WTF is wrong with my car ???

**miamiboy305** · 09-16-2008 09:32 PM

im so frustrated i cant fiigure out what's wrong with my car.
when i crank the ignition, it turns on for a second and then it turns back off.
it doesnt make a diffrence if its in the morning when the car is cold or after i have been driving it all day. it does it at random times sometimes it wont do it at all. and sometimes when i crank it it will just stay cranking but wont turn on. there is no CEL what the hell could this be ignition/fuel problems ??

**natalia** · 09-16-2008 09:34 PM

Is it shaking or making any sounds?

**AudiA4Turbo22** · 09-16-2008 09:34 PM

spark plugs? fuel filter? fuel pump?

**A4 TSCHUSS** · 09-16-2008 09:44 PM

Most likely the immobilizer, your key reader is going bad. It is part of the ignition switch and reads the key, if it doesnt read right the car will start briefly then die when the immobilizer kicks in. Dealer quoted me $350 for the part and to install it and it had to be ordered for my specific vin # and be made and then shipped from Germany and would take about 2 weeks.

**HTA A4** · 09-16-2008 09:50 PM

I don't know if this is your problem or what. But when you're starting your car make sure the clutch is all the way to the floor. At random times, my car wouldn't start and then I finally figured it out.

**widgget** · 09-16-2008 09:53 PM

thats also exactly what you will get if you blew a boost hose off, i did that the other day ;)

**geoshu** · 09-16-2008 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by widgget

thats also exactly what you will get if you blew a boost hose off, i did that the other day ;)

Mine happened to be an intercooler hose, same deal.

**cjonesgo** · 09-17-2008 12:31 AM

I had this happen one morning last spring. I was able to fix it by removing and reinstalling a fuse. Dash made a clicking sound and reset itself. car started right up. no problems since.
I made a thread about it, search: immobilizer

**a4husslin** · 09-17-2008 07:27 AM

I have the same issue my friend. The immobilizer is probably your issue. Here is what I do when she wont start. Look at your dash when your trying to start. Up in the middle part of your cluster there is an icon of a key surrounded by the outline of a car. When I turn the key to the power position this icon will either:
1.blink several times and quickly shut off
2.blink stay solid for a moment and shut off
If #2 happens then your car will start. Try it out. At least if this works for you you wont look like an idiot when your cranking and cranking your car. This is what I do and she starts every time when #2 occurs. My girlfriend noticed the icon and she could tell me when my car was going to start and when it would not. I'm there trying to get it started and she is in the passenger seat just laughing at me. Pissed me off. Women!