Annoying intermittent electrical problem
03-03-2014, 01:45 PM
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Annoying intermittent electrical problem
Hello!
I have a problem that I can't get to go away and is proving difficult to diagnose.
It's been happening for about 2 years now and seems to pop up in the winter here in Colorado.
Every once in a while I turn the key and nothing happens but all the instrument panel lights still come on. No clicks, no turning over, just nothing.
When this happens I open the hood and wiggle the battery wires and this seems to fix the problem temporarily. But, I don't think this is actually doing anything but rather just coincidence because if the battery connection was interrupted wouldn't the radio go into safe mode? My battery tested fine but then I start to think maybe there was a bad physical connection inside the battery because of the wiggle solution.
The other thing that happens is my radio seems to turn back on after I shut my car off. I come back to the car and the radio is playing. Also, sometimes the one-click-automatic power window up/down feature doesn't work but then starts working again. Both of these things seem to coincide with the no start issue.
Anyway, I'm all over the place and need a troubleshooting plan for when this happens again and I can actually get a diagnosis done. I'm just never ready when it does happen. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Model: 1997 Audi A4 (B5) 2.8L SOHC (engine code: AFC) non-quattro
I have a problem that I can't get to go away and is proving difficult to diagnose.
It's been happening for about 2 years now and seems to pop up in the winter here in Colorado.
Every once in a while I turn the key and nothing happens but all the instrument panel lights still come on. No clicks, no turning over, just nothing.
When this happens I open the hood and wiggle the battery wires and this seems to fix the problem temporarily. But, I don't think this is actually doing anything but rather just coincidence because if the battery connection was interrupted wouldn't the radio go into safe mode? My battery tested fine but then I start to think maybe there was a bad physical connection inside the battery because of the wiggle solution.
The other thing that happens is my radio seems to turn back on after I shut my car off. I come back to the car and the radio is playing. Also, sometimes the one-click-automatic power window up/down feature doesn't work but then starts working again. Both of these things seem to coincide with the no start issue.
Anyway, I'm all over the place and need a troubleshooting plan for when this happens again and I can actually get a diagnosis done. I'm just never ready when it does happen. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Model: 1997 Audi A4 (B5) 2.8L SOHC (engine code: AFC) non-quattro
Last edited by A.H.; 03-03-2014 at 02:15 PM.
03-03-2014, 05:02 PM
#3
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Thanks 4driver4,
I've thought about replacing it but was planning on troubleshooting before I bought any parts. Of course in the case of a recall that wouldn't be necessary!
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1997/audi/a4/recalls/
I'll call the dealership tomorrow. I love driving my old beat up Audi over there
I've thought about replacing it but was planning on troubleshooting before I bought any parts. Of course in the case of a recall that wouldn't be necessary!
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1997/audi/a4/recalls/
I'll call the dealership tomorrow. I love driving my old beat up Audi over there
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