Won't retrieve Scanner Codes.

There should be 12 volts present at terminal 16 of the OBD II diagnostic connector, this is the lower row of terminals, last terminal on the right, this is the same no matter who makes the car on all 1996 OBD II systems, if no voltage is present check your fuse panel, most likely the fuse will be blown for the cigar lighter or the accessory 12 volt power point, not sure what it is called in your Audi. Hope this helps.