2009 manual S4 starting issue?

[rabhrab]

Hi everyone. Looking for your knowledge regarding an issue with the starting procedure.
As I assume you know, on this engine you depress the clutch pedal and then press the fob into the dash in order to start the car, Recently, on occasion, the engine has refused to start (or engage even), I thought that perhaps I just was not depressing the clutch pedal fully, but I was not getting the 'to start the engine depress the clutch pedal' message on the dash. On taking the fob out of the dash and waiting a minute or so it will then start as it should. I have been having to depress the clutch pedal fully, and I mean to the floor, for some time, in order to be sure of the car starting. No issue at all with the clutch operation itself, only with this starting procedure.
Anyone had this occur? Any adjustment on what I assume is a sensor for the clutch pedal movement?
All help appreciated as always.

[brackett]

I don't know the answer to the specific question, but I would be interested in others thoughts on this:

I have been having to depress the clutch pedal fully, and I mean to the floor, for some time, in order to be sure of the car starting.

I also have to press it right down to the floor, way more than you would normally do just to change gear. I don't think it used to be like this, but as with any gradual change in things it is difficult to remember. What is "normal"?

[jerrys4]

This happens to my one very occasionally, I push the key fob and press the clutch, it's as if the starter engages, then that's it, nothing. Press again and away it goes. As I said it only happens now and then. Possibly when I am rushing.

[rabhrab]

Just had this comment on an American web forum:

hi. i have a 2010 S4 6speed manual. my vehicle is cpo and still covered under warranty and has 130km on it

i just went through this issue about 2 months ago. upon trying to start the vehicle, pressing the clutch the warning statement would appear on the dash "please depress clutch peddle... bla bla bla"

this was an intermittent problem but when it appeared it would take several tries to start the car... very frustrating. i had an old mazda rx-7 with the same issue and in that car it was the clutch safety switch.

i brought the vehicle into my local dealer (pfaff audi in vaughn ontario) and upon inspection they informed me that it was a faulty release bearing. (inside the transmission housing)

total job was about 20 hours of labour and new parts. the cpo warranty covered the repair thank goodness.

my two cents...

1. check the clutch safety switch
2. have someone diagnose the release bearing issue

Unfortunately, if this is the problem I will have to pay up.......no warranty on my motor!

[brackett]

Interested to know if you ever got this sorted?