While I'm here, my radiator fan packed in and I need to switch it out. Haynes Manual says it comes out either the top or bottom depending on model but I don't have access to a repair bay so if it's not the top I'll get a garage to do it.

Anyone happen to know if it comes out the top or bottom in a 2007 A3 2.0 TDI? Save me hoking around to find out.

 

Not sure what extra plumbing (or less?) the TDI may have. I pulled my radiator fan shroud & fans out the bottom of my A3. Looked like too tight a fit to come out the top. I had the car on ramps and it barely came out with a slight tilt to the rear. If the car had been any lower to the ground it would not have come out.

 

cheers I'll bear that in mind. Also another stupid noob question - the FA3 50A resistor for the fans is located in the engine fusebox according to Haynes manual but I can't see the row of FAx resistors there, just the big bunch of FCx ones. I've a feeling the FAx and FBx sets are hidden underneath, but what tool do you need to loosen the plastic board housing the FCx resistors? ie the allen key type bolts except they're shaped for something more like a 6 sided star screwdriver?

 

Torx maybe? Have not found any on my Audi but then again I haven't really taken many parts off. My motorcycle has a nice mixture of metric bolts, Allen and Torx fasteners.

edit: Now that I think about it I have found Torx heads on some Audi parts.

 

Torx they were cheers. Keep the protective under tray on too.

Seems I have to take out the air filter first so another noob question - the plastic clip/clamp with two protruding 'fingers' that holds the MAF sensor to the big accordion air hose - what is it called and how do you remove it? And is it reusable or do I have to fit a new one?

 

So for the wiring on the fans, there are two large ones red and brown and two smaller ones green and black. Which are which for testing purposes and what's the best way to connect a 12v battery to them?

 

I think they pull out from the top... I have not R&R a set in a few months???

 

Just changed cooling fans complete with shroud on 2004 audi A3 2.0 tdi
This unit will come out from the top if you firstly

Take out the air filter no need to disconnect anything just swing it out of the way
After undoing the two retaining screws that hold the air intake shroud.

A bit of extra room is also gained by slacking off the pipe clip on the left hand side . With the plug disconnected and the four retaining screws removed drop one side down and pull out at an angle , it's tight but will come out .

The new one just drops in at an angle then square it up and put it all back together. Takes 45 mins
Small set of Torx with a 1/4 drive socket set is all you really need