2.0 TDI Mutitronic - stalling when cold

[allie14705]

My 2012 A6 2.0 TDI Multitronic has recently started giving me problems when I start it first thing in the morning - I reverse out of my driveway, but as soon as I want to pull off in D with the wheels turned fairly sharply to the right, the car just sits there building refs to about 2000 rpm without moving and then stalls with a jerk. It gives me a message "Start Stop System failure, start engine manually". When I then restart, the engine is sluggish to start before eventually starting where after I can drive away as per normal. I also have the same problem when pulling away against a sharp incline, when I have just started the engine anytime during the day.

I suspect a CVT issue but the fact that it only happens in these specific circumstances (especially with the wheels turned to a right angle) and the gearbox is ok otherwise, makes me think it may be something different. Has anyone had a similar issue?

[Tripletrouble]

Is your auto handbrake releasing?

[allie14705]

Hi thanks for response - I release it manually, but now that you mention it, it sort of feels similar to trying to pull away with the handbrake engaged.

[Tripletrouble]

If the back of the car dips slightly when you try to pull away then it's your handbrake dragging.

[allie14705]

Ok so after much backwards and forwards including inputs from Germany it looks like the problem may have been resolved. Initially they recommended a software fix, which actually made the problem worse, whereafter the electrical relay to the ECU was swapped for a different one. (Removed 645 and replaced with 648). I have not had the issue again and the car feels a bit more responsive. Holding thumbs that it is sorted now.