hi there guys. apparently ive been a member here for a while now. must have joined when the other half got the a3!

I have just bought myself a 1997 a4 tdi 1.9 quattro. Its a bit rough around the edges, being a VERY high mileage car (225'000!) but i got it really cheap and i was struggling to keep up with my omega's thirst. Already i love it though. although older than the omega, it seems much more modern, it's much faster, even though the PO took the 140bhp chip out (he told me it was staying but they're only 40 quid on fleabay so im not too bothered)

I do have a couple of issues though. The ABS buzzes the pedal when braking at low speeds (<20 mph) the stereo (concert) needs a code and the speedo seems sticky. it doesnt work at all until the car has warmed up a bit, then you need to stop beore it will read correctly. even then it is a bit jumpy.

There are a ew bushes needing replaced throughout the suspension, a couple of brake pipes and a cv boot and ne r two other jobs needing looked at beore the MOT on saturday.

the scuttle was ull o water, like right up to the top. i have pulled out the drain grommets now but would that have anything to do with speedo etc? is there any way o getting a radio code without paying the stealers 40 quid?

thanks in advance and please excuse the speeling. my keyboard isnt working right!

gill

 

I can only answer the ABS issue, here it goes.
There was a time my brake pedal did the same thing you are describing, it was after getting the ABS module rebuilt. After plugging in my VAG-COM I was able to find out that both front wheel speed sensors (ABS sensors) were not reading correctly. The passenger front had a broken speed ring (tone ring on the outer CV joint), a partially damaged ring on the driver front, and both front speed sensors were damaged. One of the rear ABS sensors also was not pushed in far enough.

It may be worthwhile for you to purchase a VAG-COM cable (the legitimate version is made by Ross Tech) for diagnostic things like this. It is probably the single most useful tool for these vehicles besides a ratchet wrench.

 

Check the spare tire well for a sticker. It should contain the four-digit radio code.

 

cheers guys. i have to change a cv boot at the ront anyway so that will give me a chance to have a look at the abs sensor and tone ring. ill just check them all at he same time. i did notice that one rear wheel was wobbly on its bearings. the PO had changed a rear bush, so i assume he didnt tighten the hub back prperly. could this throw out the abs as well?

there is indeed a sticker in the sparewell. i actually did try a number i saw on it, but there were quite a lot. mst o it seemed to be a reproduction o the sticker in the ront o the service manual. where exactly on the sticker would i ind the code.

cheers again, gill

 

I can't remember exactly where on the sticker you would find it. It's been four years since I had to look for my B5's radio code. Perhaps someone would be so kind as to post a pic of said sticker, because I really don't remember.

 

got a text of the PO today with the radio code, which was nice. also getting the owners manual and stereo handbook. have to say that its a cracking sounding stereo, shame i dont have any casettes haha. good to have the radio back though!