SCUBES

Here is the situation. I have a '10 S4 with manual transmission and no smart key (i put the key into the ignition and push it in to start the car). Lately it takes a few attempts of pushing the key in before car actually tries to turn over. I do notice that if I push harder on the clutch pedal it is more likely to turn over as expected...but even this seems intermittent at times. The dealer blead the clutch hydraulics and chcecked sensors which were all ok but i dont think it helped.
The car has 120,000km on it.
Do you think i need a new clutch master cylinder?
Anyone experience this?

iNfiNkC

There is a big thread on the other Audi forum, it's coming down to a big design flaw on the b8 that is causing it. Tldr, there is no adjustment on this system so if there is any tolerance issue you will run into this issue where you have to press hard on the clutch to start it.

SCUBES

My only concern is that it has changed. I am at 120,000km and now i have to preas harder. Has it ever gotten to the point where it can't be pressed far enough. .and then it wont start? Or is at matter of press hard and itll always start...i wouldn't have a problem with this at all.

JuanCar

I have the same issue. Changed the Clutch Master Cylinder this morning however, still continue with the problem. Will change the slave cluster cylinder this week to see if I continue with the problem.

DrGP

Perhaps a new clutch assembly is in order?

SerenityHeating

I experienced this too these past year and a half on my 2013--at times I had to stand on the clutch pedal to get it started, and it seemed to be worse when it was cold out. I complained about it when I brought it in for service over a year ago but they said the sensor was within spec.

I complained about it again three months ago, and that clutch release sometimes cause the drive-train to shudder. They found a technical bulletin recommending replacing the throw-out bearing. They did that under warranty and the problem disappeared.

I paid to have the clutch replaced too at the same time for a much reduced labour charge.

drew2.7T

Hi Serenity: Do you have the tech bulletin reference #? Thanks in advance!

SerenityHeating

Unfortunately not. The work order/diagnostic merely says that the throw out bearing cracked and has failed, and replaced under warranty.

Now that I think about it, it was the service advisor who informed me over the phone that there is a tech bulletin about some trust bearing in the transmission. I realized after reading the receipt that it was the throw out bearing. I think the advisor was confused and it was just a failed part replaced under warranty and not a bulletin. I wonder how they narrowed in on the bearing. Do our cars have a viewing window on the bellhousing?

If your car is still under warranty, make some noise and get them to look into it.

jyges

lots of postings re pushing clutch pedal to start, TSB mentioned there as well