Target Audience:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge
Comparison To Factory Manuals:
Aims to replicate the content and detail of official Audi factory service manuals
Comparison To Owners Manuals:
Significantly more detailed than an owner's manual, focusing on repair and maintenance procedures
Content Similarity To Print:
Features comparable to paper manuals, including step-by-step procedures, specifications, and illustrations
Ease Of Use:
Digital format allows for quick access and problem resolution
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to make informed maintenance and repair decisions, saving on labor costs
Engine Mechanical:
Full engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair for all B5 A4 variants
Engine Management:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection, ignition system
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission removal, installation, disassembly, and repair
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission removal, installation, diagnostics, and repair (if applicable to the specific variant covered)
Drivetrain AWD:
Quattro all-wheel-drive system service, including differentials and driveshafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, steering system
Brakes:
Brake system overhaul, ABS diagnostics, component replacement
Electrical System:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing, lighting, starting, charging systems
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal, glass replacement, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors, and emissions control systems
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust components, catalytic converter, muffler service
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems
Disassembly:
Complete component disassembly instructions
Assembly:
Complete component reassembly instructions
Cleaning:
Component cleaning procedures as part of repair or reassembly
Reinstallation:
Component reinstallation procedures with torque specifications
Diagnostics:
In-depth diagnostic procedures, including OBD-II scanning and fault code interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Level Of Detail:
Factory-level detail with step-by-step instructions and critical specifications
Engine Options 1996:
2.8L V6 (AFC, ACK, AHA, ATQ codes), 1.8L Turbo I4 (AEB, APU, ARK, AWM codes)
Engine 1.8T Power:
150 hp (110 kW) @ 5700 rpm (approximate, varies by engine code)
Engine 1.8T Torque:
155 lb-ft (210 Nm) @ 1770 rpm (approximate, varies by engine code)
Engine 2.8L V6 Power:
172 hp (126 kW) @ 5800 rpm (approximate, varies by engine code)
Engine 2.8L V6 Torque:
199 lb-ft (270 Nm) @ 3200 rpm (approximate, varies by engine code)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Common 1.8T Codes:
AEB, APU, ARK
Common 2.8 V6 Codes:
AFC, ACK
Transmission Options:
5-speed Manual, 5-speed Tiptronic Automatic
Optional Transmission:
Tiptronic Automatic (allows manual gear selection)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
G 052 171 A1/A2 (e.g., Pentosin MTF-LT-1)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
G 052 162 A1/A2 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 3000)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for sedan, wagon likely similar)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP/ASR)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (Audi's LongLife recommendation, but 5,000 miles for severe conditions is often preferred).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles for 2.8L V6. The 1.8T uses a timing chain which is generally designed to last the life of the engine, but tensioners and guides may require service.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 / 505 00 specifications (check owner's manual for exact spec for your engine code).
Coolant Type:
G12 or G12+ (pink/red) coolant concentrate mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Common 1.8T Issues:
PCV system failures (oil leaks, rough idle), ignition coil failures, camshaft seal leaks, turbocharger oil feed line issues.
Common 2.8 V6 Issues:
Oil cooler leaks, coolant flange leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, starter motor failures.
Common B5 Chassis Issues:
Suspension component wear (control arm bushings, tie rods), ABS wheel speed sensor failures, window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 718/1, Mahle KL 86, Bosch 0 451 104 002 (verify specific part number for your engine variant).
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 35140/1, Mahle LX 802 (verify specific part number for your engine variant).