2013-03-13 Gas mileage went up from 29MPG to 32.5MPG
22 miles freeway trip – picture taken at exit light
The car has 95,800 miles and it’s time to give it a tune up. Spark plugs, air cleaner and oil change.
After removing the air cleaner, I found out that the last service guy didn’t put back the coil packs rail screws that secure the rails. This is the main reason why I do all the maintenance myself, many irresponsible mechanics out there.
The air cleaner itself is easy to buy and replace, there is another filter from the front engine grill to the air cleaner housing that needs to clean also. I just use some windex spray and towel to wipe the grimes and dirt off.
To get to coil packs, air cleaner and coolant reservoir needs to be removed and loosen. There are 2 screws for each coil packs rails, should be removed for easy connectors removal. Lift all coil packs up until they’re freely rotated.
Use strong thumb or flat screw driver to press down the tab (until it clicks) while wiggling the connector out (careful not to break the plastic part).
I use Bosch Iridium for long lasting and performance.
I put some engine oil on threads before installing spark plugs and hand tighten the spark plug all the way, finalize with torque wrench set at 22ft-lb – when it’s clicked, it’s done. The trick is also tape the extension with the spark plug socket so it won’t fall into the deep spark plug holes.
While I was there, I checked the timing belt condition also. My 96 Audi Avant has 149k miles with original belt and water pump. I do check the belt once in a while. If people who races the car a lot, erupted engine speeds, they do tend to put stress onto the belt and break them early. I & my wife don’t race, we drive nicely, our belts do last a long time especially in the nice weather all year round of CA.
4 Comments
Your DIY videos for Audis are really excellent, thorough and well done. Most of the DIY jobs on Youtube for Audi (and I would guess most other brands are truly not worth looking out. If you can believe it or not, I saw a video where the guy did a front brake job on a Toyota Corolla and he literally disconnected the halves of the cars caliber, I could not believe it. In any case, I am hoping you fellows can answer a question for me. I have a 2015 Audi A8 and I would like to know what the torque value should be for the oil drain bolt. I called up a few dealers (I live in the NE) and none of them would tell me, they all say it’s company policy but it’s just that they don’t want you working on your own car instead of bringing it to the stealership. Any help will be appreciated. Keep up the good work.
Hello Barry, I always feel the snug tight with my hand, but I’ve read on the 3.0T A8, it’s 22ft-pound. I’ll check with ElsaWin to confirm. Change oil every 15k miles and check the level every month, your car should last a long time. All Audis are reliable until mechanics make mistakes and screw them up.