Sudden no-crank state of my 2006 B7 2.0TQ 6MT

[Phosphorust]

Hello Audi community! I've been non-stop chasing electrical issues in my vehicle. Before I bought it in December of 2023, it had been sitting without a hood or front bumper in someone's driveway for at least 4 years.


Recently I had the car running and driving just fine, and then left it alone for a few weeks. When I came back to give it a test drive... nothing. The car no longer cranks. I changed the car's starter relay and that didn't fix it, so now I'm looking at the clutch sensors as a possibility. Are these sensors known to just randomly fail? Is there a way to test the clutch sensors before buying new ones? (I have a power probe). I believe I can still hear the clicking of the ignition switch when I turn the key, and my alternator is fine as when I bump start my car the voltage builds from 13.2V to 14.35V. After bump starting, the car still runs and drives fine. I replaced the starter less than a year ago.


Any ideas on what else to check?

[Audibot]

Maybe it's an engine ground?

[Theiceman]

check the lead to the starter solenoid from the ignition. I had one rot right out inside the insulation. showed 12v but could not carry enough current ti fire the solenoid. Do you even get 12v there when you hit start ?

[Phosphorust]

check the lead to the starter solenoid from the ignition. I had one rot right out inside the insulation. showed 12v but could not carry enough current ti fire the solenoid. Do you even get 12v there when you hit start ?

Thanks iceman, you're always super helpful. I currently have a fractured toe so I've been as immobile as possible. I'll check that when I'm more healed and come back to let you know if that was indeed it.

This car is frustrating. So many electrical gremlins.

[Jayz691]

Yeah buying a car that sat for 4 years, and without a hood?? Good luck man.
But as mentioned, Id go over your main grounds, etc. Who knows what got corroded over those years of sitting..

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[KingKostas]

relays in ecu box prob have water damage


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[Phosphorust]

Figured it out. For some reason one of the wires for the starter harness fell out.

I diagnosed it by bump starting it and putting it up on ramps. Tried starting it and it fired right up. Confused, I went below my car and checked out the starter and found a wire which was loose and only made contact when the car was at an angle. I spliced the wire directly to prevent this issue from happening again.

Thank you everyone for your help.


Now the car needs valve seats replaced as it burns oil while running and I also have to find a coolant leak. Lol.