I just bought this car. It runs great. However, sometimes it won't start.

The mechanic checked the battery and the starter. He even put bigger cables on to increase the connection to the starter???

The weird thing is that sometimes when the car won't start, I will get out of the car, reach in through the driver side window and start it - and it starts! Is their some sensor in the seat?

Starter and battery have been ruled out. What else can cause this problem?

Oh, one last thing that just happened today. The alarm went off and I got into the car inbetween intervals of it going off and tried to start the car. It was totally dead - no click or anything. Then I got out and reached in throught he driver window and turned the key and it started.

HELP. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

A4 1.8 start/won't start problem latest:

disconnected the alarm system to see if there was some kind of starter/car disabling system.

So far ruled out:

battery
cables
starter
fuses
alarm system

HELP ANYONE - with ideas as to what the heck is going on????

Thanks!

 

ignition switch maybe? it's literally the thing the key goes into

 

My best guess is a faulty ingnition module. There was a recall on these, so it's a possibility.

If you get the car started, you may want to drive to a local church and see if they can do an excorcism, for such a starnge problem.

 

Thank you. Was towed to a different shop this morning. We'll see
whatever is found/not found, I'll post.

 

My guess is maybe the fuel pump and/or fuel filter? I don't recall there being any ignition switch recalls on my 97 a4 1.8t aeb, and I've never had start issues like this.

 

Found Mfr. Recall Number 00V317000 Ignition Switch. Seeing if authorization can be obtained due to distance to an Audi dealer. If not, I'll just pay out of pocket - will be a relief to have the car fixed!!

Thanks again for the replies.

 

Latest disaster: mechanic says it is the Starter. That Audi has to have a Bosch starter to run. Is this true?

 

audi's comes stock with bosch starter im pretty sure...or something similiar to them. bosch just make aton of oem parts for audi

 

Well, new mechanic changed the starter and ignition switch. Still has the problem of starting and then not starting. ????