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2023 Audi R8 Owners Manual - Exterior lighting



Exterior lighting

Switching the lights on and off


Light switch
Turn the switch to the corresponding position. When the lights are switched on, the symbol turns on.

O - lights are off (in some markets, the daytime running lights* are switched on when the ignition is switched on.)

— USA models: the daytime running lights are automatically switched on when the ignition is switched on and the light switch is set to the O or the AUTO position (only in daylight). The Daytime running lights can be switched on and off in the MMI.
— Canada models: the daytime running lights switch on automatically when the ignition is switched on and the light switch is set to the O position, or the AUTO position (only in daylight) .

AUTO* - automatic headlights switch on and off depending on brightness, for example in twilight, during rain or in tunnels.

 - Parking lights

 - Low beam headlights

Buttons
When you turn the light switch to the AUTO or low beam headlight position , you can activate the following functions:

- 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*

Light functions
The following light functions are available depending on vehicle equipment and only function when the light switch is in the AUTO position.

Static cornering light - the cornering light switches on automatically when the steering wheel is turned at a certain angle at speeds up to approximately 44 mph (70 km/h), and when the turn signal is activated at speeds up to approximately 25 mph (40 km/h). The area to the side of the vehicle is illuminated better when turning.

Intersection lighting: on vehicles with a naviga- tion system*, intersections can be illuminated.

WARNING
— 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 under these weather conditions and when driving in the dark 20.
—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.
— If the battery has been discharging for a while, the parking light may switch off automatically. Always make sure your vehicle is parked and adequately illuminated according to the legal regulations in the country where you are operating the vehicle. Avoid using the parking lights for several hours.

Tips
—When using lighting equipment, the driver is responsible for adhering to any local applicable regulations while driving and when parking the vehicle.
— The light sensor for the automatic headlights* is in the rearview mirror mount. Do not place any stickers in this area on the windshield.
— Some exterior lighting functions can be adjusted
— In some markets, the tail lights will switch on when the daytime running lights switch 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.

Laser lighting


Applies to: vehicles with laser lighting

The laser high beams increase the range of the headlights.

The LED high beam is controlled by the high beam assistant.

Activating high beam assistant
Requirement: the light switch must be set to AUTO, the low beams must be switched on and the high beam assistant must be switched on in the Infotainment system.

  • to activate the high beam assistant, press the lever (3). The indicator light appears in the Infotainment system display and the high beams switch on/off automatically. The indicator light turns on if the high beams were switched on.

Technical changes to LED headlights have significantly increased the range. An additional module integrated in the headlight converts a blue laser light into a white light using a luminescent material. The headlight contains a class 2 laser. A converter transforms the laser beam so that there is no danger when it is used for its intended purpose.

The following symbol in the instrument cluster indicates when the laser lights in the high beam headlights are activated: .

WARNING
Every repair procedure on the headlights must be performed by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility that will perform work according to Audi factory specifications. Incorrect repairs could result in eye injury, impair the function and may void the vehicle's operating license. Opening the laser module is not permitted and could cause permanent damage to the eyes.
— Laser radiation emitted from the headlamp was classified according to IEC 60825-1:2007
— The accessible emission is below the limit for laser class 2*.
— Maximum radiant power: 5 W (continuous wave), wavelength: A= 400 nm - 700 nm
— Lighting functions of the headlamp were evaluated according to IEC 62471
— The radiation emitted from the headlamp is classified as Risk Group 2**
— Hazardous laser radiation exposure could occur if any covers or housings are removed .

Note
Your vehicle is equipped with maintenancefree headlights. However, if there is a malfunction of the headlight, please contact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
—The headlight assembly should not be serviced and no maintenance should be performed.
—The entire unit must be replaced in the event that the headlamp assembly is not working properly.

Tips
The LED high beam is controlled by the high beam assistant. The laser high beams switch on approximately one second after activating the LED high beams if the following requirements are met
— The low beam headlight must be switched to the AUTO light switch position.
— The laser high beam is switched on starting at speeds of 44 mph (70 km/h).
—The laser beam is switched back off when the speed decreases below 30 mph (50 km/h) or when the headlight assistant switches the LED headlights off.

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 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.

WARNING
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.

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 light switch must be set to AUTO, the low beams must be switched on and the high beam assistant must be switched on in the Infotainment system

  • To activate the high beam assistant, press the lever forward (3).The in dicator light appears in the Infotainment system display and the high beams switch on/off automatically. The indicator light turns on if the high beams were switched on.

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

  • To switch the high beams on manually, press the lever into position (3).
    The indicator light will turn on.
  • To switch the high beams off manually, pull the lever back (4). The high beam assistant is deactivated.

Operating the headlight flasher

  • To operate the headlight flasher when the high beam assistant is activated and high beams are switched off, pull the lever back (4). The high beam assistant remains active.

WARNING
High beam assistant is only intended to assist the driver. They do not relieve the driver of responsibility to check the headlights and to turn them on manually based on the current light and visibility conditions. It may be necessary to operate them manually in situations such as:
— In adverse weather conditions such as fog, heavy rain, blowing snow or spraying water.
— On roads where oncoming traffic may be partially obscured, such as expressways.
— When there are road users that do not have sufficient lighting, such as bicyclers or vehicles with dirty tail lamps.
—In tight curves and on steep hills.
— In poorly lit areas.
— With strong reflectors, such as signs.
— If the area of the windshield near the sensor is fogged over, dirty, icy or covered with a sticker.

Tips
—The high beam assistant is deactivated if you manually switch the high beam high beam headlights on or off (3) instead of waiting for the system to do it automatically.
— 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.

  • Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] button > Vehicle > left control button > Vehicle settings > 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 according to the sensitivity of the light sensor.

Headlight assistant - You can switch the high beam assistant on and off. On vehicles with laser high beams, the laser light can be activated or deactivated.

Daytime running lights

USA models: the daytime running lights can be switched on or off using the MMI. Select On or 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 the light switch is in the AUTO position. The front and rear daytime running lights* switch on automatically each time the vehicle is unlocked regardless of how bright it is outside the vehicle.

Emergency flashers


The emergency flashers makes other drivers aware of your vehicle in dangerous situations.

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

 When the emergency flashers are turned on, the 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 in a 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 message indicates the location of the bulb. Replace the bulb immediately.

Vehicle lights: malfunction! Please contact Service

There is a malfunction in the headlights or the light switch. 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.

Automatic headlights: malfunction! See owner's manual

The light/rain sensor is malfunctioning.

The low beams remain switched on at all times for safety reasons when the light switch is in the AUTO position. However, you can continue to turn the lights on and off using the light switch. 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

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

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

The camera view is blocked, for example by a sticker or debris.

The sensor is located between the interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do not place any stickers in this area on the windshield.


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