Test requirement

1996 Audi A4 Base, StandardSECTION Test requirement
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2005 Audi allroad, 2004 Audi allroad, 2004 Audi A6, 2003 Audi allroad, and 2003 Audi A6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  • No malfunction regarding fuel injector(s) stored
  • Disconnect connectors from fuel injectors in sequence with engine running and observe engine operation.

    or

  • Compare spark plugs of all cylinders to each other. Check electrodes for carbon fouling.

If faulty cylinder is recognized:

  • Connect multimeter to spark plug connector for resistance measurement.
NOTE: Spark plug connector can be disconnected from ignition coil.

Specified value: approx. 2 k Ξ©

If specified value is not obtained:

  • Replace spark plug connector.

If specified value is obtained:

  • Switch spark plug from faulty cylinder with one from another cylinder. Beforehand, perform a visual check of spark plug for possible damage e.g. cracks in ceramic shell of spark plug.
  • If a malfunction now occurs at other cylinder, replace the spark plug.

If malfunction remains at original cylinder:

  • Switch spark plug from faulty cylinder with one from another cylinder. Beforehand, perform a visual check of ignition coil for damage (ignition could be cracked or shattered).
  • If a malfunction now occurs at other cylinder, replace the ignition coil.

If malfunction remains at original cylinder:

  • Disconnect connector on ignition coil.
  • Check Ground (GND) connection from terminal 4a to engine Ground (GND) for open circuit and short circuit to B+.

    See appropriate System Wiring Diagrams article.

  • Repair open circuit or short circuit if necessary.
  • Fig 1: Identifying Ignition Coil Harness Connector Pins (Engine Code APB)
    G03611640Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.

If Ground (GND) connection is OK:

  • Connect multimeter to terminal 15 of connector and Ground (GND) for voltage measurement.
  • Remove fuel injector from cylinder to be tested.
  • Operate starter.

    Specified value on multimeter: approx. battery voltage

  • Fig 2: Identifying Ignition Coil Harness Connector Pins (Engine Code APB)
    G03611641Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.

If specified value is not obtained:

  • Check wire connections.

    See appropriate System Wiring Diagrams article.

If specified value is obtained:

  • Disconnect 3-pin connector from power output stages for ignition coils.
  • Then connect voltage tester to 3-pin connector of both output stages.
  • Connect voltage tester V.A.G 1527 to the following terminals of connector at power output stages. Then, operate starter for a few seconds.
  • Fig 3: Identifying Power Output Stage 3-Pin Harness Connector Terminals (Engine Code APB)
    G03611642Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.
POWER OUTPUT STAGE VOLTAGE SPECIFICATIONS (ENGINE CODE APB)

3-pin connector at wiring harness, terminal Specified value when operating starter
1 & Ground (GND)
2 & Ground (GND)
Voltage tester must light up
3 & Ground (GND)

If specified values are not obtained:

  • Switch ignition off.

The following wire connections must be checked for short circuit to B+, Ground (GND) and for open circuit

POWER OUTPUT STAGE CIRCUIT TEST: OPENS/SHORTS, BLACK CONNECTOR (ENGINE CODE APB)

3-pin, black connector to power output stage, terminal 3-pin connector to ignition coil, terminal
1 1 (cylinder 1)
2 1 (cylinder 2)
3 1 (cylinder 3)
POWER OUTPUT STAGE CIRCUIT TEST: OPENS/SHORTS, BROWN CONNECTOR (ENGINE CODE APB)

3-pin, brown connector to power output stage, terminal 3-pin connector to ignition coil, terminal
1 1 (cylinder 4)
2 1 (cylinder 5)
3 1 (cylinder 6)
  • Repair open circuit or short circuit if necessary.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.