WTH? inexplainable starting

[mdzaudi]

So about 2 months ago my car had this problem where i would attempt to start it and it would turn over like a normal car, rev up to about 2500rpm and then the rev needle would fall down and the car would die. So even as the revs were declining, hitting the gas would have no effect whatsoever. So i found myself slamming the gas every time i started up just to get the revs up high enough so that the car wouldn't die out after the initial turn-over.

Anyways, i found that my vacuum check valve was damaged and replaced it and the problem disappeared for about 3 weeks but it's back now and worse than ever.

Once the car is started, it runs perfectly and a friend of mine who used to own his own shop took a 20 minute look and drive at it and couldn't figure it out.

Anyone else had a problem like this? Any ideas what it might be? I'd like to get some ideas to fix it myself before i take it into the Audi dealership and spend a second mortgage on fixing it.

[derleicaman]

Does the car start and then immediately die? Approx. 1-2 seconds after you try to start? Then it takes multiple tries before the engine finally stays lit?

If so, this is what I was experiencing. Sometimes would take up to 12 times before car stayed running after dying after a second or two. There is a thread on this "B6 Intermittent Starting Problem". I found the solution is the ignition switch, part number
4B0 905 849. I got mine from worldimpex.com for $27 plus shipping. This solved my problem. It seems this is a problem with '03 A4s. I am working on a DIY, as it is a PITA. The steering wheel, airbag, upper and lower shrouds on the steering column, lower console cover all have to be removed to get to this switch. Only took about 40 minutes to do, though.