FW: Intermittent No Start - 5kcdtq

[Livolsi, Stephane]

I bet the problem is your ignition switch, just like it was on mine.  I took
the easy route and hot wired a remote push button start switch - rationale
is that it is also a theft prevention device.  So not I turn the key to on,
and have to push the button to start it.
The contacts at the back of the ignition switch get worn out over time, and
make intermittent contact - that's why sometimes it will work, and sometimes
it won't.
The switch itself, IIRC, is accessible by removing the instrument cluster
and using a very small slot head screwdriver.  It is not necessary to remove
the whole ignition switch unit.  Just unplug the harness at the back, undo
the set screw and pull it out towards the front of the car.

HTH and good luck

Stephane

> ----------
> From: 	George Harris[SMTP:harchris at smokesignal.net]
> Sent: 	March 14, 2003 8:16 AM
> To: 	quattro at audifans.com
> Subject: 	Intermittent No Start - 5kcdtq
>
> I just got a call from my wife who has the '87 5kcdtq out shopping. She
> turned the key and nothing happened. Absolutely nothing; no click, no
> whirring, nothing.
>
> OK, this has happened to me before, so we go through a few things; put
> the gear shift in neutral, wap it back and forth a few times, push down
> the clutch pedal, turn the key, nothing. Put it into first, push in the
> clutch, oops .. rolling backwards, yank the emergency on harder, turn
> the key, it starts! Yeah :-) Saved again. But this is why she is always
> threatening to sell the house or me and get a new car :-(
>
> Does anyone have any BTDT experience that would help me correct this
> problem? I have done a lot of work on this car since getting it 2 years
> ago, including removing and cleaning the ground straps to the starter,
> but if you think that is the problem I could do that again.
>
> Greatly appreciated
> George
>
>