forum.audiv8.com Foren English Audi V8 Forum Audi V8 starter not turning

Hello there

I just got a 1989 Audi V8 3.6PT.
When the car is warm, the starter wont turn, just clicking in the relays. Works fine else.
This must be some engine sensor issue?

Thanks for the help

Hi Sivert,

Welcome!
I suppose the engine starts allright when cold?
If yes, then, as you allready suggest, something is wrong with one of the engine sensors. In this case the ignition point sensor (OT in german). However, when changing this sensor, you should also change the other one right next to it, which is the RPM or flywheel sensor. The reason is, that both are not very easy to reach, because they sit side by side in a "hole" between the engine block and the muffler.
I think, but am not sure, that there could also be a malfunctioning due to a lack of grounding. Each sensor will set you back some Euro 100.

regards,
Eric

Hi at all,
the starter don´t work, if the machine is warm, right?
It´s not a problem of any sensor, it´s a prob of the starter himself.
The magnetic switch don´t work. Change it or repair it. Sometimes it works, when you clean the switch and put on some new grease. It´s the zylinder on the starter, inside you find a piston.
But it´s necessary to build out the starter in both cases.

Hi Georg,

Is that why Sivert is hearing the relays clicking? Meaning that if the fault would have been the ignition point sensor, the relays should not click at all?

regards,
Eric

The relays are clicking to switch on fuel pump and other to prepare the motor to start. The sensors are for the timing for ignition und injection of fuel, but the first is that starter is turning the machine. No turning no signals from sensors.

Georg,

Okay, sounds logical. The flywheel has to turn, so the sensors can "sniff" its "teeth".

thanks,
Eric

Thanks for the tips.
I have looked trough older posts here in the forum.
I found a few that had solved the problem by replacing a sensor, dont remember which.
Cant find it again.

But I will try to drive the car warm, and disconnect the G4(0)? and G28 sensors and see if it starts.
If not, it must be the starter.

Thanks for the help I Will update when I have found out whats wrong

Cheers
Sivert

When the starter doesn't turn, it is no sensor engine sensor problem. Period.

As Bastian said: Not a sensor problem. Has your car got an automatic or manual transmission?

I have read somewhere that there's a engine temp sensor that tells the car the motor is to warm. I found it here on the forum way back.
Therefore the starter wont turn, but the relays would function as normal.
I'm not saying it's how it work, just a theory
As said before, I will investigate it and post it here.

Happened on several other vehicles, including my ur-Quattro.
The starter solenoid was the culprit, only when warm (heat soak from the engine/exhaust), resultng in the starter simply sticking.
Good clean and a little lube worked well.

Pain on the V8 is getting at the top bolt which comes in from the transmission side, accessed over the driveshaft.