Rather unexpected A6 purchase...

[quattrojames]

Following the sudden and unexpected demise of my A4 >>> HERE I found myself needing a car. This came up, the price was great and I know the car, with it being maintained by the same guy who serviced mine.

It's a 2002 1.9TDi SE. According to the DVLA it's an SE, but the data codes in the VW decoder show sports seats, and sports suspension, and it also has a three spoke wheel, so I don't know if it's SE or Sport! My A4 was dolphin grey too, so by the time I get my dark RS6's and private plate on, I doubt few people will notice

It's a nice stopgap car while I build my savings up, I won't be spending a fortune on it, but hope to fit my wheels as mentioned, and the RNSd too and that will probably do me, apart from a few subtle cosmetics.

 

[hades-]

looks nice

 

[ScottD3]

Has it still got the phone kit?

Any interior pics?

Nice subtle change.

 

[Richardesty]

Nice find mate!

 

[voorhees]

Nice car James
Saving for added cylinders ?

 

[quattrojames]

Not sure on the phone kit Scott, it appears to have a Nokia mic, and a proper phone aerial in the rear. There's also a Brodit mount next to the stereo, with a universal type holder, but there are wires going to that. I can't find anything on a bluetooth search though. I'll have a look when the stereo comes out, a job for you :icon_thumright:

It doesn't reach 90c so I'm guessing the CTS or thermostat will be need doing soon. I was pleased to see footwell and puddle lights, the passenger side work as they should, but the drivers side don't. Occasionally they flick on when I unlock the car so I know the bulbs are ok. The drivers door doesn't operate the interior light, so I'm guessing it's probably a microswitch or broken door wire. Neither of the boot lights work either. Other than, it all seems good.

I scanned it and got several fault codes, I cleared them and the only one to remain after a short drive was:

"01592 - Air Quality Sensor (G238)
57-00 - Electric Circuit Failure".

I'm really pleased with how it came after a quick wash and hoover. I don't necessarily want to create a clone of my A4 (also Dolphin Grey) so I'm not sure what I'll change. For now, HID's and LED's in the front, and my dark RS6's and 8mm spacers will go on, and maybe some S6 door blades a bit further down the line. I'll be keeping the chrome for now.

It's in great condition, some surface rust near the roof bars surprised me a bit. You know the owner is careful when they keep mats on their mats!

Here's some pics I grabbed before it got dark.

 

[ScottD3]

That it very tidy James.
I'll help out with what I can when you need it.

Not tempted to keep it long term?
It seems A very good stop gap motor.

 

[mrnice]

Nice find!, watching with interest..

 

[quattrojames]

Cheers guys.

So far I'm pleased with the little touches I've found, illuminated door handles, footwell and puddle lights and heated seats etc. I'm surprised I can't sync the dual zone climate control, the OCD part of me is upset by that.

The boot light doesn't work, not the courtesy one in the roof, or the warning light in the tailgate, hopefully just bulbs, I'll look tomorrow. The part working footwell lights and the fact the drivers door doesn't trigger the interior light makes me think there's an electrical issue in that door somewhere. Before I get too involved I need to sort the CTS and thermostat and get it up to running temperature!

 

[WOLF]

A bit of terrible luck with A4 james but looks like you got a tidy A6 there,very nice me thinks and sure it will be great servant.:icon_thumright:

 

[quattrojames]

After stripping the nice bits off the A4, I came home and did a couple of small things to the 6 to cheer myself up. LED number plate lights, and some small led sidelights I found in the shed....

 

[mattyboyc]

Keep going with the little mods James, you know you want to!!
looks a very tidy A6 glad it's not all bad for you.

 

[Grahamb]

The A6 is a nice car, stop gap or not, you may find you wish to hang on to her, the duel temp may be set if possible, by, pressing one of the temp controls, letting go then press the other, as on mine that is, or may be holding them down together.

Nice looking A6

 

[quattrojames]

duel temp may be set if possible, by, pressing one of the temp controls, letting go then press the other, as on mine that is, or may be holding them down together.

Nice looking A6

Thanks, can you be a bit more specific? There is no mention of it in the manual, and everything I've read online says it can't be done.

 

[wesmaster]

James, I have a spare repair sticker set (set of 6) for the "+" and "-" on the climate controls, pm me your address and I'll throw them in the post to you.
Regards.
Wes

 

[quattrojames]

James, I have a spare repair sticker set (set of 6) for the "+" and "-" on the climate controls, pm me your address and I'll throw them in the post to you.
Regards.
Wes

Top man, thank you! I was trying to pretend that it didn't bother me.....

 

[quattrojames]

Bit of a roadtrip to Leeds this weekend, overnighting just outside of Oxford. 2 hours 20 to get here, and the tank is showing a theoretical range of about 640 miles. Never saw that in the A4! The 1.9 has surprised me with how well it goes, even in such a large car it holds it's own on faster dual carriageways etc.

I really miss the three flashes of indicator you get after one flick of the stalk, and look forward to getting the navigation fitted. Very good car though, I'm pleased.

 

[wesmaster]

I did the comfort blinker upgrade on my c5, really easy to wire in. Got kit from TPS.

 

[quattrojames]

The A6 performed faultlessly over 600 miles and 12 hours of driving, the first tank saw 46.4mpg which I was pleased with. It was very comfortable, and I really liked the adjustable lumbar support after a few hours in the seat. I noticed the rear washer doesn't work, so that gives me something else to do tomorrow!

I did the comfort blinker upgrade on my c5, really easy to wire in. Got kit from TPS.

Nice one, much to it, or is it just a relay?

Got your PM re the stickers too, much obliged

 

[wesmaster]

I'll get a price from TPS tomorrow and let you know. It is a kit, supposed to be plug and play, but the plug didn't fit the back of the hazard switch, so I cut and soldered. Worked a treat.

 

[mrnice]

The A6 performed faultlessly over 600 miles and 12 hours of driving, the first tank saw 46.4mpg which I was pleased with. It was very comfortable, and I really liked the adjustable lumbar support after a few hours in the seat. I noticed the rear washer doesn't work, so that gives me something else to do tomorrow!



Nice one, much to it, or is it just a relay?

Got your PM re the stickers too, much obliged

You may already know this having had an a4 but the rear washer prob can be due to the plastic hose popping off at a connection (under n/s dash, in boot cubby hole at n/s above toolkit or under rear n/s footwell carpet), or it can snap within the rubber boot from body to tailgate (o/s one i think). All easy fixes, just pops back together then you can glue/tape it or whatever to prevent it happening again.
Also can leak from wiper motor as metal tube carrying screenwash seizes with rust. You can get a repair kit from audi for about £38.
Mine needed most of the above sorted

 

[wesmaster]

If it comes apart in pass footwell, get it done ASAP! As the convenience ecu is there and it fills up with water and plays up.

 

[quattrojames]

If it comes apart in pass footwell, get it done ASAP! As the convenience ecu is there and it fills up with water and plays up.

I'm concerned there is CCM trouble with the random interior lights, but it's all dry under there, and the battery drains are clear so fingers crossed it's just broken wires/micro switches.

Luckily it was just a blocked nozzle, it's working to a point now, however it's quite feeble. I want to flush the reservoir and stick an air line down the line as soon as I can. More jobs...! Also, someone has broken many of the trim clips in the past so I really need a new tailgate trim as the triangle mounting is broken too.

I'm sure the CTS (and maybe thermostat) is dodgy, CTS shows up on a scan, and the electric fan has been going none stop. Unfortunately the 600 miles over the weekend caused it get so loud I've now disconnected it. VCDS shows a G62 and a G2 error, does the AVF engine have two CTS's? I'm going to source a replacement fan and the swap the CTS's. Off for a google...

In better news, I fitted my 4300k HID's today. Easy enough, but a bit of a faff with that irritating H7 bulb twist clip they use! I had HID's in my main beams in the A4. but I'm not doing that again. I'm just looking for a nice set of uprated halogen bulbs.

Halfway:



Finished:

 

[mrnice]

As far as I know the electric fan blows continuously unless the 'Econ' button on climate control is pressed and illuminated (aircon off).
Also regarding the rear washer- mine was really feeble two but it was because it was dumping half the scree wash into the cubby hole in n/s rear of boot, just something to check, word to the wise n all that!, good progress tho!,
ps as far as I know avf's have just one cts, same as my awx. The replacement part from audi is green and apparently more reliable.

 

[wesmaster]

If the CTS is faulty, the ECU will not know exact what temp you have so as a safety measure it will throw the fans on, some on most VAG cars.

 

[mrnice]

If the CTS is faulty, the ECU will not know exact what temp you have so as a safety measure it will throw the fans on, some on most VAG cars.

Every days a school day

 

[wesmaster]

Ok comfort indicator kit 000998229a cost £27:92 +vat trade from TPS.

 

[quattrojames]

If the CTS is faulty, the ECU will not know exact what temp you have so as a safety measure it will throw the fans on, some on most VAG cars.

I'm pretty sure this is the case here. I'll fit a new CTS next week and see what the fan does, lets hope it cures it.

As far as I know the electric fan blows continuously unless the 'Econ' button on climate control is pressed and illuminated (aircon off).
Also regarding the rear washer- mine was really feeble two but it was because it was dumping half the scree wash into the cubby hole in n/s rear of boot, just something to check, word to the wise n all that!, good progress tho!,
ps as far as I know avf's have just one cts, same as my awx. The replacement part from audi is green and apparently more reliable.

I can't see any other leaks, but it's hard to tell. Do you know what route the hose takes from the front nearside reservoir to the rear offside boot hinge?

Researching CTS's tonight. And looking for a second hand fan...

 

[mrnice]

Screen wash hose-
from behind glove box down a pillar, along n/s sill (taped into wiring loom??!!), up over rear wheel arch, through n/s boot cubby hole above toolkit, up c pillar, along rear of roof under headlining to o/s tailgate hinge (where it likes to snap), down o/s of tailgate to wiper motor (it can apparently pop off there too). In all I sealed up 4 connections with epoxy glue.

 

[quattrojames]

Screen wash hose-
from behind glove box down a pillar, along n/s sill (taped into wiring loom??!!), up over rear wheel arch, through n/s boot cubby hole above toolkit, up c pillar, along rear of roof under headlining to o/s tailgate hinge (where it likes to snap), down o/s of tailgate to wiper motor (it can apparently pop off there too). In all I sealed up 4 connections with epoxy glue.

Thanks, spot on. Seems like I have similar issues to you. I started in the nearside doot cubby hole where I has stashed a rag, soaking! Straight away I found the join at the top had come adrift, nice and easy. So I try the washer again and out of the corner of my eye see movement.... and foam is bubbling down from the A pillar behind the glove box! I'm assuming it is another joint which has come apart, but unfortunately not, a split pipe. It hadn't broken like in the picture, I did that pulling the ends apart.



Anyway, I haven't time to mend that today, I'm hoping my A4 will have similar pipe and I can rob that next week.

The car used to live surrounded by trees, and although the plenum chamber was dry, it was very grubby and I wanted to makes sure the drain holes under the battery weren't blocked.



So, the cover comes off, then the wipers which allow me to remove the scuttle panel. I took the pollen filter out, but couldn't get the surround out as the nuts were just slipping underneath - but I was able to clean around it ok. Battery out (yes I have the radio code....) and then the three nuts to remove the battery tray. The bungs were quite clear, but I took the right hand one out anyway.



Some APC and it looked a lot better.



Refit is the reverse of removal, and a wipe over. Another box ticked.

 

[quattrojames]

 

[quattrojames]

Also got the Allroad blades sprayed and ready to go.

 

[wesmaster]

Like the wheels! I have a set of those too! at paintshop at the moment. look good in dark though.

 

[quattrojames]

Much happened today, but it's late.... But I grabbed a quick pic of the fitted stickers on the climate control. Many thanks to Wesmaster :thumbsup:

 

[quattrojames]

Right, whilst I accept "This thread is worthless without pictures..." for now I don't have any!

Had a good day Wednesday, started breaking the A4, and also did some jobs on the A6.

I changed the CTS, at first it stopped the fan running all the time, but that fault soon returned, and the gauge is no better. My AVF engine appear to have two sensors, I changed the one on the bottom pipe coming off the rad, so I'll have to do the one under the charge pipe on the offside of the rear of the engine next. A bit annoying.

I discovered that an RNSd from a B6 A4 won't fit! So I picked up a cheap C5 unit off ebay last night without a code, so I can swap the backs over and fit it in the A6 over Christmas hopefully. And then sell on the uncoded B6 unit.

Much fiddling saw the washer pipe repaired in the passenger footwell. The jet cleared the roof and hit the bonnet after that! I'm going to just use it in little bursts until I've built some trust back up in the pipe....

The best news was that (thanks to ScottB5) we swapped the complete complete door lock mechanism containing the microswitch in the front door and it fixed the door not showing on the DIS issue. The rear door one and the boot also needed attention. But, with all those done the puddle and footwell lights etc all work perfectly now which I'm pleased about.

I put my grey RS6's on, and also the Allroad door blades which had been spray satin black. I expected to be wowed, but the reality was somewhat less inspiring.... Maybe I'm expecting too much, and maybe I'm trying to clone the A4 (which I don't want to do). Although the car is on Sports suspension already, it could do with coming down 20mm or so, and I've fitted the 8mm spacers which gives a final offset of 35, but the stance just isn't the same. Maybe I need to lose the chrome on the grilles, but then I'm going down the clone route again....

Car needs a good wash and me to have a think on it, I'll try and get some pics if I ever finish work in daylight....

Finally, what offset do you chaps run on your C5's?

 

[quattrojames]

I finally found a spare hour to chuck a bucket of water over the car.... The RS6 wheels have 8mm spacers, so it's now sitting at ET35, and the Allroad door blades have been sprayed satin black. It's growing on me.... but I'm not quite there yet. I think it would benefit from a 20-30 mm drop on the standard Sport suspension, and maybe the spacers on the back need to be 10-12mm to make the most of it. I don't know whether I'll do that or not, I'm tempted, but this is supposed to be an interim car while I save ..... DVLA are being a pain re my private plate. I sent the tax disc off from the A4 and SORN it for the refund. Then when I applied to transfer the plate they told me that I can only do it on a taxed car.... a fact they negated to mention on the SORN declaration.... I'm hoping I can get round it. More news when I have it. Plus, I have a C5 RNSd waiting to go in.....

 

[bullawayo]

Hello mate,

Nice car. Just so your aware I also had to change the CTS you think you need to do (on the offside). This combined with a new thermostat sorting my problem of not getting upto temperature.

Without telling you how to suck eggs I recommend the changing out the coolant at the same time

 

[ScottD3]

I think the fronts stick out a couple of mm wider than the back.so fitting 10-12mm on the back would help bring them out to the arches better. 20-30mm drop would be nice. Its no 4x4 at the moment but its not a bad thing to lower it a little bit more.

 

[quattrojames]

Sorry re the lack of spaces, forum is not behaving, I've notified Admin.

 

[bullawayo]

Also i'd recommend 15mm spacers for the back, hubcentrics. 10-12mm bolt through types are notoriously a bit dodgy due to the strain on the thread running through the spacer (from the wheel bolt).

Hubcentrics bypass that problem due to bolting direct to the hub obviously.

I run 9.5j ET40 rear wheels with 15mm spacers and it sits flush with the arch, so you won't have any clearance issues on what I assume is an 8j wheel?