This is my second Audi, my first audi was an 02 a4 1.8t awd. Got rid of it for a stupid trade, I was an idiot. lol. I just bought a 1996 A4 2.8 Fwd, needs a lot of TLC. Couple quick questions for everyone.

1) It has green coolant in it now, I know its suppose to be G12. The timing belt was done at 98K it has 140k on it now. I was gonna have it replaced in the spring when tax money comes around and then have the block flushed so the G12 wont mix with the green, Would it be ok to wait that long?

2) What does the key fob look like? I have a wierd looking oval fob that just has lock and unlock, Is this it? How do I program it?

3) I have an oil leak some where it looks like the oil pan but I cant really tell. Is there a common place they leak?

 

First off......Personally I would not wait until spring, but that is just me. You should be fine, but you are nearing the second interval to have the timing belt changed, it all depends on how much you will drive between now and spring.

Are you inclined enough to do the job yourself? Or can you not work on your car (apt. complex, HOA, etc)? It is an easy enough job to do.

Second, the '96 does not have a fob. You have a key with a button on it. That button illuminates the weakest flashlight I have had the pleasure of using. It is meant to locate the keyhole in the dark. The other key you should have is a valet key that does not have this button.

Not sure about where these cars leak oil, but the likely suspects such as valve covers, upper/lower oil pan may be areas I would look.

 

Well I have another car to drive when winter gets here so it wont be driven but maybe 5,000 miles until spring. I could do it myself but with work and other things I just don't have time. Plus every time I work on my own car something goes wrong lol. Im glad you told me about the fob but it sucks that we don't have automatic unlock. Ill have to take a closer look at the oil leak.

 

If all you are going to drive is 5,000 miles you should be alright. Agreed on the lack of automatic locks.

 

Going from 02-96 is not fun. Two different worlds. Get g12 in there ASAP. And oil pans are common weak points you'll see a crack or hole on the bottom if there is one. You can add a keyless entry for not too much 68 dollar and a wiring diagram would also give you remote start. But least of your problems.

 

Yea it is a big difference from my 02 especially the fwd instead of awd. But I bought this out for $1,600 so I think it was a good buy. I put about $350 in it so far just to get it were I want for now, like swapping to leather seats, cleaning the headlights and wheels, replacing the grill bc they painted it black. Its coming together nicely just wanna make it last. My goal is to clean this one up and drive it for 2 years or so then trade up into another a4 awd or even an a3.

 

well considering you swapped seats for added luxury/ features what have you, you might not like the a3, kind of half an a4. But why do non important things when the car doesnt run right. How many miles have you put on it with green fluid in it

 

The car runs fine right now. I just got the car and I haven't even put 50 miles on it so I really don't know. Can't be long because the green coolant is still clean. I know the timing belt and water pump is a pricey job so I wanted to wait tell tax money comes in.

How can you tell if u have sport suspension?

 

Not sure a sport suspension option was there in 96. Where do you live? Someone on here who is local to you may be able to handle it for you for a lot less than a shop.

 

Yea timing belts are expensive but very important. Youll have a 3 spoke wheel, and red struts if you has sport suspension.