poolemit

Hi everyone,

For a while now I've had a problem with starting my '99 A4 2.8l. It takes a lot of cranking to start it up, sometimes up to 4-5 tries. After it starts up it runs fine, no misfires, etc. What are the most common causes for something like that? New sparkplugs btw.

thanks!

poolemit

Also, it seems to be occuring on cold starts only. After an hour or two it will start right up, but if it has been sitting for more than 8 hours it will have problems.

computrtutr

Hmmmm sounds like a fuel delivery problem. Do you ever notice a gas smell, which might be indicative of a very slow leak that would depressurize the fuel rail when the car sits for a long time. Do you ever hear a hum from the trunk? might indicate a failing fuel pump. You also might try replacing the fuel filter- it might be starting to fail.

computrtutr

Could also be a failing coilpack. Have it vag-com'ed and let us know the results!

poolemit

i also disconnected the fuel line at the back of the engine and upon cranking (on a cold engine), there is fuel coming out. does that eliminate a fuel problem or not entirely, since the pressure could still be low causing it to not start?

i'll scan it today.. thanks for your input!

btw i'll also replace the coolant temp. sensor and crank position sensor as i read it could also be caused by them.