Car 2013

VCDS
1. Check if your Volkswagen Jetta has an onboard diagnostic system that is compatible with the Volkswagen Car Diagnostic System (VCDS). According to Ross-Tech, a diagnostic software manufacturer for European automobiles, VCDS will work with most Volkswagen and Audi models sold worldwide 1994 through 2010.
2. Activate the VCDS software on your computer. VCDS software only works on computers running Windows and that have serial or USB outlets.
3. Locate the VCDS cord outlet on your Volkswagen Jetta. The exact location will vary by model, but it should be under the front hood. If you have trouble finding it, consult your owners manual.
4. Follow the program instructions to receive a coded report on your cars diagnostics. Check what the codes mean in the programs instruction manual to determine what is the problem with your Jetta.
OBD-II
5. Find the on-board diagnostic (OBD) outlet on your Jetta. The OBD-II system has been installed in every model of Jetta since 1996 -- previous models used the OBD-I system. The exact location of the OBD-II outlet will vary by model, but it should be under the front hood. If you have trouble finding it, consult your owners manual.
6. Connect an OBD-II scanner to your car via the devices cord.
7. Turn the scanner on. Write down the codes it gives in the diagnostic report and check what the codes mean in the OBD-IIs instruction manual to determine which component is not functioning correctly in your Jetta.

1. Add the oil-based dye, supplied in the kit, to the power steering reservoir. The reservoir for the Audi A4 is located on the drivers side inner fender well, just in front of the windshield reservoir. Test-drive the vehicle for 10 minutes to circulate the dye and load the power steering system. This will force small leaks to show up.
2. Use the black light, supplied in the kit, to search under the hood for leaks. Start at the power steering reservoir, following both the small return hose and the larger supply hose to the power steering pump and the rack and pinion steering gear. Note any leaks found.
3. Raise and support the vehicle using the floor jack and jack stands. Then, from underneath, inspect the power steering rack and the power steering hoses. Note any leaks found.

1. Inspect the fuel injectors of your Audi if you see fuel leaking underneath the engine. The internal seals of the injectors may have malfunctioned, allowing gasoline to leak into the engine compartment. If the fuel comes into contact with an ignition source, a fire could start in the engine. Replace each of the fuel injectors to resolve this issue.
2. Check the airbag sensor on your Audi if the airbag icon lights up on your dashboard. The airbag sensor may have malfunctioned. If the sensor is not working correctly, the airbag restraint system can accidentally deploy and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. Replace the sensor to avoid this result.
3. Look at the universal CV boot on the Audi 90 if you hear a ticking noise while you are either backing up or turning the front wheels of the sedan. This boot could be cracked, damaged or leaking brake fluid. Look also at the CV joint to see if it is damaged or cracked. You should also inspect the CV half-shaft and ensure that the joint of the shaft is not worn or damaged.
4. Examine the fuel line assembly if you can smell gas fumes coming from the engine compartment while the engine is running. There may be a leak in the fuel lines. Make sure that the fuel filter does not have a leak in it and that the fuel pump has been installed correctly. Some or all of the fuel injectors may also be faulty, or the carburetor could be worn, damaged or faulty.

1. Listen for squealing during braking. The metallic scraping or squealing during braking is due to the A8s brake pad wear indicator. This means that your brake pad has reached the end of its service life and needs to be replaced.
2. Check to see if there is vibration while traveling at highway speeds. Your tires may be over or under-inflated. This is a simple problem to correct and requires a trip to the gas station. Most gas stations have an air pump. Set the pump dial to the correct tire pressure for the tires you have on the vehicle and correct the pressure.
3. Check to see if the engine rotates but will not start. This can be a symptom of an empty fuel tank. Hey, it happens to the best of us. If you let the fuel tank run dry trying to make it to a gas station it can be quite embarrassing. But, the fix is easy. Another potential problem could be that one of the battery cables is loose or is not making a good connection. This can happen if corrosion builds up on the terminals of the battery. It happens to nearly all types of batteries and the A8s battery is no exception. You can clean the battery terminal by pouring some baking soda on the terminals and scrubbing them with a wire brush.
4. Listen for clicking noises when you turn left or right. This happens due to a failing CV joint. This is common as the car ages because CV joints do eventually wear out. The protective boot rips, axle grease leaks out and the joint begins to grind. At this point, youll need to replace the entire CV shaft. This can be done at any good mechanics shop.

1. Walk around the 230 and look for any impact dents. If the sedan was in a crash then the dents will be knee high and could indicate structural damage in that section as well. Go below the car and look at the car frame for any deformations of weld lines. The frame will have weld lines where the struts meet, but if there is a weld line in the middle of a strut then that means it was snapped in half and re-welded. Do not buy a re-welded vehicle, as this compromises the cars ability to survive a crash.
2. Look for any rust on the frame and body. Rust will show as a brown patina that indicates oxidation has set in on the steel. Rusted body panels can be replaced, but rusted car frames cannot. Pay special attention to rust on the metal straps that hold up the muffler as these are often the first ones to go.
3. Look at the disc brakes for any signs of warping or worn-out brake pads. The 230 was notable for including vacuum-assisted disc brakes as standard in an age where drum brakes were still prevalent. However, hard use or accidents could warp the discs and make them less efficient. The brake pads should still have pads in them, though it is likely that the original Mercedes brake pads have been replaced with third-party ones due to the exorbitant cost of vintage Mercedes parts.
4. Press down on each corner to test out the spring suspension. The corner should bounce back up immediately. If the corner takes a few seconds or if it stays down, then the springs are shot and need to be replaced. Springs wear out over time, especially in heavier cars like the 230. Visually inspect the springs for any cracks. If the spring is cracking then it is only a matter of time before it snaps and becomes useless.