98 A4 Problems
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AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: Apr 2004
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98 A4 Problems
I've got a friend (not very mechanically inclined) that asked me to ask around about various problems he's having with his car.
Car is a 1998 A4 2.8 Quattro Tip and here's what he lists as the problems
- Has trouble starting - always takes longer than it originally did, often requires pressing the gas pedal
- brakes seem low - ABS sometimes engages unnecessarily, both warning lights still on, brakes were changed a few months ago
- temperature sign comes up frequently, usually right after starting
- "oil" message turns on after start then turns off - oil was recently changed
- burning smell/smoke on shifting from reverse to drive (this also seems to take longer than it should)
- buzzing sound coming from front of car occasionally
- acceleration is a little weird, hesitating while shifting
- pulling to the right even though i just got an alignment done
- ride not as smooth as it used to be
- gas gauge fluctuating wildly
- idle RPMs vary from startup to startup
So if any of you can give some insight as to what may be wrong with his car, he'd appreciate it. Thanks.
Car is a 1998 A4 2.8 Quattro Tip and here's what he lists as the problems
- Has trouble starting - always takes longer than it originally did, often requires pressing the gas pedal
- brakes seem low - ABS sometimes engages unnecessarily, both warning lights still on, brakes were changed a few months ago
- temperature sign comes up frequently, usually right after starting
- "oil" message turns on after start then turns off - oil was recently changed
- burning smell/smoke on shifting from reverse to drive (this also seems to take longer than it should)
- buzzing sound coming from front of car occasionally
- acceleration is a little weird, hesitating while shifting
- pulling to the right even though i just got an alignment done
- ride not as smooth as it used to be
- gas gauge fluctuating wildly
- idle RPMs vary from startup to startup
So if any of you can give some insight as to what may be wrong with his car, he'd appreciate it. Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 933
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that sounds pretty bad,
I would just try to sell it now. It sounds like major electrical issues. Was it ever wrecked? Make sure there is no water leaking into the fuse panel or anywhere else that could poss a problem.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 17,137
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where to start!....
the oil light on the odometer is a service reminder. go to the url for how to reset it. alot of your problems ,brakes, acceleration and hard start, sound like a massive vacuum leak.<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec26.shtml">https://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec26.shtml</a</li></ul>
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 39
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From: Washington state, USA
Re: 98 A4 Problems
gas gauge fluctuations. Common. Try another brand of gas (worked for me). Otherwise it's the sending unit in the tank.
pulling to right. Since you mention other braking problems, and your alignmnent, this is probably related to the brakes.
ride not as smooth. This is rare, but an out of balance rotor can cause vibrations similar to an out of balance wheel. I've seen brand new rotors that are out of balance. Are your wheels balanced? Do you have hunks of crud stuck to the insides?
Have you hooked it up to see if there are any trouble codes? I'm guessing you have several, and they will lead you to more answers.
M
pulling to right. Since you mention other braking problems, and your alignmnent, this is probably related to the brakes.
ride not as smooth. This is rare, but an out of balance rotor can cause vibrations similar to an out of balance wheel. I've seen brand new rotors that are out of balance. Are your wheels balanced? Do you have hunks of crud stuck to the insides?
Have you hooked it up to see if there are any trouble codes? I'm guessing you have several, and they will lead you to more answers.
M
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 0
Re: 98 A4 Problems
trouble starting: verify spark plugs and fuel injectors or change gas filter.
Check brake lines, maybe a sensor problem.
Check coolant level maybe he needs to flush his coolant.
needs transmission fluid urgent! can burn your transmission that is why the shifts are not smooth.
Burning smell maybe due to a defect in the water pump since my car had that problem too.
Buzzing sound is probably due to defective wheel bearings (2 front) also check inner and outer tire rods.
pulling to the right is a problem of steering. probably his rack and pinion needs to be changed.
Ride stiffer probably due to wear of shocks
gas gauges and higher idle rpms maybe oxygen sensors did his engine light on...
Good luck.
Check brake lines, maybe a sensor problem.
Check coolant level maybe he needs to flush his coolant.
needs transmission fluid urgent! can burn your transmission that is why the shifts are not smooth.
Burning smell maybe due to a defect in the water pump since my car had that problem too.
Buzzing sound is probably due to defective wheel bearings (2 front) also check inner and outer tire rods.
pulling to the right is a problem of steering. probably his rack and pinion needs to be changed.
Ride stiffer probably due to wear of shocks
gas gauges and higher idle rpms maybe oxygen sensors did his engine light on...
Good luck.
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