Strange central locking issue.

Hi,
I've had my audi a4 for about 6 months now and it's idle has never been right, but has got worst in the last couple of weeks.
I've read on the internet several places about cleaning the MAF sensor which fixes it, but, I don't have the courage to take it out, clean it in alcohol and dry it for 24 hours (or whatever is required)
Anyway, I've ordered a new MAF sensor which is coming tomorrow.
It looks an easy swap. Is it standard socket set stuff or do I need any audi specific tools.
your advise is much appreciated.

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The cars are very much alike. So I was thinking I'll buy the engine, the tranny and the other required components and it will cost me around $10k.

But yeah I guess I'll just save up some cash and buy a decent one because you know hella a lot more than I do. Although I love the S4 B5, I'm just in love with that car.

So the cost of the car is the thing and trying to buy bits here and there is not the way to undertake this project as it will cost you a arm and a leg, you need a whole car or forget it as it will be cheaper to by a S4 as an old one will cost you around £6k upwards for a tidy one.

I could not nail down a figure as the only way you do this project is to buy a crashed S4 as you will need the running gear loom front slam pannel supension and clocks from a face lift car as I think that what you have and the old looms are different from the new S4's.

So the cost of the car is the thing and trying to buy bits here and there is not the way to undertake this project as it will cost you a arm and a leg, you need a whole car or forget it as it will be cheaper to by a S4 as an old one will cost you around £6k upwards for a tidy one.

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I think that what you have and the old looms are different from the new S4's.

MAF sensor is easily replaced. 1 electronics connector, and four 10mm nuts (as I recall). You will need to remove the top of the air box, and remove the pipe that goes into the MAF, but apart from that it should be a 10min job.

One thing to bear in mind is that its not only the MAF that can cause idling problems... Also check all air pipes to make sure there are no leaks, and if that's ok, then consider having the throttle body cleaned.

I was thinking of giving it a clean with isopropyl alcohol but thought, not worth the hassle so ordered one from a nearby trustworthy shop.

I picked it up the other day and had it in the boot waiting for a dry day, which came today. Thanks for the advice about the work needed. You were right, only a 5 to 10 minute job. Problem is, is't still not right so it may be a case of checking all the hoses like you mentioned