For the past couple weeks my Z has barely been cranking over and has been hard to start. But last night it just wouldnt crank over. When I turn the key I can hear the fuel pump and the lights come on but I couldnt hear it trying to start at all. After I pumped the gas and turned the key for a good 30 seconds it and i mean barely rumbled to life. And when it started the motor seemed really quiet, didnt realize it was chugging for a second. I need to get the car fixed today and im not sure what to replace on it. Starter/Alternator?

Thanks -
Mike


99 A4 Z/28 Stock 69k Miles

 

Battery/connections OK? Trip resetting to zero/gauges sweeping?

 

Battery is new and connection looks good. The trip isnt resetting but the oil pressure gauge did slowly rise (it was the only gauge i was watching) when the car is running the voltage gauge was at 14. This might have nothing to do with it but it seems like the car starts alot easier in the morning then at night (its not much colder at night then morning maybe 10 degress or so).

 

When you finally get it running, how does it drive? If it drives normal then it sounds like the starter, if it's sluggish then it may be ignition coils... just my immideate guess...

 

when its running it runs just fine. Tonight it started right up. Seems like every couple days it wont want to start but the other night was the first time it flat out wouldnt.