quattro digest, Vol 1 #1406 - 18 msgs

[Jon VonOhlsen]

> Message: 12
> Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2001 18:00:02 -0500
> To: Quattro list <quattro at audifans.com>
> From: Calvin Krug <ckrug at laf.cioe.com>
> Subject: 200 won't start
>
> Well, my good old hard starting problem seems to have matured into a
> full blown NO START.  I had to borrow the neighbor's Suzuki Samurai
> to get to work this morning.  This is not a good solution.  So, I
> need to get the 200 running.  I'm checking SJM's site, and one of the
> things it says to do is to check for fault codes.  However, my check
> engine light seems to be dead.  Bulb seems to be fine, but it won't
> light when I turn on the ignition.  Can I access this signal from
> somewhere else, such as the computer?  I'm thinking that this wiring
> may have been damaged at some point in the past.
> Assuming I can't get the codes, what are the most likely suspects?
> It cranks fine, but is unwilling to fire.  Sometimes I can get one
> cylinder or two to go, and with a little manipulation of the
> throttle, get it to keep itself spinning.  As it approaches 1000 rpm,
> I have to let off, or it will die. If I'm lucky, it will pick up the
> rest of the cylinders about this time and gain revs.  If this
> happens, and I get it to about 2000 rpm, it smoothes out and runs
> fine.  Otherwise, it dies again.  Some days, I've spent 20 or 30
> minutes trying to get it started. Other times, first twist of the
> key, it fires right up.  It seems that if the car has been sitting
> overnight or all day, or just driven a couple of miles and not fully
> warmed up, the problem crops up a little more often, but it can
> happen under any circumstances.  Any suggestions?  Oh, it's an early
> '89, single knock sensor car (#000201) if that helps.
>
> Calvin Krug
>

Calvin,
Also have an '89 200 and it had the same problem with starting. Usually cold it would start right up, but sometimes not idle and then die, at which time it would not start. This was after replacing plugs, wires, cap, rotor and putting some cleaner in the gas (K44?) I ended up replacing the throttle switch, the hoses behind the cyl
head for the idle stabilization including the long hose to the F.I. , and the injectors.
Ignition spark is suspect and you should basically verify all the stuff on SJM's list, but depending on mileage, you may just bite the bullet and replace the injectors. Costs about $270 or so, and they are one of the few things easy to do on the 200. Car runs flawlessly now, EXCEPT I seem to have low boost.
onward and upward
JonVO