Are the gremlins creeping in...?

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cyberdude

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Just had the car for 2 months, it's a 2000 A4 1.8 SE. A couple of weeks ago the orange break warning indicator (O) started coming on every now and again after I start the car. It happens about once every 10-13 starts. If I turn the engine off and restart it then the warning goes out. I've checked the fluid level and pads and all is good. Any ideas as to what else may be causing the alarm?

Also, the car doesn't start sometimes. It will turn over but not fire and eventually the red oil waring light comes on. Oil level is fine. If I leave it for 30sec or so then try again it starts. I have also noticed that if I turn the key to start the engine and release it early just before it fires then it won't start on the second attempt and I can smell fuel. I don't think that's how it should be.

Any advice on what to check? I don't have a vag-com so can't check for error codes. maybe it's time to get one.

TIA
 
Yup the VAG com or diagnostic check is by far the best path to take.

Sounds like a dodgy connection somewhere - But where would you start?

Why are you releasing the key before the engine has fired? Not good practice - This typically results in a smell of fuel in most cars. What you have done is introduce fuel/air mixture into the combustion chamber which hasn't been ignited leaving it to be ejected out the exhaust and down to the CATs - Unburnt fuel in the CATs is NOT GOOD!

this has nothing to do with your intermittent starting problem. Incidentally are you pumping the throttle when attempting to start the car, some engines don't like this. Try a little throttle and no throttle to see if that helps. However, I suspect the problem lies with the electrics given the brake and engine light response and poor starting.
 
Hey my brake warning light comes on now and then, dunno why either. My check engine light comes on a lot too, darn audi computers...

How easy is it to become a VAG diagnostic user?
 
Kevin, I'd be a little more worried about the CEL. Using VAG com isnt difficult at all, a lot of people on here and across the www can give you the blocks you need to change, and where the codes are stored etc.
 
Yeah if a non IT guy like me can operate VAGCOM anyone with half a brain can
 
What VAG product do you guys recommend for a beginning user?
 
I can't remember what I bought but it is just a basic lead n plug and the software down loaded from the site. Total cost was approx £140
 
I have had the brake light come on in my car periodically. I phoned my local Audi garage and he said that the front brake pads are almost worn, and the light will come on and go off occasionally. This is normal. Eventually the light will stay on permanently, and that is when they will need changing. He said they will cost £155 for new front brake pads, or £254 for new front pads and discs.

Basically it is nothing to worry about until the ligh stay permanently on.

Hope this helps.
 
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