[s-cars] ignition problem

[Tom Mullane]

Matt,

I am a victim of recent starting problems in both my (departed) 200 20v and
my S4.  The 200 cranked slower and more laboriously each time until it
refused to start.  I knew the battery was in good shape, so I assumed the
dreaded firewall splice was corroded.  Fortunately, before digging in to the
splice, I checked the starter to find that heavy corrosion had beset the
wire from the solenoid to the starter and eventually the increased
resistance cooked the wire to a cinder.  Welcome to the Northeast.  I
touched the wire lightly, and it just fell off.  I replaced the starter with
a spare I had for my Quantum.

On the S, same symptoms, but this time a prolonged valve cover gasket leak
(not my fault - I just got this car) had soaked the starter in oil, toasting
it.  I removed it, and couldn't even get it to turn with jumper cables on
the garage floor.  Rebuild guy said this is a common way to ruin a starter.
Unfortunately, I never got around to having the 200 starter rebuilt, so now
I wait.

Anyway, check your starter, or have it checked, for high resistance.

Tom
S4
CQ
A6
Etc.

Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2003 09:47:19 -0400
Subject: Re: [s-cars] ignition problem.
Cc: "AUDI S Cars Discussion List" <s-car-list at audifans.com>,
"200q20v" <200q20v at audifans.com>
To: "Martin, Gary G" <MartinGG at aetna.com>
From: matt ludwig. <matt.ludwig2 at verizon.net>

--
--
[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
hey all,

i remember someone posting a while back on the implications of what
Gary describes below, spraying contact cleaner on the ignition switch
directly. now, i have searched the archives but like many, cannot find
the thread.

with my current "lack of starting" problem, would this even be an
option? i am only worried that i will ruin my ignition if "it" is ok,
and it is my starter that is burnt up- thus meaning i replace both in
the end. probably should have said that out loud as i know "AG" is
always listening.

any help here would be great.

sincerely,

matt ludwig.