I have recently purchased an 1997 Audi A3 1.6(I got it for the good build and good fuel economy). The problem I have is that It will not always turn on. Some days it does others it wont. This is a serious problem as I no do not have a relyable car to get to work. I have a friend who is good with these sorts of things and believes it's the fuel pump that may be broken.

Now when you turn the ignition on and listen to the fuel tank via the fuel cap(part where you put fuel into your car). He said he cannot hear the fuel pump running. Here is my question. When your car is running or you are turning it on. Can you hear the fuel pump working when you put your ear to the part of the car where you put fuel into the car(both the external lid and internal cap open)?

thanx in advance as any help will be appreciated.

 

When the ignition is switched on you can hear the pump prime the systemand when your cranking it over you should hear the pump pumping.
The first thing that I would check is the fuse for the fuel pump you will be able to get the number of the fuse from the audi handbook with your car.
The fuel pump is fitted under the rear seat just pull up the rear seat and then you'll see a black plate with three screws, remove this and you will see your fuel pump you'll be able to litsten to this better as your right next to it. If you fuse was prevoiusly ok you now want to know if you have a live going to the fuel pump and is it 12V? If so you also want to know if you have an earth if so you know that the fuel pump is knakerd I have seen this before.

Audi scientist

 

Audiscientist, thanx for the quick reply. It seems that it does not make any noise. At this point I am pretty sure it's the fuel pump thats broken. Looks like I will be getting a new one.