Intermittent starting problem with A3 1.8 SE

[drakey]

I'm having an intermittent problem when starting from cold. Does eventually start but requires loads of accelerator pumping, happens about once a week and the audi dealer can find no fault. Any ideas ?

[fatcat]

I had a similar problem with my 02 Tdi, the dealer had the car for a month and the problem turned out to be a stuffed Haldex ECU of all things - this is a known problem with the A3/S3.

Get the dealer to check it.

[S3Bangs]

Pete..

I'd like to believe the Haldex ECU is only present on Quattro models.... I had mine changed on the S and I'm pretty sure the 1.8se has no haldex ECU as I cant find one on mine.. All in all... Get it checked by your dealer mate

[Gaunty]

If your dealer sucks have a look through the Dealer forum for recommendations.

[Bod]

I have the same problem on an S6 Avant, i took it to Audi and they could find no fault, this is still ongoing and ive had my ecu changed once before, it seems to becoming a commen fault on S-cars,
im back up there this sarvo so will keep you posted

Bod

[gambba]

Number 1 don't pump the throttle, all you'll do is flood it and it will take longer to start. When starting you can either leave the throttle completely alone or depress it very slighly.....but don't pump it!

If anyopne you know has VAG-COM plug it in and check if there's any faultcodes logged, if you have a tempreture sensor fault it can cause erratic idle and startup problems.
Alternatively take it to a dealer and get them to check the ECU.

Important things which will help in finding the fault -
1. Does it have the problem every day and frequently?
2. Is the fault oly apparant in the morning (i.e. when it's cold and damp)?
3. Is their any particular pattern to it not starting?
example - Driving then switching off, two minutes later returning and attempting to start car. If this is the case let the car idle for 1-2 minutes when stopping the car, and see if this makes a difference.
4. When it starts (Without pressing throttle) can you smell excess unburnt fuel, or see white smoke?
5. Does the car idle fine after startup? or does it take a few minutes of driving to even out the idle?

Again some of the above relates to tempreture sensor fault, which can cause the engine to over and under fuel at times. But if you do take it to a delaer and you know the answers to these questions you might save yourself some money.... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[peterb]

[ QUOTE ]
Number 1 don't pump the throttle, all you'll do is flood it and it will take longer to start.

[/ QUOTE ]

Are you sure about this? In these days of FI and fully electronic engine control systems I find it hard to believe that pumping the accelerator can still cause flooding.

To the original poster I would suggest that a common cause of starting difficulties is when the engine has previously been started from cold and only run for a very short time (eg. maneouvering on driveway, or into garage, when cold).

[gambba]

Flooding can still occur on the latest engines, and when I say flooding all you have to do is get the plugs damp and it'll take you longer to start, how would any fuel management system no if it's flooded the engine when cracking over? This is backed up by Audi's statement in the users manual specifically stating that when starting do not touch the throttle on petrol cars.