Starting Issues - Intermittent 2004 A8
 

Recently about 5 times a month I have noticed the car will not start. I turn the key and the starter does nothing the lights are bright in the dash. I do this couple of times and nothing. Then leave it alone for 5 mins or so and it starts way it starts up.

I bought this car back 2007, I have not changed the battery, and have covered over 55K (miles) currently 102K. Checked the MMI battery level it’s at 70% (glove-box manual says that’s ok).

So I connected up the VAG-COM and got the codes out of the system.

Address 05 – Acc/Start Auth

01176 – Key – 008 – Implausible Signal – Intermittent

00230 – Transmission Park Selector Switch (F305) – 010 – Open or Short to Plus – Intermittent

Address 01 – Engine

19510 – Starter Will Not Turn: Jammed or Electrical Malfunction

Address 61 – Battery Regul loads of errors all Fault Priority : 7

I have the full print out if it helps. What is the telematics emergency back up battery it says it needs to changed too – went to Audi parts and they don’t have the part number for it and could not find it.

Any assistance with this would be great.

Your "key" code and the "park position" code would point to 2 different things that would prevent starting...but don't see how one would trip the other(?)
The starter code, esp "elec malf" part could be because it detected that the switch was turned with no start attempt(?)
As you described it, the battery doesn't sound like the culprit...even weak, it should at least crank slowly or click...and certainly wouldn't decide to work a few minutes later.

The first 3 codes indicate 3 different issues in the same system, each of which alone would prevent starting...sounds like too much of a coincidence for all 3 to be failing. Don't have a ready theory that would link all 3...ECU, wiring, immobilizer?

Its the park selection switch (F305) if its not reading right it could stop the flow of power to the starter. For instance if it thinks you're in reverse, it won't let you crank over the engine. From what i remember the entire center console has to come out to change it out.......it sucks.