Vehicle Segment:
Premium convertible, based on the Audi 80/90 platform
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on their 1996 Audi Cabriolet
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Convertible, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (though often more direct competition with SLK and later CLK).
Manual Advantage:
Vehicle-specific, factory-accurate information, replacing generic guides. Offers complete A-Z repair coverage.
Digital Format Benefit:
Easy access, portability to the workshop, clean digital copy, ability to print only needed sections.
Models Covered:
All Audi Cabriolet (B4-8G) models for 1996
Repair Scope:
Comprehensive A-Z repairs
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Operating Systems:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), macOS
Accessibility:
Searchable, printable pages, zoomable images
Engine Management:
Engine, Control System, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition/Starting/Charging
Drivetrain:
Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer/Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle/Suspension
Chassis And Braking:
Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering
Body And Interior:
Air Condition, Suppl. Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter/Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior
Electrical And Electronics:
Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides, diagnostic fault codes (DTCs)
Repair And Rebuild:
Complete disassembly, repair, and reassembly procedures for all major components
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, alignment data
Depth:
Factory-level detailed instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics
Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages
Searchability:
Text-searchable content
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF, printable on demand)
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent unzipping software)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder or V6 (common for this generation, though specific engine for 1996 model year needs confirmation within the manual)
Displacement Cc:
Likely 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.3L (5-cylinder), or 2.6L/2.8L (V6) depending on market and specific model variant.
Horsepower Hp:
Varies by engine, typically ranging from 125 hp to 174 hp.
Torque Lb-Ft:
Varies by engine, typically ranging from 130 lb-ft to 200 lb-ft.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
G11 (Blue/Green) Antifreeze/Coolant (as per VAG standards of the era)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (often standard on base models)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Tiptronic may have been available on later models, but likely standard automatic for '96)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
G002 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent (specific to gearbox type, consult manual)
Length In:
Approximately 170.1 inches
Width In:
Approximately 67.7 inches
Height In:
Approximately 54.1 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 101.3 inches
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approximately 3200-3400 lbs (depending on engine and equipment)
NHTSA Ratings:
Era-specific ratings; likely strong frontal impact protection, but side-impact and rollover data may be limited for convertibles of this vintage. The manual will detail occupant protection systems.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bar system (integrated behind rear seats, deployed automatically or manually)
Audio System:
Factory-installed radio/cassette player, with optional CD changer integration. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Cruise Control:
Standard on many models
Traction Control:
Likely optional or standard on higher-trim models (e.g., ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation)
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems
Convertible Top Operation:
Fully automatic hydraulic convertible top with power windows and locks
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact '96 spec).
Timing Belt Replacement Miles:
Around 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years (crucial for 5-cylinder and V6 engines, refer to manual for exact interval and procedure).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 / 505 00 specifications (verify with manual).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
G002 Power Steering Fluid (or Pentosin CHF 11S/202)
Common Problems Mechanical:
Worn suspension bushings, aging electrical connectors, fuel pump issues, convertible top hydraulic system leaks, mass airflow sensor (MAF) failures.
Common Problems Electrical:
Climate control unit failure, intermittent dashboard warning lights, window regulator issues.
Manufacturer:
Audi AG, Germany
Platform:
Based on the B4 platform, sharing many components with the Audi 80/90 sedan and coupe models.
Cabriolet Introduction:
The Cabriolet (Type 8G) replaced the Audi 80/90 Cabriolet, continuing Audi's tradition of stylish, four-seater convertibles.
Production Years:
1991-2000 (B4 chassis generation)
Assembly Plant:
Ingolstadt, Germany
