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Problem getting started in the morning!
Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 10:52 pm
by elmo
I hope someone may be able to help!
My S4 does not start very well in the mornings. Sometimes it will start on the spare key, sometimes it will start if I hold the ignition key over for 20-30 seconds, but it seems to be getting worse.
The car has just been serviced and it does not show any outstanding fault codes. I've replaced the battery and that has not made any difference. The alternator is putting out a healthy 14.5v and not making any disturbing noises. The car runs fine and start perfectly every other time during the day except if it has been left for more that 8 hours!
What would be a common cause for an electrical earth leakage problem? Stereo? Lights?
Any thoughts/suggestions would be gratefully received.
Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 6:49 am
by chunky79
It seem's strange that it starts more often with the spare key! Could it be an immobilliser fault?
Did you mention it to the garage when you took it in? If so what did they do or say about it?
Dunc
Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 8:56 am
by elmo
Alright Dunc,
Found the problem yesterday morning. It seems I have a combination of a faulty ignition switch and a starter motor on it's way out, both of which went up in a plume of white smoke yesterday morning!
Will get the car back later today, with -£250 for the pleasure.
Regards,
El
Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 9:25 am
by chunky79
Wo. That could have been a lot worse. £250 is a pretty good price for getting both of those done. Been told that the starter is a right sod. Does the ign switch have the immobiliser in it?
Dunc
Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 4:24 pm
by elmo
The Starter motor is a pig to do I've been told. You need to do it from underneath the car and it helps if you dismantle the soleniod housing on the side of the starter to get the unit in and out.
The ignition switch is a common item to all VAG cars. It's the same as the golf, passat e.t.c. I'ts a small multipin unit at the back of the ignition barrel, and i've been told it's a common point of failure. The switch is only £26, but was more fitted. It is only a switch and does not contain the immobiliser.
I'll post some pictures of the offending article later.
Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:52 pm
by Lion
I had or have the same problem. I had the starter changed oct 2008, but now that it's getting cold again, I still have the same issue! I'm wondering if it's the Starter relay which is located under the ECU! Pain. Mind you your price is very good! I paid 350 for my starter to be fitted at AMD in surrey.
Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:03 pm
by elmo
Try the ignition switch at the end of the ignition barrel. I will send you a picture of it.
It's a standard VAG item, only £26 excluding fitting and I've been told that it is a common source of faults on all VAG cars. Well worth replacing as it is one of the cheaper options. Also, with the S4, I dare say it is taking more current and abuse than a similar Golf or Passat!
Will post a picture tonight.
Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:30 pm
by elmo
Lion,
Photo of the offending ignition switch.
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:20 am
by chunky79
Having that playing up won't help the starter if it's not making full contact.
Not sure how easy it is to remove the steering covers but switch looks nice and small to get in there.
Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 1:13 pm
by Lion
Cheers Elmo! I will have a look soon, although the car is behaving itself at the moment! prob due to the mild weather. It is defo temperature related, so I'm not sure it is the ignition switch. I'll replace the starter relay, if that doesn't solve it, the Ignition switch. Cheers
Lion
Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:31 pm
by MartinRS2K
Look at this thread. I had the same problem with starting. We changed the switch in the ignition and it didn't cure the problem, but in the end it was the starter motor solenoid so we replaced the starter and all is fine now.
The colder the morning the worse it was to start
http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=80710