The Inconsistent Starter: Solving Audi A4's Intermittent Starting Problem

More often than not, an intermittent starting issue in a car suggests a starter motor glitch… But before you conclude that the fault lies with the starter motor, you should have your Audi A4 checked by a certified professional if it starts intermittently. The following discussion sheds light on some of the most prominent reasons as to why a vehicle might struggle with such an annoying issue and what can be done about it.

Audi A4 Intermittent Starting Issue: Discussing the Causes

Cause #1- Dying battery

Breathing life into a car engine requires a tremendous amount of energy. The starter motor- in particular- demands a significant amount of electric charge to turn the engine over. The process enables the engine to draw in the requisite amount of air-fuel mixture and start operating on its own. If the battery has exceeded its maximum serviceable life, it won't be able to fulfill the energy requirement of the starter motor. This is something that may contribute to an intermittent starting issue in your Audi A4.

Cause #2- Connection issue

This is something that we don't talk often… Unstable power flow to the starter because of a bad connector or a defective wire can also contribute to an intermittent starting issue in a car. There are many different reasons as to why the electricity supply to the starter motor may get obstructed- even when the battery is in great condition. This is something that can significantly diminish the alternator's ability to perform its assigned task. Corrosion on battery terminals, for example, can result in intermittent starting issues among other problems.

Cause #3- Faulty starter solenoid

The solenoid found on your Audi A4' starter motor has two key responsibilities. Number one- it regulates power flow to the starter circuit and number two- it plays a crucial role in making it possible for the starter pinion to engage the engine flywheel. In short, the solenoid is the reason that the starter motor performs the task it is entrusted with. If there is something off with this part, the starter motor will have a hard time turning the engine over; enough reason for intermittent starting trouble.

Cause #4- The glitch is in the starter

The starter motor is not something that malfunctions very often… but when it does, it will contribute to a wide range of different problems including an intermittent starting issue. Fortunately, before it gives up… there are a few signs it will exhibit. Some of the signs you will notice if there is something off with Audi A4's starter motor are;

• The emergence of a strange grinding noise from the engine bay when the starter is engaged.
• The starter motor fails to disengage even after turning over the engine.
• Smoke emerging out of the engine compartment when the starter is on… etc.

None Of The Above Is the Culprit; The Issue Is Something Else…

If your Audi A4 starts intermittently, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is something off with its starter or the battery. There are all sorts of different reasons- in addition to a faulty starter, as to why you may have a hard time starting your Audi.

Carbon fouled spark plug, clogged fuel filter, flawed ground connection, defective ignition switch, problematic fuel pump, defective sensor, and chocked fuel injector are some of the other issues that may contribute to an intermittent starting issue in a car.

Audi A4 Intermittent Starting Issue: What to Do?

• The first component to check if your Audi A4 starts intermittently is the starter motor. After all, this is the part that makes it possible for the engine to draw in the requisite amount of air-fuel mixture and start operating on its own.
• If the starter motor is in good shape, the next component you should head to is the starter solenoid. If it is defective, consider repairing or replacing it.
• The battery is another thing that you should check if you are having trouble starting your Audi A4.
• Spark plug, fuel injector, fuel pump, and air/fuel filter are some of the other components to check.

Final Thoughts

• An intermittent starting issue in a car usually suggests a flaw in the starter motor.
• But it could also point to one of many different things going on with the vehicle.
• If you are dealing with such a problem, have your

Audi A4 checked by a reliable mechanic.

• Early detection of the culprit can help you prevent expensive repairs down the road.

We at Fast lane European are San Jose's leading BMW, MINI & Volvo service center since 2001. We are dedicated to providing dealership quality repairs at an affordable price without sacrificing quality or service.