Audi Q5: Red symbols

Fig. 23 Display: Danger symbol

With a priority 1 malfunction, a red symbol appears in the upper center area of the display > fig. 23. A driver message appears as well to ex­ plain the malfunction in more detail. When this symbol appears, three warning tones sound in succession. The symbol continues to flash until the fault has been corrected.

If several priority 1 malfunctions are present, the symbols appear in succession and remain for about 2 seconds.

The driver warning goes out after about 5 seconds, but it can be brought up again at any time by pressing the [set] button.

Alternator failure

Electromechanical steering

USA models: Brake system malfunction

Canada models: Brake system malfunction

Engine coolant level too low/engine coolant temperature too high

Engine oil pressure too low

Refill engine oil now

Refill AdBlue

AdBlue malfunction

Steering malfunction

Ignition lock malfunction

Hybrid drive

Alternator malfunction

If the symbol in the instrument panel display flashes, then there is a malfunction in the alternator or the vehicle electronics. A warning to the driver will appear, too. The driver warning goes out after about 5 seconds, but it can be brought up at any time by pressing the button again.

Usually, you can still drive to the next dealership. Turn off all but the most necessary electrical consumers, since these drain the vehicle's battery.

Note

If the warning symbol (coolant system malfunction) also lights up on the instrument panel during the trip then you have to stop immediately and turn off the engine. The coolant pump is not working anymore - danger of damage to the engine!

Brake system malfunction

A malfunction in the brake system must be re­ paired as soon os possible.

If the warning/indicator light (USA models)/ (Canada models) in the instrument cluster flashes, there is a brake system malfunction. A driver message appears as well to explain the malfunction in more detail. The driver warning goes out after about 5 seconds, but it can be brought up at any time by pressing the button again.

Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level

• Stop the vehicle.
• Check the brake fluid level.
• Seek professional assistance if necessary.

Warning! Fault in brake system. Contact workshop

• Drive carefully to the nearest authorized Audi dealer or other qualified workshop and have the malfunction corrected.

Parking brake system fault! See owner's manual

• If this symbol appears when the vehicle is stationary or after the ignition is turned on, check to see if the parking brake can be released. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or other qualified workshop as soon as possible and have the malfunction corrected. If the parking brake cannot be opened, then take it to an expert at an authorized Audi dealer.
• If the symbol appears while you are driving, it is possible that the traction control or the emergency brake has malfunctioned. It is possible that the parking brake cannot be applied. It is also possible that the parking brake cannot be released after it has been applied. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or other qualified workshop to have the malfunction corrected.

If the ABS system malfunctions, the ABS warning/indicator light illuminates together with the brake system malfunction warning/indicator light.

WARNING

• Always observe the warnings before opening the hood and checking the brake fluid.
• Driving with low brake fluid is a safety hazard. Stop the car and get professional assistance.
• If the (USA models)/ (Canada models) brake system indicator light turns on together with the ABS and ESC indicator lights, the ABS/ESC regulating function may have failed. Functions that stabilize the vehicle are no longer available. This could cause the vehicle to swerve and increase the risk of sliding. Drive carefully to the nearest authorized Audi dealer or other qualified workshop and have the malfunction corrected.

Engine cooling system malfunction

A malfunction in the engine cooling system must be repaired as soon as possible.

If the symbol flashes in the display, either the engine coolant temperature is too high or the engine coolant level is too low. A driver message appears as well to explain the malfunction in more detail. The driver warning goes out after about 5 seconds, but it can be brought up at any time by pressing the button again.

Turn off engine and check coolant level

• Pull off the road.
• Stop the vehicle.
• Turn off the engine.
• Check coolant level.
• Add coolant if necessary.
• Continue driving only after the engine coolant warning/indicator light goes out.
• Contact your authorized Audi dealer for assistance if necessary.

If the engine coolant level is correct, then the radiator fan may be the cause of the malfunction.

WARNING

• If your vehicle should break down for mechanical or other reasons, park at a safe distance from moving traffic, turn off the engine and turn on the hazard warning lights.
• Never open the hood if you see or hear steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment - you risk being scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant escaping.
• The engine compartment of any vehicle is a dangerous area. Before you perform any work in the engine compartment, turn of the engine and allow it to cool. Follow the warning stickers.

Note

Do not continue driving if the symbol illuminates. There is a malfunction in the engine cooling system - you could damage your engine.

Engine oil pressure malfunction

The red engine oil pressure warning symbol requires immediate service or repair. Driving with a low oil pressure indication is likely to cause severe engine damage.

If the symbol on the display flashes, the engine oil pressure is too low. A driver message appears as well to explain the malfunction in more detail. The driver warning goes out after about 5 seconds, but it can be brought up at any time by pressing the button again.

Turn off engine! Oil pressure too low

• Stop the vehicle.
• Turn the engine off.
• Check the engine oil level.
• Contact your authorized Audi dealer for assistance if necessary.

Engine oil level too low

If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil.

Engine oil level correct

If the symbol flashes even though the engine oil level is correct, please contact your nearest authorized Audi Dealer for assistance. Do not continue driving. Do not leave the engine running idle, either.

Tips

• The engine oil pressure symbol is not an indicator for a low engine oil level. Do not rely on it. Instead, check the oil level in your engine at regular intervals, preferably each time you refuel, and always before going on a long trip.
• The yellow oil level warning indication requires oil refill or workshop service without delay. Do not wait until the red oil pressure warning starts to flash before you respond to the low oil level warning . By then, your engine may already have suffered serious damage.

Fill engine oil now

WARNING:

Please add oil immediately.

If the symbol lights up, then the oil has to be replenished right now.

Steering malfunction

If there is a malfunction in the electronic steering column lock, the steering cannot be unlocked.

If the symbol in the display blinks, there is a malfunction in the electronic steering column lock. A driver message appears as well to explain the malfunction in more detail. The driver warning goes out after about 5 seconds, but it can be brought up at any time by pressing the button again.

Steering defective! Do not drive vehicle!

• Contact your nearest authorized Audi dealer.
• Do not tow your vehicle.

WARNING

Your vehicle must not be towed in the event of a malfunction in the electronic steering column lock because it cannot be steered due to the locked steering. If it is towed with the steering locked, there is the risk of an accident.

Ignition lock malfunction

A malfunction in the ignition lock must be re paired immediately.

If the symbol in the display blinks, there is a malfunction in the electronic ignition lock. A driver message appears as well to explain the mal­ function in more detail. The driver warning goes out after about 5 seconds, but it can be brought up at any time by pressing the button again.

Ignition lock defective. Contact dealer!

• Do not turn the engine off.
• Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

If there is a malfunction in the electronic ignition lock, the ignition cannot be turned off. Drive immediately to an authorized service facility to have the cause of the malfunction corrected.

On vehicles with Convenience key, the engine should not be switched off using the Start/Stop button because the engine cannot be started again after the ignition has been switched off.

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