Trouble Starting Car, Ignition/idle Problem
Posted in Ignition Systems | Asked on Jan 28, 2011
The car is an Audi A4 2001 model. The problem has gradually got worse from just happening on the off-chance about a month ago to now nearly always giving trouble.
It happens when you try and start the car, sometimes it just totally doesn’t start when you turn the ignition and just gives that noise of attempting to. Then eventually it starts with a struggle and then soon as its started it wont idle and just cuts out again. So i find myself having to rev it manually to keep it from cutting out at the start. Afterwards when the car has got moving it has no problems at all, only problems are when you (try to) turn it on.
It’s an embarrassing problem when your there just trying to get the damn thing to turn on then soon as you do it dies or you have to rev it real loud. So any solutions or help would me much appreciated.
If you need any more information to help with the diagnosis just ask though i know next to nothing about cars.
Yes, the engine management sign is showing up. However there is a long story behind this.
Just over a year ago when we went to take the car to get serviced, when we got it back as soon as i had driven out the garage i noticed the engine management symbol was on and took it back the garage who said they hadn’t noticed it afterwards they ran some tests and said it was a problem with the air flow mass sensor. I said this problem wasn’t there when i gave you there car they then (claimed to) replace the sensor with a new one but that didn’t fix the problem and they wouldn’t refund me or be held to acclaim for the fault.
They did however say it would give no problems and that it was fine to continue driving. I then took the car to a second garage who gave me the same advice. So its been like that for over a year and not given any problems, has it got worse or what should i do i’ve got a feeling im going to need to take it to a dealership but that would end up being very expensive.
By the way im from the UK so i dont think we have Auto Zone here. Also everytime its been serviced i have made sure it was synthetic oil that was beeing used.
IM SORRY FOR SUCH A LONG POST BUT I COULD DO WITH THE ADVICE/HELP.
There are 3 Answers for "Trouble Starting Car, Ignition/idle Problem"
Has your check engine system light come on???? Audi’s are vulnerable to improper oil use. They require oils that meet VW/Audi specification 502/505. These oils do NOT break down from heat or stress and perpetually clean the expensive engine internals. These are mostly synthetic oils. Not using them can cause the deterioration of the PCV hoses, which affect idling and starting. You also have an IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE near your throttle body. If it gets sludged up, it cannot do it’s job. Start with a good power engine cleaning with GUNK orange. Follow all rubber hoses from the valve cover and throttle to where they re-attach. Check these items for signs of “rubber rot”. These hoses will have part numbers right on them, so they are easy to find replacements. Read the VECI map under your hood. It will show you where the IAC valve and throttle body are. Clean these with amsoil Foaming Cleaner and/or Gum-out. Running these cleaner through the intake system with engine running and warm will clean the O2 senors and remove deposits in the converters,too. Don’t be afraid of removing engine covers and getting a good close look at things. YOu cannot really hurt anything. Use CRC CHLORINATED brake cleaner to dissolve any encrusted dirt under these covers and around your alternator. Try to keep your engine in showroom clean condition, always. If your check engine light should stay on, you can get a FREE computer scanning at Auto Zone. But rememberr that this is only an indicator and not the cure. It is common for the spark plug wires on Audi’s to go bad and need replacing at arouns 100,000 miles. Their ignition ssystems are ultra high in voltage and can weaken the spark cables. Use ONLY genuine Audi wires. Anything else is a wasye of money (should they need replacing). ALso remember that the Audi requires a periodic re-calibration of it’;s computer systems ONLY at the dealership. Take care of as much as you can, and them go in to have your computers re-synchronised. NOT to do so will cause power loss, and MPG loss. Audi has OBDII, but the genuine VW scanner can reveal component issues all the way down to your radio reception!!. Not getting this service done can cause premature EXPENSIVE catalytic converter issues, and a host of wear to occur. PLEASE, read your manual carefully to understand how these things work. It’s not that hard to understand. Good luck!!
You need a tune up spark plugs and fuel filter possible a vacuum leak
check your maf (mass air flow) sensor, make sure its plugged in correctly, if its the turbo model, they are equipped with a pressure release valve (commonly known as a blow off valve), it recirculates the air into the intake from the charge piping. if its damaged or cracked, it will allow your vehicle to suck more air into the intake than the maf is reading, thus giving you too much air and not enough fuel. and i agree with the guy above me, get a tune up. (spark plugs, wires, clean your throttle body, have your injectors checked and possibly cleaned) good luck. and i would also throw a fresh fuel filter in there as well