Automatic Transmission

4-speed automatic transmission*

The vehicle is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic control.

Upshifts and downshifts are performed according to the driving programs stored in memory.

Dynamic Shift Program (DSP)

Early upshifts and late downshifts provide optimum fuel economy. The control unit selects the program automatically.

With a calm driving style, the transmission selects the economy shift program.

With a spirited driving style, including rapid acceleration, frequent changes in speed, use of maximum speed, or after pressing the accelerator pedal abruptly, the transmission operates in the sport shift programs. Late upshifts allow the full engine power reserve to be used. Downshifts occur at higher engine speeds compared with the economy program.

Selecting the program best suited to the driving conditions is a continuous process. Regardless of this, you can switch to a sportier program by pressing the accelerator pedal abruptly. The transmission then downshifts to the gear corresponding to the actual vehicle speed, allowing brisk acceleration (for example, when overtaking) without the need to press the accelerator pedal fully down. After the transmission upshifts again and the driving style changes accordingly, operation returns to the original program.

The mountain driving program controls gear selection on uphill and downhill grades. Because of this, it is not necessary to shift when driving uphill. Pressing the brake pedal when driving downhill causes a downshift. As a result, engine braking can be used without manual shifting.

Selector Lever Lock

Automatic Selector Lever Lock

With the ignition switched on, the selector lever is locked in positions "P" and "N".

To move it out of these positions, depress the brake pedal. This prevents unintentional engagement of a driving position and unintended vehicle movement from a standstill.

As a reminder to the driver when the selector lever is in positions "P" and "N", the instrument cluster display shows "BEIM EINLEGEN EINER FAHRSTUFE IM STAND FUSSBREMSE BETÄTIGEN" (when selecting a driving position with the vehicle stationary, depress the brake pedal). In addition, the symbol shown above illuminates on the shift gate.

At speeds of approximately 5 km/h and above, the selector lever lock in position "N" is released automatically.

Lock Release Button

The selector lever lock release button prevents unintentional gear engagement. Pressing this button releases the selector lever.

The illustration shows in red the positions at which the lock release button must be pressed.

Ignition Key Lock

After switching off the ignition, the key can be removed from the lock only when the selector lever is in position "P" (park lock).

After the key is removed from the lock, the selector lever is locked in position "P".

Selector Lever Position

With the ignition switched on, the instrument cluster displays the actual selector lever position. This illustration shows position "D".

P Park

The drive wheels are locked. Use the park lock only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

R Reverse

Reverse can be selected only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and with the engine idling.

With the ignition on and the selector lever in position "R", the reverse lights are on.

N Neutral (idle position)

Move the selector lever to this position only during long stops.

D Drive (main forward driving position)

Upshifts and downshifts in the forward driving range occur automatically, depending on engine load, vehicle speed and the selected program.

In driving mode, under certain conditions it is preferable to temporarily move the selector lever to one of the positions described below.

3 Position for driving on hilly roads

This position is recommended when frequently shifting between 3rd and 4th gear with the selector lever in the main position "D". 4th gear is locked. This slightly increases engine braking when the accelerator pedal is released.

2 Position for driving in mountains

This position is suitable for negotiating long descents and ascents. 3rd and 4th gears are locked. This prevents unnecessary upshifting and increases the engine braking effect.

Position 1 for steep grades

This position is recommended for negotiating ascents and descents with extremely steep gradients, especially when towing a trailer. The vehicle moves only in 1st gear. This provides maximum engine braking effect.

CAUTION

When shifting manually to lower gears, the selector lever can be set to positions “3”, “2” and “1”. However, the transmission will only downshift once engine overrevving is no longer possible.

Kick-down Function

The Kick-down function provides maximum acceleration. When the accelerator pedal is pressed fully past the detent point, the transmission downshifts depending on engine speed and vehicle speed. Upshifting to the next higher gear occurs only when maximum engine speed is reached.

Operating Instructions

Engine Starting

The engine can only be started with the selector lever in position "N" or "P". Also refer to the subsection Ignition Lock and Engine Starting.

Selecting a Drive Range

Before selecting a drive range with the vehicle stationary and the engine running, always depress the brake pedal. When shifting before moving off, do not depress the accelerator pedal.

If the selector lever is inadvertently moved to position "N" while driving, release the accelerator and wait for the engine speed to drop to idle before returning to the desired drive range.

CAUTION

Regardless of the selected driving position, keep the vehicle held with the foot brake while the engine is running, because even at idle the kinematic connection between the engine and the wheels is not completely eliminated and the vehicle will "creep". Never press the accelerator (for example, by hand in the engine compartment) when the vehicle is stationary with a driving position selected. Otherwise the vehicle will start moving immediately, possibly even with the parking brake applied.

Before carrying out work with the engine running, move the selector lever to position "P" and apply the parking brake.

Moving Off

Select the desired drive range. Wait until the transmission engages and the gear set is connected to the driving wheels (a slight jolt is felt when engaging). Only then depress the accelerator pedal.

Stopping

For short stops, for example at traffic lights, it is not necessary to shift to neutral "N". It is sufficient to hold the vehicle with the brake. However, the engine must run only at idle speed.

Parking

When stopping on level ground, it is sufficient to engage the parking lock. If the road has a slope, first apply the parking brake, then engage the parking lock. This reduces the load on the locking mechanism and makes it easier to release later.

Emergency Program

If a system fault occurs, the transmission switches to the emergency program. This is indicated by all segments on the display lighting up or going out at once.

Depending on the traffic situation, the connection between the transmission and the driving wheels can be interrupted. When the engine is restarted and the vehicle is driven (selector lever in "P" or "N"), the connection between the transmission and the driving wheels is restored by moving the selector lever to the required position. However, in position "D" 3rd gear will always be engaged. If greater tractive force is required (e.g. in mountainous terrain or when towing a trailer), you can start moving with the selector lever in position "1".

Reverse gear can also be engaged.

CAUTION

If the transmission has switched to emergency mode, contact an Audi service station as soon as possible.

Tiptronic*

The vehicle is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission with electronic control.

To reduce fuel consumption and protect the environment, on some versions the transmission is designed so that maximum vehicle speed is achieved only in 4th gear.

Upshifting and downshifting are carried out according to the shift programs stored in memory. There is also the option of manual shifting (manual shift program).

Dynamic Shift Program (DSP)

The control unit performs automatic program selection.

With a calm driving style, the transmission selects the economy shift program.

Early upshifting and late downshifting ensure optimum fuel economy.

When driving in a sporty manner with rapid acceleration and frequent speed changes, when using maximum speed, or after fully depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission operates in the sport programs range. Late upshifting allows the full power reserve of the engine to be used. Downshifting takes place at higher engine speeds compared with the economy program.

Selecting the program best suited to the driving conditions is a continuous process. Regardless of this, you can switch to a sportier program by pressing the accelerator pedal abruptly. The transmission then downshifts to the gear corresponding to the actual vehicle speed, allowing brisk acceleration (for example, when overtaking) without the need to press the accelerator pedal fully down. After the transmission upshifts again and the driving style changes accordingly, operation returns to the original program.

The mountain driving program controls gear selection on uphill and downhill grades. Because of this, it is not necessary to shift when driving uphill. Pressing the brake pedal when driving downhill causes a downshift. As a result, engine braking can be used without manual shifting.

Manual Shift Program

To switch to manual mode, move the selector lever from position "D" to the right. Manual mode can be selected both while driving and while stationary. When manual mode is activated, the display shows the selected gear "5, 4, 3, 2, 1".

Moving the selector lever forward (+) upshifts. Moving it backward (–) downshifts.

When accelerating in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, the transmission automatically upshifts shortly before maximum engine speed is reached.

When downshifting from a higher gear, the transmission will downshift only when engine overspeed is no longer possible.

When the Kick-down function is activated, the transmission downshifts depending on vehicle speed and engine speed.

Sport Steering Wheel "Tiptronic"*

The buttons on the steering wheel allow manual gear shifting.

Of course, gear shifting with the selector lever on the center console is also possible.

When the manual shift program is activated, the buttons on the steering wheel are illuminated.

Pressing the upper side (+) of one of the two buttons upshifts.

Pressing the lower side (–) downshifts.

When accelerating in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, the transmission automatically upshifts shortly before maximum engine speed is reached.

When downshifting from a higher gear, the transmission will downshift only when engine overspeed is no longer possible.

Selector Lever Lock

Automatic Selector Lever Lock

With the ignition switched on, the selector lever is locked in positions "P" and "N".

To move it out of these positions, depress the brake pedal. This prevents unintentional engagement of a driving position and unintended vehicle movement from a standstill.

As a reminder to the driver, when the selector lever is in positions "P" and "N", the driver information display* shows the message "WHEN ENGAGING A GEAR IN STANDSTILL, DEPRESS FOOT BRAKE" (when selecting a drive range with the vehicle stationary, depress the brake pedal). In addition, the symbol shown above lights up on the shift gate.

At speeds of approximately 5 km/h and above, the selector lever lock in position "N" is released automatically.

The selector lever lock release button prevents unintentional gear engagement. Pressing this button releases the selector lever.

The illustration shows in red the positions at which the lock release button must be pressed.

Ignition Key Lock

After switching off the ignition, the key can be removed from the lock only when the selector lever is in position "P" (park lock).

After the key is removed from the ignition lock, the lever is locked in position "P".

Selector lever positions

With the ignition switched on, the instrument cluster displays the actual selector lever position. This illustration shows position "D".

P Park

The drive wheels are locked. The parking lock can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.

R Reverse

Shift into reverse only when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling.

With the ignition on and the selector lever in position “R”, the reverse lights are illuminated.

N Neutral (idle position)

Move the selector lever to this position only during long stops.

D Drive (main forward driving position)

Upshifts and downshifts in the forward driving range occur automatically, depending on engine load, vehicle speed and the selected program.

In driving mode, under certain conditions it is preferable to temporarily move the selector lever to one of the positions described below.

Position 4 for driving on hilly roads

This position is recommended when shifting frequently between 4th and 5th gear with the selector lever in the main position “D”. 5th gear is locked. This slightly increases engine braking when the accelerator pedal is released.

Position 3 for mountain driving

This position is suitable for long descents and climbs. 4th and 5th gears are locked. This prevents unnecessary upshifting and increases engine braking.

Position 2 for steep gradients

This position is recommended for climbing and descending extremely steep gradients, especially when towing a trailer.

The vehicle moves only in 1st and 2nd gear. This prevents unnecessary upshifting and provides maximum engine braking.

CAUTION

For manual downshifting, the selector lever can be moved to positions "4", "3" and "2". However, the automatic system will only downshift once overrunning of the engine speed is no longer possible.

Kick-down device

The kick-down device provides maximum acceleration. When the accelerator pedal is pressed firmly past the pressure point, the transmission downshifts depending on engine speed and vehicle speed. The transmission upshifts to the next higher gear only when the engine reaches maximum speed.

Operating Instructions

Engine Starting

The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position “N” or “P”. Also refer to the subsection Ignition Lock and Engine Starting.

Selecting a Drive Range

Before selecting a drive range with the vehicle stationary and the engine running, always depress the brake pedal. When shifting before moving off, do not depress the accelerator pedal.

If the lever is accidentally moved to position “N” while driving, release the accelerator and wait for the engine to return to idle speed before shifting back into the required forward driving position.

CAUTION

Regardless of the selected driving position, keep the vehicle held with the foot brake while the engine is running, because even at idle the kinematic connection between the engine and the wheels is not completely eliminated and the vehicle will "creep". Never press the accelerator (for example, by hand in the engine compartment) when the vehicle is stationary with a driving position selected. Otherwise the vehicle will start moving immediately, possibly even with the parking brake applied. Before starting work with the engine running, move the selector lever to position "P" and apply the parking brake.

Moving Off

Select the desired drive range. Wait until the transmission engages and the gear set is connected to the driving wheels (a slight jolt is felt when engaging). Only then depress the accelerator pedal.

Stopping

For brief stops, such as at traffic lights, it is not necessary to shift into neutral “N”. Holding the vehicle with the brake is sufficient. However, the engine must remain at idle speed.

Parking

When stopping on level ground, it is sufficient to engage the parking lock. If the road has a slope, first apply the parking brake, then engage the parking lock. This reduces the load on the locking mechanism and makes it easier to release later.

Emergency Program

If a system fault occurs, the transmission switches to the emergency program. This is indicated by all segments on the display lighting up or going out at once.

After this, the selector lever can be moved to any position. However, in positions “D, 4, 3, 2” 4th gear will engage. Engaging reverse gear is also possible.

If the transmission has switched to emergency mode, contact an Audi service station as soon as possible.

The electronic reverse gear lock is deactivated in emergency mode.

The manual shift program is deactivated in emergency mode.