Clogged air filters can cause a variety of problems with your 1996 Audi A4, primarily lower fuel mileage. The air filter removes dirt and harmful pollutants from the intake system, so that the air entering the throttle body has the least amount of contaminants as possible. The air filter should be checked every 3 months or 3,000 miles at every oil change. The cabin air filter in the 1995 A4, removed impurities from the air entering the HVAC system. This helps eliminate dust and other allergens from the air you breath inside the car.
Open the hood on the A4. Pull up on the air filter hold-down clips to release them from the air filter upper housing.
Remove the small vaccum tube from the side of the filter housing lid. Pull the housing lid upward and set it to the side, to access the air filter.
Remove the old air filter from the housing. Use a damp rag or paper towel to remove debris from the bottom of the housing.
Install the new air filter into the housing, with the filter element facing the same direction as the old filter. Close the air filter housing lid, and hook the hold-down tabs on the lid. Push the tabs downward to lock the lid on the housing. Insert the small vacuum tube on the side of the filter housing lid.
Open the hood on the A4. Remove the Phillips screws from the cabin air filter cover, located on the passenger side of the vehicle near the firewall. Raise the locking tab from the cabin air filter lid.
Remove the cabin air filter lid. Lift the corner of the cabin air filter, then remove the old filter. Note the direction the fins are facing.
Place the new filter into the filter housing and gently maneuver it into place. Insert the filter lid, and install the retaining tab. Install the Phillips screws and tighten them until they are snug.
