Audi A6 C5: Why Won't My Car Start?

This article applies to the Audi A6 C5 (1998-2004).

There are a few things that can go wrong, which would cause your Audi A6 C5 to not start. Taking your Audi to the dealership for such an issue could be costly, especially since you will need it to be towed there, then pay for inspection and diagnostic, and finally pay for them to fix it. The issue could be a lot simpler than you may think, and diagnosing the issue could be far more straightforward than you thought. This guide will help you discover the culprit, and hopefully get your Audi back on the road.

Step 1 – Check battery

It could be dead.

The best and easiest way to check the battery is by using a voltmeter. Put the red probe on the positive battery terminal, and the black probe on the negative (black) battery terminal, then read the voltage. A good battery will read between 12.4 and 12.7 V. If you go to start your car and all you hear is clicking noise, this means your battery is dead and the clicking noise is your starter trying to start, but your electrical components aren't getting any current to turn the engine over.

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

Step 2 – Check your spark plugs and coils

They could be burnt or worn.

The spark plugs are what give your engine spark to actually turn over. The ignition coils are what give your spark plugs current so they can create spark. If the wires are worn or cracked, they may not give the spark plugs enough current. Check the coils first with your voltmeter and make sure they are in great shape. An alternative test for this is to start the car and touch the coil with a screwdriver, and then "listen" through the screwdriver. If you here buzzing/activity, the coil is good, but if it's silent or very quiet, you have a dead coil pack. Remove each spark plug, then inspect their tips. If you see any signs of burns, then replace the spark plugs as a set.

If the spark plugs and their wires look good, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Check the starter

It could be bad or have bad wires.

If you're trying to start the car and you aren't getting any crank or clicking noise, then your starter is most likely bad. However, before replacing the starter, make sure to check the wires going to the starter. Check the starter wire going to the battery, making sure it's connected properly and isn't worn out. Inspect the wires going into the starter and make sure they are hooked on properly. Also, inspect each wires for any cracks or wears.

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

Step 4 – Check fuel injectors

They could be bad or clogged.

The fuel injectors are designed to squirt fuel into the engine, which creates the combustion, along with air and spark. Bad or clogged fuel injectors can affect the vehicle's performance, but they could also prevent it from starting. If your car is cranking but won't turn over, then you may need to clean or replace your fuel injectors. They are located under your fuel rails, you will need to remove each one and clean it properly. To check if they are faulty, start your car and use a long screwdriver as a stethoscope. Put the screwdriver on each fuel injector, then put your ear on the other side of the screwdriver. If you hear a buzzing noise, this means your injector is working properly, but if you don't hear anything, then it's time for new injectors.

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