This manual covers the Audi A4, specifically the 1996 model year, built on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform. As an entry-level luxury compact executive sedan and wagon, the A4 offered sophisticated styling, an optional quattro all-wheel-drive system, a refined interior, and advanced safety features for its time. It competed with vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series (E36) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202). Notable advantages included its comfortable ride and a reputation for solid construction, earning recognition on Car and Driver's 10 Best list during its generation. The vehicle was available with a 2.8L V6 engine producing 172 hp or a 1.8L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 150 hp, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
This comprehensive Wiring Diagram Manual / Electrical Troubleshooting Manual provides detailed coverage of the Audi A4's electrical systems. It includes complete wiring diagrams for various components such as engine management, ignition, fuel injection, lighting, instrumentation, HVAC controls, power windows, audio systems, SRS (Airbag), ABS/Traction Control, and more. The manual offers diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, component testing, pinpoint tests, and circuit identification. Its depth extends to detailed circuit diagrams, component location charts, connector views, wire colors, fuse and relay information, and diagnostic flowcharts, all presented in English. This resource is designed to assist owners, mechanics, and technicians in effectively maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the electrical systems of the 1996 Audi A4.
Platform:
Volkswagen Group B5
Segment:
Entry-level Luxury Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E36), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Lexus ES, Acura TL
Advantages:
Sophisticated styling, quattro all-wheel drive option, refined interior, advanced safety features for its time, comfortable ride.
Content Scope:
Complete Wiring Diagram
Estimated Pages:
Varies, typically 200-400 pages for comprehensive wiring diagrams of this era
Type:
Wiring Diagram Manual / Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
Electrical Systems:
Engine Management, Ignition, Fuel Injection, Lighting (Exterior & Interior), Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Windows & Locks, Sunroof, Audio System, SRS (Airbag) System, ABS/Traction Control, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Cruise Control, Central Locking, Anti-theft System.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, component testing, pinpoint tests, circuit identification.
Depth:
Detailed circuit diagrams, component location charts, connector views, wire colors, fuse and relay information, diagnostic flowcharts.
Printability:
High-resolution, fully printable pages
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Option 1:
2.8L V6 (AAH/ACK) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Displacement 1:
2771 cc (2.8 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
172 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 1:
184 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
0 60 Mph 1:
Approx. 7.5-8.5 seconds (depending on drivetrain)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Option 2:
1.8L Turbocharged Inline-4 (AEB)
Displacement 2:
1781 cc (1.8 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
150 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque 2:
155 lb-ft @ 1750-4600 rpm
Engine Codes Usdm:
2.8L V6 (AAH), 1.8L Turbo (AEB - introduced later in the model year for some markets/trims)
Engine Codes Europe:
2.6L V6 (ABC), 2.8L V6 (AAH/ACK), 1.6L Inline-4 (ADP), 1.8L Inline-4 (AHL), 1.8L Turbo (AEB/APP/ARK)
Transmission Standard 2.8L:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Standard 1.8T:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Optional 2.8L:
5-speed Tiptronic Automatic (with DSP - Dynamic Shift Program)
Transmission Optional 1.8T:
5-speed Tiptronic Automatic
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Manual Trans Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (consult specific manual for exact spec/part number)
Automatic Trans Fluid:
G 052 162 A1 or equivalent ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Length:
Approx. 4470 mm (176 in)
Width:
Approx. 1734 mm (68.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 3150-3300 lbs (1430-1500 kg)
Curb Weight Quattro:
Approx. 3350-3550 lbs (1520-1610 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in the same format as today, but designed to meet stringent European safety standards.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Electronic Traction Control (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation) on FWD models, integral to quattro system.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Body Structure:
Advanced safety cage construction with crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory Audi Symphony or Concert radio systems with CD or cassette player, optional Bose premium audio.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (Climatronic).
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era. Primarily focused on integrated audio and climate controls. Phone integration via optional dealer-installed kits was rare.
Headlights:
Halogen multi-reflector headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights (rare for 1996 in the US), automatic headlight leveling system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.
Timing Belt Interval:
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 5 years for V6 engines (critical service to prevent catastrophic engine damage).
Spark Plug Interval:
Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs, earlier for standard plugs.
Engine Oil Spec V6:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 / 505 00 specifications.
Engine Oil Spec 1.8T:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 / 505 00 specifications.
Coolant Spec:
G 12 coolant (or equivalent pink/red ethylene glycol-based coolant) mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Always verify compatibility with existing coolant.
Common Problems:
Ignition coil pack failure (especially on 1.8T), mass air flow sensor issues, coolant flange leaks, window regulator failures, CV joint wear, front suspension components (control arms, tie rods), camshaft position sensor failure, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), headlight leveling system issues.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 Quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.8T:
Approx. 4.2 Liters (4.4 Quarts)
Audi Legacy:
Audi AG, a German manufacturer with a rich history in automotive engineering and innovation, particularly known for its 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (Progress Through Technology) philosophy.
A4 Introduction:
The Audi A4 replaced the Audi 80/90 series. The first generation (B5) debuted in late 1994 (as a 1995 model in some markets) and was produced until 2001. The 1996 model year represents an early production year for the B5 platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Ingolstadt, Germany and Brussels, Belgium.
Car And Driver Award:
Car and Driver 10 Best list (for the B5 generation, though specific year recognition varies).
Safety Perception:
Widely regarded as a safe and well-built vehicle for its class and era, with a reputation for solid construction.
