Audi A3 Ignition Electric Fault (Quattro S-Line 2008)

[EmmaESB]

I have an Audi A3 2008 Quattro S-Line TDI. Lately the radio keeps turning itself on/off regardless if the engine is on or not (just does what it likes when it likes) and the central locking switches on/off when driving. Both of these occur randomly but mostly when I brake or put my foot down on the clutch. From research I've established that it's something to do with the ignition not recognising when the car is running or not but I'm unsure to whether I need an ignition switch or a barrel, most forums suggest a switch but all is quite vague so any help would be appreciated.
Also, if I got any of these parts would I need a new set of keys? I would ring Audi but being a woman feel that they will tell me to book it in and charge an extortionate amount to what my husband could do himself or take it to a local garage. Any help or advice would be gratefully received.

[Guest 2]

Welcome.

On modern cars you don't need to assume what is wrong or what's failed, get the car scanned with VCDS (Audi diag) to give an accurate description of what's wrong. Any VW/Audi specialist will have the equipment to do so.

[M1tchy]

Hi Emma, it could be the things mentioned above but could be a number of other things. If you Use the following link and find someone near to you, they will be a member on here who will be able to conduct a dealer quality scan of your car and should be able to diagnose the fault for you.

VWAF User Location Map - VCDS - Google Maps


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[EmmaESB]

Thank you both for your replies but can any of you as to take a guess if it could be the ignition switch?
In the past I've paid £40 for a diagnostics test so if I could get it cheaper locally that would be great, unfortunately the link you sent about local members doesn't work?

[M1tchy]

Seems to work ok for me. If you either click VCDS users map in Chris' reply above or search the forum it should bring you a google earth map up with pins of people willing to help. Normally a few beers is all people ask for their time.

I don't know enough to guess as to what the fault is I'm afraid. Modern cars are so technical and computerized a scan is always the best place to start.


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[alankru]

Emma, whereabouts in Kent are you?

Also, if I got any of these parts would I need a new set of keys?

I think I'm right in saying that you would naturally need a new metal flip blade (these can be switched out on your existing fob), but the expensive dealer-only reprogramming of the keys wouldn't be required as the immobiliser system is held in the dashboard. To confirm this, you could phone up an Audi dealership's parts department, ask about the cost of a new ignition barrel and what is required to do the job - they usually give you a straight forward answer, if they don't, try phoning another Audi dealership.