logo elektroda
logo elektroda
X
logo elektroda
Advanced Search
logo elektroda
3D printer for home or business?
3D printer for home or business? Here are the perfect 3D printers to start with »
ADVERTISEMENT

Audi A3 1.6 petrol, 1998 - Goes out while driving, turns but does not start

lamocik123 8202 12
ADVERTISEMENT
This content has been translated flag-pl » flag-en View the original version here
Report a violation of the law
Reply | New topic
  • #1 16768228
    lamocik123
    Level 7  
    Hello, like in the subject
    I have Audi A3 1.6 in gasoline, 98years. Two months ago there was the same problem - it went out when driving, e.g. at traffic lights as I was standing, or just when I was driving 40km / h. I fired for a moment, drove a few meters and went out again. It was connected to an electromechanic under VAG - crankshaft position sensor. I exchanged. Four days have passed, the car started to go out again. The fuel pump has been replaced, because the electrician stated that it does not work when firing. After replacing the fuel pump, the car drove about 2 months without a problem, it smoked without a problem. Yesterday it went out at the traffic light, I started it and drove on. Today it went out while backing up and I couldn't fire anymore. I waited a few minutes and the car still didn't start. Turns but doesn't fire. Some peasant told me it was a coil like a gasoline. What to do? Maybe an immobilizer?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • Helpful post
    #2 16768236
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Immo while driving will not turn off the car.
    Once again diagnostics and checking if the spark or fuel is missing.
  • #3 16768251
    lamocik123
    Level 7  
    In my opinion, the spark, but then what if the spark is missing?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #4 16768299
    tzok
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Based on what formed your opinion? If the spark is missing, the first step is to check whether the engine controller has power and whether it "sees" the engine speed.
  • #5 16768326
    lamocik123
    Level 7  
    Female intuition tells me so :D
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #6 16768993
    spinacz
    Level 42  
    Let a car electrician get a better idea and it will overwhelm you.
  • #7 16774379
    lamocik123
    Level 7  
    The spark was checked, we unscrewed the candles and the spark is not on the candle. He was checked yesterday, fired three times, and the fourth did not fire again. He also fired six times today, and not the seventh time. What's next?
  • #8 16774391
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
    Was the shaft sensor new?
  • #9 16774398
    lamocik123
    Level 7  
    It looks as if the spark in the candles was extinguished.
    Is there something that controls this spark?
    We also checked the fuses if they were tarnished, cleaned and nothing further. The pump pumps fuel because it can be heard.
    I thought it was immo fault, that the grandfather would disconnect and the car would burn, but it also goes out while driving. For now, we work alone with my dad, because around 500 zlotys went to the mechanic and there is still a problem.

    Added after 1 [minutes]:

    Strumien swiadomosci swia wrote:
    Was the shaft sensor new?


    The shaft position sensor was installed at an BOSCH electromechanical engineer. I paid over PLN 300 for replacing this sensor.
  • #10 16774424
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
    Buddy, neither coil nor immo dirty here.
  • #11 16774430
    lamocik123
    Level 7  
    I'm not a friend but a friend :)
    So what drives the spark?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #12 16774433
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
    Shaft sensor.
  • #13 16774634
    lamocik123
    Level 7  
    Was exchanged, maybe he fell again?
Reply | New topic
Report a violation of the law

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a recurring issue with a 1998 Audi A3 1.6 petrol, where the vehicle unexpectedly shuts off while driving and fails to restart. The owner previously replaced the crankshaft position sensor and fuel pump, which temporarily resolved the issue. However, the problem recurred, leading to further diagnostics. Participants suggest checking for spark and fuel delivery, as well as the functionality of the engine controller. The owner confirmed that the spark plugs do not produce a spark, indicating a potential issue with the ignition system. The crankshaft position sensor was replaced by a professional, but doubts remain about its reliability. The conversation highlights the complexity of diagnosing intermittent electrical issues in older vehicles.
Generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: Audi A3 1.6 petrol no‑start looks like intermittent no‑spark; sensor work already cost “I paid over PLN 300.” Check ignition signal first, not immobilizer. [Elektroda, lamocik123, post #16774398]

Quick Facts

Who is this FAQ for, and what problem does it solve?

For Audi A3 8L 1.6 petrol owners facing stalling and crank‑no‑start. It distills the thread’s checks: verify spark, confirm ECU sees RPM, and assess the crank sensor signal before buying parts. It also clarifies immobilizer myths raised in the discussion. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16768236]

Why does my Audi A3 1.6 stall while driving and then crank but not start?

Intermittent loss of ignition reference is likely. The thread observed no spark at the plugs during failures. Prior work replaced the fuel pump and crank sensor, but the symptom returned. Start by confirming spark and whether the ECU registers engine speed while cranking. [Elektroda, tzok, post #16768299]

Could the immobilizer be causing the engine to cut out while driving?

No. As one expert put it, “Immo while driving will not turn off the car.” Focus your diagnosis on spark and fuel delivery instead of immobilizer bypass attempts or key issues. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16768236]

How do I quickly tell if I’m missing spark or fuel on this no‑start?

Pull a plug, ground it, and crank; watch for spark. Listen for pump prime but don’t assume pressure. The thread’s guidance is to re‑run diagnostics and determine which element is absent before replacing parts. [Elektroda, spinacz, post #16768236]

What does the crankshaft (shaft) position sensor actually do here?

It provides the timing reference the ECU uses to trigger ignition. If that signal drops, spark stops and the engine dies. As stated in the thread, the shaft sensor “drives” the spark decision on this setup. [Elektroda, Strumien swiadomosci swia, post #16774433]

My A3 starts several times, then refuses on the next try—what does that pattern suggest?

The poster documented six starts followed by a no‑start. That intermittent rhythm points to a marginal ignition reference or connection that fails when warm or vibrated. Verify spark during the failure window to focus your tests. [Elektroda, lamocik123, post #16774379]

How can I confirm the ECU sees engine speed (RPM) during cranking?

Connect VAG diagnostics and watch live data for engine speed while cranking. If RPM stays at zero, the ECU is not seeing the shaft sensor. Also ensure ECU power and grounds are present during cranking. [Elektroda, tzok, post #16768299]

Could a brand‑new crankshaft sensor fail again this soon?

Yes, it’s possible. The thread author even suspected a repeat failure after replacement. New parts can be defective or suffer wiring or connector issues that mimic sensor faults. Re‑test signal before re‑buying. [Elektroda, lamocik123, post #16774634]

I can hear the fuel pump—does that rule it out?

No. Hearing the pump doesn’t confirm pressure or volume. In the thread, the pump could be heard yet no spark was present during failure. Prioritize ignition diagnosis first, then measure fuel pressure if needed. [Elektroda, lamocik123, post #16774398]

What’s a fast 3‑step plan before replacing more parts?

  1. Scan with VAG and confirm ECU has power and shows non‑zero RPM while cranking.
  2. Check for strong spark at a plug during the failure.
  3. If no RPM or spark, inspect shaft sensor wiring and connector integrity. [Elektroda, tzok, post #16768299]

Does 'no spark at the plugs' narrow the fault meaningfully?

Yes. It directs you to the ignition trigger path: crankshaft sensor signal, ECU power/grounds, and coil control. The thread confirmed no plug spark during the fault, which rules fuel alone out as the primary cause. [Elektroda, lamocik123, post #16774379]

Is the ignition coil the likely culprit here?

The thread’s expert dismissed the coil for this case and pointed back to the shaft sensor path. Chase trigger signal and ECU inputs before condemning the coil. “Neither coil nor immo” was the succinct guidance. [Elektroda, Strumien swiadomosci swia, post #16774424]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT