Hi,
I have no real mechanical knowledge whatsoever so please bear with me.
Problem: When attempting to start my car, the engine just ticks over but does not start, as if the car is low on fuel (which it is clearly not). The glow plugs are fine. I had to call out breakdown recovery to get my car started. The mechanic told me to turn the ignition key while he sprayed Easy Start down the air intake (I think its in the tube leading from the air filter to the engine). Having observed what he did, I bought some Easy Start and can now start the car with the aid of a friend (to turn the key while I spray). The mechanic said it was some sort of fuel problem (unsurprisingly).
When I took it to an independent garage (as I cannot afford to take it to the Audi garage - =A3100 an hour for checking the car out!) they could not identify the problem, but decided to put new glow plugs on for the sake of it and said to me they THINK it is to do with the immobiliser (i.e. may need recoding for the one key I have). BUT, why does the fuel come through once the car has started if it is an immobiliser problem (surely NO fuel would be allowed through).
Another mechanic has said (without diagnosing the problem) that it appears to be a fuel pump problem (i.e. I need a new fuel pump - which someone said to me costs about =A3600!)
Once the car has started, it runs as if there is no problem. Once I stop the car after driving it for a while (so it is nicely warmed up), it still will not start. Occassionally after turning the key for about
5 to 8 seconds, it will start.I have recently had the car through a full service (new filters, oil change, etc). It was fine until I had new brakes and discs put on. Then after a day of the brakes being on, this fuel probem occurred. I know there should be no connection between brakes and fuel.
Has anyone expeienced anything similar with their diesel Audi, or can someone please give me some guidance as to what I should do (I know I need to get it diagnosed from an expert but I cannot afford to be paying =A3200 for diagnostics and =A3600 for new fuel pumps!)
Many thanks.
Jimmy