Service for a car with an Unknown Service History.

[csevans]

Ok, I'm trying to get things sorted out in my "new" car (see Craig's Audi Journey).

Part of that is getting my first service done.
I have no idea what the service history is on this car, or what the dealer might have done to get car on the road.
I don't have any warning lights, but the DIS does say "SERVICE!" when I turn the car on.

Service options are limited. A VW dealer, or a Euro car specialist. I have neither tools or knowledge to do the service myself (willing to learn, but I want things checked out by someone who is competent first).

Basics on the car - 2007 A4 B7, base sedan. 2.0T Quattro Auto transmission. 96500miles.

I'm seeing mixed messages on an engine flush - but I'm not sure what has been used and abused in this engine.
An oil change and filters is on the cards. Probably transmission fluids as well.

Anything I should look out for? I'm sure whoever does the service will tell me what else "needs" doing. I just want a baseline so I can get into a regular maintenance schedule (whatever that schedule is - I don't have an owners manual).

[Andrew149]

Timing belt would be the first thing I would do. Also check for coolant leaks and oil leaks would be a good start. You should purchase a owners manual on eBay. Or here on the classifieds on part outs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[tloft4]

If you have a decent shop you trust enough, just have them do a full diagnostics/look over and go from there. Basics would be a vcds scan and thorough visual inspection.

Parts wise, timing belt/water pump if it's not been done, cam follower for sure, probably always a fresh oil change if you don't know what's in it and for how long, maybe tires, then any issues that come up. Make sure coolant looks good, and if you notice anything wrong while driving until then, mention that too

[bigheadb7]

I wouldn’t touch the tranny unless you are having problems with it. Check your cam follower as soon as possible, timing belt should be done before it snaps on you. Highly recommended to replace thermostat at the same time, I would replace the coolant flange just so I don’t have to flush coolant system in the future. Our cars already burn enough oil, so I wouldn’t mess with engine flush stuff. Use Liqui Moly or motul for oil change with mann filter. Check ecs, Europa parts, fcp euro and eeuroparts when buying parts. Btw if you are not familiar with diy I would buy a good set of torx, triple square and Allen sockets. Good luck man!!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[EvolutionArmory]

Timing belt kit, cam follower, plugs and an air filter would be my firsts. If you want to know the dealer history, go to a dealer. They will print the whole service history for you. They will tell you what recalls and TSB’s have been performed already too and if there are any open.

[MALMGRDC]

Go to https://www.mycarfax.com/ to check out the maintenance history. That website is a gem.

[Theiceman]

yeah these guys above nailed it all as a baseline ... If all above checks out then you are off to a great start !!!

[kt883]

Brake fluid would be wise to change out for fresh as most people never replace and its suggested every 2 years. When I get a new car my first things are oil change, air filter, cabin filter, spark plugs if needed. Stay away from power trans flush as these tend to cause more problems then they are worth by forcing particles and sludge into passageways of trans and clogging them. Lots of people end up having tranny failures after power flush. Just drain and refill if you must. Can also look into differential fluid change if you really want to start fresh

[Silveravant]

Have you looked under the steering column for the owner's manual? There's a little cubbyhole that the manual fits in. Many people (myself included) don't think they have a manual when they only look in the glove box.

[csevans]

Have you looked under the steering column for the owner's manual? There's a little cubbyhole that the manual fits in. Many people (myself included) don't think they have a manual when they only look in the glove box.

Yep. I knew to look there :)
I've also had that lower panel under the steering wheel removed to I could access the trim piece above the card drawer.

I'm on the hunt for the right manual ...

Speaking of which (sort of), I'm going to have to look through the first aid kit and see what is in there too - I suspect its never been used or even looked at. I used to travel with a first aid kit when I lived in Australia, and had a small one when I lived in SoCal, but the one in the Audi looks like its a decent size. Very "German" to be prepared like that :D

[csevans]

Brake fluid would be wise to change out for fresh as most people never replace and its suggested every 2 years. When I get a new car my first things are oil change, air filter, cabin filter, spark plugs if needed. Stay away from power trans flush as these tend to cause more problems then they are worth by forcing particles and sludge into passageways of trans and clogging them. Lots of people end up having tranny failures after power flush. Just drain and refill if you must. Can also look into differential fluid change if you really want to start fresh

Hadn't thought of a brake flush. Did think of power steering and radiator.
Tranny was more a case of change the fluids than a flush.
But I hadn't though of the diff either.

I'll add that to the list.

[csevans]

Go to https://www.mycarfax.com/ to check out the maintenance history. That website is a gem.

Hmmm. I didnt realise CarFax gave service history as well. Thought it was just damage and repair and ownership data.

Signed up - lots of good information in there. Looks like it had a complete service history at a Chicago Audi dealer.
That makes me feel a whole lot better. It IS due for a 95000 service (looks fairly major), but in line with what I'd be getting done anyway.

[AnotherBoat]

I think the basics have been covered. You can't forget about the Cabin Air Filter The fuel filter would be a good one too.

[Brad460]

Hadn't thought of a brake flush. Did think of power steering and radiator.
Tranny was more a case of change the fluids than a flush.
But I hadn't though of the diff either.

I'll add that to the list.

Unless your brakes are spongy or you plan on racing the car and need a high performance fluid I wouldn’t bother changing the brake fluid. Some manufacturers say every two years, some say not at all. Fact is, there is no really reason to change your brake fluid and you won’t notice any difference.

Your probably 50k+ too early on a coolant flush..waste of time IMO.

Power steering fluid? Never heard anyone replacing that unless you have a leaking seal..but I suppose not the worst idea. You will probably introduce more containments changing the fluid then just leaving it ..

As mentioned above focus on the timing belt, cam follower check, and oil/filter change. Then my suggestion is to drive the car for a while to see if any bugs pop up. If you just looking to throw money away you should have just bought a new A4

[charmar]

I have a complete manual set from a 2005.5. Pm me if interested.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

[csevans]

Booked in to see mechanic who specializes in Euro models. They seem to do most of the Porsche servicing in town, and had a bunch of. BMWs, and a lone A6 in the lot.

Best thing is that they couldn't get me in for over a week. Don't want to see a mechanic who isn't busy.