continuing on the problem i spoke of in the previous message i wrote...the service department said that they are ordering a new ignition switch. so i guess it was the ignition switch that was causing this. in a quick recap to anyone new reading this....my car would not start. it sounded like it was out of gas and just would not catch. i was told it could have been due to condensation in the gas tank due to very cold temps lately. anyway i just wanted to know if their diagnosis of the problem sounded correct because i don't want them to replace the switch for nothing and have this problem happen again. i still haven't spoken to a service person direcly. i got the info relayed to me by a secretary so i didnt really get full details yet. however i am getting a little annoyed whatever the problem is because two months ago they had to replace the defective turbo and now this. anyone else having problems with this model???
thanks agian,
brian 98.5 A4 1.8Tq

 

Twice in the last month my car (98.5 A4 2.8 qm) would not start. It would not make a sound when the key was turned. It behaved exactly as if you turned the key, but didn't have the clutch pedal pushed in. Electrical power was good (windows, lights, etc).

The first time, it was towed to a dealer, and they replaced the battery and the problem seemed to go away. I was skeptical, since we had tried to jump start the car, which should have worked if the battery was the problem.

So two weeks go by, and it happens again. This time it is towed to a different dealer and I explain everything that has happened and even give my thoughts on what the problem is. The dealer finds the problem immediately. They called it an "ignitor" switch (???). Anyway, it's a switch that is attached to the clutch pedal and the switch was bad. Another one is on the way and my car should be fixed within two days (hopefully).

My symptoms were different from yours, though. Your car would crank, mine made no sound at all when the key was turned. If it cranks, then I wouldn't think it's the ignition. I'd think weak starter motor, or fuel or spark problem. Anyway, good luck with it.

Drew S.

 

I've had the same problem twice with my 99.5 A4 1.8T QT with 5000 miles!! First time, dealer found incorrect engine setting they thought was culprit. After the second time, a coworker led me to this forum where I found my problem stems from a quick start/stop. (Check archives.) Both times I started my car to just move it. Next time it wouldn't start. I have referred my dealer to Audiworld.com. I'm bringing it in next week, hopeful there is a fix. I'm so ripped, I just want to get rid of the car! Both times, I was stranded 3 hours from home. Two hours after my initial call to Audi Roadside, I was told the flatbed was en route. When I called the towing company over an hour later, they said they informed Audi it would be 3-5 hours! I didn't appreciate being misled! My saga is too long to detail here, but I have a 3-page letter heading to AoA. This incident cost me 2 vacation days, and I had to spring for a one-way rental. AoA wouldn't guarantee they would pay for the rental because I had to leave my car and couldn't wait for the truck. I've spent close to 4 hours ON HOLD alone. My service rep was extremely nice and sympathetic, but unfortunately he couldn't do anything to help my situation. I'm generally a patient and understanding person, but I've given everyone involved an earful! I thought I was spending my money wisely when buying the Audi with "Guaranteed Mobility."

 

My dealer and Audi suspect carbon buildup. The put in hotter plugs and changed the oil because they believe gas may have leaked in with the oil. However, after reading another entry on this site, it sounds like carbon may not be the problem. We'll see what happens.