@ Steering lock/ignition/starte r
switch (in the steering wheel
column) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
@ Adjustable steering column . . . 70
@ Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
@ Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . 52
@) Data Link Connector (DLC)for
On Board Diagnostics (OBD II) . 22
@) Power window switches . . . . . . 39
@ Navigation system
@ Glove compartment (lockable) . 63
@ Front passenger's airbag . . . . . 113
@ Rear window defogger switch . 69
@ Climate controls . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
@ Gear shift lever or selector lever
(R tronic) :
- Manual transmission
- R tronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
@ Switches for:
-Audi magnetic ride ........ .
- Electronic Stability Control ..
- Emergency flasher ........ .
- Retractable rear spoiler .... .
- Parking system . ..... . .... .
Cockpit 7
75
142
so
144
82
@ Convertible top switch . . . . . . . 40
@ Rear window switch . . . . . . . . . 42
@ Parking brake lever . . . . . . . . . . 72
(D Tips
- Some of the equipment or features
shown in the general illustration may be
standard equipment on your vehicle or
my be optional equipment depending on
your model.
-A separate brochure is provided for your
factory-installed Audi Navigation Sys-
tem.

8 Instruments and warning/indicator lights
Instruments and warning/indicator Lights
Instruments
Instrument cluster and controls
The instrument cluster isyour central source of information.
Fig. 3 Overview of the inst rument cluster
(D Engine oil temperature . . . . . . . 8
@ Tachometer with time and date
display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 9
® Warning/indicator lights . . . . . 11
© Coolant temperature gauge . . . 9
® Fue l gauge........... . ... . . 10
@ Speedometer with odometer . . 10
(i) Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
@ Set/Check button . . . . . . . . . . . 9
® Driver information display . . . . 2 1
@ IRESET ! button for trip odome-
ter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The illumination for the instrument cluster
lights up whenever you switch on the ignition
with the vehicle headl ights off. The gauges
are also illuminated when the lights are
turned on.
Engine oil temperature display
The engine oil temperature display Q page 8,
fig. 3 only operates with the ignition on . To
prevent engine damage, please observe the
following important points concerning the
temperature ranges.
Cold range
If the needle is at the bottom of the gauge,
the engine oil has not reached operat ing tem-
perature yet . Avoid high engine speeds, full
throttle applicat ions and heavy engine loads .
Normal range
The engine has reached operating tempera-
ture when the needle moves into the center of
the gauge under normal driving conditions .
The needle may move higher on the gauge
with heavier engine load at high outs ide tem-
peratures. This is not a cause for concern as
long as the . indicator light in the display
does not flash.
Warning light .
If the symbol . in the display flashes, ei-
ther the engine oil temperature is too high or
the engine o il level is too low Q page 174 .
If the needle is well in the upper area of the
gauge, the engine oil temperature is too high .
Stop the vehicle, switch the engine off and
allow it to cool. If the warning light comes on
again after driving a short distance, contact
an authorized Audi dea ler.

In strument s a nd warning / indicator lights 9
Tachometer (engine rev counter)
The tachometer indicates the engine RPM
(revolutions per minutes).
Youshould shift to the next lowest gear when
the speed is below 1500 RPM.The beg inning
of the red zone in the tachometer indicates
the maximum permiss ible engine speed for
all gears once the eng ine has been broken in
and when it is wa rm. You sho uld shift to the
next higher gea r, switc h t he R tron ic sport
mode off or remove your foot from t he accel -
erator pedal before reaching this a rea in the
ga uge.
(D Note
The needle in the tachometer¢ page 8,
fig. 3 @ may only be in the red area of the
gauge fo r a short time or the engine could
be damaged. The location whe re the red
zone beg ins varies depending on the en-
gine.
Digital clock with date display
Your vehicle is equipped with a quartz con-
trolled digital clock.
Fig. 4 Instru m ent clus te r with t he d igita l clock
Date and time are set using the knob ¢ fig. 4.
To set the hour
• Pull the knob (hour display flashes) and
turn it to the left or right.
To set the minutes
• Pull the kno b as many times as necessary
unti l the min ute display flashes .
• Turn the knob to the left or right.
Toset the date
• Pull the knob as many t imes as necessary
until the day, month or year disp lay flashes.
• Turn t he knob to the left or right.
Tohide or display the date
• Pull the knob as many t imes as necessary
until the date disp lay flashes.
• Turn t he knob t o t he left o r right .
Wh e n th e date d isp lay st ops blin king, this
mea ns th e ti me and da t e have been success -
fully stor ed.
Wit h the ign it ion off, push ing or pu lling the
Set/Che ck button ¢ pag e 8, fig. 3 @ ca n t urn
o n the display field ligh ti ng for a few seco nds.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
The eng ine coolan t ga uge¢ page 8, fig. 3 @
only works when the igni t ion is on. To prevent
dama g e to you r engine, please note the fol -
lowing important points.
Engine cold
As long as the nee dle rem ains at the left end
of the gauge, the engine st ill has no t reac hed
its operati ng tem perature. Avoid hig h en gine
s peeds, heavy engine loads and heavy throt-
t le.
Normal temperature
When t he engine has reache d its ope rati ng
t emperature, t he need le will move int o t he
mid dle of the gauge and rema in there . If t he
engine is wor king hard at hig h outside tem-
peratures, the needle may turn further to the
right. This is no cause for concer n as long as
the . war ning light in the inst rument cluste r
does not illuminate .
Warning light.
When the warning light . starts to flash,
th is can mean one of two things : either the
coolant temperature is to o high, or the coo l-
ant level is t oo low¢ page 15.
If the need le is well on the right side of the
gauge, the coolant temperature is too high .

10 In str um e nts a nd wa rning /i ndic at o r li g h ts
Stop the vehicle, switch the engine off and
allow it to cool. If the warning light comes on
again after driving a short distance, contact
an authorized Audi dealer.
A WARNING
- Always observe the warning in
¢ page 169, Working in the engine
compartment before open ing the engine
compartment lid and checking the en-
gine coo lant level.
- Never open the engine compartment lid
if you see or hear steam, or if you see en-
gine coo lant dr ipping from the eng ine
compar t ment. You could bur n yourse lf.
Let the engine coo l off first so that you
cannot hear or see any steam or engine
coolant.
CDNote
- Mounting additional lights or accesso ries
in front of the air inlets reduces the cool-
ing effect of the radiator . At high outside
temperatures or high engine load, the
engine could overheat .
- The front spoi ler has been designed to
properly distribute the cooling air when
the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is
damaged, th is could reduce the cooling
effect and the engine could then over-
heat . Ask your authorized Aud i dea ler for
ass istance.
Fuel gauge
The fuel ga uge works only when the ignition is
on. When the needle reaches the red area, the
warning light in the instrument cluster will il-
luminate c::>page 18 Ii}'].This means you
have approximately 2.6 gallons (10 liters) of
fuel left in the tank. Time to refuel!
The total tank capacity of your vehicle is listed
in Technical data c::>page 217 .
CDNote
Never run the tank comple t ely d ry! An ir-
regular supply of fue l can cause engine
misfiring and fuel could enter into the ex-
haust system. The catalytic converter
could then overheat and be damaged.
Speedometer with odometer
Thespeedometer shows you the vehicle
speed, and the odometer shows you how
many miles (kilometers) you have driven.
Fig. 5 Speedomete r close-up: odometer display
The distance dr iven is shown in m iles (USA
models) or in kilometers (Canada mode ls).
Lower odometer
The lower odometer shows the total number
of miles (kilometers) dr iven .
Upper odom ete r (trip odometer )
The upper odometer shows the total number
of miles (kilometers) driven since you last re-
set the odometer back to zero. You can use
this odometer when you want to keep track of
how many miles (kilometers) you have driven
for a single tr ip or errand . The last dig it ind i-
cates 1/10 of a mile (100 meters) . You can set
the tr ip odometer back to zero by pressing the
IRESE T ! button c::>fig. 5.
With the ign ition off, pushing of the Set/
Check button ¢ page 8, fig . 3 @ can turn on
the d isplay fie ld lighting for a few seconds .
Ma lfunction message
If there is a malfunct ion somewhere in the in-
strument cluster, dEFw ill appear in the trip
odometer and w ill stay on . Contact your au -
thorized Audi dealer to have the problem cor-
rected.

In strument s and warnin g/ indic a tor ligh ts 1 1
Immobilizer
When the ignition is switched on, the data on
the ignition key are scanned automatically.
If an unautho rized key was used, SAFE is dis-
played cont inuously in the odometer display
field. The vehicle cannot be operated
¢ page 33 .
Voltmeter display
The voltmeter shows the voltage in the vehi-
cle electrical system. If the reading drops be-
low 12 volts with the engine running, you
should have the power supply (battery and
generator) inspected by an authorized Audi
dealer .
@ Tips
Voltage can drop below 8 volts when you
start the engine.
Warning/indicator
Lights
Description
The indicator lights in the instrument cluster
blink or turn on. They indicate functions or
malfunct ions ¢ ,&..
Messages may appear with some indicator
lights. The messages turn off after a short
time . To display a message again, press the
Set/Check button ¢ page 8, fig . 3 ®·If there
is more than one malfunction, the indicator
lights will tu rn on one afte r the other for ap-
proximately two seconds each.
Some ind icators lights in the disp lay can turn
on in several colors.
A WARNING
- Failure to heed warning lights and other
importan t vehicle information may result
in serious persona l injury or vehicle dam -
age.
- Whenever stall ed or st opped f or repair,
move the vehicle a safe distance off the
road, stop the engine, and turn on the
emergency flasher ¢ page 50.
- The engine compartment of any motor
vehicle is a potentially hazardous area.
Before you check anything in the engine
compartment, stop the engine and let it
cool down. Always exercise extreme cau-
tion when wo rking under the hood
¢ page 169, Working in the engine
compartment
(D Tips
Malfunctions or fau lts will be ident ified ei-
the r with a red symbol (priority 1 - Dan-
ger!) or with a yellow symbol (priority 2 -
War ning).
Overview
Some indicator lights tu rn on briefly t o check
the function of that system when you swit ch
the ignition on. These systems are marked
with an./ in the following tables. If one of
these indicator lights does not turn on, there
is a malfunction in that system.
Red indicator lights
Red symbo ls indicate a priority malf unction -
Danger!
- Pull off t he road.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Turn off the engi ne.
- Checkthe malfunctioning system. Contact
your author ized Audi dealer or a qualified
workshop for assistance .
-USA models : Malf unction in the
brake system ¢ page 13
Canada models: Malfunction in the
brake syst em ¢ page 13
USA models: Airbag system./
¢ page 14
Canada models: Airbag system ./
¢page 14

12 In st rum e nt s and w a rn ing /i ndic at o r light s
Safety belt • Check engine oil level
¢ page 14 ¢page 18
ii
Generator./ Engine oil sensor malfunction
¢page 14 ¢page 18
'
D
Engine oil pressure too low • Battery voltage too high or too low
¢page 14 ¢page 18
Engine coolant level too low/ II Low fuel level
engine coolant temperature too ¢page 18
high¢ page 15 m
Windshield washer fluid level low
Yellow indicator lights ¢ page 18
Yellow symbols indicate a priority 2 ma lfunc- ~:)
Defective light bulb
tion - Warning! ¢page 18
11
Convertib le top ope ration • USA model s: Defective brake light
¢ page 15 ¢ page 18
I] Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ./ 6 Canada models : Defective brake ¢page 16 light¢ page 18
-
I Electronic Stab ility Control (ESC) ./ m
Light/rain sensor defe ctive (automat-
¢ page 16 ic headlights)* defective ¢ page 19
~ USAmodels: anti-lockbrakesystem
(ABS)./ defective ¢ page 16 B
Audimagneticride
¢page 19
• Canada model s: anti-lock brake sys- E Rear spoiler./
tern (ABS)./ de fect ive ¢ page 16 ¢ page 19
• Worn brake pads
~
USA model s : Speed warning 1
¢page 17 ¢page29
g Tire pressu re too low • Canada models : Speed warn ing 1
¢page 201 ¢page29
I Tire pressure monitoring system
~
USA models: Speed warning 2
11
1115' 200
¢ page ¢page29
rm
Electronic power con t rol ./
Canada models : Speed warn ing 2
¢page 17 • ¢page29
B USA models: Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL)¢ page 17 Selector lever defective*
No reverse gear*
g Canada models: Malfunction lndica- ¢page 19
tor Lamp (MIL) ¢ page 17 ffl;OClutch is overheating*
., Engine speed limitation* ¢ page 19
¢page 17 R Gearbox malfunction*
¢page 19

Instruments and warning/indicator lights 13
Other indicator lights
•
II
CRUISE
•
•
Turn signals
¢page20
USAmodels: Cruise control acti -
vated ¢ page 20
Canada models: Cruise cont rol ac-
tivated q page 20
High beam
¢page 51
BRAKE/<CD)Brake system
This warning/indicator light illuminates when
the brake fluid level is too low or when there
is a malfunction in the ABS, or when the park -
ing brake is set.
If the - (USA models)/ . (Canada
models) symbol flashes in the disp lay with the
parking brake released, there is a ma lfuncti on
in the brake system . In addition to the sym-
bol, one of two messages appears in the dis-
play:
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
Stabilisation program and ABSfault! See
Owner's manual
.. Pull off the road and stop the vehicle.
.. Obtain professional ass istance.
USAmodels: if there is a malfunction in the
ABSsystem, the r.1ilwarning/indicator light
illuminates along with the - system
malfunct ion warn ing/ indicator light q ,&..
Canada models: if there is a malf unction in
the ABS system, the ll] warning/ind icator
light illuminates together with the . brake
system malfunction warning/indicator light
c::>,&..
The light - (USA)/ . (Canada) illumi-
nates when the ign ition is turned on . It goes
out after the engine has been started and the
parking brake is fu lly released . This indicates
that the brake warn ing light is functioning
properly.
If the brake warning light does not light up
when the engine is cranking or the parking
brake is applied, there may be a malfunction
in the electrical system. In this case, contact
your Audi deale r.
If the ABSfails, t he ABSwarn ing/ ind icator
light r.1il(USAmodels) /ll] (Canada models)
flashes together with the brake system warn-
ing/ indicator light i:::>.&..
(USAmode ls): If the warn ing light - and
the warning light EiJilluminate together, im-
mediate ly contact your authorized Audi dea ler
or qualified workshop to have all brake pads
inspected i:::>page 17.
When the light comes on, an audible warning
signal is also given.
Parking brake set
The pa rking brake war ning ligh t -·
(Canada models) illuminates when the park-
ing brake is set . In addition, a warning tone
will sound after you have driven for longer
than 3 seconds and faster than 3 mp h (S km/
h).
Parking brake set
The - warn ing/ indicator light illuminates
when the parking brake is set i:::>.&..
A WARNING
- Always observe the warnings in
¢ page 169, Working in the engine
compartment, before opening the en-
gine hood and checking the brake fluid.
- Driving with low brake f luid is a safety
hazard! Stop the car and get profess ional
assistance.
-USAmodels:: If both, the 1111warning
light and the m warning light come
on at the same time, the rear wheels
could lock up f irst under hard braking.
Lock-up of the rear wheel brakes can
cause loss of vehicle cont rol and an acci-
dent. Have your veh icle repaired

14 In strum e nt s and w a rn ing /i ndic at o r light s
immediately by your authorized Audi
dealer or a qualified workshop. Drive
slowly and avoid sudden, hard brake ap-
plicat ion.
-Canada models: If both, the brake warn-
ing light . and the ABSwarning light
Ii] come on at the same t ime, the rear
wheels could lock up first under hard
braking. Lock-up of the rear wheel brakes
can cause loss of vehicle control and an
accident. Have you r vehicle repaired im-
med iately by your authorized Audi dealer
or a q ualified workshop. Drive slowly and
avoid sudden, hard brake application
- If the brake warning/indicator light does
not go out after a few seconds and the
park ing brake released, or lights up while
you are driving, the fluid level in the
brake flu id reservo ir is too low. If you be-
lieve that it is safe to do so, proceed im-
med iately at low speed to the nearest
authorized Audi dealer or qualified work-
shop and have the bra ke system inspect-
ed.
- Always keep in m ind that afte r several
brake applicat ions, you will need g reater
pressure on the brake peda l t o st op your
vehicle. Do no t rely on stra ined brakes to
respond with maxim um stopping power
in critical situations . You must allow for
increased brak ing distances. The extra
distance used up by fad ing brakes could
lead to an acc ident.
~/! .!rSafety systems
The I (USAmodels)/ . (Canada mode ls) in-
d icator light monitors the safety systems e.g.
a irbags, pretensioners a nd illum inates for a
few seconds each t ime you switc h the ign ition
on.
If the I (USAmodels)/ . (Canada models)
indicator light does not go out, or if it illumi-
nates while you are driving, or if it sta rt s to
blink, then there is a ma lfunction somewhere
in the system. If the light does not illuminate
when you switch on the ignition, this also
means there is a ma lfunction.
A WARNING
If you have a ma lfunction in the safety sys-
tems, contact your authorized Audi dea ler
immediately. Othe rwise the safety sys-
tems may not work properly in an acc i-
dent.
4 Safety belt warning light
Applies to veh icles : with safe t y belt warni ng light
The warning light is a reminder to fasten
safety belts .
The warn ing light . comes on for a few sec-
onds after the ignition is sw itched on as a re-
minder to fasten you r safety belt .
Additional informat ion on safety belts
r::>page 101.
D Generator
'
This warning/indicator light detects a mal -
function in the generator or in the vehicle 's
electrical system.
The . warning/indicator light illum inates
when you switch on the ignition and must go
out after the eng ine has started.
If the . warning/indicator light illuminates
whi le you are driving, you sho uld contact your
authorized Audi dea le r. Since the vehicle bat-
tery is discharging, you shou ld sw itch off any
unnecessary electr ical consumers (for exam -
ple, the air conditioner) .
~ Engine oil pressure
The red engine oil pressure warning symbol
requires immediate service or repair .
If the . symbo l appears in the d isplay and
flashes, the oil pressure is too low. In add ition
to the symbol, the following message a lso ap-
pears in t he display:
Switch off engine! Oil pressure is too low
.. Pull off the road and stop the vehicle.
.. Shut the engine down.
.. Check the engine oil leve l ¢ page 174.

Instruments and warning/indicator lights 15
~ Cont act your a ut horized Audi dea ler fo r as -
sistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If t he e ngine oil level is t oo low, t op off o il to
the prope r leve l ¢ page 174 .
Engine oil level OK
If t he . symbol sta rt s flas hing again even
though t he engine oil leve l checks OK on the
d ipst ick, do not start driving again and do
not let the engine run at idle . Instea d, con-
t act your author ized Audi de aler for assis-
tance.
@ Tips
-The engine oil pressure symbol. is
not an indicator for a low engine oil lev-
el. Do not rely on it. Instead, check the
oil level in your engine at regular inter-
vals, preferably each time you refuel,
and always before going on a long trip.
-Theyellow oil level warning indication
1/1requires oil refill or workshop serv-
ice without delay. Do not wait until the
red oil pressure warning symbol.
starts to flash before you respond to
the low oil level warning Ill. Bythen,
your engine may already have suffered
serious damage.
-L Engine cooling system
A malfunction in the engine cooling system
must be repaired as so on as possibl e.
When t he . symbol in t he d isp lay flashes,
the n either the eng ine coolan t temperature is
too high, or the coo lant level is too low . In ad-
d ition to t he symbol, th e fo llowing message
al so a ppe a rs in t he dis p lay:
Switch off engin e and check coolant level
~ Pull off the road and stop the vehicle.
~ Turn off t he e ngine.
~ Check coo lant level c>page 176.
~ Add coolant if necessa ry¢ page 177 .
~ Cont inue dr iving only after the e ng ine cool-
an t war ning/ indica t or light goes out .
~ Contact your autho rized Aud i deale r for as -
sistance if necessa ry.
If t he engi ne coo la nt level is correct, th e n t he
radi ator fan may be t he ca use of the mal func -
tion .
If t he ge nera t or war ning/ indicat o r lig ht
sho uld al so illum ina t e ¢ page 14, t hen th e
fan bel t may be da maged .
A WARNING
- If you r vehicle should brea k dow n for
mec hanical or other reaso ns, par k at a
safe distance from moving traffic, tu rn
off the eng ine and tu rn on the haza rd
warn ing lig hts ¢ page SO, Emergency
flash er.
-
- Never ope n the eng ine com partment lid
if you see or hea r steam o r coolant es-
cap ing from t he e ng ine compar t ment -
you risk being sca lded . Wait until you can
no lon ger see o r hear st eam or coolant
esc ap ing .
- The e ngine compartm e nt of a ny vehicle
is a d ange rous are a . Before you perf orm
any work in t he engi ne com par tm e nt,
t ur n off the eng ine an d allow it to coo l.
Follow t he war ning stickers c>page 169,
Working in the engine compartment .
(D Note
Do not con ti nue dr iving if t he . symbol
illumina t es . The re is a mal func t ion in the
engine coo ling system - you could d ama ge
your engine .
~ Convertible top operation
The ind icator light tu rns or, f!4
- When the converti ble to p opens or closes or
- If t he conver tibl e t op did not open or close
comp letely.
The indicator light blinks if the co nvertib le t op
can not open or close ¢ page 4 1.

16 Instruments and warning/indicator lights
;;. / ~ Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
If the J;.jindicator lamp blinks while dr iving,
the ESCor ASR (Ant i-Slip Regulation) is active-
ly regulating .
If the J;.jindicator lamp illuminates, the sys-
tem has switched the ESC off. In this case, you
can switch the ignition off and then on to
switch the ESC on again. The system is func-
tioning comp letely when the indicator lamp
switches off.
If the I) indicator lamp illum inates, the ESC
was switched off with the [filbutton.
Stabilisation program and ABS fault! See
owner's manual
If the D.]indicator lamp and thP ¢4:)'AABS indi -
cator lamp illumi nate and the dr iver message
appears, the ABS or electronic differential lock
is malfunctioning. This also interrupts the
ESC. The brakes still function with the ir nor-
mal power, but ABS is not active.
Drive to your authorized Aud i dealer immedi-
ate ly to have the malfunction corrected.
For more informat ion about the ESC
r:::;,page 142.
ABS/(@) Anti-lock brake system
This warning/indicator light monitors the ABS
and the electronic differential lock (EDL).
The warning/indicator light m (USA mod-
els) ;fl] (Canada models) will come on for a
few seconds when the ignition is switched on .
The light will go out after an automatic check
sequence is completed .
There is a malfunction in the ABS when:
- The warning/indicator light does not illumi-
nate when you switch the ign ition on.
- The warning/indicator light does not go out
after a few seconds .
- The warning/indicator light illuminates
wh ile driving.
The ESC indicator light also illuminates if
there is a malfunction in the ABS. The mes-
sage Stabilisation program and ABS: fault!
See owner's manual also appears in the in-
strument cluster display and a warning tone
sounds.
The brake system will still respond even
without the assistance of the ABS system.
See your authorized Audi dealer as soon as
possible to restore full braking performance.
For more information regarding the ABS
c:>page 142.
Malfunction in the brake system
If the brake warning light c:>page 13 and the
ABS warning illuminate together there may be
a malfunction in the ABS, and there may also
be a malfunction in the brake system itself
c>,&.. The ABS will not work and you will no-
tice a change in braking response and per-
formance.
In the event of a malfunction in the brake
system the warning/ind icator light _
(USA mode ls)/ . (Canada models) in the in-
strument cluster flashes r:::;,page 13.
Malfunction in the electronic differential
lock (EDL)
The EDLworks together w ith the ABS. The
ABS warning light wi ll come on if there is a
malfunction in the EDLsys t em r:::;,page 142.
See your authorized Audi dealer as soon as
possible .
8_ WARNING
- If the m (USA models)@ (Canada
models) warning light does not go out,
or if it comes on whi le driving, the ABS
system is not work ing properly. The vehi-
cle can then be stopped only wit h the
standard brakes (without ABS). You w ill
not have the protect ion ABS provides.
Contact your Audi dea le r as soon as pos-
sible.
-USA models: If the - warning light,
the Jj)warning light and them warn-
ing light come on together, the rear
wheels could lock up first under hard
braking. Rear whee l lock-up can cause
~

In strument s and warnin g/ indic a tor ligh ts 17
loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Have your vehicle repaired immediately
by your authorized Aud i dealer or a quali-
fied workshop . Drive slowly and avoid
sudden, hard brake applications.
-Canada models: If the brake warn ing
light . , the DJwarning light and the
ABSwa rning light rii]come on together,
the rear wheels could lock up first unde r
hard bra king. Rear wheel lock-up can
cause loss of vehicle control and an acci-
dent. Have your vehicle repaired immed i-
ately by your authorized Audi dealer or a
qualified workshop . Drive slowly and
avoid sudden, hard brake applicat ions.
(0 ) Worn brake pads
r;JCheck brake pads!
If the warning light illum inates, immediately
contact your authorized Audi dealer or quali-
fied workshop to have all brake pads inspect-
ed. On USA models the warning light r;J
comes on together with the warning light
- · Both sets of brake pads on an axle
must always be replaced at the same time .
A WARNING
Driving with bad brakes can cause a coll i-
sion and serious personal injury .
- If the warning light r;Jand the warning
light - 1l with the message Brake
pads! comes on in the instr ument cluster
display, immedia t ely contact your au-
tho rized Audi dea le r or qualified work-
shop to have a ll brake pads checked or
replaced if necessary.
EPCElectronic power control
This warning/indicator light monitors the
electronic power control.
The ~ warn ing/ indica t or light (Elect ronic
Power Control) illumina t es when you swit ch
on the ignition as a function check.
1) - : USAmodels only
-
(D Tips
If this warn ing/indicator light illuminates
while yo u are driving, then there is a mal-
funct ion in the engine electronics. Have
the malfunct ion corrected as soon as pos-
s ible by your authorized Audi dealer or
qualified workshop .
~ Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is pa rt
of the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD II) system.
The symbo l lfflligh t s up when the ignit ion is
turned on and will turn off after the eng ine
has started and has settled at constant id le
speed. This indicates that the MIL is working
proper ly.
The warning light illuminates when there is a
malfunction in the engine electronic system .
Contact your authorized Audi dea ler and have
the malfunct ion corrected.
An improperly closed fuel filler cap may also
cause the MIL light to illuminate
¢ page 166 .
For more information ¢ page 22.
!?')Engine speed limitation
Maximum 6000 RPM
The eng ine speed is automatically limited to
6000 RPM. This protects the engine from
overheating .
The eng ine speed limitation (ll deactivates
o nce the eng ine is no longe r in the cr itica l
temperature range and you have re leased the
acce le rator pedal once.
(D Tips
When co ld, the engine speed is limited to
6000 RPM (with t he VlO engine) or
7000 RPM (with t he VBengine) to protect
the engine. The limit is deactivated once
the oil temperature rises above 140 °F

18 Instruments and warning/indicator lights
(60 °C) and the engine is at operating tem-
perature .
~ . Checking the engine oil level
II! Please add max. 1 qt of engine oil!
If the 1\1symbo l comes on, add 1 quart (1 li-
ter) of oil at the next opportunity
¢page 174.
'.!:'.:::... Engine oil sensor defective
If the II symbol illuminates, contact your
author ized Audi dealer and have the oil sensor
inspected.
t:::JBattery voltage low
(•iLow battery charge: battery will be
charged while driving
If the indicator light turns on and the mes-
sage appears, there may be limited starting
ab ility.
If th is message turns off after a little while,
the battery charged enough wh ile driving.
If the message does not turn off, have your
author ized Audi dealer or qualif ied workshop
correct the malfunction.
BuFuel supply too low
When the II]symbol illuminates, this means
there are about 2.6 gallons (10 liters) of fuel
left in the fuel tank. Time to refuel!
¢page 165.
If the symbol lights up, even when there is
ample fuel in the tank, and the text Tanksys-
tem malfunction! Please contact workshop
appears in the display, the re is a fault in the
system. Contact a qualified workshop to have
the fau lt rectified .
,;;, Windshield washer fluid level too low
If the I! symbol illuminates, add windshield
washer f luid to the washer system
¢ page 182.
~ Defective light bulb warning
The defective light bulb warning tells you
when a vehicle light bulb has become defec-
tive.
If a defective bulb has been detected by the
system or a light bulb burns out, the ~ sym-
bol w it h a message appears in the display to
te ll you which bulb is burnt out and where it is
located. For example :
Rearleft turn signal
After 5 seconds, the message disappears. If
you want to recall the message into the dis-
play, press the CHECKbutton¢ page 8, fig. 3
®·
There are three reasons why the defective
bulb message would appear in the display:
- The light bu lb has burnt out ¢page 214.
- The fuse is "blown"¢ page 213, Replacing
fuses .
- The wire connection to the light bulb is de-
fective.
Have the bulb replaced or the connection re-
paired by your authorized Aud i Service depa rt -
ment .
A WARNING -
- Light bulbs are pressurized and could ex-
plod e while they are being changed caus-
ing serious personal injury.
- Work with due care when handling the
high-vo ltage section of gas discharge
(xenon) lamps. Failing to do so could re-
sult in death or serious injury!
BRAKELIGHT!<®>Brake light defective
In case of a malfunction or component fail-
ure, the symbol (USAmodels)/
$fl(Canada models) can appear. The follow-
ing electrical components should be checked,
repaired or replaced, as necessary:
- Brake light bulbs
- All wir ing connections
- Brake light switch