tybmw

So I went to start my car this morning, put the key in the ignition and tried cranking it, but it just kept cranking. Then smoke started rising from underneth the steering wheel.

I took the dash apart and my wires that go to the cruse control somehow grounded out. As seen in the pics below:
<img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/tybmw/IMG_3192.jpg">

So I ended up disconecting the crusie control wires, to see if that's what was causing the starting problem.

<img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/tybmw/IMG_3195.jpg">

But the car still wont start.

So do you think it could be either a bad igniton switch or a bad starter?

Asicks2.7T

whatever it is, I hope it's not too expensive man.

That's a major bummer, sorry to hear it.

5speed6 v.2

...that's something I would definitely make A0A aware about.

There was a recall for '02 models with a similar issue... a wiring harness under the dash could scrape against a sharp metal surface, causing a short to ground, and hence a possible fire.

TXurS6

Look at fuses first

Grapeking

don't know if it applied to your car or if it did was it done on your car - but you should check on this ASAP. If I were you I'd disconnect the battery, just to be sure you avoid another short.

here's a sample of what happened to another AW forum members in the past:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25801/9-04_074.jpg">

Another had his car catch fire in his garage - but I can't find the picture he posted. Scary stuff.

Get it check out immediately.

Asicks2.7T

Ouch!

Jim Clark

If it's out of warranty and the dealer doesn't offer to fix it free AND pay for the tow, just mention the NHTSA. NHTSA takes stuff like this VERY seriously.

As others mentioned there was a recall on this but I don't know specifics of models/years.

ado_dado83

What years does the Recall cover????

tybmw

So it turns out its the ribbon wire that runs up the turn signal to the cruse control, controls. And the car still is not starting. No the fuel pump or the ignition switch. There is no spark, any ideas?
<img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/tybmw/IMG_3201.jpg">

5speed6 v.2

Recalls - Search Results
SEARCH TYPE : VEHICLE
Make : AUDI
Model : A6
Type : ANY
Make : AUDI Model : A6 Year : 2000
Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V133000 Recall Date : MAR 15, 2004
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 172866
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.
Consequence:
A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION&amp;#146;S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).