I posted here about my car not cranking:

https://www.audiforums.com/forum/b5-...-crank-186979/

I just talked to the shop. Apparently there is a problem with the central locking module, even thought the windows and locks all work. The dealership wants $1000 to fix it.

The guy said he can wire in a switch to start the car. He said it will only take an hour. This seems like a good option and I just want the car to last while I look for a new one. Does this sound like it will work? Has anybody ever tried this on their Audi?

 

The central locking pump has nothing to do with the car starting afaik. Mine is broken and car starts fine. 1000 bucks is crazy. They sell working ones on Ebay for 150 bucks. The problem is the graphite wheel implodes. If you need your car to start you can wire a switch in yourself.

 

It's not the Central Locking Pump. That works fine, all the windows and locks work fine. He said it's the module. I guess somehow the module is in the circuit for the ignition.

I do need the car to start, but I can't wire it myself because a.) it's located at a shop already and b.) I don't have any space and very few tools to do anything.

I just found it strange that the module would interfere with starting the car, especially since there isn't an immobilizer on a 1998 right?

 

There's no immob, this guy is giving you **** from the sound of it. If it locks fine and windows roll up, the module is fine. There's another reason why your cars not starting. From your other thread it sounds like the key is the problem. Im pretty sure it needs to be programmed to work with the ignition switch, not 100%. Honestly I wouldnt let this shop touch my car. Theres an easy way to tell if its the key. jump the starter wire on the igntion cylinder to the power on it, should start right up. Ill go check which wires they are. Can you go to the shop and work on your car?

 

I might be able to go work on it. I had assumed he tried jumping the starter. I originally thought it might be the key, but why would it need to be programmed if there is no immobilizer? I thought maybe the key is just worn down since the car has over 200k miles. If that were the case, can you just purchase a new key or do you have to change the whole ignition lock cylinder?

 

Im not 100% on the key but reguardless of immob it still has to work with the ignition cylinder. You can buy a new key its 70 bucks from the dealer. Does the key turn in the cylinder? Does the electric come on and it just doesnt start?

 

Yeah the key turns, all the power comes on, has plenty of power. The battery is fine. When you turn the key all the way to start though, nothing happens. I think you hear the fuel pump and that's it.

I did everything I could, including trying to jump start it, I even swapped the ignition starter switch, but nothing helped to get it started.

 

Did you hook a battery straight to the starter, NOt the solenoid. bypass the solenoid.

 

I didn't hook the battery to the starter because the car was in a parking lot. I had to get a tow.

I'm guessing the mechanic tried jumping the starter and it worked fine, but I will talk to them again tomorrow