Audi A3 diesel starts and then won' start.
Discussion
Hope someone can help, am new to all this but need some input from people who know what they are talking about.
I have an Audi A3 diesel automatic 06 plate, has been a great car until now, but am baffled as to what this issue is. Numerous mechanics and garages have no idea, but is costing me a fortune in diagnostics bills with no real diagnosis of the problem.
Sometimes this happens and sometimes if doesn't. With the car in park, when I turn the key in the ignition and try to start the car, the central dash lights come on and then flash off, at this point if I turn the key to crank the engine, the engine will turn over but not start, but if I keep taking out the key and putting it back into the ignition, at some point the dash lights will stay solid. Now I know, if I turn the engine over it will start and every thing is fine.
Have had a new battery fitted to the car and also changed the battery in the remote key fob as I was told it could be the immobiliser but this has not helped. I have noticed a slight electrical noise when this happens,from behind the dashboard, sounds like a circuit opening and closing. Have now been told that it could be the automatic gearbox inhibitor switch and may need to replace it, but the car drives perfect in every way when it has started, and also turns over in park but not in drive as it should.
Any help would be welcome. Thanks.
I have an Audi A3 diesel automatic 06 plate, has been a great car until now, but am baffled as to what this issue is. Numerous mechanics and garages have no idea, but is costing me a fortune in diagnostics bills with no real diagnosis of the problem.
Sometimes this happens and sometimes if doesn't. With the car in park, when I turn the key in the ignition and try to start the car, the central dash lights come on and then flash off, at this point if I turn the key to crank the engine, the engine will turn over but not start, but if I keep taking out the key and putting it back into the ignition, at some point the dash lights will stay solid. Now I know, if I turn the engine over it will start and every thing is fine.
Have had a new battery fitted to the car and also changed the battery in the remote key fob as I was told it could be the immobiliser but this has not helped. I have noticed a slight electrical noise when this happens,from behind the dashboard, sounds like a circuit opening and closing. Have now been told that it could be the automatic gearbox inhibitor switch and may need to replace it, but the car drives perfect in every way when it has started, and also turns over in park but not in drive as it should.
Any help would be welcome. Thanks.
Sounds like the Ignition switch.
Next time it's playing up and not getting your dash lights on. With the key in the ignition turned to "ignition on" (not cranking) try wiggling the key about a bit.
TBH It's not so expensive to buy and fit (it's purely a plastic rotary switch on the other end of the barrel) so do that to rule it out.
Next time it's playing up and not getting your dash lights on. With the key in the ignition turned to "ignition on" (not cranking) try wiggling the key about a bit.
TBH It's not so expensive to buy and fit (it's purely a plastic rotary switch on the other end of the barrel) so do that to rule it out.
jaq29 said:
Thanks for your help, although I do think the ignition switch was replaced by an Audi specialist on an earlier diagnosis but has obviously not solved the issue.
Would you have thought the gearbox could be the issue? Such as the gearbox inhibitor switch?
Check if it was changed. Probably not the gearbox or inhibitor switch. You'll always get lights on the dash, even if it's in R or D it just won't crankWould you have thought the gearbox could be the issue? Such as the gearbox inhibitor switch?
Has anyone run a diag check and come back with anything. Probably be a few faults in there, even if they're sporadic.
Random thought "might" be a Gateway unit?
Quite who told you the remote for battery has any bearing on the immobiliser hasn't got a clue how these systems work! Firstly it's a transponder in the key. And secondly if the immobiliser is kicking in the car will always start and then immediately cut out.
Edited by Rich_W on Monday 9th February 21:55
Makes good sense, I have just gone to try the car to check and on the first attempt with the key all was fine and the car turned over and started, then took out the key tried it again and the problem occurred, but when wiggling the key and turning it off and then on again the car turned and started. On 2 occasions the problem occurred but what you say makes me think the ignition switch was not changed and I need to have someone change this so I can eliminate this once and for all.
Your 2nd thought may also be an issue and will be my second point if the ignition switch does not resolve it
You have been a great help, I appreciate your time and thoughts Rich.
If ok with you I will update my progress later this week.
Your 2nd thought may also be an issue and will be my second point if the ignition switch does not resolve it
You have been a great help, I appreciate your time and thoughts Rich.
If ok with you I will update my progress later this week.
Hi Rich
Would like to say thank you for your advice. It's working now thanks to you.
If you ever need a bollard , we will supply you with one free of charge Rich - just send us a email our website is www.securitybollardsdirect.co.uk
Many thanks
Jaq29
Would like to say thank you for your advice. It's working now thanks to you.
If you ever need a bollard , we will supply you with one free of charge Rich - just send us a email our website is www.securitybollardsdirect.co.uk
Many thanks
Jaq29
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