What does this dash light mean?

[mary_q]

I've never had any problems with my 1999 A3 except for a screaching noise sometimes on start up which I was told it normal and a common things with A3's of this age.

However, lately sometimes when I try and turn the ignition on the car doesn't start first time. It usually starts after 2nd attempt.

But... today it wouldn't start for 4-5 times (10 minutes). Eventually it did start and stayed running fine no issues, however I noticed a dash light on which showed a car outline with a key image on the bottom line of it.

Does anybody know what this light meant? I love my car and really wanna sort this problem, anyone got any ideas? I had a new high quality battery only a few months back and last service was only 5 months ago, im baffled.

Any help much appreciated.

 

[CHRIS555]

Electronic Immobilser - everything should be fine if the car started - if the light flashs continuosly then the vehicle can not be driven (immobilized)

It should show up then dissappear - this confirms the car has accepted the key you have used

 

[CHRIS555]

Your key may be faulty.....

Hope this helps mate

 

[mary_q]

Thanks for the reply Chris.

When I was driving after it started the light was still flashing for the whole journey home (about 10 mins). I was too scared to stop the car before I got back incase it wouldn't start, but when I got back I turned it off, left it off a few mins and it started first time, turned it off again left it 5 mins, started first time also. Very weird?

 

[CHRIS555]

I've just found this which could be useful:

Audi A4 (1995 - 2000) - 1996 1.8 Faulty Electronic Immobiliser | Technical matters | Back Room Forum | Honest John

 

[mary_q]

Ah that sounds exactly like my problem!

Would I have to remove the casing around the ignition and take the ignition barrel out? Or should I squirt some WD40 on the key and insert it that way?

 

[CHRIS555]

Ah that sounds exactly like my problem!

Would I have to remove the casing around the ignition and take the ignition barrel out? Or should I squirt some WD40 on the key and insert it that way?

I would squirt a little in through the straw, then place the key in the lock to help move the wd40 around a little, remove the key then squirt just a little more in. I don't think you need to remove any casing but do have a bit of cotton to soak up any overspil -it may be worth putting a bit of newspaper on the floor beneath the lock as this stuff can be slippy if it gets on the matts or carpet.

 

[mary_q]

I would squirt a little in through the straw, then place the key in the lock to help move the wd40 around a little, remove the key then squirt just a little more in. I don't think you need to remove any casing but do have a bit of cotton to soak up any overspil -it may be worth putting a bit of newspaper on the floor beneath the lock as this stuff can be slippy if it gets on the matts or carpet.

Thanks for the guidance Chris. I've just given it a go and it did start first time so fingers crossed that's done the trick.

I'll report back in a few weeks to let you know how I fair!

Thanks Again!

 

[TheSpaceCowboy]

I found on my 96 A3 that moving the steering column up and down then locking it back in place would resolve the issue for about 4-5 months... not a permanent solution but should you find yourself in trouble might be worth a go!

 

[8YA335TDI1STED]

also good idea to put some wd40 in your door and boot lock at the same time I did mine yesterday and they were very stiff