Looking at buying a '96 A4 2.8, with some issues
02-25-2008, 01:02 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Calgary
Posts: 21
Looking at buying a '96 A4 2.8, with some issues
Hey. I've been looking at buying a 96 A4, but there are some little things that need repairing, and I was hoping to get some advice/help so I know what to expect should I buy this car.
1) Driver's seat reclining motor is inoperative. Dont know if its a switch or motor problem. Can I just get another motor from a Pick-your-part? The dealership is gonna rip a hole in my wallet on that one I think.
2)The sunroof has been disabled, for some reason. I've heard that the sunroofs can have a mind of their own, but replacing the stock switch can fix this. True/False?
3)The HVAC backlighting is out. Can you just pull the unit and replace some bulbs, or is there something more to it?
Have I got my research right on these? Some suggestions or solutions would be appreciated. Cheers.
1) Driver's seat reclining motor is inoperative. Dont know if its a switch or motor problem. Can I just get another motor from a Pick-your-part? The dealership is gonna rip a hole in my wallet on that one I think.
2)The sunroof has been disabled, for some reason. I've heard that the sunroofs can have a mind of their own, but replacing the stock switch can fix this. True/False?
3)The HVAC backlighting is out. Can you just pull the unit and replace some bulbs, or is there something more to it?
Have I got my research right on these? Some suggestions or solutions would be appreciated. Cheers.
02-26-2008, 12:55 AM
#3
Re: Looking at buying a '96 A4 2.8, with some issues
Hey. I've been looking at buying a 96 A4, but there are some little things that need repairing, and I was hoping to get some advice/help so I know what to expect should I buy this car.
1) Driver's seat reclining motor is inoperative. Dont know if its a switch or motor problem. Can I just get another motor from a Pick-your-part? The dealership is gonna rip a hole in my wallet on that one I think.
The motor can be replace dit is accessed from the back of the seat, and it is fairly easy to replace, Be careful as this is connected to the airbags, which may cause your airbags to burst, you can disconnect the battery and make this change. however once the battery is disconnected you will need to reprogram all your car key remotes, and enter the radio code make sure that you have it
2)The sunroof has been disabled, for some reason. I've heard that the sunroofs can have a mind of their own, but replacing the stock switch can fix this. True/False? Sunroofs are know to be unreliable on these cars and are known to fail it might not just be disabbled, the motor can be burnt out etc. it is a very costly repair, the swich is usuall the cause and it is know to fail.
3)The HVAC backlighting is out. Can you just pull the unit and replace some bulbs, or is there something more to it?
It might only be a blown fuse, the lighting is a lightbulb that needs to be replaced however I hav enot done this and do not know what needs to be removed to access
Also make sure the service records are very up to date timing belt changed, oil changed frequently at schedualed times, depending on milage new water pump should be replaced.
Have I got my research right on these? Some suggestions or solutions would be appreciated. Cheers.
1) Driver's seat reclining motor is inoperative. Dont know if its a switch or motor problem. Can I just get another motor from a Pick-your-part? The dealership is gonna rip a hole in my wallet on that one I think.
The motor can be replace dit is accessed from the back of the seat, and it is fairly easy to replace, Be careful as this is connected to the airbags, which may cause your airbags to burst, you can disconnect the battery and make this change. however once the battery is disconnected you will need to reprogram all your car key remotes, and enter the radio code make sure that you have it
2)The sunroof has been disabled, for some reason. I've heard that the sunroofs can have a mind of their own, but replacing the stock switch can fix this. True/False? Sunroofs are know to be unreliable on these cars and are known to fail it might not just be disabbled, the motor can be burnt out etc. it is a very costly repair, the swich is usuall the cause and it is know to fail.
3)The HVAC backlighting is out. Can you just pull the unit and replace some bulbs, or is there something more to it?
It might only be a blown fuse, the lighting is a lightbulb that needs to be replaced however I hav enot done this and do not know what needs to be removed to access
Also make sure the service records are very up to date timing belt changed, oil changed frequently at schedualed times, depending on milage new water pump should be replaced.
Have I got my research right on these? Some suggestions or solutions would be appreciated. Cheers.
Enjoy! hopefully I helped!
03-01-2008, 03:40 PM
#5
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Niagara Falls
Posts: 11
Re: Looking at buying a '96 A4 2.8, with some issues
if you are talking about the climate controls i just did the swap out on the lights .... they are hard to find. i went to parts source, UAP and and a couple others with no luck. you can get them online (google) for about a buck or two. i was lucky and came across a working unit from a wrecking yard.
and they are easy to swap out ... you just need a flat head.
take the unit out and then there is direct access from the back of the unit. there are 4 light. 2 for each of the main windows and then 2 for the side controls. i noticed that the 2 side ones are brighter than the main window ones...
if you want to know anything else about fixing and upgrades give me a shout as i'm doing that right now on my A4 Quattro (96) so it's all fresh in my head still.
and they are easy to swap out ... you just need a flat head.
take the unit out and then there is direct access from the back of the unit. there are 4 light. 2 for each of the main windows and then 2 for the side controls. i noticed that the 2 side ones are brighter than the main window ones...
if you want to know anything else about fixing and upgrades give me a shout as i'm doing that right now on my A4 Quattro (96) so it's all fresh in my head still.
03-02-2008, 11:42 PM
#6
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Calgary
Posts: 21
Re: Looking at buying a '96 A4 2.8, with some issues
Thanks for the help guys. I did go ahead and buy the car, and I'll pick it up next week.
1move: Thanks for the info! Very helpful.
Audiboy08: Appreciate it. I'll keep you in mind when I'm fixing all the little things.
I checked all the service records, and they seem to be quite complete. Timing belt is good for a little while yet. Glad to be onboard these forums.
1move: Thanks for the info! Very helpful.
Audiboy08: Appreciate it. I'll keep you in mind when I'm fixing all the little things.
I checked all the service records, and they seem to be quite complete. Timing belt is good for a little while yet. Glad to be onboard these forums.
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