Cranks no start cold day?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 AUDI A4
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 94,000 MILES
Posted this question before but I cannot find it. One cold day tried to start it it made a noise and died, then kept trying but didn't start, sounded like starter is bad or no compression. Left for another day, floored it and tried took forever but started, would idle fine without misfire but if u take your foot off would die. No codes at all. Pulled camshaft cover, and I am seeing the chain is not lined up based on what I know, also, the tensioner I believe is way out unless am mistaken, need your input on it. Only 94k and a chain stretch? Maybe, not sure. No codes no matter what. Took off intake and HPFP in case its stuck, compression was all 30psi across before I took everything off. Does not make sense, something happened all of. Sudden, don't know If it bent valves or just jumped time, can't see any indications from intake holes.
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 AT 2:34 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,441 POSTS
The timing chain looks good so I don't think it jumped, I have seen the wrong weight engine oil hold the lifters up and cause this issue. Did the engine oil get changed recently? Here are the timing marks if you want to double check them. Let me know if the marks are on or not. The chain marks may not line up, just check the marks on the balancer and camshaft gears. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 9:03 AM
Tiny
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I have not changed the oil. It looks black. Ill check the marks again but I know they are off
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Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, I don't know if the crankshaft timing chain gear has a keyway so it may have slipped. So if the marks are on check the #1 piston to see if it is at the top of the cylinder bore.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
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They have a keyway I have not checked it I will
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Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
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Looks fine
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Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 11:04 AM

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