How to Set the Timing on an Audi

1. Put your key in the ignition and start the engine. Shut off all accessories in your car.
2. Exit the car and place wheel chocks under the front and back tires of your car. Enter the car and apply the emergency brake firmly. Put the transmission in neutral and gradually bring the engine to a warm idle speed of 925 rpm.
3. Exit the car and open the hood to your engine. Allow the engine speed to decrease. Find the engine control module on the right side of the engine and engage the warm idle speed control to keep the engine warm. The engine control module will look like a large computer chip.
4. Attach a timing light to the battery by placing the red clips on the positive terminal before you place the black clips on the negative terminal. Attach the timing light clamps to the spark plug wire labeled Number One.
5. Shine the timing light on the pulley connected to the engine's crankshaft. Compare the timing index to the timing marks on the distributor housing. The distributor housing is connected to the engine's camshaft and oil pump. The distributor housing will have a cap in the middle of it and metal on the outside of it. The metal will have a dent or marks on it; those marks are the timing marks.
6. Ground the carburetor switch with jumper cables by placing the red clamps on the switch and the black clamps on a metal ground.
7. Rotate the metal part of the distributor housing with your hand until the timing marks line up with the timing index on the pulley. This will set the ignition time to the factory recommended ignition time of your Audi.
8. Remove the timing light from the battery and spark plug wire. Remove the jumper cables from the carburetor switch. Shut off the warm idle speed control and close the hood to your engine.
9. Enter the car and put the transmission in park. Exit the car and remove the wheel chocks.