maintenance info for new owner

[mark 03a6]

Just picked up an A6, 4.2, and need some info. On the way home tonight the check engine light came on, right at 74900 miles. I take it this is an indication for some sort of periodic maintenance and not a coincidence. What's needed, and where do I find the directions?
Also, can I input my VIN# somewhere and find out what maintenance has been done, of record? I bought this from a dealer, not Audi, so I have no records.
Anything I should be aware of? 10/02 build date, auto trans.
thanks
Mark

[m-avant]

The CEL does not denote periodic maintenance, it indicates a thrown fault code. It can be a number things, it can range from an open fuel filler cap, dirty MAF, engine misfire, O2 sensor fault, etc. You will need to get the code read, either from a dealer, an independent shop, or a VAG-COM tool.

As for maintenance performed, if your car was serviced @ an Audi dealership - your local Audi service department might have records of what was performed on your car.

[Stampy]

go to Autozone and get it read by them for free. Then we can help you better. The 4.2 is pretty bullitproof, so it can only be a handful of things.

Congrats on the car. I love my 4.2

[mark 03a6]

Appreciate the input so far.
Does this car also need the 75K timing belt change? If so, are there instructions posted somewhere for this? I typically do my own maintenance, so unless this requires some exotic tools and a 3 armed contortionist, I'll probably tackle the job myself.
This morning i found a puddle of fuel under the left rear, so it looks like I have a little investigating to do this weekend. And here I thought I was buying a car I wouldn't, for once, have to mess with on a regular basis!
thanks
Mark

[A62TURBO]

Oh man that sux, you just bought it and you're having problems from day 1. Good luck with it man.

[wofman]

May have some recourse with seller. You said dealer and since he's a "merchant" by law, he may need to address the fuel puddle problem since he had to know about it....