2005 (very rarely) fails to start on the first attempt - should I be worried?

[bugbehr]

Very rarely, as in perhaps three times in the past 6 months, my '05 has failed to start on the first attempt. I generally use the push button start, and the engine will attempt to crank for around a second before giving up. When I push engine start a second time though, it started right up with no problems. Most (around 98-99%) of the time, the 4.2 starts right up after about a second. Should I be concerned about this or is this just a slight occasional hiccup due to not using a key to start the car? I've also noticed that when using the key to start the A8, I don't/can't feel any resistance against the key, almost like turning the key is a form of electronic start too. Does anyone know anything about this? Lastly, if this is reason to worry, are there any preventative measures that I could take?

[jakematic]

First I'd run an Auto Scan with VCDS to see if any DTC's have been thrown.
It might be the key not being read but mine usually doesn't do anything in that case.

I think the key in the dash has no tumblers, purely electronic. I may stand corrected on that....

[mishar]

Start button has to be pushed for a touch longer time. Just not a shortest click possible. If it is too short it won't start.

Key start is just electrical contact.

[bugbehr]

Ah, gotcha. It definitely feels like there aren't any tumblers when I turn the key - that cleared things up.

[ezveedub]

The ignition key lock doesn't not have any tumblers in it. It's just a key reader ignition switch. Any Audi key can be insert into it and turned, but only an authorized key will work.

As for the starting issue, does it occur with the key switch also or just the stop/start button?

[bugbehr]

Just the stop-start as far as I'm aware. My car does sometimes have difficulty with the advanced key, and the range from which I can remotely lock the car is quite small. Is this intentional? I don't have much experience personally with the Germans - my last car was a Toyota and I could lock that sucker from 60-70 feet away.

[ezveedub]

Originally Posted by bugbehr

Just the stop-start as far as I'm aware. My car does sometimes have difficulty with the advanced key, and the range from which I can remotely lock the car is quite small. Is this intentional? I don't have much experience personally with the Germans - my last car was a Toyota and I could lock that sucker from 60-70 feet away.

Check the remote key batteries. They should be 3.0v or higher I believe. Remote range does not work super far like domestic or asian cars. They usually don't want unintentional operation when the remote is too far away. Would suck to unlock your car, but can't see the lights on the car flash to know.

As for starting, once the engine starts to crank, it should continue until it starts. The stop/start switch would either work or not work work if it was the cause.

[bugbehr]

I see - thanks for clearing that up for me!

[K9COP]

make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal too. couple of times I've fooled mine by not doing that properly...

K9

Originally Posted by bugbehr

I see - thanks for clearing that up for me!

[Mister Bally]

Originally Posted by ezveedub

The ignition key lock doesn't not have any tumblers in it. It's just a key reader ignition switch. Any Audi key can be insert into it and turned, but only an authorized key will work.

As for the starting issue, does it occur with the key switch also or just the stop/start button?

I have to disagree with you on this. On my '04 (no start button) I can take my VW Beetle key (same "Bell" type of key) and insert it, but when I turn it, there is a lot of resistance compared to the proper key. I believe that a sleeve/cylinder is also turning and not just the plug of the lock. Nothing else is happening so the car won't start. Holding the proper key close makes no difference. You may think that two different keys, even if one is the proper one may not work since the reader may get confused by a proper and improper key; However, with my Beetle, the proper key along with the A8 key held right up to the cylinder allows the car to satrt. Same with the A8; Proper key in lock cylinder and improper Beetle key next to it allows the car to start.