bk1

I've had a noise from the starter for a while now (like months) where it sounds like the starter starts the engine just fine, but stays alive about half a second too long, so you get:
turn - brumm - <spinning noise that tails off fast>

Have others had this? I have found some posts about the ignition switch maybe being the cause because of a weakened spring, but I don't get this noise all the time so I don't know if it's just related to cold start-ups?

Thanks in advance.
B

typ8l

This happened to my '97 A3 1.6 about a year ago. I had to get the starter motor replaced (under warranty :-). I think it was a solenoid fault which caused the starter motor to not disengage when it should, which can damage the Bendix gear.

bk1

Did you only get the noise sometimes, or was it on every start? The noise is usually worse when starting up first time of the day, and when I sat and stopped and started it 3 or 4 times the other day it sounded ok.
I did ask Audi to look at it a few months ago but it wasn't playing ball - it sounded ok so they didn't really have anything to act on.
I'll see if it's doing it most of the time and if so, try and squeeze it in quick - I have a month's warranty left.

Sai

I also seem to hve this problem(?). ALWAYS when the engine is cold (stays for about 3 hours). I think it's nothing worth worring.

bk1

I stopped off at an Audi specialist this morning and couldn't repeat the problem, but he seems pretty convinced that a new starter motor is needed.
If it is the starter and you don't fix it, then it will cause more damage to other parts.

I think my problem is either the starter, or the ignition switch - it could be the switch not springing back quickly enough - therefore keeping the starter engaged too long, but I think in my case it's the starter itself, because I get the problem mainly when the car is cold, while rules out the ignition switch.

typ8l

Yep, it only happened when the engine was cold. Had to leave the car overnight at the dealer before they diagnosed it...

Napalm

Hi ppl, this is my first post so bear with me

I have a a3 1.8T (150hp) '99 (last month)...I bought it at 34900 km, now it has almost 50km...and I've had already 2 burned motors from the electric windows (replaced), squeeking noises at the front of my car (some sort of 'silent blocks' were replaced), noise when decelerating ( replaced 'deleceration valve'). Now I have the same noises bk1 is talking about when starting the engine...AND a whistling when i put my airco between +1 and +3, when put higher the noise of air is to large to hear the wisteling.

I'm just thinking is this normal for a car this young with this small amount of usage? It's my first car (lucky me) but i'm just not happy with the fact that it has so many troubles...

Can anyone share any advice or experience with me? And btw what will a new starting engine and a/c reperation probably cost?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the bad English...

Tom