my first audi ('98 A4 2.8)

[indie.ianjones]

I own a dark blue 1998 Audi A4 Quattro 2.8. I love driving it, there are a few problems with it I'm hoping to fix when my broke ars finally has time for a job (college student in ChBE ).

Some of the problems I have not yet remedied:

-Biggest problem in Montana = Engine lugging after extended use of cruise control w/ and w/o A.C. (worse with A.C.). I'm thinking electrical problem but unsure. using water eater and premium gas gets rid of problem until I use cruise control again. ( very annoying you can imagine)

- second biggest = Need to replace timing chain and serpentine belt.

AWD vehicle with two different types of tires (need new tires)

Need to replace "transmission shroud" to get upshifting back in tiptronic mode (says audi mechanic), still unsure about this one.

and I'm sure there will be more down the road, but until then only these are causing problems. Does anyone have any ideas about the lugging? by the way lugging is when the engine's RPM vary up and down, causing the car to jerk slightly when accelerating (standard and auto) and stopped (only in automatics). I asked someone else about it and they didn't know what lugging was so now I explain it. Any advice/help greatly appreciated!

indie.ianjones@gmail.com

[Checkers]

Welcome aboard man!

[sneakyboy1]

Welcome to the forums man!!!
Not sure about your lugging problem but I highly recommend that if your timing chain is overdue, move it to the top of the priority list!
Post a pic up of your A4 when you get a chance and again, welcome to the site!

jason

[Mikewire]

Welcome Ian - I moved this to the A4 forum because it's not really an intro thread, and has more questions about Audi specific issues. Create another intro thread one when you have some pics, even if they are cell phone pics, and give us a little history about the car and yourself .

Since your car is auto/tip...you may need to have a look at your torque converter for the lugging problem. It could be low on fluid or failing, slipping, causing RPM spikes. Overall I think it sounds like a drive train problem.

Are those different type tires the same size? You can't run different size tires on a Quattro, or it will mess up the differentials.

The Audi mech means the Tip shift assembly - I'm familiar with the B6 assembly, and I bet it's very similar to a B5 where the tip select magnet get misaligned over time and just needs adjusted. Check this thread for some more info: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=1990

Oh, and to add - you have a timing belt, not chain on the 2.8 (you do have a cam chain and tensioner). And if you are around or over 70K without it being done, do it ASAP. Buy a kit with the tensioner, roller, and all the other bolts you need. If you can't or don't want to do it, pay someone local to do it for you and take them the kit. FYI - usually it's the tensioner or other component the fails before the belt, but if the belt is worn it could shear some teeth off and fail.

You also need the cam lock tool when you replace the timing belt, so make sure you get that or go to a shop that knows they need it and have it.