When I crank my car sometimes it doesn't crank on the first key turn. Sometimes it starts fine and other times it seems like the engine is going to die after it turns over and then it comes back up (maybe I'm just freaking out). Anyone else? I have a newer battery. Not throwing any codes either. Perhaps something is going out? Car runs fine besides that.

'03 A4 1.8T

 

could be spark plugs need cleaning or there is an air leak/vacuum in the system doesn't sound too bad to me mine does the same now and then due to weather conditions

 

Well, there was an air leak in the system but that was fixed. That threw a code. Spark plugs are about 25k old. Hmmm, I heard the coil packs are a pain to get off, do I need thatremoval tool?

 

no, coils just pull right out

 

I have the same problem that occurs every once in a while, but only on warm starts. You crank it and the engine doesn't start up right away but instead, it takes a few seconds to get the RPMs up a little. I haven't done anything to fix it yet but it seems less frequent. Some have suggested that it could be the coolant temp sensor.

 

check crank sensor too...

 

How about the coil packs?

 

If one of the coil packs went, the engine would throw a code. You might want to check the coolant temp sensor. If it has gone bad, and your car has less than 100K miles, then you could get it replaced under warranty.

 

Wouldn't every bad sensor throw a code? I know a spark plug wouldn't throw a code.

 

Did you get a chance to check this out? I just had the same problem today...maybe have it looked at when I do my 60K service.