2.6 v6 headache

**logicalgnu** · 02-03-2010,06:56 PM

after spending much time and money on my a4 the damned thing decided to not fire on the day of the vic check. plugs are fine and theres fuel getting through. having delved further it seems there is no spark on any of the six plugs. she was running fine then got left for a week. battery wasn't clever so i replaced it and now no joy. car is a 1996 p plate a4 2.6 quattro. at my wits end and only three weeks left to get her checked and taxed. HEEEELLLLPPPP!!!!!!!!!
i have checked every connector i can find but am no specialist so would be grateful for some advice. was told to check the cam, crank and speed sensors but cannot get a haynes so not sure how to get at them. engine type is ABC as far as i can tell.

**trueplayz** · 02-03-2010,08:05 PM

cam sensor will be on the side of the head sticking out with small square multiplug on and the crank one if i can remember is under neath inlet manifold at back. good way is tak multiplug off coil pack get a side light bulb carefully seperate the 2 metal tabs and place them either side of multiplug connector and leave then spin her other whilst watching and if has a pulse the bulb should flash on and off that way u no that sensor for crank is fine.

**logicalgnu** · 02-03-2010,08:11 PM

many thanks, hadn't thought of that. will try it first thing tomorrow and post the results.

**logicalgnu** · 03-03-2010,11:43 AM

likely a silly question but as i mentioned am no specialist, can these sensors be cleaned up and refurbished? (as i have done this many times with alternators and starter motors) or are we talking about an electronic gizmo that has died and needs replaced, not sure how they work.

**Alan02** · 03-03-2010,02:46 PM

Its not a repairable part,it picks up the signal from the crank.

**trueplayz** · 04-03-2010,07:24 PM

can be cleaned tho sometimes they just pick up a bit of dirt/grease which can cause bad contact always work taking out and cleaning

**logicalgnu** · 05-03-2010,01:02 AM

thanks guys, i'm cleaning as i type lol

**david4853** · 14-03-2010,12:19 AM

hi mate i had the same problem with mine,all sensors were checked.diagnostics were coming up with crankshaft sensor. after a while of checking i found it to be the ignition amplifier, thats the part that is connected to the coil packs.its a small sensor that sits on top of the air box. try that! i spent a lot of money on people checking and guessing what the problem was so dont mind passing this info on! the part cost about £130 from audi and unfortunatly its got to be from audi,hope this hepls!

**logicalgnu** · 17-03-2010,01:36 AM

got a crank sensor from a mate at a scrappies for a tenner so i'll swap it anyway. i think your idea about this amplifier sounds promising as there is just no spark from any of the three coils, not even a stray. if it were a mechanical car i'd be swapping points and condensor. thanks david

**logicalgnu** · 30-03-2010,01:06 AM

some sod ripped a sensor wire off. four connectors under coolant tank. number three from left just a length of wire. black plug three pins. any ideas guys? and if so how do i find and extract the offending item? not much room round an abc lol