Will not start

david7892003 · 29-08-20, 05:24 PM

Hello guys, hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Silver Audi 80 cabriolet 2.0E engine 1995 ABK. Was out in the car THursday, Friday morning car would not start. Battery is fully charged but when key is turned I can hear the fuel pump prime but the engine doesn't turn over. There's a sort of muted noise would'nt say it was a click when I turn the key. 12v is showing at the starter motor terminal and 12 v is showing at the solenoid terminal when ignition is on. I'm baffled. Could it be starter motor?? Mileage is 108K. If it is how the heck do you get it out of the car?? Hoping someone with humungous knowledge can help. Thanks in advance for any help.

tractor Dave · 29-08-20, 06:51 PM

Could be the starter solenoid. Give it a tap with a hammer.

John. · 29-08-20, 08:14 PM

As above, the solenoid earths through the starter brushes. If the brushes are worn then the spring pressure acting on them decreases, the chap with a hammer can be enough to give them continuity.
Also check the braided cable between the solenoid and the starter, it can corrode and will crumble away between your fingers.
Poor connection at solenoid from ignition switch is also possible as is the ignition switch burning out internally too.

From your diagnosis with voltmeter, sounds like your thinking regards the starter is on the right lines. I've never had one out an ABK so can't comment on removal, sorry.

BackintheFold · 29-08-20, 09:11 PM

Low
Battery?
I note it’s fully charged, but is it any good? Try a jump from another car.

mikes2 · 29-08-20, 10:57 PM

This can also be caused by a bad earth cable / connection. Your car will not turn over without a good earth.

Although 12v is good, if the battery can't take the load, it won't turn over.

Starter is underneath the exhaust manifold.

Looks like you're not far from me

david7892003 · 30-08-20, 08:33 AM

Thanks guys for all your advice. Ive taken the earth lead of and cleaned it up and I tried a jump start from another battery but nothing. Ill try giving the solenoid a tap and see if I can bash some life into it. Im not looking forward to trying to get it off looks like access is very limited.Ill get back to you all later today.

Ben · 30-08-20, 09:46 AM

I'd focus on the ignition switch first, they are a common failure on the B4 due to poor quality. This is a B4 switch that failed on mine. Notice how the contacts don't line up and the springyness goes away with age and they can no longer handle the current: https://s629.photobucket.com/user/be...F8570.jpg.html

david7892003 · 17-09-20, 05:03 PM

Well the plot thickens. I thought that it was the starter motor, however i ran a wire from the solenoid and flashed the negative post on the battery and the starter turned over. The car did start but only ran for a few seconds. When i turn on the ignition the pump primes and all the lights come on the dash. Anyway following the advice hgere i will change the ignition switch. Hoever does anyone have step by step details of how I do change the ignition switch? 1995 cabriolet 2.0 B4 engine. Again thanks in advance.

mikes2 · 17-09-20, 08:29 PM

It's not too difficult. You can either remove the instrument cluster to do it from the top or the lower shelf below the steering wheel if working below.

Disconnect the wiring plug first.

There's 2 small grub screws that you'll need to remove. They're usually covered in paint and sometimes tape as well.

Once undone, it should just pull out.

david7892003 · 17-09-20, 08:33 PM

Mikes2 many thanks for your information and help. I'll give it a try over the next few weeks. Btw we must almost be neighbors!!

29-08-20, 09:11 PM	#4
BackintheFold Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Near an MB ur Quattro Posts: 1,171	Low Battery? I note it’s fully charged, but is it any good? Try a jump from another car. __________________ 2006 A3 (daily drive) 1987 MB ur Last edited by BackintheFold; 29-08-20 at 09:13 PM.

29-08-20, 10:57 PM	#5
mikes2 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Polmont Posts: 2,617	This can also be caused by a bad earth cable / connection. Your car will not turn over without a good earth. Although 12v is good, if the battery can't take the load, it won't turn over. Starter is underneath the exhaust manifold. Looks like you're not far from me __________________ 1991 90 quattro 20v sport 1991 90 quattro

30-08-20, 09:46 AM	#7
Ben 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stockport Posts: 2,348	I'd focus on the ignition switch first, they are a common failure on the B4 due to poor quality. This is a B4 switch that failed on mine. Notice how the contacts don't line up and the springyness goes away with age and they can no longer handle the current: https://s629.photobucket.com/user/be...F8570.jpg.html __________________ 1992 80 quattro 20vt Last edited by Ben; 30-08-20 at 09:55 AM.

17-09-20, 08:29 PM	#9
mikes2 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Polmont Posts: 2,617	It's not too difficult. You can either remove the instrument cluster to do it from the top or the lower shelf below the steering wheel if working below. Disconnect the wiring plug first. There's 2 small grub screws that you'll need to remove. They're usually covered in paint and sometimes tape as well. Once undone, it should just pull out. __________________ 1991 90 quattro 20v sport 1991 90 quattro

29-08-20, 06:51 PM	#2
tractor Dave Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Wales Posts: 1,157	Could be the starter solenoid. Give it a tap with a hammer.

29-08-20, 08:14 PM	#3
John. 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Scottish Borders. Posts: 7,520	As above, the solenoid earths through the starter brushes. If the brushes are worn then the spring pressure acting on them decreases, the chap with a hammer can be enough to give them continuity. Also check the braided cable between the solenoid and the starter, it can corrode and will crumble away between your fingers. Poor connection at solenoid from ignition switch is also possible as is the ignition switch burning out internally too. From your diagnosis with voltmeter, sounds like your thinking regards the starter is on the right lines. I've never had one out an ABK so can't comment on removal, sorry.

30-08-20, 08:33 AM	#6
david7892003 Grown up member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Brightons Falkirk Posts: 20	Thanks guys for all your advice. Ive taken the earth lead of and cleaned it up and I tried a jump start from another battery but nothing. Ill try giving the solenoid a tap and see if I can bash some life into it. Im not looking forward to trying to get it off looks like access is very limited.Ill get back to you all later today.

17-09-20, 05:03 PM	#8
david7892003 Grown up member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Brightons Falkirk Posts: 20	Well the plot thickens. I thought that it was the starter motor, however i ran a wire from the solenoid and flashed the negative post on the battery and the starter turned over. The car did start but only ran for a few seconds. When i turn on the ignition the pump primes and all the lights come on the dash. Anyway following the advice hgere i will change the ignition switch. Hoever does anyone have step by step details of how I do change the ignition switch? 1995 cabriolet 2.0 B4 engine. Again thanks in advance.

17-09-20, 08:33 PM	#10
david7892003 Grown up member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Brightons Falkirk Posts: 20	Mikes2 many thanks for your information and help. I'll give it a try over the next few weeks. Btw we must almost be neighbors!!