Start button

[Davey_B]

Although I think the button is a bit of a gimmick, what is quite cool is that you don't need to hold the button down while the car is starting. One quick push and you can be popping her in gear while the engine is turning over. So not quite the ball ache I imagined.

[SimonS4MTM]

Same with a Bentley start button.

In fact the key start versions on Bentley's are also the same, just turn the key to the start position, no need to hold it while the engine starts.

[simple1]

Merc does the same, except I cant think of more than one occaision when I have done it as keyless-go works so well....... door opens without using remote, foot on brake, press start button and off you go.. shame Audi haven't progressed to this yet.

[ClioDriver]

Yes, this is definitely a nice feature.

However, yesterday when I started my RS4, the button started to behave quite differently. I briefly pressed the button as usual and starter motor started turning. But as soon as I released the button, the starter motor stopped.

This kept happening. If I hold the button down, it's fine - the engine turns and fires as usual.

Anybody else had this issue?

Ta.
Mark

[Nib]

Merc does the same, except I cant think of more than one occaision when I have done it as keyless-go works so well....... door opens without using remote, foot on brake, press start button and off you go.. shame Audi haven't progressed to this yet.

My wife's 2004 Scenic does this too. If Renault can do it on a cheapy like the scenic why can't Audi do it?

[MB2]

Is an odd feature but you get used to it - would find starting a bike off the key odd in the same wayt. Agree is good you don't have to hold down, my bike is the same & feels strange as not even on it when pressing start button sometimes !

[PetrolDave]

shame Audi haven't progressed to this yet.

They have, but it wasn't fitted to the B7 - probably because the B7 was just a cosmetic rework of the B6 which was designed 10 years ago.

[jbrookes]

Yes, this is definitely a nice feature.

However, yesterday when I started my RS4, the button started to behave quite differently. I briefly pressed the button as usual and starter motor started turning. But as soon as I released the button, the starter motor stopped.

This kept happening. If I hold the button down, it's fine - the engine turns and fires as usual.

Anybody else had this issue?

Ta.
Mark

Mark,

Yes, I had the exact same experience last month. With respect to the local dealer they diagnosed it in a couple of hours - apparently a faulty switch under the clutch pedal (I think there are 2?). This does make sense as I also complained that the car was extraordinarily 'jerky' going from 1st to 2nd, possibly due to the switch not informing the ECU the clutch was fully down.

HTH,

JB.

[Dave_M]

I've only had the car 3 weeks but didn't realise you don't have to keep the button pressed until it fires - I'll have to try that on mine tonight!

Dave

[PMAX]

same for me dave, you learn something new every day or so they say, will try it tomorrow.
Pete

[Dave_M]

Yep - can confirm mine does not need to be held down. Quite cool that!

Dave

[MB2]

I must admit I only tried one touch starting as my bike had it (with a sticker on the tank explaining was servotronic) otherwise am sure would have held it down til fired like older bikes !

[ClioDriver]

Thanks for your replies guys.

I have also experienced very jerky 1st to 2nd changes but have put this down to my lousy driving.

Two other issues which may suggest this is a clutch switch problem:

a) when engaging the clutch (ie. lifting the pedal), right at the top of the travel, I sometimes (but not always) get a sort of judder as the power is applied to the wheels. It's very subtle but it's as if the power is being stepped up gradually. Strange feeling and rather irritating. Perhaps my clutch is on the way out.

b) cruise control doesn't work - nothing happens when I fiddle with the controls.

Off to a stealer... Are clutches covered under warranty?

Cheers,
Mark

[sonny]

Clutch will only be covered if there was a problem relating to the clutch to fail, such as the hydraulic pipe splitting, Mine went at 26k, replaced on extended warranty.

Ref your jerky 1st to 2nd, SW0090 cured this.

[ArthurPE]

the key is momentary/latching on the US version, just rotate an release...pretty cool