A6 Start delay

[bernardj]

I have a 2007 A6 2.8FSI (Petrol)Automatic. Battery new and charged
Occasionally when turning the ignition key to start the car the starter motor does not start at all - instead I sometimes hear a 'small electric motor (fuel pump?) and there is no further action- even if I continue to hold the key in the start position. Turning the ignition key to off and then back to start then this might repeat --OR after 2/3 tries the starter motor starts immediately and the car starts. It is as if the computer is making checks before engaging the starter motor and inhibits the starting-(or as if a starter relay was sticking except I hear no sound other than the 'small electric motor' which ;might' be a fuel pump ) Does anyone know what checks the car does before powering the starter motor (eg other than checking the gear is in neutral/park) or have an idea what the problem might be
The problem seems to be independant of temperature or the time that the ignition was switched off before starting
So far the car has always eventually started but it is quite worrying especially if you are late or waiting to disembark a car ferry
The Audi dealer checked the car on the VAG but found nothing (but still sent me a bill)
If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate their help, thanks Bernard

[Guest 2]

JimC64 had a similar issue on his A6 not so long ago, I think it turned out it was the starter motor at fault (I think). I'll have a look and see if I can find the thread.

[JimC64]

Chris has an excellent memory Bernardj

I had a similar problem on / off for around 4 years now. I have had so many poor start conditions / fail to start issues and the times when after turning the key, there would be a second or 2 delay before the starter would kick in. Sometimes it would turn over real lazily and even run a little rough.

I've had 3 new batteries for this issue and the RAC called out more times than I care to remember. I did mention at one point that I thought it may have been the starter motor, but what do I know?

Anyhow, after 4 years and many many issues they eventually replaced the starter motor under warranty.......I'm touching wood here, but it hasn't missed a beat or been an issue since.

If you do a search under my username you'll find a few posts about it......

Good luck mate

Jim

[Guest 2]

I promise I'm not stalking your posts Jim!

However I'll look for the thread when back on my computer as I'm finished work at 1.

[bernardj]

Thanks for the reply-it looks as if a new starter motor fixed the problem for Jimc64
I also saw a thread with a similar problem where it looked as if the problem was with the ignition key barrel-so I will try to diagnose the problem a bit more-(Audi garages and spares are not cheap)--When turning the ignition key I can see by the warning lights on the display which come on, and because I hear a 'small electric motor (fuel pump?) start up, then I know that the ignition key does switch on at least some circuits, but I don't know if these are operated by separate or the same contacts in the switch which operate the starter motor relay (I assume there is some sort of relay as the starter motor current would be too high for the ignition switch). I know that there are also some inhibits which would prevent power reaching the starter motor, -the car is an Automatic so will not start iunless it is in 'PARK' or NEUTRAL' and maybe even the anti theft alarm could also inhibit the starter, so any intermittent contact there might block the starter motor. I don't want to take the car to the dealer again while the problem is intermittent as in the past they had no ideas and they will probabley just change things and charge me. Meanwhile I will keep looking, and any tips or ideas are appreciated

[bernardj]

Thanks for the reply-
I also saw a thread with a similar problem where it looked as if the problem was with the ignition key barrel-so I will try to diagnose the problem a bit more-(Audi garages and spares are not cheap)--When turning the ignition key I can see by the warning lights on the display which come on, and because I hear a 'small electric motor (fuel pump?) start up, then I know that the ignition key does switch on at least some circuits, but I don't know if these are operated by separate or the same contacts in the switch which operate the starter motor relay (I assume there is some sort of relay as the starter motor current would be too high for the ignition switch). I know that there are also some inhibits which would prevent power reaching the starter motor, -the car is an Automatic so will not start iunless it is in 'PARK' or NEUTRAL' and maybe even the anti theft alarm could also inhibit the starter, so any intermittent contact there might block the starter motor. I don't want to take the car to the dealer again while the problem is intermittent as in the past they had no ideas and they will probabley just change things and charge me. Meanwhile I will keep looking, and any tips or ideas are appreciated, thanks again

[JimC64]

I promise I'm not stalking your posts Jim!

However I'll look for the thread when back on my computer as I'm finished work at 1.

Lol... I know you're not stalking my posts Chris. Dunno about you, but sometimes I may click on a post cause I find the topic interesting or because I think I may be able to help, there are also times when I see the last poster was A6 Chris or Ruggedscot / mcgill etc and want to check that out, so I understand.

You obviously have way more time on your hands than I do, or just allocater it better....lol
Your post count is getting up there my man

Bernardj - hope you get this problem resolved and soon my friend - I know how much of a PITA it can be!

All my best
Jim

[Guest 2]

Lol... I know you're not stalking my posts Chris. Dunno about you, but sometimes I may click on a post cause I find the topic interesting or because I think I may be able to help, there are also times when I see the last poster was A6 Chris or Ruggedscot / mcgill etc and want to check that out, so I understand.

You obviously have way more time on your hands than I do, or just allocater it better....lol
Your post count is getting up there my man

Yeah well im actually quite good at remembering things that have stood out such as starter motor problems that could affect me aswell. All the regulars from the A6 section have kinda disappeared so its always the same sortra faces (usernames) you see such as me lol. Im rarely on my computer as I have Tapatalk on my phone as it allows me to access the forum when out and about so thats where most of my posts come from and pick up things.

Yeah they've been piling up nicely since Ive got VCDS and learnt a bit I can help others out sorta

Edit - Heres Jims thread!

[JimC64]

Yeah well im actually quite good at remembering things that have stood out such as starter motor problems that could affect me aswell. All the regulars from the A6 section have kinda disappeared so its always the same sortra faces (usernames) you see such as me lol. Im rarely on my computer as I have Tapatalk on my phone as it allows me to access the forum when out and about so thats where most of my posts come from and pick up things.

Yeah they've been piling up nicely since Ive got VCDS and learnt a bit I can help others out sorta

Edit - Heres Jims thread!

You're a top man Chris
I know what you mean about the same ole faces.....one of which I think I am but just not as regyular these days.
Keep it up Chris.......

Here's hoping that Bernardj gets his issues sorted......fingers crossed