Hello all. I have an 98' A4 2.8 quattro and im having problems with it starting up. Every now and then it doesn't star up on the first crank over but then started a few cranks after that. Recently its been stranding me for a few hours not starting. The starter seems to be turning normal. I don't have an dim lights. When it does start it stays running. I'm not sure what all i can test to diagnose my problem. I think its getting enough fuel because when it does start it stays running and spark i believe it getting too for the same reason. My not very educated get would be maybe some sort of cam sensor could be giving me this issue. Any advice on what I should test would be very appreciated.

 

Maybe fuel pump going bad or a clogged line or debire in the fuel system not allowing fuel to get by go to auto part's and buy some fuel system cleaner like a Lucas fuel treatment or something and if worst come's to worst SEAFOAM THAT BITCH!!!!!! or you can take out your fuel pump and test it with a battery and some wires BUT CLEAN THE FUEL PUMP FIRST YOU DONT WANT FIRE NOW DO YOU

 

change your fuel filter and oil after you run some sea foam

 

It won't be the cam sensor - there are two of them and trigger signals are only needed from one for it to run. Crank sensor can cause it but should throw a code. Could be a bad coolant temp sensor, faulty FPR, failing ignition switch, or clogged filter/failing fuel pump (or FP relay).

 

about a year ago there was a safety recall for the ignition switch

 

Do you hear the fuel pump turn on when you turn the key on? If not bad fuel pump. Are you sure its not your starter? Some times starters won't catch and you will get the I will start right now or I will start after a few cranks. I had the same problem in my 91 Integra 2door.

 

ImTheDevil knows a lot about these vehicles. If its not what I said then I would start with what he said.

 

Russcuss is on the right track but remember, if the ignition switch is bad, it'll never trigger the fuel pump relay. If the relay is bad, it won't close and power up the pump. Be sure to check that stuff.

 

I am having the same exact problem as described in my 2001 2.8L Quattro. Did you ever find a solution? Now my car is acting as if my battery is dead from time to time and I have to jump start it. I think this is a separate issue, but it could be related. I would blaim the alternator but like the original problem, it is sporadic.

 

Any resolution on this issue? For awhile I found if I pumped the gas pedal frantically, the car would start. Now that doesn't do it and I have to jump start it everytime. No problem at all while I'm driving. When I try to start it, it sounds like the engine is struggling to turn over, but when I jump start it there is no problem at all. Any thoughts?