Audi Repair: audi A4 2001, dash flashes, petrol station

Question
QUESTION: I have an Audi a4 2001 and staring a few moths ago, sometimes it will not start.  It always seems to start in the morning i will drive my daughter to school  start the car , but if i decide to turn the car off again and start again after that in a short period of time it will not start.  The display on the dash flashes up service and does not display the usual apply foot to brake as it should.  I have taken the car to Audi who cannot find a fault, they suggest a few things that may be causing it but cannot be sure, they want to charge me over £1200.00 when they are not 100 sure.  This is so frustrating I don't even like stopping for petrol as i have got stuck in the petrol station as it does not start.  Please help.

ANSWER: This could be a multitude of problems, I will need some more specifics.  When you say the car does not start, does that mean it does not crank, or the car tuns over but does not fire?  Does it even attempt to start, any strange noises, anything else that you think is different since it started doing this?  If there is a service indication, somebody with a VAG-COM diagnostic can read the fault codes from the car, this will typically cost around $50 but may be key in finding what your problem is.  If the Audi dealership cannot find this problem, I think you need a new dealership.  There is no reason to quote a high repair cost just because they do not what the problem is.  let me know,

Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: when i put the key in the ignition it does not turn over ther is now noise. Twice it has gone to start and then it cuts out but most of the time is just does not do anything.  I think it has something to do with the gear selector (its automatic).  could this be the case?

Thank you for trying to help me.

Sam

Answer
Hi Sam,
If the starter is not turning, then there are only a few culprits left...!  One is the starter locking relay, linked to your alarm system, and there is also a switch in the automatic transmission.  I would check the starter locking relay first, it is located under the dashboard on the drivers' side, you will need some tools to get to it.  To test this easily, next time you have the problem where the car will not start, get out of the car and lock it, then unlock it again and see if it starts.  If it does, then the starter locking relay is more than likely the problem.  It is the relay #13, located bottom right on the relay block.  Good luck,  Jan