Rust, TDI fifth gear and fuel gauge on the A3 8L

Engine / equipment

Audi A3 8L (petrol and TDI)

Period mentioned

1996–2003

Symptoms

Heavy rust on the roof seam, door edges, lower side trim, third brake light and engine-bay earth points; on TDIs, fifth gear stops engaging; the pump nozzle cuts off before full and the gauge never reaches maximum; coolant loss from the expansion-tank cap.

Possible cause described

The rust was largely fixed with the first facelift. The TDI fifth gear is fixed by replacing the damaged gears (as on the Golf IV). The tank sender is faulty.

Check for the garage

Check rust on roof, doors and trims; test fifth gear on the TDI; watch the coolant.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database