Hey guys my name is Allen. I just purchased an A6 with an wierd problem with the fuel pump. when you try to crank the car sometimes it will crank and sometimes it will just turn over and not crank. the former owner said to unhook the fuel pump harness and try to crank it again,when it tries to start or does start hook the feul pump back up and it will run, and it does. He said it was a fuel pump relay, but before I drop 40.00 on a relay I'd like to get some input from people who knows more of what's going on than the former owner.

 

Are you sure you want to own an Audi??

Why do you think it is the relay?
If spending $40 for a relay is bothering you what are you going to do when you have a real problem?

Bro - Audi's are expensive! Get used to it!

 

How long did the previous owner have/keep the car?...
"Cranking" it is "turning over". It is engaging the starter's Bendix on the flywheel to spin it, which in turn moves the crankshaft and the pistons. If it has spark, gas and air, then the car starts. If it doesn't have one of the aforementioned, then it doesn't start.
If he was unhooking the pump's harness and hooking it back with success, then you should either look into replacing the harness' plug or the pump. The relay doesn't function by "hit and miss". It is either functioning, or it is dead, which would mean the pump would not function at all, period.
However... your convoluted explanation about "cranking" may point out to a starter that's on its way out. Also, depending on the year and aging of the car, the starter may have a corroding cable - either power, or ground.
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If you're not too much of a wrench guy or problem solver, then I would suggest you listen to NH's advice. These cars don't cohabit very well with "worried pockets" and at the same time "gotta go to the dealer" type of owners. Seriously.

 

i don't like trowing money at a problem just to find out you've been trowing it in the wrong direction. with that being said I'm an electrician by trade,and out of the 20 or so cars, trucks, and jeeps only one mechanic has ever touched my rides only to install an axle shaft seal on my jeep.

I've been all over the internet and parts for an Audi cost no more than Toyota, Nissan, or Mitsubishi.


As far as the comment about the price on parts. If you don't know the answer or even have a clue the don't waste my time with your smart a$$ comments.

 

Allen,

Don't be so sensitive! The guy was trying to do you a favor. A BIG favor! If you think an Audi is no more expennsive than a Toyota, Nissan or Mitsbishi, you are about to get a big, expensive, time consuming lesson which ends in "I should have listened...".

Good luck,

Bob

 

I either don't like to throw money in the wrong direction. Also, I didn't try to be or sound like a smart alec, not even for one nanosecond.
With that having been said, I was aiming to reply to a "youngster" that's not seasoned when it comes to cars. Why do I say that?
I still think that the "starting" description was pretty convoluted, especially coming from a 20+ year experienced electrician. I'm saying this without any disrespect.
Allow me to repeat: "cranking" it is "turning over".
My advice was solely based on your wording, and please do take it with a grain of salt. If you're mature, then you should be able to accept the word "convoluted". I could have said: "obviously you don't know what's the difference between cranking and starting a car", but probably that would have been perceived as rude.
And yes, if being too concerned about spending $ 40 on a relay, then probably purchasing an Audi was not the best choice for you.
However, as far as "knowing the answer", what was again your question? There's no question mark in your original post.
(See, it can be really easy to be a smart ****)
And getting back to "even having a clue" about your problem, allow me to repeat again.
IF you're able to start the car and keep it running upon reconnecting the fuel pump, THEN THE RELAY it's not your problem my friend.
That's all the time I've had allotted to waste on your problem.
Since you're a seasoned electrician, I'm sure you'll find the solution without throwing money in the wrong direction.
As Bob said it, good luck to you.