Cervelorod

My wife's 1997 A8 developed a problem the other day, and I just want to get a sanity check as to my diagnosis.

When you turn the key, the dash lights all come on, but when you turn the key to the start position the starter does not turn. I have checked the junction inside the passenger wheel well, and can jumper the 12v to the solenoid and the starter does turn. I have done the forceful shifting from P - n - 2, and back several times all with the same result, no starter turning...

My diag says that it is probably the ignition switch, but cannot find a way to bypass the P-N safety switch just to be sure. It also will not turn with the gear selector in Neutral either.

If I get the steering wheel off, can I jumper 12v to the Black/red wire to get the starter to turn? I hate pulling the steering wheel off, because of needing to disconnect the battery, and I have to pay to get the unlock code for my radio....

Thanks!

Rod

Kneale Brownson

Are you supplying the 12 volts to the solenoid from the car's battery or another source? If the latter, you might have a bad battery in the car.

Cervelorod

12v was from the junction behind / inside the front wheel. I have also put a charger on the battery originally, and it was fine.

Thanks,
Rod

Cervelorod

12v was from the junction behind / inside the front wheel. I have also put a charger on the battery originally, and it was fine.

Thanks,
Rod