Audi A6 C6: Why Won't My Car Start?

This article applies to the Audi A6 C6 (2004-2011).

There is nothing more inconvenient than trying to start your Audi A6 C6 and getting nothing. There are various parts that can go bad and cause your Audi to not start. Most people always blame the battery, but it's not always its fault. With some basic tools, some gloves, and the will to learn, this guide can show you exactly how to diagnose the issue. The dealership could literally cost a small fortune just to diagnose the issue. This article will show you how to diagnose the issue, as well as fix it and get your Audi back on the road. Read on to diagnose a non-starting Audi.

Step 1 – Check the battery

It could be dead.

The most common reason for a non-starting car is a dead battery. Whether it has reached its lifespan, or you forgot to turn off one of your electric component, the results are the same: a non-starting car. If you go to start your car and you hear clicking noise and nothing else, this means your starter is trying to start, but there is no current, which points right to your battery. A voltmeter is the best way to check the battery. Put the red probe on the positive battery terminal, and the black probe on the negative battery terminal. A healthy battery should read between 12.4 to 12.7 V. Anything lower than that means your battery is bad.

If the battery is working properly, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 – Check spark plugs and coils

They could be burnt or worn.

The spark plugs are what give your engine the spark to start and operate. Bad spark plugs or worn ignition coils could cause your car to operate poorly, or worse, not start at all. Visually inspect the ignition coil wires to make sure they have no wears or cracks. Remove each spark plug, then inspect their tips. Any signs of burns means you need to replace them all as a set. The proper replacement interval for spark plugs is every 30,000 miles. So if you don't remember the last time you've replaced them, the time is now.

If the spark plugs and their wires are in good shape, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Check starter

It could be faulty.

The starter is known to live for a long time; however, the wires connected to the starter have been known to crack and wear. If you go to start your car but you don't hear any sound, and if you turn your lights on and they are not dimmed, this means something is wrong with your starter. Before replacing the starter, check all the wires connected to it. If you see any cracks in any of the wires, replace them. The starter is located on the front of the engine, towards the passenger side. It is a tight squeeze, but you can access it from the top or the bottom of your vehicle.

If the starter is in good shape, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4 – Check fuel injectors

They could be dirty or faulty.

In the Audi A6, it's rather hard to get to the fuel injectors, as they are covered with tons of engine parts. They are attached to the fuel rail, so you will need to remove the fuel rail to inspect them. The injectors are designed to inject fuel into the engine. A faulty injector can leak excess fuel into the cylinder and cause hard starting or misfires upon start up. A dead injector won't work at all, and if the fuel injectors fail completely, your car won't start. You can check the injectors by placing a long screwdriver on each of them, so with the car on, place your ear on the other side of the screwdriver; if you hear a buzzing sound, this means your injectors are working properly, but if you don't hear anything, then you need to replace them.

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