Intermittent starting problem

BIGMAC

MEMBER
1998 AUDI A3
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
80,729 MILES

My car is having intermittent starting problems. Every so often engine wont fire but will more than likely start on next crank, im thinking its a fuel or electrical problem, ive renewed plugs and fuel filter but its still happening. Im wondering could it be fuel pressure regulator or maybe the coil. Is there anyway I can test these or else im going to have to renew one thing at a time which is gonna be expensive.

Sunday, November 21st, 2010 AT 5:46 PM

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Start by testing the fuel pressure and pressure leak down tst first. Sometmes when there is a pressure leak in the system, it would require a longer cranking time.

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Monday, November 22nd, 2010 AT 5:10 PM

BIGMAC

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi. Thanks for your response, however today I have had the fuel pump relay tested and that is fine and i've now been advised to renew crank sensor which will be done tomorrow. If that fails to solve problem I will try your suggestions.
Once again thanks.
Bigmac.

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Monday, November 22nd, 2010 AT 6:33 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Testing with substituting parts is rather expensive and time consuming.

Have you tried to retrieve for trouble codes?

If you are able to get a scan tool plugged in, you should be able to get the freeze frame data to analyse the various sensor operations which might shed some light on the problem.

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Monday, November 22nd, 2010 AT 6:53 PM