Big Sky Euro

Hey guys, having a hard time figuring out what's wrong with my '01 A4 2.8 Avant Quattro. It cranks but won't fire, putters a bit, but never turns over. It was running fine, parked it, and the next day it wouldn't start. Tried VAG-COM and got no codes. Checked spark plugs, they're fine, and I'm getting spark. They're wet and you can hear the fuel pump, so that seem's to be working. The timing belt, which was replaced by the previous owner at 70k, is on and turns when I try to start the car.

The car's got 99k on it now, and has ran fine since I bought it last August. The only issue I've had was that it usually takes (or took) two cranks to start but it always started quickly on the second try.

This board was recommended to me and I'm hoping somebody here might have some wisdom to share! Thanks in advance.

My A6 with the 2.7T did the same thing. Put cam sensors, fuel pump, and lots of time into finding out what was wrong. Last thing I did was to replace the speed/crank sensor. That seamed to do the trick. I would say try that first and remember to disconnect the battery. Good luck.

im guessing cam sensors or maf.

I appreciate the advice. Did a little research and it seems like the crank sensor is a likely culprit. Quite a few people with very similar issues caused by bad crank sensors, so that's where I plan on starting. If that doesn't do it, I'll try the cam sensor.

Any recommendations on which brand of sensor to go with? Looking online, it appears I could spend $40-$100. Obviously, the less money I have to spend the better but I don't want to replace it with garbage.

carquest or so would be a good place an they have a life time warranty on that stuff. or ECSTuing.com

germanautoparts.com

Hey! This is Trevor. Glad you made it on here. Welcome to the forums.

had one do the same thing, was an 01 passat but same motor, got loaded up for some reason, put a charge box or a batt charger on it, hold foot to floor keep cranking until the motor catches and revs to at least 3000, found that bit of info online, tried it, worked first try. also had 0 codes.

kompressorgolf wrote:had one do the same thing, was an 01 passat but same motor, got loaded up for some reason, put a charge box or a batt charger on it, hold foot to floor keep cranking until the motor catches and revs to at least 3000, found that bit of info online, tried it, worked first try. also had 0 codes.

Interesting. How long did you have to crank it?

Also, hey Trevor! Thanks for sending me here, getting some good advice.

It took about 20 sec. to start catching. which is why its best to have a jump pack on it.