Car Won't Start, Clicking Under Dash
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Car Won't Start, Clicking Under Dash
I have a 1998 Audi A6 Quattro that doesn't want to start. While I turn the key the engine cranks, tries to start but doesn't. While cranking it sounds like a relay clicking madly behind the dash on the bottom left side of the dash next to the steering column, behind the fuse box. Have a clue?
Tech Guru
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First let's separate the clicking ( a relay no doubt) from the no-start condition.
Relay, BTSOM. Howeber an oddball idea is fuel pump relay, which, of course, would explain the rest. You can feel relays clicking to ID which is the culprit.
No-start --
Could be many things: Ignition switch. Flooded ( as 4d4 suggests). Fuel relay. Fuse. Wire.
Check for codes.
Check for spark.
Check that the fuel pump turns on and p[rimes the system.
G
Relay, BTSOM. Howeber an oddball idea is fuel pump relay, which, of course, would explain the rest. You can feel relays clicking to ID which is the culprit.
No-start --
Could be many things: Ignition switch. Flooded ( as 4d4 suggests). Fuel relay. Fuse. Wire.
Check for codes.
Check for spark.
Check that the fuel pump turns on and p[rimes the system.
G
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Car drove to destination. When I tried to start it, it wouldn't start and while cranking the clicking started. Finally got car started the clicking went away and the car ran fine, drove it home. This happened twice after that, the same thing. Battery good and cranks fine just for a long time. Haven't had a chance to check codes yet. Just was wondering if there was a relay common to fuel and starting in the left lower drivers dash, you can feel it with your hand.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
First let's separate the clicking ( a relay no doubt) from the no-start condition.
Relay, BTSOM. Howeber an oddball idea is fuel pump relay, which, of course, would explain the rest. You can feel relays clicking to ID which is the culprit.
No-start --
Could be many things: Ignition switch. Flooded ( as 4d4 suggests). Fuel relay. Fuse. Wire.
Check for codes.
Check for spark.
Check that the fuel pump turns on and p[rimes the system.
G
Relay, BTSOM. Howeber an oddball idea is fuel pump relay, which, of course, would explain the rest. You can feel relays clicking to ID which is the culprit.
No-start --
Could be many things: Ignition switch. Flooded ( as 4d4 suggests). Fuel relay. Fuse. Wire.
Check for codes.
Check for spark.
Check that the fuel pump turns on and p[rimes the system.
G
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
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Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Olney, MD
There is a bit of discussion on the Web regarding clicking fuel pump relays on Audi/VW cars. A simple Google search indicates some ECU problems, i.e., an ECU frame grounding, whatever that is. Or not grounding, or intermittent ground. Another possibility is the crankshaft position sensor sending an intermittent signal to the ecu.
Anyway, the thought goes something like this...the ecu controls the fuel pump relay through grounding the relay (backasswards from Detroit iron where power is generally supplied to a grounded relay) if the ignition key is on and/or the ecu receives a signal from the crank position sensor indicating the engine is turning. Audis are famous for squirting a lot of gas prior to engine turning, one of the reasons they can flood if not starting quickly notwithstanding the purpose is to GET the engine to start quickly.
Does the relay click like mad if you just turn on the key, not try to crank the engine? If so it's likely an ecu or ecu grounding issue.
Anyway, the thought goes something like this...the ecu controls the fuel pump relay through grounding the relay (backasswards from Detroit iron where power is generally supplied to a grounded relay) if the ignition key is on and/or the ecu receives a signal from the crank position sensor indicating the engine is turning. Audis are famous for squirting a lot of gas prior to engine turning, one of the reasons they can flood if not starting quickly notwithstanding the purpose is to GET the engine to start quickly.
Does the relay click like mad if you just turn on the key, not try to crank the engine? If so it's likely an ecu or ecu grounding issue.
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Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13
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There is a bit of discussion on the Web regarding clicking fuel pump relays on Audi/VW cars. A simple Google search indicates some ECU problems, i.e., an ECU frame grounding, whatever that is. Or not grounding, or intermittent ground. Another possibility is the crankshaft position sensor sending an intermittent signal to the ecu.
Anyway, the thought goes something like this...the ecu controls the fuel pump relay through grounding the relay (backasswards from Detroit iron where power is generally supplied to a grounded relay) if the ignition key is on and/or the ecu receives a signal from the crank position sensor indicating the engine is turning. Audis are famous for squirting a lot of gas prior to engine turning, one of the reasons they can flood if not starting quickly notwithstanding the purpose is to GET the engine to start quickly.
Does the relay click like mad if you just turn on the key, not try to crank the engine? If so it's likely an ecu or ecu grounding issue.
Anyway, the thought goes something like this...the ecu controls the fuel pump relay through grounding the relay (backasswards from Detroit iron where power is generally supplied to a grounded relay) if the ignition key is on and/or the ecu receives a signal from the crank position sensor indicating the engine is turning. Audis are famous for squirting a lot of gas prior to engine turning, one of the reasons they can flood if not starting quickly notwithstanding the purpose is to GET the engine to start quickly.
Does the relay click like mad if you just turn on the key, not try to crank the engine? If so it's likely an ecu or ecu grounding issue.
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