I just bought a 2003 A4 1.8T with 39,000 miles. It is in prestine condition and has been in the Audi dealership for all of it's service needs (documented by Audi). Anyway, I got the car last week and now every once in a while, I'll turn the key, it'll start, and then instantly turn off as if it is stalling. It's only happened a few times and usually starts right up on the second try. Has anybody else had this problem? Any idea what could be wrong?

 

I haven't had the problem, but my first question is if it is still under warranty. If so, have the dealer look at it. If not have it scanned for codes at autozone.

Could be lost of things, including a faulty ignition switch.

 

Mine has done that in the past too. I think it's something to do with the misfiring problem I'm having. It would start and then just kinda die out really quick. Then it'd start right up on second try.

 

yea my B5 will do that time to time... it usually only would do it on cold mornings when its been sitting over night... But it hardly ever does it .. once in a blue moon type thing

 

I just went and got some lunch and it took 5 tries to get it started. It is still under warranty for another 6 months or so, so I will try and get it looked at by Audi and post what they tell me in case you guys want to know too.

 

Yea, let us know. Definately take advantage of your warranty. I'm still under mine for a few more months. The second something ever happens to my car, I take it right to the dealer because of the warranty--no reason not to.

 

funny i was having the same problem, i would start it up and it would die. but now it wont start at all. possibly me unhooking the wire that goes to my ecu from my battery when i was putting in subs? and if im that boneheaded whats it gonna take to fix it?

 

Happens to be on my 2003 A4 1.8T (44k miles) every once in a while. I just always thought I wasn't holding the key in position long enough or something. I wonder what this could be.

 

If your car starts and dies you may have a problem with the imobilizer. Look for a symbol with a car with a key under it. If that flashes your ecm is shuting down the engine because it thinks the wrong key is being uses to start the car.

 

Im with dankhound, same thing happened to my 03 when I first got it. It had to do with the imobilizer. Had to get new keys programmed for it and it works fine now. Hope this helps.