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Engine shut off while driving and will not start, no spark going to the coils?

Tiny
MAFU
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 AUDI A4
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I was driving my car and it suddenly stalled on the road. Cranked it a few times but it wouldn't start. Took it to a mechanic and crank sensor was changed. Drove it for 3 days and it stalled on the road and would not start again. Found out that spark had gone again. Checked area around the ECU and found water by the surrounding areas and discovered that one relay (219) was worn out. Changed the relay but still there is no spark coming to the coil packs. Please help.
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Monday, June 21st, 2021 AT 6:35 PM

34 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that you lost spark can be a few things. The most common cause is the crankshaft position sensor that was replaced. I have to ask, was an OEM part used or was it an aftermarket?

Next, by chance do you have a live data scan tool? If you do, see if there is an RPM signal when trying to start it. If there isn't, the crank sensor is my first suspect. Also, if an aftermarket one was used, it may have failed.

Also, check the wiring to the sensor. It is located on the driver's side back of the engine. They are somewhat difficult to reach, so there is a chance that the connector was left partially on.

I looked all through my manuals to find a pic, but nothing was available. If you are standing in front of the vehicle, look between the strut tower (driver's side) and the back of the engine. It is down very low. I usually use a mirror when I work on them. LOL

Let me know. Also, let me know if you are able to check for an RPM signal, what brand sensor was used, and anything you can think of.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Related, no spark issue with mine no codes or light.
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Saturday, August 12th, 2023 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

If you have a live data scanner, see if there is an RPM signal when cranking the engine. If you don't, see if the tachometer moves a little when cranking.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, August 14th, 2023 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
No codes, no check engine light, I have fuel to the engine just literally no spark the tachometer moves like hair, I have replace the crank sensor, new plugs wires are good so with the coil pack, now I have been doing process of elimination multimeter go nothing from the ICM I couldn't get a read from the ICM by testing it with the ohms so I think that might be the problem but I'm not sure I don't know anything about Audis.
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Thursday, August 17th, 2023 AT 5:53 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

By ICM do you mean ECM? I ask because it doesn't have a separate ignition control module.

I did a little digging and found diagnostics for the ignition system. It is if one coil isn't working, but you could still test since all are not working.

If you look below, I attached the info. Note: I eliminated part of the directions because it explained how to determine if a coil is bad. Also, the heading indicates testing without a factor scanner. However, it indicates using VAG-COM.

Let me know if this is something you feel comfortable performing.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, August 17th, 2023 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
No, I have an ignition control module, it's on my air box. I have no data coming from the ICM with the key turned, but not to start.
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Saturday, August 19th, 2023 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Mines a 2.8l.
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Saturday, August 19th, 2023 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

The 2.8L isn't one that was offered. They offered a 1.8L turbo or a 3.0L V6. I need you to send me a pic of what you are referring to. I can't find evidence in my manuals for either engine having an ICM.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Sunday, August 20th, 2023 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
I'm an idiot. All there is too it.
Okay, so if the car has a bad ICM I would have to replace the waste of spark (coil pack). I have tested the coil pack, got 12 volts each coil, but when I did ohms, I get nothing, either I am doing it wrong or I'm doing it wrong. I mean I thought there was an ICM and you're the expert saying there is not one and I'm saying there is. Not anymore, I'm wrong to the bone, but I'm right about having no spark, but when I pull the gas line from the engine I get gas when cranking.
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Sunday, August 20th, 2023 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
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Okay, so its 11.57 ohms each coil tested at.
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Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 2:45 AM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Also, the ICM is in the coil pack, right? So, can the coil pack be fine just a bad ICM? But if that's the case I would have to buy a new coil pack because the ICM is wired into the coil pack?
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Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Also, the crank position sensor was bought at AutoZone and put in. Could it be that one was defective off the rip? I have no RPMs when cranking but an ABS light and a triangle with an explanation point with a half circle with an arrow on the end of it, and its yellow/ orange.
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Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

As far as a coil pack, they wouldn't have all gone bad at the same time. If there is no RPM signal, I suspect you got a faulty crankshaft position sensor.

What engine does it have?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
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2.8l
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Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 AT 8:26 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
When I bought the car I put one in I bought I from AutoZone, do you think I bought a faulty one?
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Thursday, August 24th, 2023 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure what to tell you. The engine wasn't used in 2002. It was used in 2001. I'm worried that I could be giving info that isn't relevant. By chance, could you get me the production date of the vehicle? Maybe it is a really early 2002.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, August 25th, 2023 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
It says it's a 99-2000.
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Sunday, August 27th, 2023 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

Now, that makes sense. If you take a look below, I attached the diagnostics related to the ignition coils and power output. This is for the 2.8L (2000).

Take a look through the diagnostics and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, August 28th, 2023 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
MARTYSHERMAN450
  • MEMBER
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Hello, can't you dumb it down for me a little this is what I got.
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Tuesday, August 29th, 2023 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

Basically, you are testing the wiring between the coils and the PCM. Also, you will be checking the coils as well.

Start with the coils. You will need a multimeter. Set the meter to kohms. The coils work as pairs. So, place one terminal on one side and the other on the opposite to get a reading. See pic below. See if they are within the specifications listed above.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 AT 6:47 PM

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