Starting in the morning

[MartinRS2K]

The car sometimes has an issue when starting first thing in the morning.

Car is an S4 B6 (2004) and we have just changed the ignition switch which hasn't cured the fault

Sympton : When cold (and only the first time in the day) when I turn the key radio,lights etc. all work but the car doesn't start. If I hold the key in the start position for a couple of seconds it soemtimes fires up. Otherwise I have to leave it for a few seconds and try again (sometimes without success so I have to leave then repeat the process until it starts).

Once started there are no issues for the rest of the day, but in the morning I have the dreaded wait again!!!

Any sugestions appreciated?

[chunky79]

People have had the starters packing up and doing this. Take a look ine the B6 S4 forum.

Dunc

[PetrolDave]

Sounds like a faulty solenoid on the starter motor. It tries to pre-engage the starter gear in the flywheel before engaging the actual starter motor, but if it can't pre-engage the gear it doesn't energise the starter motor.

[elmo]

I had the same problem about one month ago with exactly the same symptoms.

It turned out to be a combination of the starter motor and the ignition switch. Since you have sorted the ignition switch, it only leaves the starter. Mine went up in a cloud of white smoke one morning after I held the key over for 10 seconds after it wouldn't start.

It's a funny situation because for the rest of the day the car would start fine. I had also replace the battery with no effect.

Since replacing the starter motor and ignition switch, I have not had the problem since!

[MartinRS2K]

Thanks for all the help and advice. Looks like it is a new Starter Motor that is needed. Hope it's coverd under the warranty

[Lion]

Can I suggest you replace the starter Interlock relay under the ECU chamber first as a cheap option. I had my starter motor replaced @ £350 and it didn't solve the problem, although at first it was better. The relays are affected by the cold.

Lion

[MartinRS2K]

Hi Lion

Thanks for the info. The warranty company has changed the starter motor under warranty (£250 bill for them) and the car seems to be starting perfectly now. 'Fingers Crossed'

Martin