Good Morning!!!

Picked up my second Audi last night since the first one got totalled out in a traffic accident. (not my fault (stupid toyota tacoma))

Well this 3.0 has no maint records and 131k miles on it. Runs real strong and no apparent issues, but here is why I have come to you the collective?

Where should I start to get the maint back on schedule? Should I do a timing belt replacement proactively? Is there a way to tell if it has been done?

Ya probably a mistake buying a car with so many miles, but you have to make do with the funds you have on hand.

Thanks for any advice or other tips on things I should replace ASAP and then I can keep up on Maint.

Thanks again
Steven

 

If it was mine I'd replace air filter, gas filter, cabin filter, differential fluids, and brake fluid. Pull and check the spark plugs - I believe replacement is every 60k so they may have been done recently. Have the charging system and battery checked for free at an Autozone or similar. Timing belt is a crap shoot. If it was done at 75-90k miles, there is no failsafe way to tell at 131k. So, do you have a spare $1200+ to invest. It won't hurt and could save you from losing another car. On the other hand, if it was done when it should have been, the car should run to 160+k before it needs it again.

I have a 2003 A4 3.0 MT6 and did the TB at 85k. My A6 has been done at 90k and 182k.

 

Well check engine light came on while driving to work this morning, so to the shop it goes tomorrow for $80 they will diagnose the whole car for me along with the light.

Spendy but will save me a day looking everything over.

Thanks again
Steven

P.s now to do a search on best spark plugs any suggestions?

 

Post back, so we know what the issue with check engine light was as well as what the condition on everything else.

Good luck!

 

Well the check engine light was for a bad o2sensor and a reduced flow through one of the cats. Looks like I will be replacing those before to long. I might try and tackle them myself. Much safer then engine stuff like the timing belt.

We finally got the title in the mail from the dealer we purchased it from. So called and left a message with the previous owner asking about maint records especially the timing belt service.

Anyone have a good diy for replacing the left cat on a 2004 a4 3.0?

Thanks,
Steven

p.s. how bad will it hurt the car to defer the cat replacement for a bit?

 

definitely make sure to replace the cat. a clogged cat will do damage to the motor.

 

Hear the P0421, P0431 in mostly 3.0L engine. Tech told me Audi set ECU spec too narrow/sensitive. People is using spacer to lift the O2 sensor (Post-cat) as a trick and I saw a cel fix in O2 Simulator, mini catalytic Converter cel fix

I heard that the CEL will come ON when the cat efficency is lower than 96%

Most time the seller know the CEL light makes the car price lower or stop the sale, so the disconnect / reconnect of battery to make the ECU goes to sleep mode thus the light won't come on for 60 - 80 miles. Or use the machine to erase the codes time by time. If this is the case the CEL will come on real soon after purchase.

 

FYI: when I purchased my 2005 A6, I also did not get maintenance records. I called both of my local Audi dealerships here in the twin cities with the VIN and was able to get records from both. I now have a print version of 90% of every oil change and service performed on my vehicle since it's first delivery!