Steering Angle Sensor
G85

Data exchange
with the Airbag
Control Module
J234

Signal processing: Data via
Data Bus on Board Diagnostic
Interface
J533

FlexRay
Engine Control Module J623
Terminal 30
Terminal 31
Terminal 30 supply,
steering wheel heater
Terminal 31 supply,
steering wheel heater

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79

Audi drive select
Controllable systems
Audi drive select enables numerous vehicle systems to be
configured by the driver; from defining a certain mode for
all systems or configuring the adaption of certain systems
individually.

Steering assistance, the transmission characteristics,
engine performance and suspension control can be influenced through Audi select. The underlined systems can be
influenced in “individual” mode.

Adaptive cruise control
Interior sound

Automatic transmission

Engine

Start-stop system

Matrix LED headlights*

Climate control system
Damper control
Efficiency assist
Electromechanical steering system
Audi pre sense
Background lighting

*Not available at launch

80

Sport differential
Dynamic all-wheel-drive steering

Adaptive suspension
Exhaust flap
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81

Driving modes
It is possible to switch between the driving modes when
the vehicle is stationary or while driving on the condition
that Terminal 15 is switched on. To activate a new mode for
the engine, the driver must allow the accelerator pedal to
return briefly to the idle position.
››
In the Audi A8, the driver can select between the following
drive modes:

"individual" mode

comfort mode provides a comfort-oriented setup and is, for
example, suitable for long motorway trips.

The driver has three adjustment options for each group. All
vehicle systems within a group have the same operating
characteristic. The four groups and the corresponding
vehicle systems are listed below.

auto mode provides a comfortable yet dynamic overall
driving feel and is well suited to everyday use.

In individual mode the vehicle systems are subdivided into
four groups:
›› Driveline
›› Steering
›› Suspension
›› Engine sound

dynamic mode conveys a sporty driving feel to the driver
and is suited to a sporty driving style.
In addition, the car setup can be customized in individual
mode.

Drive group:
Settings: balanced, dynamic
Users:
›› Engine
›› Start-stop system
›› Automatic transmission
›› Sport differential
›› Efficiency assist
Steering group:
Settings: comfortable, balanced, dynamic
Users:
›› EPS
›› Dynamic all-wheel-drive steering
Suspension group:
Settings: comfortable, balanced, dynamic
Users:
›› Damper control
›› Adaptive suspension
Engine sound group:
Settings: subdued, balanced, pronounced
Users:
›› Interior sound
›› Exhaust flaps

82

Functional features
›› The profile assigned to the car key and the individual
settings are loaded after Terminal 15 is switched on.
›› To activate the newly selected mode for the engine, the
accelerator must be briefly released (idle position) or
briefly pushed down into the full throttle position.
›› To activate the newly selected mode for the steering, the
steering wheel must also be moved into the straightahead position (zero position).
›› In some models, top speed is only available in the auto
and dynamic driving modes.
›› In dynamic mode, transmission position S is selected
automatically.
›› The start-stop system is generally activated when the
vehicle is running in efficiency mode.
Certain systems (for example, engine, transmission, startstop system) always revert to a defined state after Terminal
15 is cycled on/off. The transmission returns to “D”, startstop system is activated), regardless of which profile is
active. These users remain unchanged until a new profile is
selected.

Displays and operation
The Audi drive select system can be adjusted by pushing
the Audi drive select button in Switch Module in Instrument Panel, Center EX22 in the center console or via Front
Information Display Control Head J685.

The options menu containing the five selectable drive
modes as well as a selection of vehicle systems compatible
with individual mode is visible on the MMI display. The
mode currently selected is also displayed in the Audi virtual
cockpit.

Display and operation via Front Information Display Control Head J685

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Switch Module in Instrument Panel, Center EX22

Drive select button

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83

Exterior lighting
Operation
Light Switch E1
General description
The 2019 A8 has a new operating concept for the light
switch. A light switch module replaces the previously used
rotary light switch. However, the service designation Light
Switch E1 remains unchanged. The light switch module is
located to the left of the steering column on the instrument panel. Light Switch E1 is a LIN slave of the Vehicle
Electrical System Control Module J519.

There are two versions:
›› Standard light switch module with three mechanical
buttons.
›› Optional light switch module with sensor foil.
The light switch module with sensor foil is optional It has a
glossy finish and provides tactile feedback when the
buttons are pushed.

Standard light switch module

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1.

Hardware or software button for the
light functions:
AUTO, low beam,
side lights, OFF

2.

Hardware or software button for the
all-weather lights
(minimizes selfblinding effect, for
example, on wet
roads)

3.

Hardware or
software button
for the rear fog
light function

Operating concept
The default3) setting of the light switch module is "AUTO".
This means that the "AUTO" position is selected automatically after each Terminal 15 on/off cycle. Functions such as
high beam assist, matrix beam and the laser lights can be
only be used in this position.
If the button is pressed once, the low beam is activated.

When the button is pressed again, the side lights are activated if the vehicle is travelling at a speed of less than 6.2
mph (10 km/h).
Pressing the button again deactivates all light functions if
vehicle is travelling at a speed of less than 6.2 mph (10
km/h).
If the "Side lights" or "OFF" switch position has been
selected and the vehicle exceeds a speed of 6.2 mph (10
km/h), the "AUTO" position is selected automatically.

3)

84

default = preset or standard value or status

Light switch module with sensor foil
The light switch module with sensor foil is distinguishable
by its glossy finish and the seamless transitions between
the individual user interfaces. There is a pressure-sensitive
sensor foil behind the touch-sensitive surface of the user
interface. When pressure is detected by this sensor foil, the
corresponding function is switched on or off. A small loudspeaker and an electric motor are integrated in the light
switch module. The loudspeaker generates a sound and
thus provides audible feedback.

The small electric motor provides tactile feedback by shifting the user interface slightly sideways. To the user, this
feels and sounds like he is pressing a switch. This principle
is applied not only to the light switch module but also to
Front Information Display Control Head J685, Front Information Display Control Head 2 J1060 and Switch Module in
Instrument Panel, Center EX22. The user can deactivate
audible and tactile feedback for both displays in the corresponding MMI menu, but not for light switch module and
the switch panel.

Light switch module with sensor foil

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Setting the exterior lighting

Coming home / leaving home

Depending on trim level, the exterior lighting can be
adjusted in the MMI menu "Lights & vision - Exterior lighting".

The conditions for this function are that darkness has been
detected by the light sensor and that this function has been
enabled in the MMI by the user. If these conditions apply,
the headlights and tail lights are activated when the vehicle
is locked and unlocked.

The sensitivity of the light sensor and the activation points
"early", "medium" and "late" can be selected for the auto
headlights.
High beam assist, the laser lights and the entry/exit lights
can be selected and deselected in the MMI. If high beam
assist has been deselected in the MMI, the high beam can
only be switched on and off manually using the operating
stalk. In this case, the laser lights are not functional.

The light functions which are now activated are dependent
on trim level. In the following table the light functions for
the entry/exit lights are assigned to the corresponding
headlight version.

Headlight version

Lighting functions

LED headlights

Low beam + side lights + tail lights

Matrix LED headlights (not available at launch)

Low beam + side lights + tail lights

Matrix LED headlights with laser lights (S8 only)

Low beam + staggered activation of the side lights and tail lights

Reference
Further information on operating and setting the exterior lighting can be found in the vehicle Owner’s Manual.

85

Headlights
Headlight versions
The 2019 A8 can be equipped with the following headlight
versions: the following headlight versions:
›› LED headlights (ECE1) and SAE2)).
›› Matrix LED headlights* (ECE1) and SAE2)).
›› Matrix LED headlights with laser lights (S8 only - ECE1)
and SAE2)).

General description
Only LEDs or laser diodes are used as light sources for the
headlights of the Audi A8. The headlights are connected to
the vehicle body by adjusting elements. This allows the
headlights to be aligned exactly with the other parts of the
body. The bumper cover must be removed before removing
the headlights. In the event of damage to the upper and
inner headlight attachments, repair tabs can be attached to
the headlight housing.

The parts marked "Service" in the detailed illustration can
be replaced individually in case of damage. Due to the fact
that adaptive suspension is installed as standard, it was
possible to eliminate headlight range control in all headlight versions.

LED headlights PR no. 8IT + 8G1
The figure shows the left headlight in the ECE1) version.

Left Light Control Module
J1018
"Service"

Left LED Headlamp Power Output
Module 1
A31
"Service"

High beam

Turning lights / all-weather
lights

Low beam

Turn
signal

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Left Daytime Running Lamp and Position Lamp LED Module
L176
"Service"

*Not available at launch

86

1)

ECE = for the European market

2)

SAE = for the North American Region

Matrix LED headlight* PR no. 8IT + 8G5
The figure shows the left headlight in the ECE1) version.

Left Light Control Module
J1018
"Service"
Left LED Headlamp Power Output
Module 1
A31
"Service"

Turning lights / all-weather lights

Left Matrix Headlamp Power
Output Module
A44
"Service"

Daytime running lights
and turn signals

Left Headlamp Fan
V407
"Service"

Low beam

Left Daytime Running Lamp and
Position Lamp LED Module
L176
"Service"

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Matrix LED headlight* PR no. 8IZ + 8G5
The figure shows the left headlight in the ECE1) version.

Left Light Control Module
J1018
"Service"
Left LED Headlamp Power Output
Module 1
A31 "Service"

Turning lights / all-weather
lights
Left Matrix Headlamp Power
Output Module
A44
"Service"

Laser lights

Daytime running lights
and turn signals

Left Headlamp Fan
V407
"Service"

Low beam

Left Daytime Running Lamp
and Position Lamp LED
Module
L176 "Service"

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*Not available at launch
Note
For information on installation and removal as well as the corresponding spare part numbers, please refer to ElsaPro or
ETKA.
87

LED headlights
The figure shows the ECE1) version
Turn signals

Daytime running lights

Low beam

Side lights

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Light functions:
››
››
››
››
››
››
››

88

Daytime running lights.
Side lights.
Low beam.
High beam.
All-weather lights.
Turn signals.
Side marker light (SAE2) not shown).

All-weather lights

High beam

Special features of the light functions

Service

When the light switch is in the "AUTO" position, the
daytime running lights and the side lights are not active
until the vehicle is travelling at a speed of greater than 6.2
mph (10 km/h). The daytime running lights in the ECE1)
version are dimmed to side lights level for the duration of
the turn signalling cycle (in the SAE2) version they are
switched off). The side lights remain activated in both
versions.

The control units attached to the exterior of the headlight
housing can be replaced if faulty. It is not possible to
replace individual lamps.
Equipment
The LED headlights are combined as standard with high
beam assist. A headlight washer system (PR no. 8X1) is
optional.

Activation of the LED headlights
Schematic diagram of the left headlight

Low beam
High beam

Left LED Headlamp Power
Output Module 1
A31

Left Light Control Module
J1018

Daytime running lights
Side lights

All-weather lights

Side marker light (SAE2))
Turn signals

Comfort/convenience
systems CAN 2

Vehicle Electrical System Control Module
J519

Driver Assistance Systems
Control Module
J1121

Driver Assistance Systems
Front Camera
R242

FlexRay
Sub-bus (private CAN)
LVDS
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Activation

High beam assist

Vehicle Electrical System Control Module J519 communicates with Left/Right Power Modules 1 A31/A2. A31/A27
as well as Left/Right Light Control Modules J1018/J1023
via a sub-bus system. A331/A27 for the LED headlights are
responsible for activating the LEDs for the low beam, the
high beam and the all-weather lights. The modules have
self diagnostic capability and can be accessed via Address
Words D6 and D7 respectively.

Driver Assistance Systems Control Module J1121, in conjunction with Driver Assistance Systems Front Camera
E242, is responsible for the high beam assist function.
When the camera detects oncoming vehicles or preceding
vehicles, it sends this information to the Driver Assistance
Systems Control Module.

Left/Right Light Control Modules J1018/1023 are responsible for the side lights/daytime running lights, the turn
signals and the side marker lights in the SAE2) version. The
modules have self diagnostic capability and can be accessed
via Address Words 29/39 respectively.