Re: Non-start '83 CGT -- tips/shop rec?

[Kneale Brownson <knotnook@traverse.com>]

You might check the various grounds associated with the engine/starter,
Scott.  If you have the means, you might measure the voltage level at the
starter, also.  If there is insufficient current, there might not be enough
power to activate the solenoid.   I know nothing regarding how the CGT is
wired, but I've encountered situations before where there wasn't enough
juice to get the starter gear in position to engage the flywheel ring.
I've also experienced a dirty solenoid that just needed degunking and
polishing of the electrical contacts to make it work again.

Kneale Brownson


At 02:49 PM 9/13/99 -0700, Scott Fisher wrote:
>Our '83 CGT thoughtfully decided to lose its starting circuit in the
>driveway of our home instead of out in the middle of nowhere.  We must
>live right...
>
>Anyway, I've got two questions, but first the patient history:
>
>On Sunday I put the key into the ignition, started the car, and it idled
>rough for a few seconds before dying.  I turned the key again and could
>hear the starter whirring away madly but without engaging the engine. 
>We arranged for alternative transport for that day's activities and I
>consulted the Bentley.
>
>The starter whir without engaging the ring gear suggested a bad
>solenoid, so on Monday morning we shopped around and found a good price
>on a rebuilt starter/solenoid combo at a shop I've used before. 
>Replaced the unit in fairly short order (and kudos to the folks who made
>it so easy to get to), lowered the car, put the key in, and
>whirrrrrrrrrr...  It's still not engaging.  
>
>Bentley says that this is most likely in the circuit from the ignition
>switch to the starter solenoid.  So here are my two questions:
>
>1 - is there an obvious (to all but me) place to look for a fuse, relay
>or broken wire that I can check easily in the comfort and privacy of my
>driveway?  Or am I going to have to start chasing down all the wires
>between the key and the starter?  In that case...
>
>2 - any recommendations on shops in the rough vicinity of Sunnyvale,
>California USA?  (A Bay Area list member has already spoken well of M&M
>but without first-hand experience; any satisfied -- or otherwise --
>customers here on the Big List?)
>
>We've recently upgraded our AAA membership to the variety that includes
>100 miles free towing, so if the ideal shop is three towns away, let me
>know.  This isn't going to be a terribly exciting job for them (or us),
>but I'd like to start up a relationship with a good shop for future work
>and/or future Audis.
>
>Thanks,
>
>--Scott Fisher