Audi crapped out again... Ignition

[Focal X]

This sucks. Im not getting any spark and my car is just sitting in the driveway. Does anyone know where would be a good place to start? I have a 2.8 V6 A4, and I'm not getting any spark from all three of the iginition modules. I thought I read somewhere before about them having problems somewhere with that area. PLEASE any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Focal X]

Ive checked all the fuses- fine.
I dont have a vagcom.
All three coils went out at the same time.
I hate life.

[Focal X]

I did some searching and have a few questions. When my car died it was while it was parked, turned it off the night before and it was fine, went out the next morning to start her, and she wouldn't start, it would crank but not run.

So I've been doing some researching...

Could a failed Ignition amplifier/Power Output Stage cause all three coil packs to produce no spark?

[A4_Andre]

wish i could help, but i have no idea

[4ingDrive]

Check the ignition amp. Unlikely all coils went out at once.

[Focal X]

How would I go about checking the ingnition amp without buying one and trying it?

[Zodiak]

doubt it's the ignition amp, there's a better chance it's your ignition switch (mechanism in the ignition cylidiner in the steering column which tell the car to start when you turn the key) I had the same problem about 6 months ago. Do a search on www.audiworld.com for "ignition switch"

[Focal X]

If it was the ignition switch then my windows/wipers/turn signals and what not wouldn't work right? But mine all work

[Zodiak]

not true, the symptoms of problems with the ignition switch are pretty random if you ask me. when mine failed, all electronics worked but the instrument cluster lights would not come on and the engine would turn over but not catch. I still had full use of windows lights, radio and turn signals.

[Focal X]

My dash lights work. Sorry if I'm being anal, Im just stressed, thanks for the help. Is there any way I can narrow it down so I know its the problem. Sometimes my key wont turn the car on, almost like I'm using the wrong key, but after a few times it works.

[Focal X]

Also, how would an ignition switch cause my car not to start or produce spark from the Ignition coils? It will crank but not kick over? The stater works fine, did yours?

[alen]

Originally posted by Focal X
Sometimes my key wont turn the car on, almost like I'm using the wrong key, but after a few times it works.

then wouldn't it be the ignition switch? i had mine break on my older audis and it was the ignition switches both times.

[jbooker]

If it cranks and not starting is sounds like it is fuel starved. I just had this same problem and it was related to my fuel pump relay. View this post.... Link to thread

[Zodiak]

Originally posted by Focal X
My dash lights work. Sorry if I'm being anal, Im just stressed, thanks for the help. Is there any way I can narrow it down so I know its the problem. Sometimes my key wont turn the car on, almost like I'm using the wrong key, but after a few times it works.

right here, what you're describing is a bad ignition switch. Your car might not be starting because the switch is only sending a signal to the starter and not the fuel pump. IIRC that's what happened with mine. Only way to narrow it down would be to check other things that could be the problem, like your fuel pump or coilpacks. I seriously doubt it's the ignition amp/output stage. those were only really a problem on the 1.8t.

[jbooker]

I would find someone with VAG-COM to check for codes and also run output tests.

[silva]

This may sound weird to you, but, I had a recurring no-start problem with my 1.8T A4 ( I know, different engine). It would sometimes take a little while to start, and, eventually, it wouldn't start at all. It turned out to be the Coolant temperature sensor that was defective. I am very knowledgable when it comes to electrical diagnosis, and I never thought that a little sensor like that would prevent the car from starting. Since I replaced the sensor, I have never again had any problems starting the car.

As for the ignition amplifier, I have a link to a write-up on AW, although this was for a 1.8T as well.

.Ignition amplifier module test

If you are not getting any spark, also check if you can hear the fuel pump running when you crank the engine. If you can hear it, I don't think that the ignition switch is your problem.