Hi-

I have an 95 A6 with about 140K miles that recently just quit starting (flashing lights, key would not return by itself from start position etc). I changed the ignition switch and now everything seems normal (lights, fuel pump spins up, etc) except no click or starter activity when the key is turned. I believe the battery to be good and have tried to start it using a jump starter so now I am leaning towards starter relay/solenoid as the next steps. I also took a quick look at the clutch interlock (manual), was quite surprised to see what looked like a vacuum line (cruise cutout?). Sound about right?

 

You probably need a new starter. When the switch sticks in the start position the starter continues to run and is also driven by the engine which causes it to fail.

 

Thanks for the reply. As I was thinking about this I remembered that the last time the car ran my son said it was making a weird sound right after he started it. I too have wondered if this was not the sound of the starter being destroyed. Quite the deal, a $26 ignition switch (already replaced once before) takes out a $200 starter. I hate to say it but this is sadly normal for this car. Don't get me wrong, I really like the car but some of the "quirks" start to make you think japanese (likely my next move if our BMW follows the A6 performance)

How bad is the starter job? I've done the timing belt/water pump thing twice already so I would expect I can handle it but I don't care much for exhaust work if that's required.

 

I dont think there will be any exhaust removal necessary. What engine is it? On alot of the v6's you have to remove the alternator to make room for the starter to slide out of. But if youve done the timing belt the starter should be pretty easy.

 

Thanks Dankhound,

Its the 2.8 V6, non-quattro. I had a quick look tonight and as you said it looks like pull the alternator and then the starter. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again!

 

Dankhound,

Just finished with the starter and it works great. Its not a daily driver so I just work on it when I have time, patience, etc. Thanks again for the help.

Tim Faber

 

Hi Iowa A6, I am changing my alternator. Can you give me a hint of how to change the starter? Since I've already put the car into service position, I'd like to do it all since mine is 180k kilometer. Thanks.

 

Starters easy. Remove the two wires connected to it. Then theres only two bolts holding it on. One on the top and one on the bottom. One will usually come from the back side thru the transmission.

 

Ya my 96 A6 quattro ignition will stick in the start position, cranking the starter over and over agian. Everytime I start my car I have to make sure I manually pull it back. Is this thereason you had to replace your ignition? Was that the 26$ part you were talking about?