This has happened a couple of times now... The first time it sat outside in cold (10 F.) weather for several days. The second time I shut it off after driving for an hour or so, then tried to restart about 10 minutes after. In both cases, all electrics seem to work but starter does not crank. Battery is brand new, fully charged, connections good. In the first case, it started fine a couple of days later in milder temperatures. In the second case, after I turned the key from off to crank position several times, the starter engaged normally. I was hoping there might be a common cause of this in the A6 that someone is aware of. I can think of numerous possibilities but it could get expensive quick if it's trial and error to track down the fault. (One unusual fix for the same problem with a VW I had some years back was to add a second ground strap to the battery- case closed!) Anyone have an idea?

 

juggle the shifterforwardseveral times.

maybe the gear position sensor problem.

 

Yea, I thought that was a possibility. Last time I tried starting in neutral with no luck, also tried making sure shifter was all the way into park, still no go. Next time, if it happens again, I'll try your suggestion. Thanks.

 

You could have a bad coolant temperature sensor. It happened on my 98. I would drive for a while, park, come back 5 minutes later and it wouldn't start. Wait a couple seconds and then it would start again with no problems. Have you gotten any CEL's?

 

VAG it!

Also it may be a switch or starter solenoid problem

 

OK, some corrosion was found on the smaller wire connection at the starter. After cleaning, the problem has not recurred. Another cause of the same problem, experienced recently by a friend of mine, was a bad ignition switch which he replaced himself for around $80.