DIY Maintenance

[nyquetinp94]

So I got my 05' A6 a couple months ago and it's the first Audi I've ever owned. Question is what tips do you guys have when you DIY on this vehicle & and is there a specific manual anyone uses? My past car was a Monte Carlo and fixing everything was pretty much straight to the point.

[FormulaElement]

Bentley Manual is useful, also Elsawin is good as well. Really after buying the Bentley Manual, i find it good for only locating parts and bolt torque specifications. These cars are are pretty straight forward and there really are no two things that can be switched to the wrong place (wires, tubes, etc..)

[SinCityA6]

If you are going to DIY there are MUST HAVES:

1. VAGCOM - to read fault codes, reset faults and perform adaptations. Don't get one of the cheap ODBII readers but invest some coin and get Ross-Tech.

2. A Bentley service manual. Arguably the best manual on the market for our cars.

3. A good relationship with others on this forum that you can ask questions. I have a few forum members in my phonebook and we text each other when we have questions. Not saying that you need to have people on speed dial, but being a solid member of this forum, offering assistance when you can will go a long way to others helping you.

4. SEARCH IS YOUR FRIEND!!! There is a lot of knowledgable people here with many years experience with this platform. Odds are, your question/issue most likely has been addressed in another thread. Search the forum and if you still can't find it, post it in the forum.

[c@@kieMonsta]

If you are going to DIY there are MUST HAVES:

1. VAGCOM - to read fault codes, reset faults and perform adaptations. Don't get one of the cheap ODBII readers but invest some coin and get Ross-Tech.

2. A Bentley service manual. Arguably the best manual on the market for our cars.

3. A good relationship with others on this forum that you can ask questions. I have a few forum members in my phonebook and we text each other when we have questions. Not saying that you need to have people on speed dial, but being a solid member of this forum, offering assistance when you can will go a long way to others helping you.

4. SEARCH IS YOUR FRIEND!!! There is a lot of knowledgable people here with many years experience with this platform. Odds are, your question/issue most likely has been addressed in another thread. Search the forum and if you still can't find it, post it in the forum.

Solid advice sin. That about sums up what I was going to say.

[nyquetinp94]

Thanks all, but I was looking up reviews on the Bentley Manual and a lot of people said that it's a waste of money. Can anyone confirm?

[snowzach]

Thanks all, but I was looking up reviews on the Bentley Manual and a lot of people said that it's a waste of money. Can anyone confirm?

Depends on the size of the job.. Little stuff, yah probably a waste. If you're a gear head and not afraid to rip apart half the car, it's mandatory.

[Ntatum]

I've got the Bentley Manual, and it's worth it. HOWEVER, there is always alldata.com if you want online route. With the Bentley I had to install windows virtual XP in order to use it

[nyquetinp94]

If you are going to DIY there are MUST HAVES:

1. VAGCOM - to read fault codes, reset faults and perform adaptations. Don't get one of the cheap ODBII readers but invest some coin and get Ross-Tech.

2. A Bentley service manual. Arguably the best manual on the market for our cars.

3. A good relationship with others on this forum that you can ask questions. I have a few forum members in my phonebook and we text each other when we have questions. Not saying that you need to have people on speed dial, but being a solid member of this forum, offering assistance when you can will go a long way to others helping you.

4. SEARCH IS YOUR FRIEND!!! There is a lot of knowledgable people here with many years experience with this platform. Odds are, your question/issue most likely has been addressed in another thread. Search the forum and if you still can't find it, post it in the forum.

Can you point me in the direction of the right VAG-COM Material?

[SinCityA6]

Ross Tech is the manufacturer for what is arguably the BEST diagnostic tool for Volkswagen/Audi/Porche. You can buy direct from them or get it through Europaparts.com (same price but free shipping).

The Ross-Tech site has processes under their "Wiki" site and their forum is a great resource to.
http://www.ross-tech.com



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[c@@kieMonsta]

You can either purchase a new off of the Ross Tech website or buy a used one from a member here. I bought mine for $225 off of a member.

[nyquetinp94]

Ross Tech is the manufacturer for what is arguably the BEST diagnostic tool for Volkswagen/Audi/Porche. You can buy direct from them or get it through Europaparts.com (same price but free shipping).

The Ross-Tech site has processes under their "Wiki" site and their forum is a great resource to.
http://www.ross-tech.com


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Would you say it would be safe to just go with the VAG-COM Diagnostic Tool with HEX-USB+CAN Interface? It's about $350.

[SinCityA6]

Would you say it would be safe to just go with the VAG-COM Diagnostic Tool with HEX-USB+CAN Interface? It's about $350.

That would be the one. I went with the Hex-Net for the ability to be wireless/Mobile since I don't have a laptop.


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[nyquetinp94]

That would be the one. I went with the Hex-Net for the ability to be wireless/Mobile since I don't have a laptop.


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Ordered.

[tishi]

better than elsawin nor bently.

https://www.factory-manuals.com/

it is in PDF so it works on any OS platform, you do not need to install a virtual XP.
it also include PR numbers, when i bought my A6, it was missing and AUDI USA was no help.
my eslawin (got from ebay) did not include wireing diagrams.

-tishi

Ordered.