4000s starting issue (no click/crank)

[Huw Powell]

>  after a few days off to think about it, I think i got
> to a point where I need some more advice. Before I go
> out & buy a refrub starter/solenoid package, I'd like
> to test the ignition switch again to make sure. 

When my warranteed starter in my 90Q died a month or two ago, bringing 
it back to VIP for replacement let me see the delightful start testing 
rig they have now.

Why don't you just test the starter?  On or off the car, it is really easy.

> The book I have [Audi 4000, Coupe: 1984-87 Manual]
> shows a different generation solenoid so I can't tell
> which is Terminal50 or Terminal16.
> here's my photo/illustration:
> http://www3.sympatico.ca/joane.dadie-/solenoid-connectors_4000-1986.jpg
>   The 2 big bolts (Term30 & ConnectionA) are labeled
> correctly though ConnectionA is blocked by camera's
> view. The yellow coated wire looks OK coming from the
> battery positive.

This photo shows a really nasty looking battery connection to the 
starter.  You should at least undo that, clean it up, and reasssemble.

> Can anyone confirm the upper & lower terminals on the
> solenoid? It's ugly trying to visually check in the
> engine as it's an oldie/rusty beast.

Confirm what about them?  As I recall, the lower one is from the 
ignition switch, the upper one goes back to the ECU.

>  I had a chance to check the upper & lower smaller
> terminals on the solenoid with the key turned to Start.
> Both were not lit, but Terminal30 & ConnectionA were as
> expeceted again. So I thought that the issue is back to
> replacing the ignition switch.
> 
>  OK, upon testing: "place the test lamp onto the
> smaller terminal (50) on the solenoid. The Test lamp
> should light only when the starter switch is in its
> Start Position." 

I assume you're doing this with the wires connected to the terminals, 
not disconnected as in your photo?

Testing the starter itself is so easy it's almost funny.  First clean up 
that battery connection.  Then simply bring a good 12v (from that 
terminal 30, or better yet, a fused source) to the (lower, I think) 
start terminal (if it's the wrong one there will be no harm.  Try the 
other one - upper).  If the starter engages and turns the engine, it's 
good.  If not - it isn't.

Lifetime warranteed rebuilt ones are available for $100, last I checked.

it sounds as though you have also determined that no "start" signal is 
getting down there from the ignition switch - if this is really the case 
(and I would double check if you can get someone with more electrical 
experience to help you out), I would tend to suspect the wires more than 
the switch at this point, per Kneale.

There is a plug on the back of the ignition switch.  You can unplug it 
and use jumpers to duplicate the functions of the switch.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/