Cold Starting Issues Again!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!

[paulyd65]

Dear All,

This is a new post on an old post I stuck on last week about being told I have to push the clutch down on my 03 S4 to start the car. Was told this by an Audi dealer and the garage I bought the car off.

This is obviously crap!!!!!!!

Last couple of days, get in the car, try and start it and nothing. Leave it for 10mins and then it fires up. I just don't get it.

Looking through the loads of posts on this issues, it could be one of four things

1) ignition switch,
2) solenoid
3) start motor.
4) transponder in key/battery.

When I turn the key, I can hear a click therefore I assume that the immobiliser has been deactivated and the igntion is working therefore I would assume that either the solenoid or starter motor is faulty.

Does anybody agree with this because it is starting to get on my wick!!!!!

Incidentally, the car starts normally throughout the day without pushing the clutch down.

Cheers.

[nihc]

I know it sounds obvious, but have you checked that the power lead to the starter is securely fastened?
If it's clicking, then, it sounds like the solenoid is working ( or trying to).
Could be that the solenoid is not making contact properly and completing the circuit to the starter, or there is a bad connection to the solenoid and there's not enough voltage to activate it properly.

So, I think the first step is check all connections to the starter.

[verysideways]

If it's any consolation i am currently experiencing EXACTLY the same issue as you on my 03 plate 68k mile S4 4.2 Avant.
Looks like it's going to be starter motor related rather than solenoid or ignition switch.
When i turn the key i can hear the solenoid do the loud "click". Keep trying it and eventually it fires.
Fine for the rest of the day, and weirdly seems okay if the car is in the garage overnight (possibly because it's warmer?).

[infrasilver]

As you may of read I am starting to get a problem with starting. I have noticed a pattern developing when it will start and when it won't. I usually get a "bong bong" from the dash when I turn the ignition on, when this happens the car will always start. When I turn the ignition and get no noise from the car it won't start. I'm not sure what the car is making the noise for or if it is even a common noise to all cars. Does everyone get this noise when ignition is turned? This must be some sort of self check.
The car always starts all day after it has started for the first time.
If you are getting the same problem I am guessing it will be the switch.

I have never had to depress the clutch to start it though, some hire cars I have used recently do require the clutch to be pressed before they will start. I think they were a Golf and a Dodge.

[paulyd65]

Cheers all.

It is weird but the fault does seem to be temperature related. If the car has been left overnight and it has been very cold or damp then nothing happens when I turn the key. I would have thought that this problem would be all the time and not just the first time you start it in the morning.

And what happens to the SM after I leave it for 10 mins. Do little Audi elfs come out and warm it up!!!!!

Going to the garage next week so get a couple of bits sorted so am going to get the connections to the SM checked as advised. If it keeps going on then I think the starter motor will need to be replaced and I might as well replace the solenoid at the same time.

Will keep you posted.

Paul.

[paulyd65]

To Infrasilver.

Sounds like a problem with the key/transponder or possibly ignition switch to me with my limited knowledge. If the car does not go bong bong (I don't get that on my 03 S4) then maybe its sounds like the ignition switch is not making contact when you turn to start the engine.

Few posts on here that say the ignition switch can wear out especially if you have a large bunch of keys attaced to it when it in the ignition.

I would get a good auto electrician to check out the ignition.

Paul.

[SCBN3]

Hi. I had exactly the same problem. Initially no click from near the relay(?) (to the right of the steering wheel) which was fixed by replacing the ignition switch. When the "click" started the car still wouldn't start so replaced the starter motor and all has been fine since - started first time yesterday after being left at Heathrow T5 car park for 5 days.

If my experience is anything to go by, it sounds like your ignition switch is OK but unfortunately your starter motor may need replacing - cost about £400 or less from an indie. Mind you. I'm mechanically inept and this is just my experience so I may stand corrected! By the way I have a B7 S4 but not sure there will be much difference.

Cheer,
Scott

[no_RS]

Not sure if this thread on Audizine maybe of help..

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthrea ... rt-issues)

[marv]

...Does everyone get this noise when ignition is turned?

I don't get any "bong" noises when starting up. The closest I ever get is either the beep from the parking sensors, or a warning beep when there is low fuel/a bulb-out warning, etc. I have an 04 S4.

[paulyd65]

Starting Update.

Hi All. Car has been in the garage and all connections to start motor replaced and replaced. Problem still occuring so going back in to get the solenoid and starter motor replaced.

Car still under warranty fom garage I bought it from so won't cost me a bean.

Will let you know if this finally fixes the problem.

Paul

[1781cc]

I have been having the same issues, what I have noticed is that there is a high pitched sound coming from under the engine (starter motor) when the ignition is on, but not yet turned to start. I can only hear this with the bonnet up. so I wait until the sound has passed, then the car starts. anything before that process and it sometimes starts, sometimes doesn't - which points to the starter motor.

Maybe you have the same noise?

[paulyd65]

Update.

Dear All. Turns out it is the starter motor thats faulty so my car has gone back to garage. Luckily I have a 6 months warranty with the garage I bought it off so all sorted.

I would suggest however that if anybody starts getting this problem then get the starter motor replaced pronto because its sods law thay when you need your car the most it won't start.

All the best

Paul

[verysideways]

Just been to MRC and had the starter motor replaced. Works a treat, sounds totally different too.
Woohoo!!!

[nidfix]

Hello,

It is now my turn to have that issue. So I have to consider the replacement of the items you listed.
Can anyone who has the part codes of starter motor, solenoid, ignition switch for a S4 B6 shares it as reply? I would like to check how much each of these components costs.

Thank you in advance

[Bigsidavies]

This might help your wallet

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT