Replace the ECTS for sure.

 

I sure hope thats not typical

 

ECTS refers to the coolant sensor?

MAF sensor seems ok.. keep in mind this problem usually happens after the car has been already started.. so maybe a bad sensor is resulting in sending excess fuel and wetting the spark plugs?

 

Since he had his batteryreplaced maybe the throttle body adaptation was never performedonce he hooked it back up. Pull your codes and see if you get something like a P1545.

 

wow, i had the EXACT same problem and went through all this as well..lol.
Same symptoms and I came up with the same solutions before coming across something about ECTS. My problem started not too long after an oil change as well. I had done almost everything before chceking the ECTS. I changed my spark plugs as well, but it didnt solve the problem. The a4s have faulty engine temp sensors in them, I believe before year 1999.5. You can test for this by going on a sprinted run (basically let it warm up to normal temps), then turn off your car, if the car wont start, then wait like 20 minutes (basically let the car cool down), if it starts with little or no problem then its defintely your problem. You can also VAG-COM and a related code should be thrown (I got a code about my coolant tempeture sensor having a "inplausible signal".) Any auto parts store should be able to pull codes for free. My car would start normally only if it was cold. Car would not start after I drove it for around 10 minutes or more and then tried to restart it. (i.e. gas stations, quick stops at stores, etc) Its a cheap fix, and they now make an updated version that corrects this problem. (Old one has a black or blue top, updated one is green. You have the same year as mine so I'm fairly sure you have the old faulty one.) Its like 15 dollars at your audi dealership and is a total DIY. Make sure you buy the retaining clip as well because your going to need a new one. Just make sure the car is completly cooled down before you attempt to change the sensor. Don't know where it is exactly because I have a 1.8t. My guess is that the sensor is either not sending a signal at all or sending one that is outside the range of normal operation, and then the ECU won't let your car start until it gets a plausible signal from the sensor.

 

Thank you for the replies
Ill look into the ect

 

temp sensor/coolant sensor are the same thingcoolant temp sensor

 

lol ye

How Can I replace the Coolant sensor on a 98.5 2.8? This is a DIY? IS there any guides with pics or maybe explanation? Thanks for your help guys