No headlights, no horn, no side lights, no fan!

[I_am_stealth]

Hi, it's my first message on this forum, I hope I placed it into the right section...

I have a very strange fault with the electrics of my car (A4 1997, 1.9TDI engine code AHU) . If I turn the key half way, without starting the engine, everything is fine. THe fan blows, I can indicate left/right, warning lights work too, headlights, main beam, dipped beam, the horn. If I turn the key further and start the engine, all these stop working!! Fuses are fine, obviously...

Any Ideas? Has anyone had a similar problem with his car? Any help much appreciated...

[mcracknell]

Hi I have this same problem now and again but the answer I found works is because of wear on the key and/or barrel the key is able to turn round too far thus not connecting properly. If you turn the engine on and find you have no electrics simply gently turn the key back round a tiny bit (not too far or you will turn the engine off) and then try electrics. I was told to do this and it worked for me on my 1997 a4 avant 1.8 20v and apparently can be quite common. Hope this is some help!

[I_am_stealth]

Thanks for your message.
Yes!I actually managed to work it out myself over the past day!
At first I did not realise that the wipers don't work too!It rained, and I had to stop the engine to get the wipers to work, etc. It drove me nuts at the beginning.Then I realised that sometimes they all work fine again.
When I realised that, I was almost sure it must be because of the barrel.
And, YES, it is exactly as you describe it, you have to "help" the key to rotate anti clockwise just a bit more. I will very soon try to put some oil inside the barrel, maybe I can help the spring. It is a spring that causes the problem. I am almost sure.

[Imeness]

I am new here today and was searching around for this issue.
BEWARE! this problem can also cause the starter motor to burn out if engine is running for a time. This happened to me.

I have been told that the only solution is a new key barrel and this is expensive and you will then need two keys as it will be different to the doors.

Can the key barrel be "user repaired"?

[I_am_stealth]

Hmm, I would not be surprised to be in a situation where your starter can be damaged this way....
I am careful and turn the key bakwards as soon as the engine starts.
I'll try to fix mine soon, see if i can manage.
I will let you know if i succeeded.

[matt_gsxr]

Several people (including me sadly) have experience of this frying the starter motor. The problem is that the starter motor continues running and overheats.

It can be the barrel but it is often the switch.

Replacement switches are £22.50 +VAT (from Audi, cheaper on the bay), replacement starter motors are £150+VAT (from Audi, cheaper anywhere else!).


Matt

[GWA497]

I have had same problem before ------- Matt gsxr is spot on.

I thought i was being careful too, but wife drives car aswell and starter went pretty quickly. If you can, change it sooner rather than later.
Very common problem.

I think I read somewhere that they had a recall in the USA to fix the issue, but not in the UK .

Various posts about similar faults on this forum.

Good luck.