Problems starting vehicle. Possibly Ignition lock cylinder? Need Help

[ladiesgod]

Hi guys, my vehicle intermittently will not start and is unreliable to drive. When it doesn't start it just cranks and cranks with excellent voltage but will not turn over. It feels like no fuel is going to the engine. Mechanics cannot figure out the issue as it doesn't happen when I bring it by. They cleaned the maf and intake, checked fuel pressure. Everything they could think of but all checks out. I eventually was able to get a code for the crank shaft sensor which I changed and have been able to start the car. Well once again I'm having same issue and it was suggested to me it may be my ignition. Now I do have an issue where my key has trouble turning, I have to take it out put it back in, and finagle the key to get it to turn but up it does start. Perhaps this has been worn out to the point where the car has trouble starting. I'm not sure if this is a possible cause so I'm asking for help here. If it is what exactly do I need to change, is it the cylinder lock? Can this be repaired by myself or a locksmith? I don't want to go through the trouble of ordering a whole new ignition set with new keys and having to change the front doors and trunk lock. Need help here please!

[ladiesgod]

I really need help with this. I'm borrowing my gf's car and she actually needs it to get around. Mine is parked until I figure out where to go with it. So if you have any ideas pertaining to my issue please don't be shy.

[wednesday]

I just did some research to see if this "might" be a known issue on B7. It looks like members have posted issues with key getting stuck on the initial turn, but no one has mentioned that engine would crank and not turn on. If they did, then there was a bigger underlying issue - fuel pump on it's way out/bad plugs/coil packs/..etc.

http://www.audiforums.com/forum/b7-m...d-turn-200076/

Would you be able to make a quick youtube video of this? Ignition issue would probably require a change unless someone is willing to take it apart.

Also, what car is this? Auto/manual?

[Velox]

If the car is cranking then it has nothing to do with your ignition cylinder. unless it;s an immobilizer problem but unlikely

You mentioned you had crank position sensor replaced and after that you could start. I would look at this sensor again because if a crank position sensor keeps breaking this can be a symptom of a bigger underlying problem.

[ladiesgod]

Hey thanks. I tried to duplicate the issue but it started right up about five times in a row. The issue is intermittent. Sometimes is starts right up, then sometimes it cranks for 3-4 secs and starts, then sometimes it will crank but not start at all. If this eliminates the ignition switch, immobilizer, or lock cylinder being the issue then I can look elsewhere. I just replaced the crank position sensor 2 weeks ago. I got lucky and caught a code when scanning. There was not cel or anything.

Are these the symptoms of a failing fuel pump?. I imagined if the fuel pump is failing it would just stop working all together. I hear it prime every time I turn the key. My car is a manual btw with about 120k.

Could this be a timing issue? I know other make/models will not start if timing has gone bad.

[ladiesgod]

Audio snippet of how the vehicle sounds when failing to start: https://soundcloud.com/user-830890803/car-wont-start

[Junaid]

Is the check engine light on when the car doesn't start?

[ladiesgod]

Is the check engine light on when the car doesn't start?

Not at all

[ladiesgod]

I'm just brainstorming. Are there any components in the b7 that may cause this issue after the engine gets hot?

[Junaid]

There is a rely under the ECU which would cause your symptoms. But I am not sure which one. Next time it's not starting try banging on the ECU box and see if it does start.

[JayTeeC]

There is a rely under the ECU which would cause your symptoms. But I am not sure which one. Next time it's not starting try banging on the ECU box and see if it does start.

Yes, this. My friend had the same prob, and it was a relay that was cooked. Easy fix. Phew! I'll ask him to jump on here and give some details. Your prob has nothing to do with ignition lock cyl.

[JayTeeC]

His problem got worse and worse, until he did finally start getting codes. No CEL came on, but these codes were there:

17072 - ECM Power Relay Load Circuit

P0688 - 004 - Open Circuit

18068 - Coolant Fan Control 1

P1660 - 002 - Short to Ground

18070 - Coolant Fan Control 2

P1662 - 002 - Short to Ground


Problem was fixed with new relay. The bad relay also controlled the coolant fan.

[ladiesgod]

His problem got worse and worse, until he did finally start getting codes. No CEL came on, but these codes were there:

17072 - ECM Power Relay Load Circuit

P0688 - 004 - Open Circuit

18068 - Coolant Fan Control 1

P1660 - 002 - Short to Ground

18070 - Coolant Fan Control 2

P1662 - 002 - Short to Ground


Problem was fixed with new relay. The bad relay also controlled the coolant fan.

Thanks, this is an elusive issue as I've been able to start the car the past few days.

To bang against the ECU effectively, should I remove the plastic cover?

[earhythmic]

I'm just brainstorming. Are there any components in the b7 that may cause this issue after the engine gets hot?

Absolutely. 99% sure it's the crank position sensor. It drove me crazy for weeks.

[a4Jerseyboi]

Yes, this. My friend had the same prob, and it was a relay that was cooked. Easy fix. Phew! I'll ask him to jump on here and give some details. Your prob has nothing to do with ignition lock cyl.

Awesome! My car has been having an issue similar to this recently. It will crank like the OP's but mine would start after about 4-5 seconds of cranking. Almost as if it struggles to start. About a month ago I got frustrated and was told it was the fuel pump. Replaced it ($600 later..FML) and it was still doing the same. I notice now that strangely it only does it intermittently and also if I leave my phone charger plugged in and let it sit for a while.

Would this still count as a possible issue with the relay or a totally seperate issue?

[ladiesgod]

Absolutely. 99% sure it's the crank position sensor. It drove me crazy for weeks.

Yea bro I changed that and everything was well. About 2 weeks later, I got the same issue. I got it going after some tries, and have been starting it successfully for about a week or two now. Much better than before I changed the sensor. Still...It cranks way longer than it should. I think there's something else involved. I'll post a sound clip.