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1998 A4 won't start

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  #1  
Old 10-26-2015, 07:00 PM
Shovel_ed's Avatar
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Join Date: Apr 2011
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Default 1998 A4 won't start

I have spark, the timing belt looks good and when I apply either still does not fire? does anybody know if either eliminates fuel system issues.
Thanks,
Jim 308-289-6794
 
  #2  
Old 10-26-2015, 07:43 PM
dave944's Avatar
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Join Date: Jun 2011
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Try cranking it a couple of times. Loosen the fuel line on the supply side of the fuel rail. Open it slowly. If you have a small spray of fuel coming out, the fuel pump is probably ok. If it just dribbles, there's not enough pressure.

Also when you turn the key on (not trying to engage the starter) you should hear the fuel pump in the tank run for a second or two and shut off. This is part of the fuel system priming process. The fuel pump will not come back on until the ECU sees the engine cranking over (pulses from the crank sensor).

If you don't hear any fuel pump noises, I'd check the fuel pump relay located in the passenger foot well behind the carpet on the firewall. You should be able to feel it engage if you hold your finger on it and turn the key on.

Sometimes they will engage but the contacts inside (on the higher amp circuit side) will corrode or pit due to the small spark that occurs with every engagement. You can take the cover off the relay and slip a small strip of 400grit sand paper between the contacts to clean them back to bare metal so they'll work.
 
  #3  
Old 10-26-2015, 08:19 PM
Shovel_ed's Avatar
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Default A4 will not start

Thank you for the reply. Can you eliminate the fuel system as an issue if you spray starting fluid and there is still no fire?
 
  #4  
Old 10-27-2015, 07:10 AM
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Starting fluid should work but don't over do it. If you give it a shot and it tries to fire up and run, it's definitely a fuel delivery issue. But see if you can hear the pump running as you turn the key first. If you don't hear it that will be a big indicator that there is a fuel pump issue. I think there may be a separate fuse for the fuel pump also.
 
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