Car making strange noises when starting.

[u03am5]

Hi, I have a 1997 R 110 a4 tdi with about 14000 miles on it. Recently the car has been taking ages to start and making strange noises. It will half turn over then, pause, splutter, chug and continue this for a good few seconds after which it fires into life and drives fine until I turn it off. The problem happens both when the engine is hot or cold.


I have also have strange intermittent electrical problems since I bought the car (3 months ago) such as window wipers not turning off and the in car heaters not working. One of these electrical problems is the water coolant light coming on followed by BEEP BEEP BEEP.


I have ignored these problems until the car started to not start properly. I'm unsure if the two problems are independent of each other or if the starting problem is caused by a faulty sensor or something?


If anyone could shed some light on any of this it would be greatly appreciated.

[kenney]

Nothing to do with the wipers,but regarding the other fault,i think,i would try replacing the engine temperature sensor,first.

[u03am5]

Could a faulty engine temperature sensor affect the starting system? It appears to be working fine it reads cold when is should and rises to 90 as it should. The only odd thing is the overheating light comes on when the engine is not even started and the coolant level is fine?


Maybe the starting problem has nothing to do with the warning light problem described above, although if it is cheap and easy to replace I might give it a go. Does any one have any other thoughts? Cheers.