Evening all.

 

Posting here as the Audi forum I've tried seems to be deserted, and you guys have been amazing for advice with my Fabia - plus I think it's less of a specific Audi thing, more to do with the VAG PD tdi engine.

 

I've just bought a 2002 A4 Avant to replace my 02 Fabia Classic. It's a 225000 miler but has been really well looked after and it was a bargain. Time will tell as to whether it's a sensible buy!

 

Anyway, as I've been adapting to driving the A4 I have to confess I've stalled once or twice - the clutch/biting point is massively different. If I turn the engine off and then try and restart straight away, all the electrics and lights (coil, battery, handbrake etc) come on as normal and the display shows 'OK' but when I turn the key past the second notch to actually start the car nothing happens. I usually have to wait about 20-30 seconds and try again before it will start.

I'd assumed this was a mechanism to prevent you from flooding the engine with fuel, which I'd understand. However once or twice I've gone to start the car when leaving home or wherever (i.e. when the car hasn't been driven for a while) and it's done the same.

 

When it does start, it starts immediately with no issues so I don't believe the starter motor is dodgy. After a quick google, I think it's probably more likely that I need to clean some of the connections on the starter or the solenoids or something.

 

Does my diagnosis sound correct, and if so how can anyone help on what exactly I need to clean, how to access it and what to clean it with?

Thanks so much guys.

Diagnosis sounds reasonably logical to me at least.....

 

It could be an intermittent ignition switch fault but I would think unlikely....

 

Possibly an occasional sticking starter motor???

 

I guess you have been under the bonnet and checked any electrical connections you can find???