Sitting correctly and safely
Correct passenger seating position
General information
As the driver, you are responsible for making sure every passenger is sitting correctly in their seat and maintaining this seating position while driving. Make sure that:
~ Every passenger in the vehicle has adjusted his or her seat correctly page 64
~The steering wheel is adjusted correctly = page 70
~The mirrors are adjusted so that there is a sufficient view of the area around the vehicle = page 57
~ Every passenger in the vehicle has his or her head restraint adjusted correctly > page 70
~ Every passenger in the vehicle has his or her safety belt fastened correctly page 72
—The activation status of the front passenger's airbag is suitable for the passenger in the front passenger's seat > page 79
~ Children are secured in suitable child safety seats that are secured to appropriate vehicle seats page 81. Read and observe the important safety information pertaining to the use of child safety seats on the front passenger's seat = A\ in General information on page 81.
Examples of incorrect seating positions Safety belts can only provide its optimal protection when they are routed correctly. Incorrect seating positions significantly reduce the protective functions of the safety belts and increase the risk of injury due to incorrect belt routing. The following list includes examples of seating positions that could be dangerous for all vehicle occupants. This is not a complete list. Audi would simply like to increase your awareness of the topic. The following points apply when the vehicle is in motion:
— Never stand inside the vehicle. —Never stand on the seats.
—Never kneel on the seats. ~Never tilt your backrest too far back. —Never lean against the instrument panel. —Never lie down on the rear bench seat. — Never sit only on the front section of the seat. ~Never sit sideways on the seat. ~Never lean against the window. —Never place your feet out of the window. ~Never place your feet on the instrument panel. —Never place your feet on the seat cushion. —Never ride in the footwell. ~Never sit on the armrests. ~Never drive or ride in a seat without fastening your safety belt.
— Never ride in the luggage compartment.
Incorrect seating positions, failure to wear a safety belt, or being too close to an airbag increase the risk of serious or fatal injury to vehicle occupants, especially if the airbags deploy and come into contact with occupants who are not seated correctly. Note the important information and warnings in the chapters for the topics given above.
— Save your seat profile* > page 76. This allows you to access your personal seat profile quickly and easily at any time.
~ If you or other vehicle passengers have physical limitations that prevent sitting in a correct position, modifications to the vehicle may be necessary. For more information, contact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility, or call Audi customer support at 1-800-822-2834.
Front seats General information
Make sure that: ~You can press the pedals down completely
while your legs are slightly bent.
Sitting correctly and safely
~The distance between your upper body and the steering wheel or instrument panel is at least 10 inches (25 cm).
— The distance between your knees and the instrument panel is at least 4 inches (10 cm).
~ Your thighs are lightly supported by the front surface of the seat.
~The backrest is in an upright position and your back is resting against it.
- You have a sufficient view of the area around the vehicle.
- You have a clear view of the instrument cluster, indicator lights, and the head-up display*.
Seat settings menu: quick access Applies to: vehicles with seat settings in the MMI If you press on the image of the driver's or front passenger's seat in the climate control system menu page 94, fig. 87 @, you will go directly to the seat settings for that seat.
— IF you are too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel, the airbag system cannot provide the optimal protection, which increases the risk of injury and death.
=To reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking maneuvers or accidents, never drive with the backrest reclined very far. The airbag system and safety belts can only provide optimal protection when the backrest is in an upright position and the driver is wearing the safety belt correctly. If the backrest is angled back too far, the safety belt can shift to soft areas of the body, such as the stomach, which increases the risk of injury.
=To reduce the risk of an accident, only adjust the seats when the vehicle is stationary.
—Be careful when adjusting the seat. Lack of control or attention when adjusting can result in injuries due to pinching to vehicle occupants both in the front seats and rear seats.
—Never place objects in the driver's footwell. Objects could shift and enter the area around the pedals, which could prevent you from using them. You would then be unable
to use the pedals if sudden driving or braking maneuvers were needed, which increases the risk of an accident.
— Make sure that the floor mats are always securely attached.
~To reduce the risk of an accident, never place additional floor mats or other floor covers over the installed floor mats, because this reduces the pedal's range of motion and can impair pedal operation.
~To reduce the risk of injury, never place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window, or on the seat surfaces. This also applies to passengers in the rear seats.
To reduce the risk of damage, be very careful when adjusting the seat to make sure the head restraints do not come into contact with the headliner or the sunroof*. oO
At the same time, only move the respective seat using the controls.
Adjusting the front power seats
Fig. 51 Front seat: seat adjustment buttons
You can adjust the basic settings using the buttons.
The settings depend on the vehicle equipment. Adjusting the seat position
» To move the seat forward or backward, push
the button @ forward or backward.
Siing correctly and safely
> To adjust the seat upward or downward, push the rear section of the button @ upward or downward.
> To adjust the seat surface, press the front part of the button @) upward or downward.
Adjusting the backrests
» To move the backrest forward or backward, press the button @ forward or backward.
Adjusting the lumbar support
» To adjust the lumbar support, press the button @in the desired direction.
Massage function Switching the massage function on or off @). Setting the massage type and intensity page 66.
The power front seats can also be adjusted when the ignition is switched off. To reduce the risk of injury, children should never be left unattended in the vehicle.
Adjusting the front seats in the MMI Applies to: vehicles with seat settings in the MMI
Fig. 52 Seat setting
You can adjust additional settings in the MMI The settings and the number of menus and buttons depend on the vehicle equipment. Operating Applies to: MMI
» Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Seats.
» To access the various menus @), swipe to the left or right.
» To display the various seats, press ) or (@.
The red coloring in the symbol ) indicates which seat is selected
Seat setting Applies to: MMI
» To select a seat setting, press (@) if necessary.
» Press the respective arrow @) until the desired
position is reached. Massage See > page 66 Seat temperature balance Using the seat temperature balance, you can heat or cool the backrest and seat surface to different temperatures > A\ in Settings on page 96.
» To adjust the seat heating or cooling balance,
slide the control upward or downward. Additional seat settings See > page 67
Front seat massage function Applies to: vehicles
Selecting the massage function Applies to: MMI
» To open the Massage menu, press the . button @ page 65, fig. 51.
Switching the massage function on or off Applies to: MMI
» To switch the massage function on or off, press
the J button @ = page 65, fig. 57. Or: > Press Start/Stop on the MMI Setting the massage type and intensity Applies to: MMI > To adjust the massage type, press the desired button on the MMI, for example Wave.
> To adjust the intensity of the massage, press Intensity on the MMI repeatedly until the desired level is reached.
Tips
The massage function switches off automatically after approximately 10 minutes.
Sitting correctly and safely
Addi
nal settings in the MMI You can adjust additional settings and switch functions on or off in the MMI. > Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Seats > Additional seat settings.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the following options may be available. Reset seat position You can adjust the position of the front passenger’s seat to match the driver's seat. Driver seat entry assistance/Front passenger seat entry assistance Entry assistance makes it easier to enter or exit the vehicle.
Adjusting the front passenger's seat from the driver's seat Applies to: vehicles with front passenger seat adjustment You can adjust the front passenger's side with the driver's seat buttons. Applies to: MMI:
» Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Seats.
» To display the various seats, press ) or ¢.
» To switch on the function, press the J) button.
The lower edge of the button will turn red. After you have switched on the function, you can adjust the front passenger's seat using the driver's seat buttons page 65, fig. 51.
The function switches off automatically when you exit the menu.
Front center armrest ‘Applies to: vehicles with a front center armrest
Fig. 53 Cockpit: center armrest
Adjusting the center armrest
» To slide the armrest forward or back, press the button @).
In certain positions, the front center armrest can interfere with the driver's arm movement, which increases the risk of injury.
Rear seats
General information
— Be careful when adjusting the seat. Unsupervised or careless seat adjustment could cause parts of the body to get pinched, which increases the risk of injury.
— Always pull forward on the backrest to make sure it is correctly locked in place.
~To reduce the risk of an accident, only adjust the seat when the vehicle is stationary.
Sitting correctly and safely
Fig. 55 Second row seats: adjusting the seat position
The settings depend on the vehicle equipment. Adjusting the outer backrest > Support the backrest with one hand and pull
the lever at the same time > fig. 54. Release the lever.
» Move the backrest forward or back to the desired position
» Keep moving the backrest until it locks into place.
Adjusting the center backrest > Support the backrest with one hand and pull the strap at the same time > page 97.
» Move the backrest forward or back to the desired position.
» Release the strap and continue moving the backrest until it locks into place.
Adjusting forward and backward
» To adjust the seat forward or back, pull the handle @ fig. 55 and slide the seat.
» Release the handle and continue sliding the seat until it locks into place.
Applies to: vehicles with easy entry function
Fig. 57 Second-row seating: folding the seat upright
Entry/exit assistance creates easier access to the third-row seating’. To be able to enter and exit, you must fold the backrest on the second row seat down, and then fold the seat upward. Folding the second row seat backrest down
» Pull the lever upward page 68, fig. 54. Or
» From the third row seat®, pull the release strap
on the seat in front fig. 56.
» The backrest folds down by itself. Folding the second row seat upward > Pull the seat up by the lever @ until it is folded upward fig. 57.
Messages Bl second row seat unlocked. Risk of injury for rear passengers If the indicator light turns on and this message appears, then the second row seats are not folded down and locked into the floor when you start to drive. A warning tone will also sound.
Sitting correctly and safely
—When the second row seats are folded down, they must not be used as a footrest or have objects placed on them as this increases the risk of an accident.
~To reduce the risk of an accident, never allow people to ride in the third row* if the second row seats are folded upward.
~To reduce the risk of an accident, never drive with objects on the folded third row* backrests if the second row seats are folded upright.
—Be mindful of persons in the third row* when folding down the second row seats. Not paying attention when folding down seats can cause pinching injuries.
— If you are unlocking the second row seat backrest from the third row seat* > fig. 56, be careful of any passengers in the second row seats or within the backrest's range of motion. Not paying attention when folding down seats can cause injuries.
~ Always pull forward on the backrest to make sure itis correctly locked in place.
To reduce the risk of damage, move the rear head restraints down before folding the backrests forward page 71.
Folding tl seats) Applies to: vehicles with third row seats ackrest down/up (third row
Fig. 58 Third row seats: folding the backrest
Folding the backrest down/up The buttons are located in the rear area @) and in the luggage compartment ) fig. 58.
» Press the button (@ or @) until the backrest is folded all the way down or up.
You can fold the backrests up or down at the same time using the button @ and @.
Third row seats: adjusting the head restraints
See > page 71. Meaning of the LED in the button ~If the LED blinks, the backrest is still not in its
end position. ~If the LED turns on, the backrest is in its end
position. Messages [Bil Please move third row seat to its locked pojon. See owner's manual
If the indicator light turns on and this message appears, then the backrest is not in its locked position. A warning tone will also sound.
— Be careful when folding and unfolding the backrests. Not paying attention and not checking when folding/unfolding the backrests can lead to pinching injuries.
— Always pull forward on the backrest to make sure it is correctly locked in place.
— Do not drive if the indicator light in the button is blinking > fig. 58. This situation increases the risk of an accident, since the backrest is not locked in place and it is not in its end position.
~To reduce the risk of an accident, never drive with persons in the third row-seat if the seats are not folded completely upright.
~To reduce the risk of damage, make sure the second-row seat backrest is upright before folding the third-row seat backrest up or down.
Sitting correctly and safely
=Do not place any objects on the third row seat backrest if it is not completely folded down.
— Very low temperatures can cause malfunctions when folding and unfolding the backrests. If this is the case, moving the vehicle to a warmer area (such as a garage) will help.
~The backrest cannot be folded down or up if the vehicle door on the side to be adjusted is closed.
Steering wheel General information
Make sure that: ~The distance between your upper body and the
steering wheel is at least 10 inches (25 cm). —Your arms are bent slightly at the elbows. ~You have a sufficient view of the area around
the vehicle and you have a clear view of the instrument cluster and head-up display’.
~You are always holding the steering wheel with both hands on the outer edge at the sides (9:00 and 3:00 position) when driving.
-To reduce the risk of an accident, make sure
the steering wheel is adjusted correctly and cannot be moved out of position before you start to drive.
— If you are too close to the steering wheel, the driver's airbag cannot provide optimal protection, which increases the risk of injury or fatality.
— Never hold the steering wheel in the 12:00 position or in any other way, such as holding the center of the steering wheel. Otherwise, your arms, hands, and head could be injured in the event that the driver's airbag deploys.
Power steering wheel position adjustment
Fig. 59 Steering column: switch for adjusting the steering wheel position
The steering wheel position can be adjusted electrically up/down and forward/back. > To adjust the steering wheel, press the button
in the direction in which you would like the steering wheel to move.
The steering wheel can also be adjusted when the ignition is switched off.
Head restraints
General information
Applies to: vehicles with adjustable head restraints
Fig. 60 Correctly-adjusted head restraint
Make sure that: ~The upper edge of the head restraint is as even
as possible with the top of your head. ~The head restraint is as close as possible to the
back of the head. — The head restraints on rear seats that are occupied are raised up at least one level.
Sitting correctly and safely
~There is one head restraint for each seat. All vehicle occupants must adjust the head restraint correctly before every trip. Having head restraints that are not adjusted correctly or not installed in the vehicle increas es the risk of a neck injury during sudden or unexpected driving or braking maneuvers or ina collision.
Only remove the rear seat head restraints if, it is necessary to installa child safety seat = page 81. Stow the removed head restraints securely, for example in the luggage compartment. Reinstall the head restraints immediately once the child safety seat has been removed. Driving without head restraints increases the risk of serious neck injuries.
Front head restraints
Applies to: vehicles with adjustable head restraints
Fig. 61 Front seat: adjusting the head restraint
Adjusting the head restraints
» To adjust the head restraint upward, slide it untilit locks into place. > To adjust the head restraint downward or backward, press the button on the side and slide the head restraint. Release the button and slide the head restraint farther until it locks into place.
Rear head restraints Applies to: vehicles with adjustable head restraints
Fig. 62 Rear seat
Adjusting the head restraints
» To adjust the head restraint upward, slide it untilit locks into place.
» To adjust the head restraint downward, press
the button @ and slide the head restraint. Release the button and slide the head restraint farther until it locks into place.
Third row seats: adjusting the head restraint Applies to: vehicles with third row seats The head restraints are automatically folded in when the backrest is folded down * page 69.
» To fold the head restraint in manually, pull on
the release loop under the head restraint. You must manually unfold the head restraint after unfolding the backrest. > Unfold the head restraint by tilting it upward
until you feel it click into place. Removing the head restraints Applies to: vehicles with removable head restraints
» Applies to: vehicles with folding backrests: Fold
the backrest forward slightly page 97.
» Move the head restraint upward all the way. > Insert a suitable object, such as the extended vehicle key or mechanical key, into the release point @) on the inside or outside of the base.
» Press the button @and pull the head restraint out of the backrest > A\ in General information on page 71.
Installing the head restraints Applies to: vehicles with removable head restraints
» Fold the backrest forward slightly page 97. >
Sitting correctly and safely
» Slide the posts on the head restraint down into the guides until the posts click into place.
» Press the button @) and slide the head restraint all the way down. It should not be possible to remove the head restraint from the backrest without pressing the button.
Safety belts General information
Each seat is equipped with a three-point safety belt. Safety belts that are worn correctly are the most effective way to reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries in a collision. Therefore, wear your safety belt correctly and make sure that all vehicle passengers are also wearing their safety belts correctly when the vehicle is moving. Even though your vehicle is equipped with an airbag system, every vehicle passenger must still always wear the appropriate safety belt. In addition to their normal protective function, safety belts also hold vehicle occupants in the correct seating position in the event of a collision so that the airbags can deploy correctly and provide additional protection. Safety belts provide protection during collisions when the airbags do not deploy or if they have already deployed.
The risk of serious or fatal injury increases if the safety belt is not fastened, if it is worn incorrectly, or if itis damaged. ~All vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their safety belts correctly before every trip and must always keep their safety belts fastened during the trip, regardless of whether the seat is equipped with an airbag or not. This also applies to children that are seated in a child safety seat that is appropriate for their weight and age and that is secured with a safety belt.
~In the event of a collision, vehicle occupants that are not wearing safety belts could be propelled through the vehicle interior and collide with vehicle components, such as the steering wheel, instrument panel, windshield, or doors. In some situations, vehicle
occupants could also be ejected from the vehicle. Vehicle occupants in the rear seats who do not wear safety belts not only endanger themselves, but also other people in the vehicle.
~ Only one person may be fastened with a safety belt at a time. Never secure more than one person, including children, with a single safety belt.
— Never allow children or infants to ride on another person's lap and be belted into the safety belt with them.
~ Insert the belt buckle only in the belt latch belonging to the corresponding seat, so that the protective function is not impaired.
—To ensure the maximum protective function of the safety belts, all vehicle passengers must sit in the correct seating position > page 64.
—Check the condition of your vehicle’s safety belts regularly > page 286. If you find damage to the belt webbing, the belt connections, the retractor, or the buckle, have the damaged safety belt replaced by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
~The safety belts must not be removed or modified in any way. Do not attempt to repair the safety belts yourself.
~ Safety belts that are strained during an accident must be replaced by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
Sitting correctly and safely
Fig. 64 Safety belt positioning for pregnant women
Fastened safety belts only offer optimal protection during an accident and reduce the risk of serious injury or death when they are positioned correctly. Furthermore, the correct safety belt position holds the vehicle occupant in place so that a deployed airbag can provide maximum protection. Therefore, always fasten the safety belt and make sure it is positioned correctly fig. 63. To ensure the safety belt is positioned correctly, make sure of the following points: ~The lap portion of the safety belt must be located across the lap. ~The shoulder portion of the safety belt must
rest over the center of the shoulder. ~The safety belt must always rest flat and securely on the body. For pregnant women, the safety belt must rest evenly across the chest and as low and flat as possible on the lap, so that no pressure is applied to the lower abdomen. This should be done throughout the entire pregnancy fig. 64.
Incorrect safety belt positioning can cause serious injury in the event of an accident or during sudden braking or driving maneuvers. — Never drive with the backrest reclined extremely far. The more the backrest is tilted back, the greater the risk of injury due to the safety belt being routed incorrectly.
— The safety belt itself or a loose safety belt can cause serious injuries if it shifts onto soft areas of the body, such as the stomach.
~The shoulder portion of the safety belt must lie over the center of the shoulder and chest, and never under the arm, behind the back, or across the neck or face.
~The lap portion of the safety belt must lie across the lap and never over the stomach.
~The safety belt must lie flat and securely on the upper part of the body and the lap.
~The belt webbing must not be pinched or twisted, or rub against sharp edges.
— If the safety belt height is set incorrectly and/or the safety belt is routed incorrectly, then the safety belt's protective function will be impaired in the event of an accident. Make sure the safety belt is at the right height and is routed correctly for the passenger using it.
—Asafety belt that is too loose may lead to injuries during an accident, because your body will move farther forward due to kinetic energy and will be stopped abruptly by the belt.
— Heavily bulky, loose clothing (for example, a coat over a sports jacket) may prevent the seat and safety belts from functioning correctly.
— Do not position the safety belt over hard or breakable objects (such as glasses, pens, etc.).
— The lap belt portion of the safety belt must sit as low as possible on the lap of pregnant women and lie flat under the belly.
Make sure that there are no hook-and-loop fasteners or sharp objects such as zippers or
Sitting correctly and safely
rivets on clothing in the area where the safety belt is worn. Otherwise, the safety belt could be damaged.
Fastening and unfastening safety belts
Fig. 66 Releasing the belt buckle from the belt latch
Observe the safety precautions page 72. Fastening the safety belt
» Pull the safety belt by the belt buckle evenly across your chest and lap.
» Insert the belt buckle in the belt latch belonging to the seat until it audibly engages fig. 65.
» Pull on the belt to make sure that the belt is securely locked in the latch.
Unfastening the safety belt
» Press the red button on the belt latch fig. 66. The belt buckle will pop out.
» Guide the belt back by hand so that the safety belt can roll up more easily.
TI d row seats: fastening and unfastening safety belts Applies to: vehicles with third row seats
Fig. 67 Third row seats: unfastening safety belts
Observe the safety precautions page 72. Fastening the safety belt
» Hold onto both sides of the safety belt and pull
it down out of the holder.
» Insert the large belt buckle tongue into the belt
latch @ that belongs to the seat until it latches.
> Pull the safety belt evenly across the chest and pelvis.
» Insert the small belt buckle tongue into the belt latch @ that belongs to the seat until it latches.
» Pull on the belt to make sure both belt buckles are latched securely in the latches.
Unfastening the safety belt
» Press the red button on the belt latch @). The
belt buckle will pop out.
» Press the red button on the belt latch @). The
belt buckle will pop out.
» Guide the belt back by hand so that the safety
belt can roll up more easily.
» Place both belt buckles back into the holder.
The large belt buckle tongue can remain inserted in the belt latch during normal driving. Then only the small belt buckle tongue needs to be inserted into the latch @ in order to fasten the safety belt.
Sitting correctly and safely
Safety belt monitoring system El- If the indicator light turns on or flashes, a front safety belt is not fastened or it has been unfastened while driving. There may be additional audible warning signals.
Adjusting the height of the safety belt
Fig. 68 Belt height adjustment for the front seats - safety belt relay
» To move the belt higher, slide the safety belt relay @ upward.
» To move the belt lower, press the release button @ and slide the safety belt relay @ downward.
» To check if the safety belt relay is securely locked in place, pull firmly on the belt.
You can also adjust the height of the front seats to change the position of the safety belts.
Additional safety belt functions Belt retractor lock The safety belts on the rear seats and on the front passenger seat are equipped with a belt retractor lock.
» Ifyou secure a child safety seat with a safety
belt, the belt retractor lock on the safety belt may need to be activated. Follow the instructions from the child safety seat manufacturer.
» When a vehicle passenger has fastened a safety belt, the belt retractor lock should not be activated. If the belt retractor lock has been activated unexpectedly, deactivate it.
Deactivating or activating the belt retractor lock page 84. Safety belt retractor The safety belts are equipped with an automatic belt retractor. This automatic retractor allows the safety belt to be pulled all the way out when the belt is pulled slowly. However, the automatic retractor locks during sudden braking maneuvers. It also locks the belts when accelerating, driving uphill, and driving around curves. Belt force limiter Safety belts with belt force limiters reduce the force placed on the body by the safety belts during a collision. Safety belt pretensioners Safety belts may be tightened with reversible belt tensioners when you start driving and in certain driving situations. If the safety belt is too loose, it will be tightened so that the belt will rest closer to the body.
» To switch belt tensioners on or off at the beginning of a trip, select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Seats.
>To access Ad or right.
» Switch the Driver seat automatic belt tensioner or Front passenger seat automatic belt tensioner functions on or off.
ional seat settings, swipe left
In some collisions, pyrotechnic belt tensioners may secure the safety belts so that they cannot loosen. This reduces forward movement by the vehicle passengers.
The pyrotechnic system can only provide protection during one collision. If the pyrotechnic belt tensioners deploy, the pretensioning system must be replaced by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
‘Smoke may be released when pyrotechnic belt tensioners deploy. This is not a sign of a vehicle fire.
Sitting correctly and safely
Memory function General information
Applies to: vehicles with memory function
With the memory function, you can save and call up seat profiles using the memory buttons in the door trim panel. Depending on vehicle equipment, some settings such as the driver's seat and exterior mirror position can be stored.
Storing and recalling a seat profile Applies to: vehicles with memory function The memory function buttons are located in the door trim panel. Storing a seat profile
button. If the LED in the button turns on, a seat profile can be stored.
» Push one of the numbered memory buttons. A tone confirms that the settings were stored.
Accessing a seat profile
» While the driver's or front passenger's door is open and the ignition is switched off, press the memory button once briefly. The seat will be fully adjusted to the settings in the seat profile.
» If the driver's/front passenger's door is closed or the ignition is switched on, press and hold the memory button until the seat profile is completely set.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, the seat setting can only be recalled when the vehicle is stationary.
—Inan emergency, the recall process can be canceled by pressing the seat adjustment button on that seat.
Airbag system General information
= If you have not fastened your safety belt, you are in an incorrect seating position, or you are too close to the airbag system, the airbag system will not be able to protect
increases the risk of serious or fajuries. Make sure that every vehicle
passenger has their safety belt correctly fastened and is sitting in a correct seating position > page 64. This is necessary regardless of whether the seat is equipped with an airbag or not.
— Never place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window, or on the seat surfaces. To help ensure that the airbag system can deploy correctly, never bend forward or lean on the door or the side window. Otherwise, serious and possibly fatal injuries can occur if the airbags deploy.
People, animals, or objects between the passengers and the airbag system can interfere with the correct deployment of the airbag or can be thrown through the vehicle interior, increasing the risk of serious or fatal injuries. Make sure that nothing is located between the vehicle occupants and the airbag system. Do not secure or transport any objects within the deployment zone of the airbag systems, especially on the steering wheel, on the instrument panel, on the doors, on the windows, or in the footwell.
— Never put stickers on the airbag system covers or cover them with any objects.
= Only lightweight clothing should be hung from the garment hooks in the vehicle. Do not use clothes hangers to hang clothing. The pockets of the clothing must not contain any heavy, breakable, or sharp-edged objects. This could impair the effectiveness of the side curtain airbags.
— You must not use seat or protective covers that are not specifically approved for use on Audi seats with side airbags. Since the side airbags deploy from the seat backrest, such
Sitting correctly and safely
covers could impair the protective function of the side airbags.
— Damage to the original seat covers in the airbag deployment area must always be repaired by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Airbag system components are installed at various locations in your vehicle. Incorrect work or repairs on the vehicle could damage the airbag system components or impair their functionality. This may prevent the airbags from deploying or cause them to deploy incorrectly in the event of an accident, which increases the risk of serious or fatal injuries. Only have an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility make repairs or modifications to a vehicle.
~The airbag system can only provide protection during one collision. If there is another collision, the airbag system will not deploy again. If the airbag system has deployed, have it replaced immediately by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
—Fine dust may appear if the airbags deploy. This is completely normal and does not indicate a fire in the vehicle. The fine dust can irritate the skin and mucous membranes in the eyes and can cause difficulty breathing, particularly for individuals who have or have had asthma or other health issues that affect breathing. Exit the vehicle or open the windows or doors to get access to fresh air.
If you are transporting children in the vehicle, read the information and follow the safety precautions page 87.
Safety systems monitoring The BM indicator light in the instrument cluster monitors the safety systems such as the airbags (including the control modules, sensor, and wiring) and the belt tensioners. It turns on when you switch the ignition on and turns off after several seconds.
If the indicator light does not turn on when the ignition is switched on, does not turn off after several seconds, or turns on or flashes while driving, there may be a malfunction in one of the safety systems. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately ‘to have the malfunction corrected.
Have the malfunction in the safety systems inspected immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk that the systems may not activate during an accident, which increases the risk of serious or fatal injury.
Sitting correctly and safely
Fig. 69 Airbag overview image (enlarged section: deployed airbags)
The locations of the airbags are labeled with “AIRBAG”. The following airbags are installed in your vehicle:
1 Driver's airbag
2 Front passenger's airbag
3 Front and rear side airbags, if applicable
4 Head curtain airbag with ejection mitigation
Airbags offer the best possible protection in your vehicle during an accident when they are used together with safety belts that are fastened correctly, and when passengers are sitting in the correct seating position. Airbags are a supplementary restraint system and do not replace safety belts. Airbags may deploy during front-impact, side-impact, or rollover accidents. The deployment area for the airbag system cannot be defined for every situation, since the circumstances surrounding accidents can vary widely. Factors that play an important role include the condition of the object that the vehicle hits (hard
or soft), the angle of impact, vehicle speed, etc. The deciding factor for the deployment of the airbag system is the deceleration that occurs during an accident. Sensors in the vehicle are designed to detect the severity of an accident in conjunction with the control module, and to provide a targeted and timely deployment of the restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration that is measured during an accident is below the specified reference values in the control module, then the airbags will not deploy, even though the vehicle may be severely damaged from the accident. In these cases, the vehicle occupants will be protected by the safety belts if they are fastened and worn correctly.
The deployment of the front passenger's airbag will depend on the occupancy of the seat > page 79. Each deployed airbag is filled with gas. When this occurs, the airbag covers open and the airbags unfold with great force into the deployment zone within milliseconds. Inflated airbags reduce the >
Sitting correctly and safely
movement of passengers wearing safety belts in the direction of the impact and thus help to reduce the risk of injury. They can help to protect the head, upper body, and lap, for example. However, there is the possibility that airbag deployment can cause injuries. The airbag system only works when the ignition is turned on. Ifyou or other vehicle passengers have physical limitations that prevent sitting in a correct position, modifications to the vehicle may be necessary. For more information, contact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility, or call Audi customer support at 1-800-822-2834.
(Oe The side curtain airbags in your vehicle have ejection mitigation functions. This reduces the risk of being ejected from the vehicle interior during an accident, especially in the event of a vehicle rollover.
Advanced airbag system
Fig. 70 Headliner: indicator light to display the status of the front passenger's airbag
The Advanced Airbag System in your vehicle has been certified to comply with the requirements of the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, as well as Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 208 as applicable at the time your vehicle was manufactured. According to these requirements, the front Advanced Airbag System on the passenger's side has been certified for “suppression” for infants approximately 12 months old and younger, and
for “Low risk deployment” for children aged 3 to 6 years old (as defined in the standard). The advanced airbag system will activate or deactivate the front passenger's airbag based on the occupancy of the seat. If a front airbag deploys during an accident, the deployment force will adapt to the passenger.
Components The advanced airbag system consists of the following components:
~Front airbags in the steering wheel and in the instrument panel on the front passenger's side: these can protect the front passengers during an accident
— Passenger occupant detection sensor in the front passenger's seat: this detects if the front passenger's seat is occupied (for example, by a person or a small child in a child safety seat)
— Seat position sensors on the front seats: these determine the distance between the seat and the steering wheel or instrument panel
~ Sensors in the front safety belt latch: these detect if the safety belts are fastened
~ PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF %; ON @ indicator light in the headliner: this indicates if the front passenger's airbag is activated or deactivated
— J indicator light in the instrument cluster: this monitors the function of the Advanced Airbag System components to ensure they are functioning correctly
How the components function together The passenger occupant detection sensor in the front passenger's seat detects if the front passenger's seat is occupied. The passenger occupant detection sensor measures the electrical capacity on the front passenger's seat. The passenger's airbag is activated or deactivated depending on the electrical capacity that is measured.
The passenger's airbag is activated if: ~The electrical capacity is higher than the threshold stored in the control module
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—The electrical capacity is the same as or greater than the electrical capacity of a typical adult
The passenger's airbag is deactivated if: ~The electrical capacity is lower than the threshold stored in the control module ~ The electrical capacity is the same as or less
than the electrical capacity of a typical oneyear-old child in a child safety seat that has been used for certification in accordance with FMVSS 208
If the front passenger's airbag is activated, the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON @ indicator light will turn on. If the front passenger's airbag is deactivated, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #: indicator light will turn on. The deployment force of the front airbags adapts based on whether or not the safety belt is used and the distance between the seat and the steering wheel/instrument panel. For example, if a person is too close to the front airbag, the front airbag will deploy with less force to help reduce the risk of injury. Meaning of PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #; ON @ indicator light When the ignition is switched on, the system detects whether the front passenger's seat is occupied. PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF % ON @ will turn on for several seconds during this process. Then it will indicate whether the front passenger's airbag is activated or deactivated.
~ PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #:: the front passenger's airbag is deactivated and will not deploy in the event of an accident.
~ PASSENGER AIR BAG ON @: the front passenger's airbag is activated and could deploy in the event of an accident.
If a change to the occupancy status of the front passenger's seat is detected PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #; ON @ will flash for several seconds and will then display the status of the front passenger's airbag. Always make sure the indicator light corresponds to the occupancy of the front passenger's seat.
— An adult or individual of similar size in the front passenger's seat: the front passenger's airbag must be activated, therefore PASSENGER AIR BAG ON @ must remain turned on.
~An individual of smaller size (for example, an adolescent or small adult) in the front passenger's seat: the front passenger's airbag must be activated, so PASSENGER AIR BAG ON @ must stay on.
~ Child in a child safety seat on the front passenger's seat: the front passenger's airbag must be deactivated, so PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF %%; must stay on.
— Front passenger's seat not occupied: the front passenger's airbag must be deactivated, so PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #%; must stay on.
~An adult or a person with a small stature (such as a young person or small adult) seated on the front passenger's seat will not be protected by the passenger's airbag in the event of a collision if the passenger's airbag is deactivated. This increases the risk of injury and death. Always make sure that PASSENGER AIR BAG ON @ remains on while driving. If PASSENGER AIR BAG ON @ does not turn on, make sure the front passenger is sitting correctly in the seat > page 64 and that there is nothing covering the front passenger's seat (such as blankets or pillows). If PASSENGER AIR BAG ON @ still does not turn on, the front passenger's seat must not be used. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility and have the airbag system inspected.
—A child in a child safety seat on the front passenger's seat - especially in a rear-facing child safety seat - can receive a severe impact if the front passenger's airbag deploys, which increases the risk of serious or fatal injury. Always secure child safety seats on the rear seats. If special circumstances require the use of a child safety seat on the front passenger's seat, always make sure | >
Sitting correctly and safely
that PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #; stays on while driving. If PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #; does not turn on, remove the child safety seat and install it again according to the child safety seat manufacturer instructions. If PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #; still does not turn on, the front passenger's seat must not be used. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or autho ized Audi Service Facility and have the airbag system inspected.
— Fluids, electronic devices, or mechanical damage on the front passenger's seat may cause the front passenger seat occupant detection to malfunction. The system may then incorrectly detect if the front passenger's seat is occupied. Asa result, it could deploy the front passenger's airbag incorrectly
or fail to deploy it, which increases the risk of serious or fatal injury. Make sure that no wet objects (such as a wet hand towel) and no fluids come into contact with the front passenger's seat cushion. If the front passenger's seat becomes wet, dry it immediately. Make sure no electronic devices (such asa laptop or a retrofitted seat heater) are on the front passenger's seat. Do not transport any objects on or under the front passenger's seat.
— Seat covers or protective covers may prevent the advanced airbag system from correctly detecting child safety seats or passengers in the front passenger's seat. You must not use seat covers or protective covers on the front passenger's seat that are not specifically approved for use on Audi seats with an ad- vanced airbag system.
Child safety seats General information
When installing and using child safety seats, follow the information in this Owner's Manual, the applicable state and federal regulations, and the manufacturer instructions for the child safety seat.
You can also obtain useful and current information from the following sources: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration http://www.nhtsa.gov http://www.safercar.gov National SAFE KIDS Campaign http://www.safekids.org SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. http://www.carseat.org Transport Canada Information Centre http:/Awww.te.gc.ca/roadsafety Audi Customer Experience Center https://www.audiusa.com/help/contact-us https://www.audi.ca/ca/web/en/models/layer/ contact.html
IA /ARNING | To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries, children must always be secured in the vehicle with a child safety seat that is appropriate for their body size, weight, and age. — Children ages 12 and under must be transported using the appropriate child safety seat. Note differences in regulations between states and countries.
— Child safety seats secured incorrectly in the vehicle may cause serious or fatal injuries in the event of an accident. Always secure the child safety seat according to the manufacturer instructions.
= Children or babies must not under any circumstances be held on the lap of the driver or other passengers while driving.
— Do not secure more than one child in a child safety seat.
— Never allow a child to sit in a child safety seat unsupervised.
— Never allow children to ride unsecured in the vehicle or to stand or kneel on the seats while driving. In the event of an accident, a child could be propelled through the vehicle. This can cause serious or fatal injuries for the child and passengers.
~ If children use an incorrect seating position while driving, they have a higher risk of
Sitting correctly and safely
injury during a sudden braking maneuver or accident. This especially applies to children in the front passenger's seat or children who have their head near the side airbag deployment area, if the airbag system is deployed during an accident. This incorrect seating position can cause severe or even fatal injuries.
~Make sure there is enough space in front of the child in the child safety seat. If necessary, adjust the angle and position of the seat in front of the child safety seat.
—If you are transporting a child in a rear-facing child safety seat in the rear of the vehicle, remove the Audi Entertainment mobile device from the backrest on the front seat to reduce the risk of injury.
~The rear side of a forward-facing child safety seat should be positioned as close as possible to the backrest on the vehicle seat. If the head restraints make it difficult to install a child safety seat, adjust or remove them if necessary > page 70. Reinstall the head restraints immediately once the child safety seat has been removed.
— Always make sure that the backrest on the seat where the child safety seat is installed is securely locked in place and cannot move forward. Otherwise, the backrest where the child safety seat is secured could move forward in the event of an accident or other emergency situation.
— NEVER use a rear-facing child safety seat on a seat with an ACTIVATED FRONT AIRBAG; this could cause DEATH or SERIOUS INJURIES to a CHILD.
— Always secure child safety seats on the rear seats. If exceptional circumstances require the child safety seat to be placed on the front passenger's seat, then the front passenger's airbag must be deactivated. Always make sure that PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #; stays on while driving. If PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF #; does not turn on, remove the child safety seat and install it again according to the child safety seat manufacturer instructions. If
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF %; still does not turn on, the front passenger's seat must not be used. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility and have the airbag system inspected.
~If you must use a forward-facing child safety seat on the front passenger's seat, move the seat as far back as possible so that it is as far as possible from the front passenger's airbag. While doing this, make sure the seat can be adjusted all the way. A child in a child safety seat on the front passenger's seat can receive a severe impact if the front passenger's airbag deploys, which increases the risk of serious or fatal injury.
—Replace the child safety seat after an accident because there could be damage that is not visible.
~ Even if child is not sitting in the child safety seat, the child safety seat must be secured. An unsecured child safety seat may be thrown through the vehicle interior during sudden braking maneuvers or an accident.
Correct positioning for children Always secure children in a child safety seat designed for the body size, weight, and age of the child. You can secure child safety seats in your vehicle using the lower LATCH anchors or the safety belts. You can also secure child safety seats to the top tether anchor. Depending on the child safety seat, it may also be necessary to secure it to the top tether anchor. In Canada, securing forward-facing child safety seats to the top tether anchors is required by law. Always transport children in the rear seats Accident statistics show that children that are secured correctly in the rear seats are safer than in front seats. Always transport children in suitable child safety seats secured on the rear seats.
Sitting correctly and safely
In exceptional circumstances: transporting children in the front passenger's seat If exceptional circumstances require the child safety seat to be placed on the front passenger's seat, then the front passenger's airbag must be deactivated. Please note the important information for this @ page 79, Advanced airbag system. Ifyou must secure a forward-facing child safety seat, move the front passenger's seat as far back as possible so that it is as far as possible from the front passenger's airbag. While doing this, make sure the seat can be adjusted all the way. Only switch to a larger child safety seat when absolutely necessary
Switch to a larger child safety seat only when absolutely necessary. Secure your child using a safety belt without a child safety seat only if all of the following statements are true: — The child is large enough to sit upright in the
seat — The child is able to sit with his or her back resting completely on the seat backrest — The child is able to sit with his or her knees
bent over the edge of the seat surface — The child is able to sit with both of his or her
feet completely touching the floor in the footwell
—The lap portion of the safety belt lies flat and securely over the hip area and never over the stomach
— The shoulder portion of the safety belt lies flat and securely over the center of the shoulder and the chest, and never under the arm, behind the back, or over the neck or face.
— The child is able to maintain this seating position throughout the entire trip
Read and follow the important information and warnings regarding the correct use of safety belts page 72.
= Child safety seats can also be secured to seats with side airbags. In the event of an accident, children can also be protected by the side airbags if the child is correctly secured in a suitable child safety seat that is attached correctly.
~The lower LATCH anchors as well as the safety belt may be required to correctly install some child safety seats. Using both at the same time is permitted, provided that the fastening systems or safety belts do not impair those in an adjacent seating position.
~All child safety seats are constructed so that they can be secured using the lap safety belt in the vehicle.
Securing child safety seats to the lower LATCH anchors
Fig. 72 Third row rear bench seat: lower LATCH anchors
Observe the safety precautions @ page 87. In the United States and Canada, child safety seats can be secured without safety belts using the LATCH system. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, similar systems are called UCRA, LUAS, or UAS. The lower LATCH anchors in your vehicle are located on the second and third row seats, between the seat surface and the backrest. These seating locations each have two lower LATCH anchors that can be used to secure a LATCH child safety >
Sitting correctly and safely
seat. The marked points with a symbol are located on the cushions fig. 77 or the covers fig. 72 for the lower LATCH anchors. You can locate the LATCH anchors using the marking points. > Applies to: vehicles with a rear bench seat that
can be moved forward/back: If you are securing a child safety seat in the second row, move the rear seat all the way back.
> Activate the child safety lock page 45.
» Ifyou are securing a child safety seat in the second row, remove the cushion between the seat surface and the backrest.
» Ifyou are securing a child safety seat in the third row, remove the cover on both LATCH anchors.
» Ifyou secure a child safety seat to the rear seat, secure any unused safety belts that are within reach of the child A\ in Securing child safety seats with a safety belt on page 85.
» Secure the child safety seat according to the child safety seat manufacturer instructions.
» Pull on the child safety seat to check if both sides are engaged correctly in the LATCH anchors.
» If possible, also secure the child safety seat to the respective top tether anchor on the seat page 85.
The LATCH anchors in the vehicle are only designed for child safety seats with the LATCH system. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, never secure other child restraint systems, belts, or objects to the anchors.
The LATCH anchors are designed for a total weight (child and child safety seat combined) up to 65 lbs (29 kg). If the total weight is greater than this, the child safety seat must be secured with the vehicle safety belt.
Securing child safety seats with a safety belt Observe the safety precautions page 87. The front passenger's seat is a dangerous location for
B84
a child, even with an advanced airbag system. If exceptional circumstances require the child safety seat to be placed on the front passenger's seat, then the front passenger's airbag must be deactivated. Please note the important information for this > page 82, Correct positioning for children and > page 79, Advanced airbag system. Securing child safety seats
» Applies to: vehicles with a rear bench seat that
can be moved forward/back: If you are securing a child safety seat in the second row, move the rear seat all the way back.
» Activate the child safety lock > page 45.
» If you secure a child safety seat to the rear seat, secure any unused safety belts that are within reach of the child > A\, page 86.
» If you secure a child safety seat to the front passenger's seat, adjust the front passenger's seat to the highest position.
» Secure the child safety seat according to the child safety seat manufacturer instructions.
» If necessary, activate the belt retractor lock > page 84, Activating the belt retractor lock.
» If the child safety seat is secured on the front passenger's seat, adjust the front passenger's. seat backrest until it rests flat against the child safety seat. Also make sure that the upper safety belt fixture is behind the child safety seat.
> Ifyou secure a child safety seat on the rear seat, also secure it to the correct top tether anchor if possible > page 85.
Activating the belt retractor lock
Ifyou secure a child safety seat using the vehicle safety belt, you must activate the belt retractor lock. Follow the child safety seat manufacturer instructions.
The belt retractor lock prevents the safety belt from becoming loose while driving, which could result in the child safety seat no longer being adequately secured.
» Secure the child safety seat according to the child safety seat manufacturer instructions. While doing so, pull out the safety belt. Insert the safety belt into the belt latch that belongs to that seat until it audibly locks.
18 G.
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» Pull the upper belt out completely and then allow it to retract. You will hear a clicking sound while the belt is retracting. It will not be possible to pull the safety belt out any farther.
» Push the child safety seat into the seat and allow the belt to retract more.
» Make sure that the child safety seat cannot move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Deactivating the belt retractor lock
» Unbuckle the safety belt from the belt latch.
» Remove the child safety seat according to the manufacturer instructions.
> Allow the safety belt to retract completely. The belt retractor lock is deactivated.
~A safety belt that is not locked by the belt retractor lock or a locking device cannot secure a child safety seat while driving or in the event of an accident, which increases the risk of fatal injury. Always make sure the belt retractor lock on the safety belt is activated if the child safety seat manufacturer instructions require it.
— Due to the risk of fatal injury, never place a rear-facing child safety seat on the front passenger's seat when the front passenger's airbag is switched on.
—For the child safety seat to offer the maximum protection, it is especially important to route the vehicle safety belt correctly. Always follow the instructions from the child safety seat manufacturer for routing the safety belt correctly. Incorrectly fastened safety belts can cause injuries, even during minor accidents.
Fig. 73 @ Second row rear bench seat /@ third row rear bench seat: top tether anchors for securing a child safety seat with an upper strap
Fig. 74 Rear backrest: securing the upper belt to the top tether anchor
Observe the safety precautions page 87. There is a top tether anchor behind every seat in the rear bench seat to additionally secure a child safety seat with an upper belt.
» Move the head restraint behind the child safety
seat upward.
» Secure the child safety seat according to the
child safety seat manufacturer instructions.
» Guide the upper belt on the child safety seat under the head restraint or along both sides of >
8s
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it and toward the rear (depending on the child safety seat model).
» Fasten the belt to the top tether anchor fig. 74. While doing this, make sure the belt is not twisted and is not running over any sharp edges.
» Pull the belt tightly so that the child safety seat rests at the top of the seat backrest.
» If necessary, move the head restraint behind the child safety seat downward.
» Activate the belt retractor lock on the fastened safety belts. To do this, pull the upper belt out completely and then allow it to retract. You will hear a clicking sound while the belt is retracting. It will not be possible to pull the safety belt out any farther.
» Make sure the fastened safety belt does not block access to the LATCH anchors. Otherwise, it may not be possible to secure the child safety seat to the LATCH anchors correctly.
The top tether anchors in the vehicle are only designed for child safety seats equipped with an upper strap. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, never secure other child restraint systems, belts, or objects to the anchors.
Securing unused safety belts on t bench seat
Fig. 75 Second row rear bench seat: securing safety belts that are not used
Ifa child safety seat is used on the rear bench seat, the child must not be able to reach any safety belts that are not being used. Secure safety belts that are within reach of the child.
» Ifyou secure a child safety seat to the LATCH anchors in the second row, fasten the safety belt on the seat where the child safety seat is installed using the seat's safety belt latch.
» Ifyou secure a child safety seat to the LATCH anchors in the third row, fasten the safety belt on the seat where the child safety seat is installed using the seat's safety belt latch.
» Ifyou secure a child safety seat to one of the outer seats in the second row, fasten the safety belt for the center seat in its latch.
A child in a child safety seat could play with the unused safety belts and then become entangled in them, which increases the risk of fatal injury. Always secure unused safety belts so that they are not within reach of children in child safety seats.
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