Car takes few more cranks than usual to start

[raswin]

Gentlemen I have a an issue with my s4, it’s taking to many cranks than usual to start. I changed the fuel filter thinking it maybe a bad valve in the filter that probably hasn’t been changed since the car was made. I’m about to change the fuel pump, is there a fuel pressure switch/ valve or something ? Am I missing something here, I thought it only had only a pressure valve in the filter itself, is there any where else I need to look ?


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[TypeRx]

Gentlemen I have a an issue with my s4, it’s taking to many cranks than usual to start. I changed the fuel filter thinking it maybe a bad valve in the filter that probably hasn’t been changed since the car was made. I’m about to change the fuel pump, is there a fuel pressure switch/ valve or something ? Am I missing something here, I thought it only had only a pressure valve in the filter itself, is there any where else I need to look ?


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Do you mean you need to physically crank it (turn the key on/off) multiple times or you do it once and it takes a while fire up?

Have you had your battery load tested? I’d start there. It could also be your starter. I’d start there before looking at the fueling system.


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[raswin]

I mean physically starting with the key. Checked that, starter was changed 4000 miles ago, new battery a year and a half ago


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[raswin]

Ok, got it sorted out. It was the fuel pump, replaced it. Now it’s cranking like it should. Thanks to TypeRx for your insight.


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[raswin]

Ok, when I changed the pump it started up fine for 2 days. Now it’s back to its antics. What the hell is going on ???


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[HamidsVikes]

Perhaps the starter!
I was having similar issues...



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[prfktgntlmn]

Clutch switch maybe on its way out? Do you have to hold the key until it starts?

[RAudi Driver]

Did you install an OEM starter. I know that can change the way the car starts.

[raswin]

Did you install an OEM starter. I know that can change the way the car starts.

No, not an OEM starter


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[raswin]

Clutch switch maybe on its way out? Do you have to hold the key until it starts?

Yes, that’s one of the problem. When the car is parked more than a day.


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[MugelloB7RS4]

I know when I have an extended crank when it's warm its because my injectors are leaking and causing the cylinder to build up with fuel vapor. Once it burns off its fine. Direct Injectors are prone to issues because of their location, heat and carbon build up.

[raswin]

Ok, some mentioned the starter. But remember when I changed the pump, all was well In paradise for 2 days. It was cranking fine, then went back to crap 2 days later. Wouldn’t a bad starter continue to do bad things ? The other problem of when the car sits for a few days, the clutch switch seams logical for that other problem.


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[MugelloB7RS4]

What about either or both of the high pressure pumps?

[raswin]

What about either or both of the high pressure pumps?

Mmm!! Please elaborate...


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[MugelloB7RS4]

Sorry, I read the initial post quickly. I assumed we were talking about an RS4 in the RS4 section. Nevermind, you will only have the one fuel pump.

[RAudi Driver]

Sorry, I read the initial post quickly. I assumed we were talking about an RS4 in the RS4 section. Nevermind, you will only have the one fuel pump.

Oh man, this guy doesn't have an RS4? Who cares then? Get him outta here. jk

I guess my starter theory is out since it worked fine and then 2 days later started acting up again. I'm liking the injector theory about now.

[MugelloB7RS4]

If the issue is that you turn the key and the engine doesn't even try to crank, you likely have an electrical issue somewhere between the ignition switch and the starter. You've replaced the starter recently, so lets assume you can rule that out. My next step would be looking for and replacing the starter relay. Past that the ignition switch. To be 100% sure, if you have access to a lift and can check the voltage at the starter when you turn the key, that will be quite valuable plus will help rule out parts so you're not just chucking money at it.

Also it's worth noting that I'm having a similar situation with my RS4. The longer it sits especially in cold weather, the more times I have to cycle the key before the starter kicks in. For me, I'm almost 100% it's the starter, however if yours was replaced not that long ago, seems odd. For me it continued to get worse until it took sometimes 10 minutes for it to finally fire. If I add a small booster pack it fires up no problem. My thinking is the winding in the starter solenoid are worn and when cold don't make great contact until warmed up.

If you're having an issue where the starter is engaging and the engine is cranking a long time (turning over) before it catches and fires, that's a whole other ball game. Then you can think about fuel supply issues, but if the engine isn't even turning over, it won't be fuel related.

[Striddy]

- - - Updated - - -

Change the relays under the ECU, drivers side

[raswin]

If the issue is that you turn the key and the engine doesn't even try to crank, you likely have an electrical issue somewhere between the ignition switch and the starter. You've replaced the starter recently, so lets assume you can rule that out. My next step would be looking for and replacing the starter relay. Past that the ignition switch. To be 100% sure, if you have access to a lift and can check the voltage at the starter when you turn the key, that will be quite valuable plus will help rule out parts so you're not just chucking money at it.

Also it's worth noting that I'm having a similar situation with my RS4. The longer it sits especially in cold weather, the more times I have to cycle the key before the starter kicks in. For me, I'm almost 100% it's the starter, however if yours was replaced not that long ago, seems odd. For me it continued to get worse until it took sometimes 10 minutes for it to finally fire. If I add a small booster pack it fires up no problem. My thinking is the winding in the starter solenoid are worn and when cold don't make great contact until warmed up.

If you're having an issue where the starter is engaging and the engine is cranking a long time (turning over) before it catches and fires, that's a whole other ball game. Then you can think about fuel supply issues, but if the engine isn't even turning over, it won't be fuel related.

Sorry I forgot to clarify, I actually installed a used starter, so who knows maybe it’s the starter. It was laying around in the garage so I used it. I’ll get access to a lift during the week sometime next week. I will report back..


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