[s-cars] Sputter, No Boost, Stall, No Start .....

[Tom Green]

Jim,

Codes could definitely reveal something.  Even not seeing a code can  
help, but there are too many possible causes to make an assumption  
that codes won't help.  You should definitely see the 00513
(2111 blink code) since that is an anomaly of the system when the  
engine is not running.  So, always start troubleshooting by observing  
the MIL come on when you turn on the key and go out in about 10  
seconds before any attempt to start the engine.  Check for DTCs  
(codes) as the first item checked when you have a problem.

Check the FAQ at the top of the UrS/S2 forum on Quattroworld.com for  
no start/missing  troubleshooting information.

The battery could be the issue, or the alternator if it isn't  
providing proper charging voltage/current.  But, like you said, there  
are so many other benefits from having a reliable battery that make it  
a no-brainer to change it anyway.  There are some low voltage issues  
that could be recorded as DTCs.  You may have seen one for the airbag  
low voltage to b+, and low voltage can fail to fire coils or result in  
erratic operation, not provide sufficient fuel pressure, and below 6V  
won't operate the ECU.  After recording them, be sure to clear them  
every time.  So, damn good place to start.

You would get few votes for replacing coils with new OEM stuff because  
they have gotten pricey with few deals out there.  One of the  
replacement kits using the LS2 coils or 2.0t coils might be a better  
choice.  Some used OEM coils might solve immediate issues but you  
would have to plan on investing a few hours in diagnosing bad coils  
and ensuring replacements are good too, with no real way to know how  
long they will last.  (I still run the OEM coils in both vehicles.)

Tom '95 S6
          '95.5 S6 avant
Knoxville, TN

On Tuesday April 2, 2013, at 11:38 AM,"Jim Fleischer" <jim at almgt.com>   
wrote:

>
> Thanks all for the suggestions......I have replaced the fuel pump  
> within the last year, with a Bosch unit last summer while chasing  
> down a stumbling issue.  Didn't solve the issue, but the pump does  
> have less than 10K on it. I'll take a listen and try to rule it  
> out.  Any experience with fuel pumps quitting after only 10K?
>
> It could be a coil I guess.....I didn't think that would stall out a  
> car or keep a car from starting, thought it would just run like  
> crap.  The car idled just fine as this whole thing was unfolding  
> yesterday before it stalled.  My stumbling issues did resurface  
> within the last couple of weeks as the weather got warmer, and I  
> beleive they are original OEM with 150K.....anyone have a set of  
> coils they'd like to part with for reasonable money?
>
> Would pulling codes on a non-starting car reveal anything?
>
> Thanks again.....
>
> Jim Fleischer
> '95 urS6

> And, later Jim added:

> My battery has had a difficult time holding a charge for more than a  
> couple of days this winter.....it would fire right up with a jump  
> pack and be good as long as I drove the car everyday, but I'm  
> wondering if there is enough juice in it to fire up the ignition  
> system and keep it running properly?  My voltmeter readings are good  
> when the car is running, just no holding of a charge and some boost  
> issues when into the throttle getting worse lately before this  
> episode yesterday.....
>
> Going to replace the battery anyway.....doubt if that's it, though.   
> Thoughts?