🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

A6 Quattro

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

C4

Platform:

Volkswagen Group C4 Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size luxury sedan and wagon

Target Audience:

Audi owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops

Competitors:

BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS

Unique Selling Proposition:

Officially licensed, factory-derived data, comprehensive coverage, digital convenience

Benefits:

Cost savings on repairs, accurate information, ability to perform complex tasks

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics

Geographic Coverage:

North America

Estimated Pages:

Detailed digital content, equivalent to 1500+ printed pages

Type:

Digital Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Online Access (Web Browser)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensors

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (Tiptronic optional), manual transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differentials

Drivetrain:

Quattro all-wheel-drive system (center differential, rear differential)

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake hydraulics, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays

Climate Control:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, A/C compressor, refrigerant system

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all major systems

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake fluid flush, coolant flush

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code reading and interpretation

Repair:

Component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly of major systems, component overhaul

Adjustment:

Alignment specifications, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments (where applicable)

Replacement:

Timing belt replacement, water pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, suspension component replacement

Troubleshooting Specific Issues:

Hard starting, engine misfires, poor acceleration, brake noise, steering issues, HVAC malfunctions

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complex component rebuilds and diagnostics

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on required diagnostic tools and their usage

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners

Clearances:

Specified clearances for engine components (e.g., piston ring gap, bearing clearances)

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step electrical troubleshooting charts and procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Proprietary Software/Online Platform

Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

Method:

Internet Connection, Web Browser

Duration:

1 Year (with options for renewal)

Devices:

PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

2.8L V6 (AHA, ACK)

Engine Type:

2.8L V6 SOHC 30-valve

Displacement:

2771 cc (2.8 Liters)

Horsepower Peak:

172 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Peak:

191 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Recommendation:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (optional)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic with Tiptronic (optional)

Tiptronic Functionality:

Driver-selectable manual gear changes via shifter or steering wheel buttons (depending on specific model configuration)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

G 052 162 A1/A2 (or equivalent ATF)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

G 052 171 A1/A2 (or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4777 mm (188.1 in)

Width:

1784 mm (70.2 in)

Height:

1430 mm (56.3 in)

Wheelbase:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1500-1600 kg (3307-3527 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

2000 kg (4409 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No official NHTSA/IIHS ratings available for this specific year/model, but typically performed well for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

AWD:

Standard Quattro All-Wheel Drive

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory Audi Chorus or Concert premium sound systems with CD player and/or cassette.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (early generation, typically CRT-based).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity in the modern sense; often an optional accessory 'hands-free' phone system from the era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (critical component, failure can cause severe engine damage).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium/platinum plugs, consult manual for specific type.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 3 years.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (meeting VW 500.00 or 502.00 specifications)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 Quarts) with filter change

Power Steering Fluid:

G 002 000 (Pentosin CHF 7.1 or equivalent)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Common Problems:

Timing belt tensioner failure (leading to belt jump or breakage), coolant flange leaks, front control arm bushings wear, ABS sensor issues, ignition coil failures, window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Audi is renowned for its engineering prowess, Quattro all-wheel-drive technology, and sophisticated automotive design.

Generation Name:

C4 Generation (1991-1997)

Facelift Year:

The C4 generation received a facelift in 1994, which included updated styling and revised powertrain options for the 1995 model year onwards.

Manufacturing Location:

Ingolstadt, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

The Audi A6 of this era was generally well-received for its comfort, performance, and the sophisticated feel of the Quattro system. Specific awards for the 1996 model are not widely documented, but it competed effectively in its luxury segment.