Hi all.
A few days ago while in town, my father's 2006 Audi A4 suddenly wouldn't start, not even a click from the starter motor, to compound the matters he couldn't remove the keys, which was rather odd. An automatic, we were more than relieved when he managed to get it out of 'Park'.

Anyway, we got it back and somehow he did get the keys out. Had a guy turn-up with an Audi tester of some kind, who 'thought' it was a seized starter,

My Father almost has the starter off, but for some reason thinks he needs to disconnect the battery, and is worried about the implications of doing it incorrectly, such as his keys not working anymore and other electronic issues with the car's chip.

Can anyone advise?

 

Disconnect the negative cable at the battery post. However, the radio may not work after you reconnect the battery, unless you have the radio security code.

 

Thanks Pete.
So I can be sure it will not cause his car not to recognise his key-fob code... nor any other electrical issues?

 

No it won't cause an immobilizer issue.

And yes you do need to disconnect the battery whenever messing with the starter or alternator because they have live wires straight to the battery and do no go thru the ignition

 

Thanks guys, appreciated. He has the starter off now, and with the help of a friend.. who luckily enough has arms as thin as a Feeler gauge, they hope to get it out.
He almost couldn't get his hand to it.. as there was a grain of salt in the way, that cleared he has managed to get hold of it... boy is it tight in there, looks like the inside of my laptop.

 

Typical Audi. Can't fix anything without dismantling half of the car. lol