Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help!

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks
View Threaded
Wed 5 Jan 2022 18:00
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - GeordieGem

Hi all,

Desperately hoping someone here can help me! My Audi is driving me mental!

It is a 57 plate Audi A3 diesel. Basically the problem occurs if I drive it then park it for a shortish amount of time. It won't start and takes about a dozen attempts and 20 infuriating minutes.

I can recreate the fault when I drive 11 miles from work then park it at the gym for an hour. It will never start.

However if it's parked all night or all day at work it's fine. Just seems to be if it has been on and then parked for a short time.

I've had it to a garage but they were useless. Can anyone help me pleeeease!

Thank you, Gemma.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jan 2022 19:24
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - madf

Failing sensor? Crankshaft or camshaft? Get codes read.

2. Fuel pump?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jan 2022 19:44
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - elekie&a/c doctor
What testing and results have the garage carried out ? Do you have the 3or 4 digit engine code ? It will be on a sticker in the boot / spare wheel area .
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jan 2022 22:11
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - bathtub tom

Just read it's a diesel.

Edited by bathtub tom on 05/01/2022 at 22:13

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 10 Jan 2022 10:35
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - GeordieGem

Hi,

I can't find any code ??

I have contacted the garage but they're not getting back to me. Surely it could be easily resolved now I can recreate the problem every time. I thought it might be a common Audi problem or something.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 10 Jan 2022 11:41
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - elekie&a/c doctor
Lots of common problems on these . Post up the registration number and I’ll check the engine type /code .
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 10 Jan 2022 14:12
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - GeordieGem

It is nv57vgu.

Thank you.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 10 Jan 2022 15:42
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - elekie&a/c doctor
This is a 2.0 Pd Diesel engine . Common issue on these for difficult hot start is a faulty starter motor. There is an upgraded starter for these to overcome this problem . Also make sure the battery is up to spec .
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 11 Jan 2022 08:18
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - GeordieGem

Oh so it might be the starter motor? Are they expensive?

My battery is quite new so I don't think it'll be that. I hope not anyway.

Thank you ??

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 11 Jan 2022 09:32
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - elekie&a/c doctor
Starter from around £120 + fitting time , about 1 hour.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 11 Jan 2022 10:52
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - GeordieGem

Thank you so much. Now to find a reputable garage to do it!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 11 Jan 2022 13:33
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - Xileno

Might be worth a look here?

good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 11 Jan 2022 15:25
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - GeordieGem

Ah cool thanks!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 11 Oct 2022 21:43
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - marcelgg

Hi Gemma,

Did you manage to get to the bottom of this fault ? I am having the same issue with my 2011 plate and the mechanics have no clue !

Hope it finds you well,

Marcel

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 12 Oct 2022 00:07
Audi A3 Sportback - Intermittent failure to start - weird! Help! - John F

Interesting problem. I know nothing much about diesels, but enough to doubt it's a starter motor problem. Apparently not starting when hot is a common problem. I found this link which might be helpful....

Why won't my old diesel car start when the engine is hot? - Quora

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

A guide to how much VED you will need to pay on your car.

Road Tax Bands and Rates

Will you have to pay the low emissions charge?

Use our ULEZ checker to find out if your vehicle is subject to ULEZ charges. Simply enter your number plate into the Honest John ULEZ checker to see if you will have to pay to enter the London Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Check your vehicle