Hello!

I have a problem that I can't get to go away and is proving difficult to diagnose.

It's been happening for about 2 years now and seems to pop up in the winter here in Colorado.

Every once in a while I turn the key and nothing happens but all the instrument panel lights still come on. No clicks, no turning over, just nothing.

When this happens I open the hood and wiggle the battery wires and this seems to fix the problem temporarily. But, I don't think this is actually doing anything but rather just coincidence because if the battery connection was interrupted wouldn't the radio go into safe mode? My battery tested fine but then I start to think maybe there was a bad physical connection inside the battery because of the wiggle solution.

The other thing that happens is my radio seems to turn back on after I shut my car off. I come back to the car and the radio is playing. Also, sometimes the one-click-automatic power window up/down feature doesn't work but then starts working again. Both of these things seem to coincide with the no start issue.

Anyway, I'm all over the place and need a troubleshooting plan for when this happens again and I can actually get a diagnosis done. I'm just never ready when it does happen. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Model: 1997 Audi A4 (B5) 2.8L SOHC (engine code: AFC) non-quattro

 

I might be able to get a recall on the ignition switch.

1997 Audi A4 Recalls & Problems - Motor Trend Magazine

 

Just a shot in the dark, but do you have an immobilizer? I have an aftermarket one, and sometimes if I don't give it a few seconds it won't let me start my car right away.

Sorry if this seems condescending or something, I don't know your technical knowledge/skills.

As for your radio, I'm no help.

 

Not condescending at all! This one doesn't have any electronics in the key, no immobilizer. I think I'm going to start with the ignition switch. Does the new ignition switch come with a new key? Actually, I can just go look that up.

Thanks soulstep!

 

No, a new ignition switch doesn't require a new key. I know everyone says to make sure you have your radio code before disconnecting the battery, but I have disconnected my battery tons of times and it has never asked me for a code. So don't assume the connection with the battery isn't being interrupted just because the radio isn't asking you for the code.

 

Have you cleaned the battery terminals?