Re: HELP: 200q start problems

["Scott M." <scottmo@teleport.com>]

Osman,

If your '89 200TQ has the factory alarm system, you may
want to verify that the anti-theft relay is not preventing
the +12V coming that comes from the ignition switch is not
reaching the starter solenoid. This relay is located under
the hood along with the fuses etc. and is in #8 position.
If you remove the relay and jumper across terminals 38/30
and 36/87 this will eliminate this relay as a possible
cause. You can use a basic incandescent test light
connected from ground to terminal 38/30 to see if the +12V
start signal is coming from the ignition switch. 

If it is and the jumpering the relay doesn't make it turn
over, you
can crawl under the car and use a small screwdriver to
"carefully" jumper from the main starter battery cable
across to the smaller solenoid connection, terminal 50,
(CAUTION: CAR MUST BE OUT OF GEAR AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ON) 
to see if the starter responds to a cardiac like jump
start. If jumpering across the starter solenoid with a
screwdriver still gets no response  from the starter and if
your battery and cables (+ and ground to engine)  are ok
then 
the solenoid is dead. If  the solenoid clunks then the
starter brushes or windings are toast. 

BE  CAREFUL, DON'T WEAR ANY WATCHES OR RINGS WHILE PLAYING
WITH +12V AND MEGA AMPERAGE......

Cheers
Scott Mo.
89 200TQ
HexBytenMonster
scottmo@teleport.com

> Hi folks,
>     I've tried to send this message three times now.. and
it isn't being
> cycled through for some reason. Here it is again:
> 
> I seem to have a starter problem. I turn the key and
nothing. The voltage
> gauge reads normal.. and their is no drain showing on the
needle when I
> turn the key. The headlights do not dim when I turn the
key. There is no
> noise from under the hood.. the engine doesn't turn over.
Nothing at all
> happens.
> 
> My guess is that it's the starter. Howerver, I'm hoping
somebody has some
> better (cheaper) ideas or perhaps a way that I can
diagnose the problem for
> sure before I plunk the money down for a new starter.  
> 
> This is the third major item to go down in the last 45
days! The alternator
> was replaced two weeks ago. The PS pump was replaced two
weeks ago. I threw
> on a set of Hak1s on Steel wheels. You'd figure the Audi
gods would be
> satisfied. I'm seriously considering selling the 200q.
Does anybody know
> what a realistic selling price on my car? 
> 
> Thanks!!
> 
> Osman Parvez
> Albany, NY
> 89 200q TAP Chip
> 170K