eSelf Study Program 990263

The 2017 A4 Introduction

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Audi of America, LLC
Service Training
Created in the U.S.A.
Created 12/2015
Course Number 990263
©2015 Audi of America, LLC
All rights reserved. Information contained in this manual is based on
the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to
the copyright and other intellectual property rights of Audi of America,
LLC., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to
make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording
or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other
sites without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.
All requests for permission to copy and redistribute information should
be referred to Audi of America, LLC.
Always check Technical Bulletins and the latest electronic service repair
literature for information that may supersede any information included
in this booklet.

This eSSP contains video links which you
can use to access interactive media.

Revision 1:12/2015
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Introduction ..................................................................................... 1
Dimensions .............................................................................................................................................................4

Body.................................................................................................. 6
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................................6
Body structure .......................................................................................................................................................6
Attachments ..........................................................................................................................................................10
Seating systems .....................................................................................................................................................12

Occupant protection.......................................................................... 14
Passive safety .........................................................................................................................................................14
Active safety ...........................................................................................................................................................20

Engines.............................................................................................. 21
Fuel tank .................................................................................................................................................................22

Power transmission........................................................................... 26
Overview .................................................................................................................................................................26
7-speed dual clutch transmission 0CK/0CL – S tronic .......................................................................................32
park-by-wire (PBW) parking lock ..........................................................................................................................36

Running gear..................................................................................... 49
Overall concept ......................................................................................................................................................49
Axles and wheel alignment ...................................................................................................................................50
Suspension with electronic damper control (1BL) .............................................................................................53
Brake system ..........................................................................................................................................................56
Steering system .....................................................................................................................................................59
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ..............................................................................................................................63
Wheels and tires ....................................................................................................................................................64

Electrical system............................................................................... 66
Installation locations of control modules ...........................................................................................................66
Topology .................................................................................................................................................................68
Surround cameras .................................................................................................................................................70

Infotainment..................................................................................... 76
MMI .........................................................................................................................................................................76

Climate control.................................................................................. 77
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................................77
Climate control housing ........................................................................................................................................78
Steering wheel heating .........................................................................................................................................79

Service............................................................................................... 80
Inspection and maintenance ................................................................................................................................80

Self-study programs.......................................................................... 81
Knowledge assessment..................................................................... 82

This eSelf Study Program teaches a basic knowledge of the design and functions of new models,
new automotive components or technologies.
It is not a Repair Manual! All values given are intended as a guideline only.
For maintenance and repair work, always refer to the current technical literature.

Note

Reference

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Introduction
The A4 family and its predecessor the Audi 80 have been
technological innovators and true winners for many
decades. The new Audi A4 sedan features numerous highend technologies which set higher benchmarks for its class.
These features combine elegant design with an innovative
operating concept, systematic lightweight construction and
new, efficient drivetrain solutions. The Audi A4 sedan is
also ahead of its peers in terms of infotainment and assistance systems.

In terms of aerodynamics, the new model dramatically out
paces the competition. The Audi A4 sedan has a drag coefficient of 0.23. Even the rear design plays a pivotal role in
terms of aerodynamics. On the new Audi A4 sedan, the
lines of the rear trunk lid ensure that the air flow is smooth.
As a result of these changes, Audi drivers can look forward
to a truly high-tech experience - an innovative synthesis of
technology and aesthetics.

When it comes to interior dimensions, the new Audi A4
sedan is ahead of its predecessors in almost every aspect.
The passenger compartment offers a feeling of genuine
spaciousness. The design features underscore this impression, as its clear architecture is strictly focused on horizontal lines.

Learning objectives of this eSelf-Study Program:
This Self Study Program describes the design and functioning of the Audi A4. When completed, you will be able to
answer questions on the following topics:

•
•
•
•
•
•

New features of the body.
New features of the occupant protection system.
New power transmission features.
New chassis features.
Function of the surround camera.
New features of the climate control system.

1

Engine (at model introduction)
• 2.0l R4 TFSI engine 252 hp (188 kW)
Other engine versions will become available at a later date.

Headlights
Depending on trim level, the A4 can be equipped with
either xenon plus or LED headlight technology.

Assistance systems
The following systems are optionally available:
• Adaptive cruise control (Stop & go including traffic jam assist)
• Predictive efficiency assist
• Audi active lane assist
• Audi side assist
• Park assist
• Rear cross traffic assist
• Exit warning
• Turning assist
• Evasion assist
• Camera based traffic sign recognition
• Audi pre sense city, basic and rear

2

Climate control
A three-zone automatic climate control system with separate rear controls is
standard equipment on the new A4. Temperature displays are integrated
into the rotary dials. When one of the capacitive rocker switches is
approached by a finger, its function is shown enlarged on the LCD display
and selected.

Displays and operation
The focal point of the operating system is the optional MMI all-in-touch
control unit with a full touch surface. The Audi virtual cockpit and
Head-up display are standard equipment on the Prestige model.

Body
Hot-stamped components form the high-strength, backbone of the occupant cell. They strengthen the transition from the front end to the passenger
compartment, the frontal area of the roof frame, the ‘B’ pillars, the side sills
and parts of the floorpan.
The module cross member under the instrument panel is made of extruded
and sheet aluminum, while the front cross member is an extruded profile. In
addition, the nodes in the upper ends of the ‘D’ pillars are made of die-cast
aluminum. The rear trunk lid is also aluminum.

LED Taillights
The dynamic rear turn signals use a series of light
diodes switched sequentially from inside to outside
in the direction of turn, clearly signaling the car’s
direction to other road users.

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Power transmission

Suspension

At model introduction, the A4 will be equipped with a 7-speed S tronic dual
clutch transmission. This will be used in both the front wheel drive and
quattro models.

The A4 now has electro-mechanical steering in addition to the newly developed five-link front and rear axles. The optional Audi adaptive suspension
now has a central control module to help ensure ideal interaction between
the driving conditions and system function. With the use of Audi drive
select, ride dynamics can also be tailored by the driver.

3

Audi A4

56.2 in (1427 mm)

Dimensions

Audi A4
37.8 in
(985 mm)

61.9 in (1572 mm)

61.2 in (1555 mm)

72.5 in (1842 mm)

79.6 in (2022 mm)
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mm
)
953
in (

26.9 in
(684 mm)

37.
5

40.

4 in

(10

26

mm 1
)

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34.6 in880
(880 mm)

111.0 in (2820 mm)

40.4 in (1026 mm)

186.1 in (4726 mm)
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4

39.4 in
(1000 mm)

54.5 in (1384 mm) 2)

56.9 in (1446 mm) 2)

55.9 in (1421 mm) 3)

58.1 in (1476 mm) 2)

42.5/41.3 in
(1081/1050 mm)4)

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Exterior dimensions and weights

Inner dimensions and other specifications

Length

186.1 in (4726 mm)

Front cabin width

58.1 in (1476 mm)2)

Width
(not including exterior mirrors)

72.5 in (1842 mm)

Front shoulder width

55.9 in (1421 mm)3)

Width
(including exterior mirrors)

79.6 in (2022 mm)

Rear cabin width

57.7 in (1466 mm)2)

Rear shoulder width

54.5 in (1384 mm)3)

Height

56.2 in (1427 mm)

Load sill height

684/6344)

Front track width

61.9 in (1572 mm)

Trunk capacity

16.9 cu ft (480 l)

Rear track width

61.2 in (1555 mm)

Drag coefficient cw

0.23

Capacity of fuel tank

15.3 /14.3 gal (58l / 54l)4)

Wheelbase

111.0 in (2820 mm)

Curb weight

3152.6 lb (1430 kg)

Gross vehicle weight

4475.3 lb (2030 kg)

Maximum headroom
Elbow room width
3)
Shoulder room width
4)
Front wheel drive /quattro drive
1)
2)

All dimensions refer to the unladen weight of the vehicle.
5

Body
Introduction
The A4 sedan has a multi-material design. This lightweight
construction concept utilizes die-cast aluminum components in addition to regular sheet-metal parts.
A decisive factor in modern body construction is the lightness and rigidity of the body structure as a whole. The
bodies of the Audi A4 incorporate die-cast aluminum components in addition to soft, high-strength, modern highstrength and ultra-high-strength sheet-steel components.

Body structure
Ultra-high-strength hot-stamped components are used in
the following areas:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Front frame side member.
Front side member reinforcement.
Bulkhead (tunnel bridge).
‘A’ pillar.
‘B’ pillar.
Inner chassis rail (sill).
Upper tunnel reinforcement.
Rear frame side member.

Key:

Die-cast aluminum
Aluminum profile
Ultra-high-strength steel (hot-stamped)
Advanced high-strength steel
High-strength steel
Soft steel
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Due to geometrical lightweight construction and an intelligent material mix, the body of the Audi A4 is 33.0 lb (15
kg) lighter than the previous version of the Audi A4.

Ultra-high-strength steel (hot-stamped)
Hot-stamped components form the high-strength, backbone of the occupant cell. They strengthen the transition
from the front end to the passenger compartment, the
frontal area of the roof frame (‘A’ pillar), the ‘B’ pillars, the
lower beams and parts of the floorpan. They constitute
17% of the body structure.

Special care must be taken when handling hot-stamped
steel during repairs to the body. This material must not be
straightened or reshaped, even if the deformation is only
minimal, due to its high yield strength and rebound characteristics.
Special attention was given to service solutions during the
development of the body structure. This means that
damaged components are replaced fully or partially at
specially designated parting cut areas.

Sectional repairs may be performed on the following hotstamped components:
• ‘A’ pillars.
• ‘B’ pillars.

All other hot-stamped components must, if damaged, be
completely replaced to manufacturer specifications. High
heat input into the welding area would irreversibly compromise the strength and structure of the component through
micro-structural changes in the material.

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7

Outer skin
The A4 sedan has a steel outer skin. The attachments are
also made of steel. Only the bumper impact beams and the
rear trunk lid of the Audi A4 are made of aluminum. The
rear lid is deep-drawn in the press using what is known as
an "intelligent" tool process.

Laser sensors measure how the sheet metal behaves during
the shaping process. If necessary, electrically operated
drawing aids make small adjustments to the press. This
results in even higher precision to the stamped component.

Outer skin of the A4 sedan
Sheet aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Aluminum profile
Ultra-high-strength steel (hot-stamped)
Advanced high-strength steel
High-strength steel
Soft steel

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8

Aluminum castings
The aluminum castings in the vehicle structure are joined
to the adjacent sheet-metal parts by punch riveting and
structural adhesive. The adhesive also serves to insulate
both materials from one another, thus preventing contact
corrosion.

Specific repair solutions have been developed for repairing
damage to these aluminum castings and adjoining sheetsteel parts. Straightening and reshaping work is not permitted in the area of these components.

Structural integration of the spring strut
The front spring strut mounts are die-cast aluminum components. Compared with sheet-steel components, which
are welded together out of several parts, they reduce
weight in the Audi A4 by a total of 17.6 lb (8.0 kg). This
design allows a very stiff connection between the upper
wishbones and the car body helping to ensure optimal
conditions for driving dynamics.

Side member, wheel arch upper end
(fender stay)

Spring strut mount

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9

Attachments
Door handles
The kinematics of the door handles on the Audi A4 have
been modified.

This results in an action which is anatomically adapted to
the movement of the hand and provides better ergonomics
when opening the door.

Door handles typically move in a horizontal direction only.
The 2017 A4 door handle now swivels approximately 30°
upwards.

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10

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Active radiator louver
(not available at vehicle introduction)

The Audi A4 may be equipped with an active cooling air
intake system which improves aerodynamics and assists the
thermal management system.

Three positions are possible depending on input variables
such as coolant temperature, engine temperature and transmission temperature.

Unlike the Audi Q7, the A4 features a split active cooling air
intake system. The upper and lower louvers can be activated separately.

• Both louvers closed.
• The lower unit open and the upper unit closed (to ensure
earlier air flow through the charge air cooler).
• Both louvers open.
The lower louver does not have a bottom shutter plate. This
ensures a continuous, forced flow of air through the charge
air cooler. Both louvers are open at speeds over 99.4 mph
(160 km/h).

Upper radiator louver

Lower radiator louver

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Sunroof
A conventional glass sliding sunroof is standard for the A4
models.
Sedan

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11

Seating systems
The Audi A4 has eight-way power front seats as standard
equipment on the Premium model while the eight-way
power seats of the Premium plus and Prestige models have
the additional memory function as standard.

To enhance seating comfort, there is an adjustable center
armrest between the front seats, two cup holders and large
door pockets for storage.

Standard front seat
Head restraints with manual adjustment