A4 TDI starting problems

[dave_eigg]

Hi,
Having bought (privately) an a4 tdi 130 sport on a 53 plate I have started getting an intermittent problem when starting. Sometimes the engine will not 'catch' on start - up or will fire eventually. Other times the engine will start first time. There is nothing wrong (as far as I can tell) with the engine itself. Last week after the problem occurred the engine management light came on and the heater plug light started flashing. I took it to get the diagnostic done last weekend and the following fault was found. 16705 P0321 Ign./Distributor Eng. Speed Inp.Circ.Range/Performance sporadic. Apparently it lloks like I might need a new speed sensor?!! I am really posting to see if you guys agree with this as I have had hassle before with another car and spent money on narrowing down the problem instead of fixing it due to the dealer saying he 'thinks' it might need this and that etc..
Hope somebody can help as it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Dave

[dave_eigg]

Hi guys/girls,

Can anyone assist. The intermittent problems are getting more frequent now.

Help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
DAVE

[Lex Luthor]

Lots of post about this on tdiclub.com.
Change the engine speed sensor.
VAGCOM could be used to check the output of the bad sensor.

[dave_eigg]

Thanks very much for the heads-up. I'll have a look.
DAVE

[Jlee12]

Hi sorry to resurrect this post. I'm new to this site and have had the same exact issues with my 53 a4 1.9tdi. This issue has been on going for me for 6years! It's been in and out of audi docklands but it's a tough issue to replicate. Most of the codes come back with a sensor problem of some sort. Audi have replaced it where at the time it was a sensor at fault. Can anyone provide me with any more insight to this. I'm now based in Manchester and the problem is getting much worse. I want to stick with the car as it a great once the engine is running. I want to try and get it sorted once and for all so will look for a good specialist up here. But it would be good to find out what the issue here is exactly so I know if I should just get rid now or try and perciver. Any help would be really appreciated!