A3 TDI 2.0 8p weird starting issue

[jimmynoshoes]

Hi everyone,
I hope you can help me with my 2.0tdi. It has a number of issues which the search has helped me with (timing torsion causing rough idle as the 2nd biggest) but can't seem to see anything on my main issue...


The car presents with flat battery symptoms that don't appear to be necessarily a battery issue.

• If the car stalls when driving along it will not start (starter clicks as though not enough juice to turn over)
• If I return to the car within 15 minutes it will not start
• If I leave it at least 20 minutes car will fire up fine
• car will start no problem after being left for a week untouched
• When the car fails to start, if I can push it enough and use second gear, this will make the car start. But I get the impression this is more something being shaken as I really don't think i'm strong enough to achieve a diesel bump start.

Car will always jump start fine. I'm really confused about what it can be. Surely a battery would be the opposite (ok after a minute but refuse to start if left for time).
Common sense says a loose connection or dodgy earth / ground but I wouldn't have a clue about where to look.
Please help!
Thanks
Jimmy

[aqibi2000]

Put some jump leads to the starter motor and see if it actually starts bypass the starter solenoid and wiring and ground issues

Also stalling whilst driving can insinuate battery terminals being an issue, remove them using a 10mm spanner, clean the mating surfaces and tighten

[niall campbell]

I would suspect the starter

My A6 tdi has to start AFTER I wait for the glow plug lights go out, hot or cold .

Try that as its free ............................ plus it extends the life of the glow plugs .........................plus its good practice to wait 1 to 2 seconds after the glow plug light goes out as they are still heating up

[aqibi2000]

I would suspect the starter

My A6 tdi has to start AFTER I wait for the glow plug lights go out, hot or cold .

Try that as its free ............................ plus it extends the life of the glow plugs .........................plus its good practice to wait 1 to 2 seconds after the glow plug light goes out as they are still heating up

His car stalls when driving which insinuates a loss of the 12V feed, plus intermittent starting so more likely to be a loose Battery terminal or battery chassis ground

[niall campbell]

yes possibly, would need to drive incase its just stalling due to driving style ........................ my 2.0 A6 stalls very easy and takes a bit of getting used to

Does the A3 have a clutch pedal switch for starting ?

[aqibi2000]

A3 does have a clutch switch

[niall campbell]

ok thanks, in my A6 I would get a flashing glow plug light if this is faulty

For a free check I would test battery for any dud cell(s) and the voltage of the alternator charging ........................ just my humble opinion & fault diagnosis

Checking all electrical connections are clean, no green gunge, tight and no chaffing of wires around engine block a must ................. again free

Then a scan which costs money