I have a 1996 audi a4 b5 2.8 Quattro. My car won't crank over. The car lights are all fully on (headlights, interior lights, radio) Since I had warranty for the battery I went to the shop where I bought it and had it tested they said the battery is fully charged and had no problems. Now, the only way to start the car is by pushing it and pop it in gear and the car would engage and start. After 5 mins on idle the car died again. Again, I did the same routine pushed the car and popped it into gear and the car started. Now, I'm thinking this is a starter issue? Prior to this issue the car showed signs of ssues starting in the past week. The start of the car sounded slow. Please help me!

 

When it dies, does it seem like the power is low? When you turn the key are there any clicking noises?

 

No clicking the lights (headlights interior lights radio etc) dont dim...it might be the starter...

 

Are you getting any codes? I'm no expert, but it doesn't sound like a starter problem to me if the car is still dying after it's started.

 

Almost sounds like a bad block ground. Check the ground lead off of the battery and make sure the connections to the block and chassis are solid.

 

Not to scare you, but from my experience, it sounds like it could be spun main bearings. If ANY piston/crank powered car starts fine when cold, but dies at idle when warm, that's a good sign that spun main bearings may be the problem. If that is the problem, the starter may not have enough torque to over power the spun bearings (even when cold). That would explain why the starter isn't firing the engine.Once the engine heats up, the friction gets worse and causes the bearings to grab the crank tighter, and the bottom end to seize up completely.

Like I said, I don't mean to assume the worst, but I've had this same issue more than once, and your story sounds very much like mine did.

There's no way I know of to verify this further, but you could try changing the oil and see if you find any copper, or any other metals in it. If you do, you're looking at big problem.

 

I doubt he spun any bearings. Sounds like an electrical issue. Bad ground to the engine is what I think it is.

 

Just had an oil change a few days before the issue happened...prior to the issue which is about two weeks ago the car would crank slow.

 

Ill keep you guys posted.