Starter Interlock Relay Short to Ground

[JetG0ld]

I recently had my clutch switch fail, to get the car home I used a jumper wire. Worked fine, but after replacing the clutch switch I am still getting a starter interlock short to ground fault. I have to hold the key to start it vs being able to just bump it and it runs the starter itself until the engine is running. Curious if I may have accidentally cooked a relay or something? I did replace the aftermarket clutch switch I put in with a new OEM one as well to ensure it wasn't just a bad aftermarket part. Cars a 2007 RS4.

[MugelloB7RS4]

I get that code too. I'm quite certain that it's my starter motor. Pretty common on those things. If you want to check the relays, remove your drivers side knee bolster under the steering wheel. The starter relays are behind there. When you have the issue present it self, check to see if the relays are clicking. If they are, the chances are that it's the starter motor. If they're not, there's a chance its a bum relay or something else further upstream.

But keep in mind that the starters on these cars are known to need replacing and that's how it manifests itself. Is the problem worst when cold? Mine starts fine when warm, but the longer it's left or the more damp it is the longer it takes to start.

[JetG0ld]

I get that code too. I'm quite certain that it's my starter motor. Pretty common on those things. If you want to check the relays, remove your drivers side knee bolster under the steering wheel. The starter relays are behind there. When you have the issue present it self, check to see if the relays are clicking. If they are, the chances are that it's the starter motor. If they're not, there's a chance its a bum relay or something else further upstream.

But keep in mind that the starters on these cars are known to need replacing and that's how it manifests itself. Is the problem worst when cold? Mine starts fine when warm, but the longer it's left or the more damp it is the longer it takes to start.

The car always starts, I just always get the starter interlock relay code. Causes my EPC light to stay on, and I have to hold the key to start the car, vs just bumping it to the start position and it cranks over until it starts.

[Scotty_JB]

@JetG0ld I'm having the same issue you're describing on my 2014 B8.5 S5 after replacing the clutch slave cylinder. Did replacing the clutch switch solve your issue?