Hi every one,

My 2001 A4 wouldn't start easily when the engine is cold. It would crank when the ignition is turned but won't fire. It would start at the second, or third, sometimes fourth attempt. Once it's up running, if the igition is switched off, and switched on again, the car would start as if it has no problems at all.

Any help as to what the cause might be is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

how cold are the temps where you are? i live in ontario as well and have no issues...also you might want to consider getting an oil change and posibly spark plugs...the oil could be damn thick...get a thinner viscosity at cold temps...like 10-30 and you should be ok...otherwise you may want to get a block heater.

 

100% agree

 

I am not talking about cold weather. I mean when the engine is cold ( the car hasn't been running more than an hour or more) regardless of outside temperature, it fires at the second or third attempt. I will be getting the spark plugs and fuel filter replaced first...

 

then its definitly something in the engine...oil, spark pugs...i doubt it will be a fuel filter. if it was the filter, it would be happening even if the engine was hot as hell, or cold as ice..and the engine would not run smoothly.

To be honest, if its doing that even when the temps outside are 30 degrees, you may have a sludge problem. Get that oil checked first, and soon!

 

I had a similar issue with another vehicle and it turned out to be the transmission sensor for when the vehicle is in park. If that switch/sensor has failed/intermittent it will not allow the car to start because it doesn't know if the transmission shifter is in the proper position, this is for an automatic of course. My car would start after a few tries as well. Hope this helps!!!!

 

if it was the transmission switch it would not allow the engine to crank at all. I think it's the plugs or a fuel delivery problem.(low fuel pressure)

 

Not true, my car would still try to crank and it would cut out half way through the crank process, especially if the switch is intermittent. It's called a neutral safety switch. Hope this helps.

 

if the switch is intermittent, yes but under normal condition no.