Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSAUDI2012A8 QUATTRO SEDAN (4H2) V8-4.2L (CDRA)REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISBRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROLANTILOCK BRAKES / TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMSDESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONHILL START
2012 Audi A8 Quattro Sedan (4H2) V8-4.2L (CDRA)
Hill Start
2012 Audi A8 Quattro Sedan (4H2) V8-4.2L (CDRA)SECTION Hill Start
Hill Start
The vehicle may be equipped with hill start depending on the model.
Function
The function assists the driver if the vehicle must remain stopped frequently or for long periods of time when the engine is running.
The hill start holds the vehicle after the vehicle has been standing and this function is activated.
The driver can release the brake pedal.
The vehicle is held in place by maintaining the brake pressure on all four wheels in ESP.
To prevent the ESP solenoid valves to overheat when stopped for long periods of time, the rear electromechanical parking brake automatically takes over braking when the solenoid valves reach a temperature of 200 °C.
The point when the brakes automatically release is based on the following information:
• Engine speed
• Angle
• Gear engaged
• With manual transmissions, distance on the clutch pedal through the clutch sensor
• With automatic transmissions, through converter release
To prevent the vehicle from rolling back, the brakes are only released when there is sufficient engine torque.
Activation
The following conditions must be fulfilled to switch the stand by function on:
• Driver wearing seat belt
• Engine running
• Driver door closed
• ESP and electromechanical parking brake without malfunction.
The parking brake contact switch (F321) - 2 - in the center console activates the function.
The switch indicates the operating conditions.
• Deactivated: The LED in the switch is off.
• Stand by: The LED inside the switch is on.
• Active: The LED in the switch is on and the instrument cluster display shows a "green P".
Braking function is only transferred from ESP to the electromechanical parking brake if the "green P" in the instrument cluster is visible and if:
• The solenoid valves in ESP have reached a temperature of 200 °C.
• The driver door is opened.
• The driver seat belt is unlatched.
• The engine is stopped.
• The ignition is switched off.
• The switch is operated.
• The brake pedal or gas pedal are pressed.
• The -AUTO HOLD- button (E540) is working without having to use the foot brake.
• When braking function is transferred from the ESP to the electromechanical parking brake, the instrument cluster display changes from a "green P" to a "red P".
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.