Hi, I bought a 1996 a4 2.8 quattro a few weeks ago, and when driving it today the car completely died and shut off briefly when I was traveling 40mph, then the motor came back on but everything electrical in the car was dead. I came to a red light and tried turning the car off and back on but nothing happened. I pushed the car to safety and tried starting it again and nothing. I checked all the fuses and they seemed to be OK, however I smelled a burning smell when I popped the hood. The battery is fine, no lights came on the dash before this problem occurred. The radio comes on and some inner dash lights come on when the key is turned, but does not engage the motor what so ever. My guess is that it could be a relay that burned out because the horn does not honk at all when pushed, but the windows some other interior controls work. I do not think it has anything to do with the started motor because this happened while I was driving. I know I am sort of all over the place here, but any thoughts on what might be going on or similar experiences or any help at all really would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot.

 

If you lose electric you shouldnt turn your car off at a light.

 

Hi, thanks for your quick reply, but that doesnt really do anything to address the problem. Any info at all other than witty observations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

 

It could be fuses, start there. Another option is to get it to AutoZone and borrow a scanner from them. AutoZone is the only place that does this. I don't think Pep Boys ever did and Advanced used to but stopped.

 

Test alternator and connections? When you turn the key does it tick?

 

I tested all the fuses, and they were all fine. The battery connections are all solid and the alternator appears to be in good shape. There is no kick at all when the key is turned, a few lights on the dash light up but thats it, nothing mechanical engages at all. It is a manual so I also tried starting it up in first gear by popping the clutch while it was rolling, and no luck with that either. Thanks again for your help so far and any help you give is greatly appreciated.

 

bump''