Audi Repair: Car wont start after front axle install on Allroad??, multifunction switch, t effect

Question
QUESTION: Hello Jan,
 My buddy and I swapped out the front axles on my 02 Allroad Auto.  It now won't start.  No crank of the engine, no clicing.  Accessories work and jumping the car did nothing.  I'm hoping it's just a fuse, but which one.  I checked the one in the ECM compartment in the engine, and the 2 bigger fuses exposed under the dash, but I don't see one labeled for the starter or ignition. Could it be a relay or a fuse I missed.  When the key is on, the DSC, check engine light, and battery lights are all on the dash.  This maybe normal though when the ignition is on.  I never have noticed. Please let me know of any suggestions or locations od other fuses and/or relays.  Thanks.

Mike

ANSWER: If it is not clicking, maybe something has happened to the trigger wire for the solenoid on the starter.  There should be a solid 12V cable going to the starter, and a thinner cable which is the wire that supplies the 12V from the ignition key when you go to the 'start' position.  this then energizes the solenoid and the starter engages.  It could also be a bad starter motor.  I don't think there is a seperate fuse for the starter.  Once you put the ignition on, can you see the lights dim slightly when you try to start the car?  Also when you replaced the axles, hopefully you did not knock a wire loose on the transmission which is the Park or Neutral sensor, because that would also stop the starter from being activated.  Let me know what you find,  Jan

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QUESTION: When I try to start it, there seems to be plenty of power w/ no lights dimming.  With the car on, I did put the car through the gears, and they were indicated properly on the dash.  I'll have to get back under it to check the sensor connections and the solenoid.  I have always wondered if the multifunction switch is bad because my reverse lights and parktronic sensors haven't worked in a while.  This switch still shouldn't effect the car starting though.  Do you think it may have something to do w/ the stock alrm system.  Let me know.  Thanks, Jan!

Mike

Answer
If the alarm does not go off, and you can switch the ignition on, I don't think it is an alarm problem.  If the lights are not dimming, then the solenoid is not being activated, so either the transmission safety is not made, or the starter has failed (unlikely) so I would chase a disconnected or severed wire.  Have you tried it in neutral?  Let me know,  Jan