kwilson.90

I recently purchased a 1997 Audi A4 quattro. Its a 2.8 with a manual transmission. When I'm driving in 5th gear at 60 mph my tachometer reads 4,000. This can't be right... suggestions?

turbo510

I've heard that sometimes the instrument assembly is switched from a 4-cylinder car, and without recoding, the tach will read 50% high. The gearing is different, but for comparison, my 2.8 automatic turns just under 2000 at 60 mph.

kwilson.90

Is there a way to test this or recode?

5v/cyl

Need a VAG-COM.

GTA_Driver

Needs recalibration.

kwilson.90

I hate to sounds ignorant, but what needs re-calibration? Is this something that a mechanic needs to do?

GTA_Driver

It could e that the cluster is coded incorrectly, in which case you need VAG-COM, or a dealer, or an independent Audi mechanic to log in, and make sure the cluster is coded for 5-speed, V6.

It could also be that someone took the cluster out and disassembled it, put it back together and didn't recalibrate the needles. Some used car dealers do that to put a tape over the check engine light.

When you turn ignition ON, does your CEL come on?

And finally, it could be a faulty engine speed sensor.

kwilson.90

The check engine light comes on when I turn the car on, but it does not stay on after I start it.

GTA_Driver

You need VAG-COM then to connect to the cluster and either 1) code it right, or 2) calibrate it.

turbo510

You'll want to get a VAG-COM setup anyway for maintaining this car, so this tach issue is a good reason to do it. Changes to the car's programming require a licenced copy, was about $99 last time I checked. You'll need an appropriate OBDII interface cable too for your computer. Believe me, you will save plenty in the long run.