Re: help start my 4ks...

[rjandrew@post.cis.smu.edu (R Justin Andrews)]

no, not at all..... I don't think it's the ign. switch.
had the same problem on my '86 4kq turned out to be the ground cable....
The - battery connector was replaced and the cable had oxidized to where
it was making contact with the connector, I used some oxididation 
solvent and a wire bursh then, some oxididation preventer and buttoned it back
up... not a problem in the last 6 months... Know on wood.
HTH,
Rich Andrews
rjandrew@post.cis.smu.edu
> 
> Most likely,
> the electrical part of the ignition switch. with the key in "on",
> shake the key anmd see if it looks like there is an intermittent contact.
> 
> Even if you don't see it, replace that sucker. The part is $20 and is easy
> to replace --- maybe an hour. Even if this isn't your problem, it will be
> shortly -- they all go bad on a 4k.
> 
> Get your alternator checked ( for free) at a chain parts store like a
> dvance auto parts. They have machines called BEAR which can test the
> alternator in the car, with/without load etc. This will also tell you if
> the connections from the alternator to the battery are good.
> 
> At 01:32 PM 11/14/98 -0600, you wrote:
> >Hi again,
> >
> >I sure hope some of you digesters "work" on the weekend.  Here's my prob.
> >
> >My '84 4000 S w/ 160k mi.  went dead last weekend.  I figured, ah, she's
> >been cranking up pretty slow lately, must need a battery.  So, I get a new
> >battery...not dimensionally the same size as the old one, but close and has
> >more cranking amps...(I tell you this because I'm not sure if it matters.)
> >Does fine for exactly one week...then a few minutes ago, I turn the key to
> >the "On" position and let the fuel pump prime up and stuff, turn it to the
> >"Start" position and everything blacks out.  No power whatsoever.  Not to
> >the radio, not to the clock.
> >
> >Eventually the second hand on the clock starts to shake, then comes to life.
> >The radio works...so I turn the key to the "On" position again.  This time
> >though, nothing comes on.  Clock & radio dies again.  Call girlfriend,
> >"Bring jumper cables."   She shows up, connect cables, turn key to "On"
> >dummy lights come on, turn key to "Start" position, black out.
> >
> >Rev girlfriends engine (the car) to 2500 rpm for 7 minutes thinking maybe
> >this will charge my battery enough to start.  Turn key to "On"
> >nothing...black out.   By the way, this is exactly how it happened last
> >weekend with the old battery.
> >
> >I've got the battery at home charging.  What's wrong with my beautiful
> >car???  Is it the alternator?  The little battery symbol dummy light wasn't
> >coming on while driving.  Is it something else?  How hard is it to change
> >the alternator?  Do I have to take the timing belt cover off?  Is the pivot
> >bolt to the alternator an allen bolt?  I'm skrewed...
> >
> >Please, help me.  I am the sole Audi driver on the block.  I will not let
> >this neighborhood go Audi-less!
> >
> >Brian
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> 
>