I drove to Tyson's Corner mall today and on the way out I pushed the keyfob to unlock the trunk which popped and then again to unlock the doors. I stuck the key in the ignition, turned the key, and nothing happened.

Four lights come on:
- generator
- EPC
- Malfunction Indicator (I have an intermittent O2 sensor problem I am getting fixed soon)
- Electronic immobilizer

My first thought was something was wrong with the key because I hadn't seen the electronic immobilizer come on before. However, the keyfob worked to unlock the car and the manual says that the light would be continuously flashing, which it does not. Audi of Silver Spring MD says I have to have the car towed to their dealership and then they couldn't even look at it for a few days. Pro Imports in Gaithersburg MD said they'd try to find out more info and call me back.

As for the MIL, maybe something beyond the intermittent o2 sensor problem has developed that won't let the car start?

Could the battery be dead (but the lights and electronics all work)? Anyone have any ideas? I have a spare key I'm going to run back soon to check if it works, but this seriously sucks.

 

He fixed it with manually lock unlock the door with the key.

 

What year is your car? The 2000MY also has an immobilizer which senses the correct blade key has been inserted. Do you have any other keys which previously worked. Try one of them. The Remote and the ignition immobilizer are separate systems. I have ony one key from the previous owner. I got two more cheap on e-bay and some remotes. Programmed the remotes and they worked. The keys are also mechanically fine - they open the doors and turn the ignition switch, but the car fires briefly and then dies because these keys have not been programmed into the immobilizer program to be recognized by the system. Remotes and immobilizer are two separate issues. Earlier A8s don't have this additional security feature. If the little key icon lights up, I would bet it is your immobilizer. maybe the transponder in that key is kaput. Try a spare key if you have one.

Good luck,

Brian

 

i tried manually unlocking the car door with the key and it still wouldn't work. didn't get a chance to go back to try my spare key but i'll try tomorrow morning... hope this works, otherwise it's an expensive tow and query at the stealer...

 

and they seem to describe the immobilizer as letting the engine come on for a brief moment. when i turn the key absolutely nothing happens at all except for the four lights coming on...<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/17876.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/17876.phtml</a</li></ul>

 

You are not even getting the engine turning on the starter motor? Then definitely check the battery charge and connections. I revived a stranded lady in the Price Club parking lot with a clout to her positive terminal clamp to restore the connection which was compromised due to corrosion. I don't suppose you have one of those jumper pack thingies?

Good luck,

Brian

 

There is a power connection near the starter on the right side behind the wheel.

 

Tried the extra key and that didn't do it. Guessing it wasn't the immobilizer because the immobilizer light actually started going off a few seconds after all the lights came on and the car wouldn't start. In fact this time around there is a bit of a whine/whir/clunk (guy said it might be fuel pump) before the nothing.

Well two public safety guys at the mall tried to jumpstart me with portable jumpers but it wouldn't work. Both had low charges so a third public safety guy insisted it was my battery. My lights, radio, and all accessories worked without a problem though. He tried taking out my battery for me to take to the store to have checked out and possibly bring back a new battery but it seems it's bolted down quite tight so he put it all back together. Electronics screwy after that as per the manual but whatever.

Anyway, the tow truck driver couldn't get his truck into the parking garage even though on the phone I had specifically stated it was a 7 foot high garage. He got in the car and it wouldn't start. Then he put it into neutral and back into park (why I didn't try any of this before I don't know) and it started! I moved it out of the garage and tried a few more times and it would continously start, albeit kind of weakly the first couple of times. Car starts fine now. Mechanic says perhaps the parking solenoid lock or other wasn't properly engaged? Any ideas if this is something serious I need to get looked into at all?

 

But his wouldn't crank at all.

 

There is a cable that goes from the shifter to the ignition switch......it's a mechanical interlock, sounds like it was hung up.

At least you know what to do in the future.