Hints & Tips to improve Performance - Audi A6 2.4 Auto 1998 Model

**evil_skint** · 24-04-2008,03:59 PM

Hello All,

Nice to finally say hello. I have been reading through these pages for a couple of weeks now and thought it was only right to pop in and say Hi

So... I have a 1998 A6 2.4 Auto. Approx 85k on the clock. It has a few niggles but nothing I cannot sort out I hope, maybe with your help !

Last weekend I bought and changed the suspension arms ( One was Very bad )... along with CV Boots and also break hoses. Didnt take too long all in all.

My next mission... is to sort out the Idle problems im currently having. Very inconsistent, but still ever present. The engine often cuts out when slowing down, approaching lights etc. After reading through the forum, I may try changing the Air Flow Sensor ( and whatever the initials were, cant remember..) plugs etc and general service parts when I get chance.

Any other advice for this specific issue ?

One Auto-newbie question : When approaching lights, islands and generally places where its possible you could actually stop... is it best practice to go into neutral before you reach a dead stop ? I generally leave the car in Drive until I have to park, then I park. Neutral hardly used !

Thanks in Advance.

Skint

EDIT : Oh P.s.. Topic Title lol... Any Other handy hints and tips we can apply to this thread which help with better performance of said vehicle ??

**Niall76** · 24-04-2008,05:03 PM

"Any Other handy hints and tips we can apply to this thread which help with better performance of said vehicle"

Sell it and buy the 2.8

**evil_skint** · 24-04-2008,05:33 PM

Originally Posted by Niall76

"Any Other handy hints and tips we can apply to this thread which help with better performance of said vehicle"

Sell it and buy the 2.8

Maybe I should of added " To be more economical and save me a few quid in petrol reciepts " to my list.

**Niall76** · 24-04-2008,06:38 PM

"Maybe I should of added " To be more economical and save me a few quid in petrol reciepts " to my list."

Sell it and buy the 2.8

**Niall76** · 24-04-2008,06:42 PM

lol

seriously though, sell it and buy the 2.8

The 2.4 is underpowered for the weight and size of the A6 and so uses more fuel and doesn't have enough grunt. Ask anyone who has one.

Or fit LPG?..... but then it'll be even more underpowered, but you'll go further for the same money...

**evil_skint** · 24-04-2008,06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Niall76

lol

seriously though, sell it and buy the 2.8

The 2.4 is underpowered for the weight and size of the A6 and so uses more fuel and doesn't have enough grunt. Ask anyone who has one.

Or fit LPG?..... but then it'll be even more underpowered, but you'll go further for the same money...

Im fairly happy with it though, but yeah my next upgrade may have a little more poke !

For your info, I actually asked about LPG last weekend, local garage quoted me £1800 to fit a 90 litre ( i think ) tank... thier gas prices at £0.55p.

**lonky** · 24-04-2008,06:57 PM

Always found the 2.4 to have enough power in 2wd form. the quattro's tend to need a few extra horses as the 4wd eats about 40hp

Always keep the box in drive, never put it into N when moving, or you can damage it.

Unless you are going to be stationary for say over 15 - 20 secs, there is no advantage in taking the unit out of drive.

Most important on the box is to get the oil changed. Tiptronics are stronger than the later multitronic, but still benifit from oil changes.

As for reasons the engine is mucking around, if you have access to a laptop, then for £15 you can plug in to the ECU and see which sensor is giving you issues.

I would check all the vacumn hoses for splits, for a starter.

Finally, if you changed the suspension parts, get the tracking checked, or you will eat the front tyres. 2wd A6's are heavy on front tyres, but with bad tracking the inside edge of the tyre gets bald in no time at all.

**Niall76** · 24-04-2008,06:57 PM

There are a few people on here who have converted to gas - would be worth asking about it. I'm not sure how much it should cost so don't know if that's a good price?

But with the prices are going for all types of fuel it looks like a pretty good idea...

Plus, if you're happy with it then that's what matters. They're lovely cars.

As to the problem you have, it does indeed sound like a MAF issue. From what I've heard and read it's best to get a genuine part rather than a patern one with regards to reliability issues.

**evil_skint** · 24-04-2008,07:06 PM

Lonky... Yeah Thanks. Tracking is next on my list, this wknd I Hope. When u say " access to laptop ".. do you mean I can buy a lead and software for £15 and diagnose stuff myself ??

Niall, MAF !! Yeah thats the fella. I did read its best to buy a new part rather than try n clean up the existing one. Found one on the Bay for 31 quid... might give it a shot !

**Niall76** · 24-04-2008,07:38 PM

One thing to note for tracking. The likes of kwikfit etc can't do it, they don't have the correct machines. It's not as simple as most. Don't take it to the ******* either as it'll cost you £120.

Phone around local specialists to find someone with the correct machinary. Near me is a chap who charges £40 for the full set up. Glasgow Audi send your car to them and then charge you the £120 !!! Cheeky monkeys eh.....