2004 Plate A3 TDi Starting Motor

[sarah1989]

Hey all, I have a 2.0 TDi DSG 2004/54 plate, had a few problems in the past few months which im narrowing down, as they all occured at once!

My original story explained here; http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/showthread.php?p=772730#post772730

Since then I had the wiring harness from the loom to the injectors? replaced.. the old harness was in pieces and covered in oil! Definetly had a hard life.. since replacing that the drive of the car seems great again *touch wood*, but it is just going back to the old starting problem, when I turn the key it takes a while, feels like it goes to start, then it fails, after a few attempts it goes.. used to puff out black smoke once it started, but has stopped that now..

What are usual symptons of the starting motor going could this be one? also any advice what this could be

Thanks all x

 

[Staz]

Doesn't sound like a starter motor to me. Normally when they go it's either the motor itself and you can hear the solenoid clicking in and out or the solenoid breaks and the whole thing does nothing.

They never fail in a way that means they just have trouble starting the engine. Normally that's a fuel problem or in the case of a diesel it could be glow plugs or compression.

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert but I'm just confident that it's not the starter motor itself.

 

[sarah1989]

I replaced the glow plugs on my journey trying to sort the problem Replaced fuel filters too.. It's just when it drives its fine

 

[Staz]

If it drives fine and it's just when starting I'd normally go to the glowplugs first TBH. That loom you replaced wasn't for the glowplugs was it?

 

[DaveA3-TDI]

Are you having problems starting your car when it is hot or cold ?

 

[sarah1989]

I replaced the injector wiring loom harness? I believe..

All the times hot or cold, but some times it fires first time on the button! I have just had it on a long journey, drives as new, full tank of diesel, noticed when I put my foot down it pumps out a bit of black smoke.. Wouldn't say its alot of smoke but its a bit.

When I ended my journey thought I would give it a go at starting again and it struggled

 

[Staz]

Not sure how injectors work on these engines. I know the new ones are electric. Either way I would have thought the loom for the injectors would be the same one for the glow plugs as they both split into 4 to go to the top of each cylinder.

 

[Khufu]

lots of guesses I suppose.

Have you had it checked on diagnostic machine since it started acing up again? Since your not getting a puff of black smoke could it be fuel starvation - maybe depending on how car is sitting, fuel could be running back down into the tank or loosing pressure to the common rail? When was the last time the fuel filter was changed? Maybe the coolant temperture sensor is mis-reading and sending wrong signal to ECU? Have you checked the work done last time that cured it is still ok?

Sorry not of more help, hope you find whats wrong!

 

[Staz]

Is it possible to crack off the injectors on these diesels?

I've only ever worked on big engines on tanks etc and any starting problem and you crack them off to check that there's fuel getting through. Very simple diagnosis that splits the whole system in 2. No fuel therefore problem is in the fuel lines or pump, fuel and the problem is compression or glowplugs.

 

[Khufu]

done that with older transits etc too. Not sure about common rail ones though - did I hear something about the injectors damaging the pistons if not all connected, like they can punch a hole in them due to the pressure? Maybe they were talking crap though LOL.

 

[sarah1989]

Fuel filter got changed week or so ago.

Tried diagnostics reports no errors. It has been to about 5 different garages, excluding Audi.. 2 diesel specialists, 2 VW/Audi specialists and a normal every day garage.. Also had a auto-electrician on it.

When it goes to Audi they just tell me 4 injectors, wiring loom, head cylinder, maybe fuel pumps etc.. and want around £6000!!!!

I just dont think its that serious, *Touch wood* it drives fine.. just got to elimate this starting problem and black smoke.

 

[A3DOL]

I am having similar problems to you but mine only does it when hot.

Speaking to others on here I have it down to a possible 2 options.

1. Fuel temp sensor.
2. Starter motor.

Trying these has to be a cheaper option than 6k at Audi!

I sympathise with you though. Have spent over 1.5k on mine so far trying to sort it and its driving me nuts! Such a shame because the car drives so well.

I think mine is the starter motor because I have had now 2 DMF's and the new one I had fitted only 4 weeks ago has gone again already. I suspect the starter motor is not dissengaging properly and fouling on the DMF causing it to knacker!

If I get a new starter I recon I need another DMF, and a second mortgage!

 

[gazz001]

out it and buy a ford

 

[NHN]

I am having similar problems to you but mine only does it when hot.

Speaking to others on here I have it down to a possible 2 options.

1. Fuel temp sensor.
2. Starter motor.

Trying these has to be a cheaper option than 6k at Audi!

I sympathise with you though. Have spent over 1.5k on mine so far trying to sort it and its driving me nuts! Such a shame because the car drives so well.

I think mine is the starter motor because I have had now 2 DMF's and the new one I had fitted only 4 weeks ago has gone again already. I suspect the starter motor is not dissengaging properly and fouling on the DMF causing it to knacker!

If I get a new starter I recon I need another DMF, and a second mortgage!

So did you fix your issues?