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'96 A8 4.2: engine died while driving; won't start


PhilRS
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Any idea what this might be, before Stealer comes up with its own and invariably expensive interpretation?

I was driving in 4th, at about 2000 rpm. Engine suddenly died. Engine will not restart. After several attempts, the engine sometimes catches a bit (as if on a couple of cylinders) then dies, followed by a smell of petrol.

Usual suspect (e.g. the orange key light OK).

Help!!!

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In no particular order have a look at:-

Fuel supply? But then the smell of fuel might signify TOO MUCH fuel (but then after trying to start for so long, that might happen)

Are you getting a spark at the plugs? (take one out and try to start it - I think)

Any work been carried out it recently?

Might be worth checking ALL the connectors you can get too to see if they are all OK/dry/connected OK.

Check the Throttle Position Sensor - should click at a slight touch when you try to accelerate (pull the cable)

Don't know how you would check the Fuel Regulator

Any obvious signs of fuel leakage in the engine bay/from the fuel pump (under the rear passenger door area)/fuel pipes?

I am sure a few more bods will be along with stuff to try!

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  • 2 months later...

lift boot carpet,remove 3 phillips screws to show fuel pump,check if its working while somoeone cranks it over, if not,,, try clumping it with something heavy!

if it is buzzing,,,,go to front, remove one spark cap,and plug,hold it near to an earth point and crank,,,, is it sparking ?

if not,,,,,go to cranks sensor,,,unplug it and put a voltage meter in both wires,,,measuring for A/C volts get someone to crank it over for a few seconds,,, you should see 0.5a/c volts rising,if nothing check resistance,however if it is giving correct volts you might wanna check ecu!can sometimes be a problem related to cat! but you will need to have it plugged in diagnostic machine first!

good luck,,,,

are you in the AA ?

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Another thing to check is the immobiliser bit.

Check that the cables by the steering column are not cinked up in the electric column bit. Move the steering column towards you, so it is straight - see if it starts then.

If not, take off the steering column coweling and check the connections for dry joints etc

Good luck!

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Once again this should all be easy to diagnose with the help of VAG-COM, the ECU would usually store a fault code if it has cut out for any reason, so this should pinpoint the problem easy enough.

As with any engine there are a whole heap of things it could be, fuel, spark, immobiliser, elctrical, etc etc. You need the code or a competent mechanic to guide you.

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Your best bet is to have it read by a competent person with a reader - there are so many things it could be that you would otherwise be feeling in the dark and by unplugging and plugging back in items you will be introducing a great deal of other faults to the fault memorys.

One other small item - someone has asked you to check for a spark. Can I just say that whilst this is a good idea, checking it by holding it in your hand could be potentially fatal. The combination of extremely high voltage and following current can in some circumstances de-fibrolate your heart!

If you want to do this try it by holding the plug (with the end earthing to the engine) with a pair of good insulated pliers or better still by just leaning it against the engine and not holding it at all.

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