Trotskey

Hi there, Wondering if anybody can help identify a part number for the breather pipe going from underneath the oil filler cap to the left side of the engine (pics added) There are no part no. markings on the hose at all, generic maybe (can you use generic) It is approx 21-24mm in diameter depending on where you measure it and liiked approx 2-3mm thick through the split which I have taped up for now. Any help would be really appreciated, thanks, Dave.

Hello there, just like to pick your guys brains for any hints/tips you mat be able to give me. Searched the web but cannot find a definitive answer, bits on American sites but unfortunately they do not speak English. Coolent needs doing, looks like a different anti freeze has been added to the G12 at sometime (brown, want it out) New stuff on its way to me so what I would like to know is, 1) Can you use a flush in the system before the new G12 is added, recommend or not? 2) Looking from the front of the car, is the drain (petlock) on the left or the right? 3)Is it accessible from the bumper vents? 4) I believe there are vents in the bulkhead area, are they easy enough to get at? 5) Any other hints/tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks, Dave

Spot on Steve, just need to have my confidence restored, though it is getting better. Just took it for a M.O.T, it failed but only on a broken rear coil spring, will be sorted by Tuesday, not bad for a 19 year old car, Dave.

Update on post, tiptronic came back on after about 4 days and has been fine since although my maximum journey has been approx 10 miles. Fingers crossed it may have been a glitch in the system as by the moss surrounding the outer trim etc. it seemed to have stood for a while. Here's hoping.

Hi Gareth, thanks for the reply, cannot pursue as sold "with any faults it may have" I just borrowed a generic code reader, very basic, it showed fault P0705 which, according to the code reader manual showed it as an "automatic gearbox fault PRN1234", cleared the fault and the car reset and drove ok BUT the tiptronic will not change the gears manually so still thing there is an error here. Have disconnected the battery again, will try tomorrow to see if tiptronic is working, which I doubt.

Hi Dan, thanks for the reply, I will look at getting a cheap generic scanner and give it a go. When the car drove well on the way home it showed no signs of gearbox faults, everything smooth, tiptronic change good as whereas today if I start it and go to reverse it feels harsh, mildly violent, if foot hard on brake it is better, so unfortunately my way of thinking is a gearbox fault. I know I can change the oil though would need to source a reputable experienced garage in the Lancashire area but I think I am right in saying, after the oil change the fault may still be there so it might be £400 or whatever the price is for gearbox oil change on a car that needs a new gearbox which I gather are rare, expensive and cost more than the car is worth.

Hi there, absolute newbie to A8 cars but have been reading this and other forums due to being interested in purchasing an A8. Finally purchased a car (1998 3.7, 83000 miles or so I realised all ) two days ago, drove home 75 miles and all was good. Short 3 mile trip the next day, still good then gave it a wash and general clean up. Started the car and noticed the CAT warning light on. Disconnected the battery and checked the fuses that looked relevant in line with owners handbook (fuse carrier 4) nothing blown, re connected the battery, cat light gone so set off on a short trip. After a mile or so I noticed all gearbox lights were lit red, PRND432, it was still changing up and down the gears fine, turned round and drove home, parked and disconnected the battery. Reconnected battery and started this morning, when going into reverse or drive, a quite vicious change/thud. Have checked the black box for water ingress in line with forum website, bone dry, tested the 4 fuses in there, all good. Looked at the MAF and can see nothong untoward (though I admit it would have to be an obvious fault for me to spot something) The mileage on the car has been verified re Gov website and I believe it had been stood for a while as green moss was on parts of the trim. Could I be that unlucky that the gearbox problem has occured the day after purchase (motorway speed on journey home was legal, revs on test not over 3,000) can the gearbox fault (if it is) be hidden by a dodgy garage (no warranty on car) or could it be electrical gremlin. I have looked at getting a code reader , 2.8 and 4.2 readers seem popular but 3.7 readers on the net seem scarce? Any help is most appreciated, I knew I was taking a punt with the motor but was not expecting it this soon, thanks, Dave 3.bmp