Guys, I'm planning to look at a 2002 Octavia 1.8T 4x4 this weekend - how can I test / confirm that all the 4x4 elements are working on a test drive ? Anything special to look out for ? (91K on the clock)

Many thanks

Maybe reverse it so the rear wheels are on some slippery ground, turn off the ESP and pull away, and get someone to watch the rear wheels, if they spin up then you know the haldex is working correctly and driving the rear wheels as well as the front ones. With the ESP on it should also kill the power to the rear wheels as well as the front ones if and when they spin.

If you can have a go in a FWD 1.8T Octavia you will really notice the difference. I had a go in another members 4x4 Turbo and compared to my VRS it's much better at pulling away and accelerating on the exit of corners... no scrabbling at all!

Edited 15 January, 201016 yr by chicken_eyebrow

Good advice above about checking the RWD although I don't think there is any need to disable the ESP. My 4X4 had far less trouble pulling away on wet grass than by brother-in-law's Cherokee. If you have access to VAG-COM/VCDS, it would be a good idea to check for any faults logged. The 4X4 is a good buy - if you can find a good one.

I have seen a way on here of testing whether the Haldex is working ok but I can't find it at the moment so just nicked this off an Audi site -

Mechanical Function-test of the Haldex coupling.

- Rollout in circle

Aim: Check the function of the coupling and the response on the car. Is to be done on level ground.

1. Drive in circle with minimum turning radius at a speed of about 10 km/h.

Disengage the clutch and close the throttle.

Let the car roll to full stop.

2. Drive in circle with minimum turning radius at same speed as in case 1.

Disengage the clutch and run up the engine to 3000 - 4000 rpm.

Let the car roll to full stop.

* If the coupling is working the car will stop in about half the distance in case 2 compared with case 1.

* If there is no difference in the two cases there is a malfunction of the coupling. The problem could be caused by the coupling or by missing signals from the car. A further inspection has to be done to be able to determine the cause of the malfunction.

* If a noise from the HLSC is noticed when turning or driving in circles the oil in the coupling is damaged. The damage can be caused by overheating or by water in the oil

I've done this on mine once and it seemed to work ok.

There is a lot more on http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?p=17072737. Sorry if this doesn't work but I'm not very good at it :'(

Someone will probably come along in a minute and say if its ok.

Thanks - that's helpful

check that the haldex oil change has been done every 2 years on the service history. The system is pretty reliable from what I have been able to find, was one of the things that I was apprehensive about as well. Having owned mine for 18months all I can say is I love it, the recent driving conditions have been great fun too Oh and you must get it remapped, its compulsory

Oh and you must get it remapped, its compulsory