Hobbes

My car won't start...again. This has been a periodically recurring problem with my car ('97 A4 2.8). When I turn the key everything has power (radio, lights), but the starter doesn't turn...no click, nothing. This problem is intermittent, sometimes it starts right up, and sometimes it won't. Sometimes if it won't start you can wait for a period of time and it will then start. Luckily it is a manual, so I can start it by popping the clutch if I can't wait.

This problem has happened in the past and I've taken it to my Audi specialist twice, and he of course can't reproduce the problem. It always starts fine when at his shop and he says there are no trouble codes (I don't have a VAG). Also, I can go for many months at a time before it starts acting up again. But it is acting up now.

I've searched the boards for solutions both now and in the past and have identified the ignition switch as a possible culprit. So I got a new switch and installed it today, but no luck. It still doesn't start.

Anybody have any ideas of what else it could be? I'd hate to take it to the shop and have them not locate the problem again. This is driving me crazy.

Thanks,
Mark

computrtutr

Perhaps the switch that the clutch pedal closes to start the car has dirty contacts?

starting ...

i don't know if the 97 12v's have it

Hobbes

I have never needed to depress the clutch to start the car (even though I do from habit).

Thanks for the suggestion though.

itzed

Sometimes you can tell by having someone tap the starter slightly while the ignition is turned on during one of those times that it won't start. If the starter suddenly engages, then it's probably the solenoid.

Turbo'dB5

Did you figure out what was the problem? My car is doing the same thing and i brought it to 2 different shops and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. They change the ignition module but my car still would not start. Please email me at patrickg917@hotmail.com if you figure'd out what was wrong with your car. Thanks.