Hello people, i have a 2003 a4 and i am having problems starting it. The first time i start the car it stalls 2sec after. Then i start it again and its good to go. Now this dont happen all the time but about 1 out of 3 times. Could someone tell me there veiws on this problem.

Thanks Brad

 

Bad Spark. I'd check the plugs. - bad fuel - fuel pump starting to crap out - coil packs starting to crap out - fuel filter needs to be changed - possibly electrical.

These are all factors that can possibly give you your starting issue. I'd check spark plugs first myself.

 

It does not look like electrical problem to me. If it was electrical you would either start or not.
I see it as either

1. Dirty fuel lines and your fuel pump takes time to generate pressure - use fuel cleaner
2. Dirty air intake - use air intake cleaner
3. You jump to the car and start it right away without waiting 2 seconds - put the key in the ignition turn it and wait 2 seconds for the fuel pump to generate pressure in the fuel lines.
4. Unlikely but possible - it is clogged exhaust
5. Old Battery and your alternator works too hard trying to charge it.
Change gas station, replace fuel pump fuse
Please indicate what engine you have.

 

^^^ I disagree with ruling out any electrical issues on this one. I also disagree with using a fuel cleaner. In this case I would concur with midrange and suggest that perhaps the fuel filter needs to be changed. When was the last time the filter was changed since 2003? I changed mine this past summer and noticed a difference. Also opened up the old filter and was amazed at the blockage. If the air intake is dirty just replace it. Lastly just in case it is electrical have the coil packs checked and their connection as well as the plugs themselves. When was the last time the plugs were changed?

 

I was about to post about this myself but happy to find an existing thread

I have a 2007 A4 3.2 and have the same problem. It turns over than dies after a second. I notice it around the same frequency (1 of every 3 or 4 starts).

- The fuel filter was changed a few months ago
- Have had a few cycles of Fuel Additives to clean the system
- Engine coils were changed at 80k under a recall (I think going from memory of the papers I got with it - purchased as a used car)

Gonna look at the plugs and potentially the battery this weekend as my assumptions are neither have been changed.

 

Also a big thing that can cause bad starts is the MAF being dirty. Taking it off and blowing it out can sometimes help. But be careful as MAF are not cheap to replace.

The whole starting then stalling, and then starting fine also could be the TBA - throttle body alignment.

By putting your key in, putting it to the on position for 20-30 seconds before starting it can let it align to start. Perhaps by starting it and it stalling.. its trying to align in those split seconds causing you to stall out.. Of course you go to start again, it has aligned!

Someone correct me if this sounds like nonsense.

 

Get Bosh platinum. Iridiums are good performance plugs at high rpm but not that great for cold starts

 

Bosch Plugs are audis OEM spark plug and I have to agree, its what I would recommend and is what I use but NGK is also a good alternative.