yariks

Hello,

I have 99 A6 2.8 which sometime won't start. Usually it hapens after I drive for some time (10-20 miles - are my shortest trips) and then park it for several minutes. It cranks, but don't start. But if I keep the key in ignition position for several seconds (10-15), it will eventually start sounding like cylinders start firing one after another. The interesting part is that it doesn't happen every time I try to start it, but only once in a while. I've read a lot of complaints about the cold start problem, when you run a car for very short time and then shut off, but it doesn't happen to me. It happens only with a warm engine.
Do you have any suggestion what is going on?

And another qiestion is - is it normal for this car to burn like half-3/4 a quart every 4000 miles miles (my oil changing intervals)? No leaks as I know of.

Thanks.

paulroad

older cars can use oil..3/4 of a Q is not much for 4000 miles.

The starting may be a spark wire/coil-pack issue. It is common.

JAH1

Only a $35 part but I believe it's a PITA to get to. Just had this done last week. Had EXACT same symptoms. Left for 7 months til it made me nuts. No problems since.

joe 99 a6 wagon, 64k miles

Ritz

That's not enough of an oil burning problem to be an issue.

yariks

Thanks.
Car has 65000 miles on it.
I've just replaced wires, so will look at coils.

yariks

Thanks. Will check the sensor, too.