Audi A3 1996 to 2003 Petrol and Diesel Workshop Manual

By: Haynes .

Audi Models Covered

Audi A3 1996 to 2003 Petrol and Diesel Workshop Manual covers Hatchback, including special/limited editions.
Does NOT cover Quattro, S3, models with Tiptronic transmission or new A3 range introduced June 2003
Petrol engines:
1.6 litre (1595cc) & 1.8 litre (1781cc) including turbo
Turbo-Diesel engines:
1.9 litre (1896cc)

Inside this Workshop Manual

• Basic maintenance simple weekly checks
• Service your car - complete step-by-step guide
• Fault finding pinpoint specific problems easily
• Roadside Emergencies - how to deal with them
• Pass the MOT - step-by-step test checks
• Reference section includes a detailed glossary
• Braking system safety checks and repairs
• Fuel and ignition systems - explained
• Electrical system -- fault finding and repairs
• Engine - tune-up, minor and major repairs
• Wiring diagrams easy-to-follow layout
• Fully indexed -- find information quickly

Introduction

The Audi A3 models covered by this manual date from October 1996 to May 2003. Models are available with 1.6 litre 8-valve and 1.8 litre 20-valve petrol engines, and 8-valve 1.9 litre diesel engines. 1.8 litre petrol engines are available in normally-aspirated and turbocharged versions, but all 1.9 litre diesel engines are turbocharged. All petrol engines use fuel injection, and are fitted with a wide range of emission control systems. All the engines are of a well-proven design and, provided regular maintenance is carried out, are unlikely to give trouble.

Audi A3 models are available in 3- and 5-door Hatchback bodystyles. Fully-independent front suspension is fitted, with the components attached to a subframe assembly; the rear suspension is semi-independent, with a torsion beam and trailing arms. Sport versions have an uprated rear suspension. A five-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard to all models, with a four-speed automatic gearbox available as an option for some petrol and diesel models. A wide range of standard and optional equipment is available within the model range to suit most tastes, including anti-lock braking, traction control and air conditioning. For the home mechanic, Audi A3 models are straightforward vehicles to maintain, and most of the items requiring frequent attention are easily accessible.

Your Audi A3 Manual

The aim of this manual is to help you get the best value from your vehicle. It can do so in several ways. It can help you decide what work must be done (even should you choose to get it done by a garage). It will also provide information on routine maintenance and servicing, and give a logical course of action and diagnosis when random faults occur. However, it is hoped that you will use the manual by tackling the work yourself. On simpler jobs it may even be quicker than booking the car into a garage and going there twice, to leave and collect it. Perhaps most important, a lot of money can be saved by avoiding the costs a garage must charge to cover its labour and overheads.
The manual has drawings and descriptions to show the function of the various components so that their layout can be understood. Tasks are described and photographed in a clear step-by-step sequence.
References to the 'left' and 'right' of the vehicle are in the sense of a person in the driver's seat facing forward.

Other Details