A4 won't start

[johnnyr]

Dear all,

May I ask for some help and advice please?

My misses got into her A4 this morning as normal and tried to fire it up but all that happens is that there is a rapid, loud 'buzzing'\knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. The engine does not even try to turn over and I'm not getting any lights on the dash that indicate a problem.

I'm no mechanic, but to me it sounded like the starter motor (http://www.audiforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156281#) wasn't engaging. Can anyone offer me any clues as to what the problem might be please?

It was running fine last week, no issues at all and has been parked in the garage over the weekend.

If it helps the car (http://www.audiforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156281#) is an 03, 2.5 diesel, 4 door, automatic with about 80k miles.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks Johnny.



http://www.audiforums.com/forum/images/kirsch/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.audiforums.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=1238655)

[Alan02]

Yeah, sounds like the Starter. You can get them repaired, or get a new or re-conditioned one.

[johnnyr]

Thanks Alan, I appreciate your time. Do you know if they are easy to get at to remove?

Cheers.
Johnny

[kite]

Try giving the starter a tap with a stout piece of wood.

[warp_speed]

When was the timing belt changed?

[johnnyr]

Timing Belt ... I don't think it has ever been changed. This sounds like it might be expensive.

Johnny

[Columbo]

Think the belt's on the 2.5 tdi's are at 80K intervals. Most people do it well before though.

The first time it did it, did it turn over at all?

Have you checked the battery? Sorry if you have.

[johnnyr]

Hi Columbo,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. My misses says the car did not try to turn over at all. The noise frightened her so much she jumped out and wouldn't try to start the car again.

Battery - valid point. I'm certain it's good, but will find my multimeter later and test it.

PS - I got the mileage wrong in my inital post. The mileage is about 62k not the 80k I mentioned.

Johnny.

[nevo]

sounds like the starter to me, maybe the solenoid is sticking or mashed up teeth. when the belt snaps you get a unmistakable loud clunk,then the engine will turnover very easily,anyway dont try and start it until its looked at.

[johnnyr]

Thanks Nevo.

I gotta be honest, this timing belt talk is scaring me. I'll get my misses to call the AA when she gets back tonight. The problem is the car is nose first in a single garage and I have no idea as to how I'm going to get it out yet.

My body was made for 'disco dancin', not for sqeezing down the side of smallish garage.

Johnny

[kite]

Release the handbrake and pull.......

[warp_speed]

Pulling a 1.5 ton car, you would have to be superman to get that thing shifted.:D

[kite]

...as its on wheels with no brakes on I think it would be quite easy for a couple of people to pull it out of the garage :p
Just a thought.... attach towing eye and a rope and give it a pull with another car...

[johnnyr]

I'm home now and have checked the Owners Manual. As it's an automatic I didn't think that I could tow it in reverse, but the manual says I can and theres a towing eye.

[kite]

i would tow it with the box in neutral

[Alan02]

As you say the engine didnt turn over, it does sound as though its just the Starter Motor!!
It can make a terrible grinding noise as it turns but hasnt engaged with the Flywheel.

[nevo]

The do not tow warning is applicable for a tow with a vehicle,even then if its a two wheel drive lifting the front wheels off the deck is fine, pulling it out of the garage is ok, two people will do it easy your not pulling 1.5 tonnes just got to overcome the rolling resistance of the tyres.

[johnnyr]

Thanks Alan, thanks Nevo,

It does make a noise like the arm in the Starter Motor is just shooting in and out (do starter motors work like that?). I'm certain that the engine isn't actually turning over. Haven't managed to get the AA out yet to confirm ... my misses would rather I was here and I've been working late.

I literally just need to pull it a cars length out of the garage, so I will do as you suggest and get someone to give me a hand to roll it out there.

Thanks again fellas. When I do get confirmation of what the problem is I'll make another post in case anyone else has similar issues.

Johnny

[SAJ4D]

i'v had this with mine, thought it would be starter motor related, in the end turned out to be flat battery

[pearcey555]

Had the same issue on mine... I thought it might be the starter or the battery, in the end it was the bolt for the tensioner on the aux belt that had sheared off (2nd time in 6 months) and hence the starter would not turn over. Hopefully yours isn't this as the RAC guy i called out had no idea (but did tow it to a man who did)

Good luck.

[AntonisT84]

Don't think it's the timing belt. Most probably the battery. New type batteries give without warning. Could also be the starter motor, sure. In which case, it is expensive. Good luck!