1.9tdi Starting Problem

[S4 Muzza]

Hi guys, got a quick question on behalf of my dad. He's had a problem starting the car for a few weeks now. Sometimes the car starts fine, sometimes when the key is turned it chokes for a few seconds then starts ok, and other times it wont start at all.

Any ideas as to what the problem is? The car is a 2002 A4 Avant 1.9tdi

Thanks in advance

 

[quattrojames]

It could be the Coolant Temp Sensor, or maybe even the light switch. (Strange but true!)

 

[S4 Muzza]

hmm, that does sound like a longshot lol, but cheers for the reply. probably a good time for the pair of us (me and my dad) to invest in vagcom!

 

[mememe]

It could be the Coolant Temp Sensor, or maybe even the light switch. (Strange but true!)

Can you elaborate on this a bit please. Maybe how I can check if its these things or not.

My car refused to start today .........in Tescos car park of all places!!!!! All electrics are working fine. My mate checked it with vagcom and found only the fuel temp sensor fault and an engine mounting solenoid fault which comes and goes. Both were there before hand. The starter motor doesn't even try to turn. But I can hear what sounds like a relay clicking over when I turn the key.

The car started with a tow immediately. stopped it and tried the key again. Still the same. He said the starter solenoid has probably gone and advised me to get a reconditioned one from the car shop. But before I did that, I wanted to see what the forum had to say.

Since I've had it, the car has started first time every time but, sounded a little sluggish to me(being VERY picky tho).

Any other ideas?

 

[deanski]

put your sidelights on before you turn the key. if it starts better its the headlight switch.

 

[quattrojames]

Either of those issue's might cause the car to wind over a bit before firing, but they wouldn't prevent it starting full stop. The diagnosis of the solenoid sounds favourable.

 

[mememe]

Either of those issue's might cause the car to wind over a bit before firing, but they wouldn't prevent it starting full stop. The diagnosis of the solenoid sounds favourable.

Ah you're a good man, thanks. Always worth checking I think.

Been checking Elsawin for the replacement guide. It looks quite straight forward. Is it?