Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Procedures All sections

Maintenance Information Audi Cabriolet I

Procedures 6 illustrations ~2244 words

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

  1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
  2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)

  1. Short Trips In Freezing Temperatures
  2. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
  3. Severe Dust Conditions
  4. Continuous Mountain Driving
  5. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
  6. Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

CAUTIONFailure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage.

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

  1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
  2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
  3. Oil Contamination
  4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
  5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Check timing belt condition every 20,000 miles. Replace belt as necessary. Timing belt failure will result in engine damage.

BRAKE FLUID SERVICE

Replace brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage.

CAUTIONDo not add or mix DOT 5 silicone type brake fluid with brake fluid in vehicle as severe component corrosion could result and may lead to brake system failure.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 2

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 3

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

LUBRICATION SPECIFICATIONS

Note. Audi does not recommend the use of oil additives as it may adversely affect the warranty. Always use Audi Hydraulic Oil G002000 when adding or replacing power steering fluid. Do not use ATF in the power steering system.

TIRE SIZE & INFLATION SPECIFICATIONS

Tire specifications are imprinted on the tire sidewall. The required cold tire inflation pressures are listed on a sticker on the inside of fuel filler door and must never exceed the maximum value molded on the tire sidewall. Before replacing original tires on vehicle with all season or radial snow tires, consult an Audi dealer for technical information on the required specifications. Snow tires SHOULD be mounted on all 4 wheels on FWD vehicles, and MUST be mounted on all 4 wheels for vehicles with AWD. Snow chains may be used on the front wheels only. The compact spare tire is intended for temporary use only; it is limited to 50 MPH (80 km/h) and must be inflated to 60 psi (4.22 Kg/cm 2 ).

CAUTIONDo not mix tires of different design such as steel belted radials with radial bias belted or bias ply tires. Mixing tire types will adversely affect road handling and may lead to loss of vehicle control. Do not use spare tire on any other wheel or any other tire on the compact spare wheel. Do not use snow chains on the compact spare.

WHEEL & LUG BOLT SPECIFICATIONS

The original wheel rims on the vehicle comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Before replacing original wheel rims, consult an Audi dealer for technical information regarding wheel rims and bolt specifications. Tighten all wheel bolts to 80 ft. lbs. (108 N.m). Always tighten wheel bolt in a crisscross pattern.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

Battery is located in the engine compartment with a plastic cover fitted over it. Under normal operating conditions, battery delivered with vehicle is maintenance-free. However, at high outside temperature it is advisable to check battery fluid level at regular intervals through the transparent battery housing. Fluid level should always be between the MIN and MAX marks in each cell. Battery specifications are listed on the battery housing. Replacement battery must meet all requirements and dimensions as original battery.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG SYSTEM

Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

The SRS has no user-servicable parts. Always have servicing done by an authorized dealer.

When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.
CAUTIONDisconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

CAUTIONNever mix different diameter tires. On loose or uneven surfaces, the ABS system may require longer stopping distances than conventional brake systems. Exercise caution when removing mud or snow from the wheels so as not to damage the ABS wiring or speed sensors.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section below.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

CAUTIONBefore replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

CAUTIONIndicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTIONContinued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

CAUTIONTo avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C)
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

ENGINE OIL

CAUTIONNever use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

WARNINGHalogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

RADIATOR FAN

WARNINGKeep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.

SPARK PLUGS

Note. Allow engine to cool before removing spark plugs from aluminum cylinder heads.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONDue to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options.
CAUTIONAlways refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application and/or coverage limitations. Coverage may change from year to year. Coverage outlined in this article is for 1992-93 vehicles.

BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Everything is covered for 3 years 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, provided the vehicle is maintained and used in accordance with the instructions for care and used in the Audi Owner's Manual. Warranty begins on the date vehicle is delivered or put in use, whichever occurs first. Covers the cost to all parts and labor needed to repair or adjust any item (except tires) on the vehicle that have been proven defective in material or workmanship under normal use. Tires are covered by a pro-rated warranty issued by the tire manufacturer.

PERFORATION WARRANTY

Covers any repair or replacement of body-sheet metal parts that are perforated due to corrosion as a result of defects in workmanship or material. Warranty begins on date vehicle is delivered or first put in use, whichever occurs first, and lasts for 10 years regardless of mileage.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Manufacturer warrants its emission components in vehicle to be free of defects in material and workmanship and that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform at time of sale to all applicable Federal standards for emission control system. Warranty begins on the date vehicle is delivered or first put in use and is effective for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Vehicle is warranted to comply to all applicable emissions standards as judged by an EPA-approved State Inspection and Maintenance Test for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Listed below are the primary components affecting vehicle's emission control system. The components listed are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Warranty begins on date vehicle is delivered of first put in use, whichever occurs first.

  1. Activated Charcoal Filter
  2. Air Flow Sensor Assembly
  3. Altitude Compensator
  4. Catalytic Converter
  5. Coasting Fuel Cut-Off Valve And Control Unit
  6. Electronic Control Unit And Power Supply Relay
  7. Electronic Feedback Controls, Sensors, Switches And Valves
  8. Evaporative Purge Control Valve
  9. Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
  10. Exhaust Manifold And Gaskets
  11. Exhaust Pipe-To-Catalytic Converter
  12. Expansion Tank
  13. Filler Neck Restrictor
  14. Frequency Valve
  15. Fuel Distributor Assembly And Associated Controls
  16. Fuel Filler Cap And Gaskets
  17. Fuel Injectors, Fuel Injectors Line And Gaskets
  18. Fuel Tank
  19. Gravity Check Valve
  20. Idle Stabilizer And Control Unit
  21. Knock Sensor And Control Unit
  22. Crankcase Breather
  23. Spark Advance Unit And Associated Parts
  24. Turbocharger And Wastegate
  25. Emission-Related Hoses, Gaskets, Clamps And Accessories

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

Emission control system in vehicle is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship, and that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform at time of sales to applicable requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Warranty period is for 3 years/50,000 miles. Warranty begins on date vehicle is delivered or put in use, whichever occurs first.

The following emissions system components are covered under the California Emission Warranties for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first. If another part fails due to the failure of a warranted component, both parts will be covered.

  1. Air Flow Sensor Assembly
  2. Catalytic Converter
  3. Electronic Control Unit
  4. Exhaust Manifold
  5. Fuel Distributor Assembly And Associated Controls
  6. Idle Stabilizer Control Unit
  7. Ignition Distributor
  8. Intake Manifold
  9. Intercooler
  10. Knock Sensor Control Unit
  11. Throttle Valve Housing
  12. Turbocharger
  13. Wastegate

EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

Warrants vehicle to comply to all applicable emission standards as judged by the EPA and CARB approved emissions test. Should the vehicle fails to comply to the required emissions standards, manufacturer will make any repairs or replacements necessary for the vehicle to pass the required emissions test, provided the vehicle is maintained and used in accordance with the instructions for care and used in the Audi Owner's Manual. The warranty period is 3 years/50,000 miles and begins on date vehicle is delivered or put in use, whichever occurs first. After the 3 year/50,000 mile warranty has expired, components are warranted against a SMOG CHECK test failure for a period of 7 years/70,000 miles.

FUSE PANEL LOCATION

The fuses are arranged in one central unit. The fuse/relay box is located in the engine compartment, on left side, in the water drain tray and is protected by a cover panel. In addition to the fuse/relay panel, an auxiliary relay board is located under the dash, on the left side.

CAUTIONUse extreme care when trouble-shooting electrical system. Relay locations are subject to change and may vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on options.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1988-89)

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - 15 Amp Foglight
  2. 2 - 15 Amp Emergency Flasher
  3. 3 - 25 Amp Horns, Brakelight Switch
  4. 4 - 15 Amp Luggage Compartment Light, Cigarette Lighter, Interior Lights
  5. 5 - 30 Amp Radiator Coolant Fan
  6. 6 - 5 Amp Right Taillights & Side Marker Lights
  7. 7 - 5 Amp Left Taillights & Side Marker Lights
  8. 8 - 10 Amp Right High Beam Headlight
  9. 9 - 10 Amp Left High Beam Headlight
  10. 10 - 10 Amp Right Low Beam Headlight
  11. 11 - 10 Amp Left Low Beam Headlight
  12. 12 - 15 Amp (90 4-Cyl Auto. Trans & 80) Instrument Cluster, Back-Up Lights
  13. 12 - 15 Amp (90 & Quattro Models) Automatic Transmission, Back-Up & Interior Lights
  14. 13 - 15 Amp Fuel Pump
  15. 14 - 5 Amp License Plate, Engine Compartment, Glove Box & Instrument Cluster Lights
  16. 15 - 25 Amp Washer/Wipers
  17. 16 - 30 Amp Rear Defogger
  18. 17 - 30 Amp Air Conditioning Blower Motor
  19. 18 - 5 Amp Power Mirrors
  20. 19 - 10 Amp (90 4-Cyl Auto. Trans. & 80) Central Locking System
  21. 19 - 10 Amp (90 & Quattro Models) Central Locking System, Ignition Control Unit
  22. 20 - 30 Amp Radiator Coolant Fan Blower Switch
  23. 21 - Blank
  24. 22 - Blank
  25. 23 - Blank
  26. 24 - 10 Amp Motronic Control Unit
  27. 25 - 30 Amp Heated Seats
  28. 26 - Blank
  29. 27 - Blank
  30. 28 - 15 Amp (90 4-Cyl Auto. Trans. & 80) Motronic Control Unit
  31. 28 - 15 Amp (90 & Quattro Models) Ignition Injection Control Unit
  32. 29 - Spare Fuses
  33. 30 - Relay Fog Light
  34. 31 - Relay High Speed Radiator Coolant Fan
  35. 32 - Upshift Control Unit
  36. 33 - Blank
  37. 34 - Relay Load Reduction
  38. 35 - Relay Air Conditioning
  39. 36 - Relay Horn
  40. 37 - Relay Automatic Transmission
  41. 38 - Relay Wash/Wipe Intermittent
  42. 39 - Relay (90 4-Cyl Auto. Trans. & 80) Motronic Control Relay (90 & Quattro Models) Fuel Pump
  43. 40 - Relay Radiator Coolant Fan (Low Speed)

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1990-94)
  1. 1 - 15 Amp Foglights (Front & Rear)
  2. 2 - 15 Amp Emergency Flasher
  3. 3 - 25 Amp (1990-93)
  4. 3 - 30 Amp (1994) Horn, Stoplights, Seat Heating
  5. 4 - 15 Amp Luggage Compartment, Interior & Vanity Mirror Lights, Clock, Socket, Cigarette Lighter, Radio, Climate Control System, Trip Computer
  6. 5 - 30 Amp Radiator Fan (High Speed)
  7. 6 - 5 Amp Right Side Marker Lights
  8. 7 - 5 Amp Left Side Marker Lights
  9. 8 - 10 Amp Right High Beam Headlight, High Beam Indicator
  10. 9 - 10 Amp Left High Beam Headlight
  11. 10 - 10 Amp Right Low Beam Headlight
  12. 11 - 10 Amp Left Low Beam Headlight
  13. 12 - 15 Amp Combination Instrument, Back-Up Lights, Cruise Control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Cooling Fan Control Unit, Differential Lock (Quattro models), Auto-Check System, Airbag Warning Light
  14. 13 - 15 Amp Fuel Pump
  15. 14 - 5 Amp License Plate Light, Engine & Glove Compartments Lights
  16. 15 - 25 Amp Windshield Wipers, Turn Signals, A/C, Heated Washer Jets, Radiator Fan Switch
  17. 16 - 30 Amp Rear Window Defogger, Heating Mirror
  18. 17 - 30 Amp Climate Control System (Blower)
  19. 18 - 5 Amp Electric Mirrors
  20. 19 - 10 Amp Central Locking System, Heated Door Locks, Anti-Theft Alarm System
  21. 20 - 30 Amp Radiator Fan (Low Speed), Radiator Fan Relay
  22. 21 - 10 Amp Run-On Pump
  23. 22 - Blank
  24. 23 - 30 Amp Passenger Seat Adjuster, License Plate Light, Driver's Seat Memory Switch Controls, DRL
  25. 24 - Blank (1990-93)
  26. 24 - 10 Amp (1994) Water Pump
  27. 25 - 30 Amp (1990-93) Seat Heating
  28. 25 - 5/10 Amp (1994) Heated Oxygen Sensor
  29. 26 - 5 Amp (1990-93) License Plate Light
  30. 26 - 30 Amp (1994) Trailer Receptacle
  31. 27 - 10 Amp Engine Timing I
  32. 28 - 15 Amp Engine Timing II
  33. 29 - Spare Fuses Not Used
  34. 30 - 5 Amp (1991-94) (Not Shown) Cruise Control (4-Speed Automatic Transmission)
  35. 31 - 15 Amp (Not Shown) ABS Cruise Control, Differential Lock
  36. 32 - 15/20 Amp (Not Shown) Engine Timing III

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: AUXILIARY RELAY PANEL IDENTIFICATION

Relay & Control Unit Identification

  1. 1 - Relay ABS Combination
  2. 2 - Control Unit Seat Belt, Park Light & Radio Warning
  3. 3 - Control Unit Interior Light Delay
  4. 4 - Control Unit A/C
  5. 5 - Blank
  6. 6 - Control Unit Oil Pressure Or Front Lamp
  7. 7 - Blank
  8. 8 - Blank
  9. 9 - Circuit Breaker Seats & Windows
  10. 10 - Blank
  11. 11 - Blank
  12. 12 - Blank
  13. 13 - Relay Passenger Heated Seat
  14. 14 - Relay Driver Heated Seat
  15. 15 - Control Unit Power Window
  16. 16 - Control Unit Power Window
  17. 17 - Blank
  18. 18 - Relay Radiator Cooling Fan After Run

FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1995-96)

Fuse panel identification is not available from manufacturer.