bsewall

1997 A4 1.8T Quattro 5 Speed, 225K miles

The engine shut off while driving on the freeway two weeks ago. Can't get it to start since.

Here's a video of the engine trying to start:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itxz3iiNM5I

What I've tried so far:
• VAG - no codes (only checked stored codes. tried to do a live read, but couldn't get it to load)
• Visually checked all belts
• Checked fuses
• Changed fuel filter (only changed once or twice)
• Changed fuel pump (was original)
• Changed Engine Speed Sensor (was original)
• Swapped ECUs
• Checked for spark by pulling one plug out of engine, plugging in coil, grounding on engine and trying to start - there is spark
• 1/4 tank fuel
• All other fluids/lubricants at appropriate levels

I've never changed the fuel pressure regulator or fuel injectors.

Next step - camshaft position sensor? ANY OTHER IDEAS!?

4Driver4

Broken timing belt.

Nate (ETKA+Scumbag)

It's done for.

AppGap

You forgot to check one belt.......the timing belt rarely breaks....teeth just pull off the inside surface. Sounds like toast to me..

bsewall

:-( Not a good way to start the week. Thanks though.

nxaudi1998

I'm having the same problem on my 2.8 the car turn over but won't start, I checked everything that you did. There's one thing I noticed on my car I checked all the cyclinders and i'm not getting spark my left bank of the car, which lead me to the ignition coil I noticed I have a few wires leading from behind the firewall to the ignition coil, the wires look worn and as I touched the wire one of them just fell right off and I tried to start the car after that to see if I can get the same no start and turn over reaction as I did before and its the same so I'm going to change the wires tomorrow and I will let you know if that work the only thing is that wire is 22 gauge wire that I can't seem to find anywhere to replace but I might go with a 18 or 20 that I find. Maybe you can take a look at those wires also.

bsewall

Thanks for the ray of hope. I'll knock on wood to that theory!

4Driver4

Abandon all hope. That engine clearly has no compression.

zeca98

I'm not sure of this but you may be able to see the valve rockers on the top if you take out the oil fill cap...
Have someone crank the car while looking through the oil fill cap.
If you see movement the timming belt didn't break and it may be something else.

Good Luck

4Driver4

No rockers. Overhead cam. Also, just because the cam is turning doesn't mean it's in time. Stripped teeth still turn the cam a little sometimes.

Did you listen to the video? No compression.