Audi A3/A4 B7: Why Won't My Car Start?

This article applies to the Audi A3 and A4 B7 (2002-2008).

A non-starting Audi A3 or A4 B7 is one of the most annoying thing to start your day off with. There are a few reasons why your Audi wouldn't start. This article will go through the diagnosis process, from the most common to the least common culprits. Diagnosing your own issue could save you a lot of money, whether it's for the tow, the inspection, the parts, or the labor. This guide will show you what you need to do to find out the issue, and what you will need to do to get your Audi running again.

Step 1 – Check the battery

It could be faulty.

If you go to start the car and you hear clicking noise, that means your battery is dead. The clicking noise is your starter trying to crank your car, but your battery doesn't have enough juice to get the spark plugs going to turn the engine over. Look at your dashboard lights; if they are dim or aren't working at all, it's your battery. The best way to go about this is to jump start your battery, then drive the car around for 30 minutes or so. If the battery continues to die, then you need to replace it.

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

Step 2 – Check the starter

It could be faulty, or the wires could be worn.

If you go to start your car, nothing happens and you don't hear a clicking sound, your starter might be the culprit; especially if your dashboard lights are working fine. Check the wires going to the starter, they often wear and prevent the current from going to the starter. Also, check the starter wire going to the battery; if its terminal is corroded, clean it with baking soda and water. The starter is located below the air box, where the engine meets the transmission. A quick remedy to a dying starter is to have an assistant whack the starter with a mallet as you attempt to start the car. If that works, congrats! Your car has started, but your starter is dead.

If the starter is working properly, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Check spark plugs and wires

They could be worn or burnt.

The spark plugs are what give spark to your engine, and the spark plug wires are what gives your spark plugs current so they give spark. Visually inspect the spark plug wires for any wears or cracks. Then remove the spark plugs and inspect their tips. If you see any signs of burns, then replace the spark plugs as a set. The average spark plugs replacement interval is every 30-50,000 miles. Bad spark plugs could start by affecting your car's performance, then eventually prevent it from starting.

If the spark plugs and their wires are in a good condition, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4 – Check fuel injectors

They could be clogged or faulty.

The fuel injectors are what spray fuel into the engine. If they get dirty or fail, they could restrict the fuel going into the engine, and even fail to spray fuel at all. The fuel injectors are located on the top of the engine, under the fuel rails. To check if they are working, start the car, then place your screwdriver on each injector, and put your ear on the other side of the screwdriver; if you hear a buzzing sound, that means it's working properly, but if you don't hear any sound at all, it means you're due for new injectors. Remove the injectors and inspect their tips. They need to be clean so they don't restrict the fuel flow going into the engine.

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