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2023 Audi A3 Owners Manual - Lights and Vision



Lights and Vision

Exterior lighting

Switching the lights on and off


Light switch

Press and hold  until the desired light function is selected. The selected function is displayed briefly in the instrument cluster. When switching on the ignition, the AUTO light function is automatically selected.
— AUTO - The automatic headlights adapt to the surrounding brightness automatically. The daytime running lights* will automatically turn on. In vehicles for certain markets, you can switch the automatic daytime running lights* on and off in the MMI.
— - You can switch the low beam headlights on manually once the ignition is switched on.
— - You can switch the parking lights on at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h).
— USA models: OFF - You can switch off all light functions at speeds under 6 mph (10 km/h).
— Canada models: OFF - You can switch off all light functions when the ignition is switched off while the vehicle is stationary.

When the low beam headlights or parking lights are switched on, the respective or indicator light appears in the instrument cluster.

All-weather lights 
Applies to: vehicles with all weather lights

The headlights automatically adjust so that there will be less glare, for example when the road surface is wet.

Rear fog lights
Applies to: vehicles with rear fog lights

To reduce glare for traffic behind your vehicle, the rear fog lights should only be turned on in accordance with the legal regulations in the country where you are operating the vehicle.

Automatic headlight range control

Your vehicle is equipped with automatic headlight range control. It reduces glare for oncoming traffic if the vehicle load changes. The headlight range adjusts automatically.

Audi adaptive light
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive light

Audi adaptive light provides better visibility when driving in the dark. The lights are adapted to the road conditions based on speed, such as when driving on expressways, rural roads, at intersections, and around curves. The adaptive light only functions when the automatic headlights are ac- t ivated.

WRNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the limits of the assist systems, sensors, and cameras.
— Automatic headlights are only intended to assist the driver. The driver is still responsible for controlling the headlights and may need to switch them on and off manually depending on light and visibility conditions. For example, fog cannot be detected by the light sensors. So always switch on the low beams £0 under these weather conditions and when driving in the dark.

Tips
— If the vehicle battery has been discharging for awhile, the parking light may switch off. automatically. Avoid using the parking lights for several hours.
—When using lighting equipment, the driver is responsible for adhering to any local applicable regulations while driving and when parking the vehicle.
— Only the front headlights are on when the daytime running lights are switched on. In vehicles in certain markets, the tail lights will also turn on.
— In cool or damp weather, the inside of the headlights, turn signals, and tail lights can fog over due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside. They will clear shortly after switching them on. This does not affect the service life of the lighting.
—When the parking lights are switched on and the ignition is switched off, the [i symbol appears in the light switch module.

Turn signal and high beam lever

The lever operates the turn signals, the high beams and the headlight flasher.

Turn signals
The turn signal will activate when you move the lever into a turn signal position while the ignition is switched on. The respective or indicator light will flash. The turn signal blinks three times if you tap the lever (convenience turn signal).

1. Right turn signal
2. Left turn signal

If an indicator light blinks twice as fast as usual, a turn signal bulb has failed. Carefully drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

High beams and headlight flasher

  • Move the lever to the corresponding position:

3.  High beams on (vehicles with High beam assistant*

4. High beams off or headlight flasher
The  indicator light in the instrument cluster will turn on.

WRNING
High beams can cause glare for other drivers, which increases the risk ofa n accident. For this reason, only use the high beams or the headlight flasher when they will not create glare for other drivers.

High beam assistant


Applies to: vehicles with high beam assistant

The high beam assistant automatically turns the high beams on or off depending on the surrounding conditions.

A camera on the rearview mirror mount can detect light sources from other road users. The high beams switch on or off automatically depending on the position of vehicles driving ahead and oncoming vehicles, the vehicle speed as well as other environmental factors and traffic conditions.

Activating high beam assistant 

Requirement: the AUTO light function must be selected and the high beam assistant must be switched on in the MMI

  • To activate the high beam assistant, tap the lever forward (3). The indicator light will appear in the instrument cluster display and the high beams will be switched on or off automatically. The indicator light will turn on if the high beams are switched on.

 Activating and deactivating the high beam head lights manually

If the high beams did not switch on or off as expected, you may switch them on or off manually instead:

  • To activate the high beams manually, tap the lever forward (3) The indicator light will turn on.
  • To deactivate the high beams manually, pull the lever back (4) The high beam assistant is deactivated.

 Operating the headlight flasher

  • To operate the headlight flashers, pull the lever back (4) If the high beam headlights are not switched on, the high beam assistant will remain activated.

WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the limits of the assist systems, sensors, and cameras.
— High beam assistant is only intended to assist the driver. The driver is responsible for controlling the high beam headlights and adjusting them to match the lighting and visibility conditions.
—High beams can cause glare for other drivers, which increases the risk of an accident. For this reason, only use the high beams or the headlight flasher when they will not create glare for other drivers.

Tips
 Adhere to any local applicable regulations when using the lighting equipment, for example in regard to reducing glare for other drivers. The driver is always responsible for adhering to the regulations applicable in the country where the vehicle is being operated.

Adjusting the exterior lighting

You can adjust the exterior lighting separately. The settings depend on the vehicle equipment.

  • Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Light & Visibility > Exterior lighting.

 Automatic headlights

You can adjust the following settings in the Automatic headlights menu:

Activation time - You can adjust if the headlights switch on Early, Medium, or Late based on the sensitivity of the light sensor.

High beam assistant - You can switch the high beam assistant on and off.

Entry/exit lighting

The Entry/exit lighting illuminates the area around the vehicle when the vehicle is unlocked or when the driver’s door is opened while the ignition is off. The entry/exit lighting works when it is dark and when the AUTO light function is switched on. The front and rear daytime running lights* switch on automatically within the limits of the system each time the vehicle is unlocked regardless of how bright it is outside the vehicle.

Daytime running lights

USA models: The daytime running lights can be switched on and off.

Canada models: This function cannot be switched off. They activate automatically each time the ignition is switched on.

Emergency flashers


The emergency flashers help to make other drivers aware of your vehicle in dangerous situations.

  • Press the  (1) button to switch the emergency flashers on or off.

 When the emergency flashers are turned on, the and indicator lights will flash at the same time.

You can indicate a lane change or a turn when the emergency flashers are switched on by using the turn signal lever. The emergency flashers stop temporarily.

The emergency flashers also work when the ignition is turned off.

Tips
You should switch the emergency flashers on if:
~you are the last car ina traffic jam so that all other vehicles approaching from behind can see your vehicle ~your vehicle has broken down or you are having an emergency
~your vehicle is being towed or if you are towing another vehicle

Messages

The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment:

If the  indicator light turns on, a bulb has failed. The displayed message indicates the cause and possible solutions. If one of the messages remains on, drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

Audi adaptive light: malfunction! See owner's manual

Adaptive light is not working. The headlights still function. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

Headlight range control: malfunction! See owner's manual

There is a malfunction in the headlight range control system, which may cause glare for other drivers. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

High beam assistant: malfunction! See owner's manual

You can still switch the high beams on or off manually. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

High beam assistant: currently unavailable. Camera view limited due to surroundings. See owner's manual

This message appears if the camera's visual field is blocked. The system will switch itself off. Try switching the systems on later.

Automatic headlights: malfunction! See owner's manual

The light/rain sensor is malfunctioning. When the AUTO light function is on, the low beams will remain switched on at all times for safety reasons. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

Interior lighting

Front interior lighti


Interior lighting buttons

 - Interior lighting on/off

 - Door contact switch on/off. The interior lighting is controlled automatically.

Touch-sensitive reading lights*

  • To turn a reading light on or off, touch the surface (1) briefly.
  • To activate the manual dimming function, touch the surface (1) when the light is switched off and keep touching it until the desired brightness is reached.

Rear interior lighting


Applies to: vehicles with rear reading lights

Reading lights

  • To turn the reading lights on or off, press the or  button (1).
  • To activate the manual dimming function*, touch the surface  or  (1) while the light is switched off and keep touching it until the desired brightness is reached.

Interior lighting

Applies to: vehicles with interior lighting

The ambient lighting turns on when the ignition is switched on. The ambient lighting is deactivated when the lights are set to OFF.

You can adjust the ambient lighting separately. The settings depend on the vehicle equipment.

  • Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Light & Visibility > Interior lighting.

 You can choose from various color profiles, such as Maritime.

Additional settings and profiles:
— Brightness: you can adjust the brightness for all of the interior lighting.
— Individual: you can adjust the brightness and color of the interior lighting separately, divided into contour and surface lighting.
— Audi drive select: the contour and surface lighting color changes depending on the selected drive select mode.

Display brightness

You can set the instrument and display illumination separately. The settings depend on the vehicle equipment.

  • Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: SETTINGS > Display & brightness.

— Cockpit dimming
— Head-up display
— MMI
— Audi virtual cockpit

Vision

Adjusting exterior mirrors

  • Turn the knob in the driver's door to the desired Position:

 - Deactivates all adjustment functions.

 - Selects the left or right exterior mirror. To adjust the mirror glass in a mirror, press the knob in the desired direction.

- Heats the mirror glass depending on the outside temperature.

- Folds the exterior mirrors*. To fold the mirrors out, turn the knob to one of the other positions. In the MMI, you can select if the mirrors fold in automatically when you lock the vehicle.

Front passenger's exterior mirror tilt function*

Requirement: the knob must be in the position for the front passenger’s exterior mirror.

The mirror surfaces tilt slightly when reverse gear is selected to provide a better view, for example of the edge of the curb.

You can adjust the mirror surface by turning the knob in the desired direction.

The mirror moves from the reversing position back to the original position:
— When you switch the ignition off.
— When you drive forward at speeds faster than 9 mph (15 km/h).
— When the knob is no longer in the position for the front passenger exterior mirror.

WARNING
Curved mirror surfaces (for example convex) enlarge the field of vision. However, they make objects in the mirror appear smaller and farther away. When using these mirrors to estimate your distance to vehicles behind you when changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly, which increases the risk of an accident.

Note
— Applies to: vehicles with power folding exterior mirrors: If the mirror housing was moved by outside forces (such as an impact when maneuvering), you must use the power folding function to fold the mirror all the way out. The mirrors will make a loud noise when they latch into place. The mirror housing must not be moved back into place by hand because this could impair the function of the mirror mechanism.
— Applies to: vehicles without power folding exterior mirrors: If the mirror housing was moved by outside forces (such as an impact when maneuvering), you must move it back in place by hand.
— If you wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash, you must fold the exterior mirrors in to reduce the risk of damage to the mirrors. Never fold power folding exterior mirrors* by hand. Only fold them in and out using the power controls.

Tips
If the power adjusting function malfunctions, the glass in both mirrors can be adjusted by pressing on the edge of it by hand.

Dimming the mirrors

Manual dimming rearview mirror

  • Pull the lever on the bottom of the mirror back.

 Automatic dimming rearview mirror
Applies to: vehicles with automatic dimming mirrors

  • The interior and exterior mirrors dim automatically when light shines on them, for example from headlights on a vehicle behind you.

WARNING
— Electrolyte fluid can leak out from broken mirror glass. This liquid can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system. If there is contact with the fluid, flush immediately with plenty of water. Consult a physician if necessary.
— Repeated or long-term exposure to electrolyte fluid can lead to irritation of the airways, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Take deep breaths immediately after leaving the vehicle or, if this is not possible, open all of the doors and windows as wide as possible.
— If electrolyte fluid comes into contact with the eyes, flush them thoroughly with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes and then seek medical attention.
— If electrolyte fluid comes into contact with the skin, flush the affected area with clean water for at least 15 minutes, and then clean with soap and water and seek medical attention. Clean affected clothing and shoes thoroughly before wearing again.
— If the fluid was swallowed and the person is conscious, flush the mouth with water for at least 15 minutes. Do not induce vomiting unless this is recommended by medical professionals. Seek medical attention immediately.

Note
Applies to: vehicles with automatic dimming mirrors Electrolyte fluid can leak out from broken mirror glass. This liquid damages plastic surfaces and paint. Clean this liquid as quickly as possible, for example with a wet sponge.

Tips
— If the light reaching the rearview mirror is obstructed, the automatic dimming mirror will not function correctly,
— The automatic dimming mirrors do not dim when the interior lighting is turned on or the reverse gear is selected.

Sun visors


Sun visor
The sun visors can be moved out of their brackets and turned toward the doors (1).

They can also be moved back and forth lengthwise in this position.

Vanity mirror
The mirror light switches on when the cover over the vanity mirror (2) opens.

Windshield wipers

Switching the windshield wipers on


  • Move the lever  to the corresponding position:

(0) Windshield wipers off
(1) Rain sensor/intermittent mode. The windshield wipers switch on once the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 2 mph (4 km/h) and it is raining. The higher the sensitivity of the rain sensor that is set (switch (6) to the right), the earlier the windshield wipers react to moisture on the windshield. You can deactivate the rain sensor mode, which switches the interval mode on. In intermittent mode, you can adjust the interval time using the switch (6)).

  • Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Light & Visibility > Rain sensor.

(2)Slow wiping
(3)Fast wiping
(4)Single wipe. If you hold the lever in this position longer, the wipers switch from slow wiping to fast wiping.
(5)Clean the windshield . The number of wipes and afterwipes depends on how long the lever is held in position (5)).

The wipers wipe one time after several seconds of driving to remove water droplets. You can switch this function off by moving the lever to position (5) within ten seconds of the afterwipe. The afterwipe function is reactivated the next time you switch the ignition on.

If you hold the lever in position (5) for longer than half a second, the edge wiping feature will be activated. This moves the windshield wipers closer to the edge of the windshield and performs an afterwipe to clean the residue that results from the wiping process from the edge of the windshield. The function is available when driving at speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h).

The headlight washer system* operates only when the low beam headlights are on. If you move the lever into position (5)), the headlights will be cleaned at fixed intervals.

WARNING
-The rain sensor is only intended to assist the driver the driver may still be responsible for manually switching the wipers on based on visibility conditions.
-The windshield must not be treated with water-repelling windshield coating agents. Under unfavorable conditions, such as wetness, darkness, and when the sun is low, these coatings can cause increased glare, which increases the risk of an accident. They can also cause wiper blade chatter.
-Properly functioning windshield wiper blades are required for a clear view and safe driving

Note
- If there is frost, make sure the windshield wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield. Switching on the windshield wipers when the blades are frozen to the windshield can damage the wiper blades.
- Prior to using a car wash, the windshield wiper system must be switched off (lever in position 0). This prevents the wipers from switching on unintentionally and causing damage to the windshield wiper system.

Tips
—The windshield wipers switch off when the ignition is switched off. You can activate the windshield wipers after the ignition is switched on again by moving the lever to any position. The single wipe function (lever in position (4) also functions when the ignition is switched off.
—Worn or dirty windshield wiper blades result in streaking. This can affect the rain sensor function. Check your windshield wiper blades regularly.
—The washer fluid nozzles for the windshield washer system are heated when the ignition is on if the outside temperature is low. —When stopping temporarily, such as ata traffic light, the speed of the windshield wipers automatically reduces by one level.

Cleaning/changing wiper blades

Wiper blade replacement position

  • Switch off the ignition and hold the windshield wiper lever in position (4)) until the windshield wiper moves into the wiper blade replacement position.
  • To bring the windshield wipers into the normal position, switch the ignition on and hold the lever in position (4)) until the windshield wipers go back to the original position, or drive faster than 8 mph (12 km/h).

You can also turn the wiper blade replacement position on or off in the MMI:

  • Switch the windshield wipers off (position (0))
  • Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Wiper change position.

 Cleaning the wiper blades

Requirement: the windshield wipers must be in the wiper blade replacement position.

  • Fold the windshield wiper arm away from the windshield.
  • For information on cleaning.

Replacing the wiper blades

Requirement: the windshield wipers must be in the wiper blade replacement position.

  • Fold the windshield wiper arm away from the windshield.
  • Hold the wiper blade firmly.
  • Press the locking knob (1) on the wiper blade.
  • Remove the wiper blade from the windshield wiper arm mount (2)).
  • Insert the new wiper blade into the mount on the wiper arm until it clicks into place.
  • Place the wiper arm back on the windshield.
  • Exit the wiper blade replacement position.

WARNING
— For safety reasons, the windshield wiper blades should be replaced once or twice each year.
— Dirty windshield wiper blades can impairvi - sion, which increases the risk of an accident.

Note
—The windshield wipers must only be lifted up when in the wiper blade replacement position. Otherwise, you risk damaging the paint on the hood or the windshield wiper motor.
—You should not move your vehicle or press the lever when the wiper arms are folded up from the windshield. The windshield wipers would move back into their original position and could damage the hood and windshield.

Tips
—You can also use the wiper blade replacement position for other reasons, for example if you want to protect the windshield from icing by using a cover.
—You cannot activate the wiper blade replacement position when the hood is open.

Messages

The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment:

If the  indicator light turns on, then there is a windshield wiper malfunction. The message that is also displayed indicates the cause and possible solutions. If one of the messages does not turn off, drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

 Automatic wipers: malfunction! See owner's manual.

The light/rain sensor is malfunctioning. You can still control all functions that are not controlled by the rain sensor using the windshield wiper lever. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

Digital compass

Switching the compass on and off


Applies to: vehicles with digital compass

  • To turn the compass on or off, press the button (1) until the compass display in the mirror turns on or off.

 The digital compass only works when the ignition is turned on. The directions are indicated with abbreviations: (north), NE (northeast), (east), SE (southeast), (south), SW (southwest), (west), NW (northwest).

Tips
To prevent inaccurate compass readings, do not bring any remote controls, electrical devices or metallic objects near the mirror.

Adjusting the magnetic zone

Applies to: vehicles with digital compass

The magnetic zone must be adjusted correctly for the compass to read accurately.

  • Press and hold the button (1)  until the number of the magnetic zone appears in the interior rearview mirror.
  • Press the button (1) repeatedly to select the correct magnetic zone. The selection mode turns off after a few seconds.

 Calibrating the compass

Applies to: vehicles with digital compass

If the display is incorrect or inaccurate, the compass must be recalibrated.

  • Press and hold the button (1) until a C appears in the rearview miror.
  • Drive in a circle at 6 mph (10 km/h) until a direction is displayed in the reviev mirror,

WARNING
To reduce the risk to yourself and other drivers, calibrate the compass in an area where there is no traffic.


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