Audi Starting & Shutting Off: What You Need To Know To Stay Safe on the Road

Luxury, sportiness, and unparalleled performance: these are some of the characteristics that make an Audi car stand out from the crowd. But there is a catch- none of these features make the Audi you own immune to problems. Let’s discuss one issue that’s been troubling Audi owners from time immemorial- engine starts only to cease functioning after a few seconds of operation.

Some of the top reasons why you might have to deal with such an issue have been highlighted below along with proven solutions. Please read through…

Discussing the Common Reasons

#1- Nearly empty gas tank

A defective fuel gauge sensor may hinder your ability to keep track of your vehicle’s fuel level. You won’t be able to tell how much fuel left in the gas tank if the fuel gauge module is not performing the task it has been assigned. If your Audi runs out of fuel without giving much clues, you won’t even know when your gas tank becomes empty. This is something that may cause your car to have a hard time maintaining operation after starting.

So, What’s The Fix?

Ensure the upkeep of your Audi’s fuel gauge and the sensor involved in keeping track of the fuel level in the gas tank. If you suspect any form of anomalies, don’t hesitate to reach out to the nearest service center to have the issue fixed.

#2- Anti-theft immobilizer issue

Modern cars come equipped with all sorts of anti-theft systems- one key mechanism being the anti-theft immobilizer. The immobilizer, in essence, is an electronic device programmed to prevent bad actors to start your Audi by unauthorized means. If it occurs to the onboard computer that someone is trying to start the vehicle by unsanctioned means, it will shut off the power supply to the fuel pump. As a result, the engine will shut off after a few seconds of operation.

So, What’s The Fix?

Find out what’s prompting your Audi’s immobilizer behave this way… If you lack the expertise and equipment required to diagnose such an anomaly, reach out to the nearest service center to have your vehicle checked by ASE-certified technicians.

#3- Broken idle air control actuator

The idle air control actuator plays a crucial role in regulating idle speed of your Audi engine. It does that on behalf of the vehicle’s engine control module. To make sure that the engine is functioning the most efficient manner possible in idle condition, the actuator supplies the engine with the requisite amount of air by bypassing the throttle plate. If the actuator gives up, the engine will have a hard time operating at idle and may even cease to function.

So, What’s The Fix?

If your Audi engine starts but fails to maintain operation, it could be due to the fact that idle air control actuator is defective and need to be repaired or replaced as per the requirement.

#4- Damaged EGR valve

The EGR or Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve, in essence, prevents NOx formation inside the combustion chamber by preventing the temperature inside the combustion chamber to go beyond a certain limit. It does that by recirculating a small portion of exhaust gas into the combustion chamber. If it gives up, it can destabilize the air to fuel proportion inside the engine. This is one reason why your Audi engine may cease to function after running for a few seconds.

So, What’s The Fix?

Being one of the most important parts of your Audi’s emission control mechanism, EGR valve need to be checked on a regular basis. If you are suspecting a glitch in your vehicle’s EGR, don’t take it for granted. Have the issue fixed before it turns into something serious.

Other Possibilities…

Clogged fuel filter, damaged fuel injectors, jammed fuel/air filter, defective fuel pump, faulty ignition switch, carbon fouled spark plug, and vacuum leak are some of the other possible explanations as to why your car may struggle to stay operational after it springs to life. Having your vehicle checked by a trusted European service center will uncover the exact nature of the issue you are dealing with.

So, The Bottom Line…

We know how inconvenient it is to drive a vehicle that struggles to maintain operation. From a defective spark plug to a faulty fuel injector, there are all sorts of different explanations as to why your Audi may display such a behaviour. To trace such an issue to its root you might need the help of an ASE-certified technician.

JCL Automotive is one of the leading automotive service and repair facility located in Hellertown, PA. We are proud to assist our customers in looking after high-end cars like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes.