Hello,

I am not quite sure if there is a thread like this already, but I haven't been able to find one.
I own a 2003 A4 1.8T and it seems like every so often, when I start the engine, I have to crank for 4-5 seconds before the engine turns over whereas normally, it takes about 1-2 seconds. This seems to happen whenever the engine is warm (i.e., shutting off the engine for < 1 hour). When I start it up in the morning, it usually turns over just fine. I wanted to know if anybody else had this problem before and if so, how they fixed it?

Thanks.

 

Possibly a bad coolant temp sensor

 

i have an 03 with a 1.8T in it and on average my drives are over an hour long and when I shut off, i let it run for about 2 min, then when i get back in to start up, it helps to turn the key to on for about 30 seconds and then crank it over.
i ahd the same problems, like it just seems like it takes too long to finally engage but try this and it might help a little, it does in mine.

 

Get the car scanned for codes and post them back here.

 

Mine did the same thing. It was a bad coolant temp sensor.

 

I wonder if I should take it in to the dealer to have it looked at. As of now, it doesn't seem like it's that big an issue. Or should I just wait until the major tune-up before 50K miles to have them handle it then?

 

If your car is under warranty take it to the dealer. If you are out of warranty, and unless you want to pay twice what it is worth, take it to an indedendent shop.