Just bought as 91 100 with 189k and have some questions:
1. How often to change t belt? how hard is it to do?
2. brake light on but everything works fine. Prev owner said this has been so since he owned it.
3. Back windows worked fine but don't now.
4. Interior lights come on sometimes when driving.
5. Any unique issues to look for in this car?
5. How to replace light on shifter.
6. Good indy mechanic near Hickory NC, Statesville NC

Anything else you can think of. Previous owner has a box of fuses.... why?

Thanks

 

1. If you have no idea when the belt was changed then get it changed right away, who knows it could be the original. If you have the pulley lock and a socket to fit it is about 4 hour job. While you are at it change all the belts, water pump and radiator hoses.
2. Could be the emergency parking brake switch, low brake fluid switch or low hydraulic fluid switch.
3. If you are: lucky - you need a new switch, somewhat lucky - cable jumped off the pulley, screwed - need new motor.
4. Probably one of the door switches is busted.
5. Don't know I drive a 5-sp, on my old 4000 the top plate just snapped on/off.
6. Can't help you I do all my own work.

 

Thanks for the info. All hoses and belts look good and all are audi. Maybe not too old. Do techs put a sticker anywhere when t belt changed? My son can't stand the 1400 to get all changed. At what interval does t belt need to be changed?

 

If you are lucky you should find a sticker on the timing belt cover telling you when the belt was last changed. The job is easy provided you have the OEM crank pulley lock tool ($100) and the parts coast about $100 or even less. I like to change belts every 60K.

 

I know a really good mechanic in Black Mountain, NC ... 1 to 1.5 from hickory or statesville, nc

and offramp is prety much on the money about the other stuff

the box of fuses -- sounds like there might be some short circuits in the electric wiring .. the lights coming on and such

 

Thanks guys. Today it seems as if the fuel sending unit died! i'll check posts for diy info.
Thanks