Can a Bad opti cause troubles starting. I can turn the key with nothing then turn again and it will fire up. The other day i had to get a ride to work cause it just wouldnt do anything turn the key and nothing. Tried later and fired right up. Very confused any help would be nice. Was about to buy opti and other parts want to figure out what all is wrong. thanks for help.

 

Possibly, but from the sounds of what you're describing, my initial thoughts point straight towards the VATS system.

 

does it even turn over when doing this? if not is there a security light on your dash as trying to turn over? Do you hear a click from the starter? Possible intermitant problem with a ground, or vats, or starter going bad. could be several things.

 

thanks for the response but i dont know what the VATS system is so if anyone could explain or if anyone has any different ideas it would be appreciated.

 

no there is nothing. it makes no noises what so ever no lights. however the stereo will turn on if i leave the key turned. i beleive the starter was checked when i had my car in before. they said it might be the ignition module but they didnt check it was a real crappy job done by the shop they charged me $30 and told me nothing. i know my alternator charges at 11.7 volts and its supposed to be 12.5 or something like that. i didnt have enough time to check starter i am going to do it tommorow.

 

i do belive that the car should still do something on 11.5 volts. Do you have a digital volt/ohm meter? If so.. you can check to see if the signal wire to the starter is completing the ground when the key is turned to start the car. I am 95% sure the small wire going to the started completes the circuit to ground but im not sure.

 

if i hold the key to start i can here the fuel pump turn on. i dont know if that matters i didnt get a chance to test my starter today. will have to wait until monday when i can use the equiptment at my school thanks again.

 

where are you located?? if your close to nw indiana i can stop by this weekend and give you a quick hand.

 

Do you have an A4 or M6. Because if it's a M6 it could be your clutch switch. A4 could be neutral safety switch. Just a thought. VATS is Vehicle Anti Theft Saytem. If it is faulty it will prevent your car from turning over but check the simple stuff first.

 

I live in Rochester (southeastern) MN. so thats quite a drive. I really appreciate the offer though. it is a A4. i have been noticing the problem is getting worse. almost everytime i get in the car now it wont fire up on the first try. it used to be more of a guessing game. Now its usually between the 2nd and 5th try. except for the one time last week it just wouldnt turn over for anything. until a couple hours later when it fired right up. before it would do nothing for the first turn or two of the key anything then fire up now it wont do anything then once it tries to fire up it takes awhile and a little gas to get it goin. the only thing i now for sure is that the opti is bad dealer told me that and said $1200 for them to do it i decided to just do it myself. but now this is happening and i figured it wasnt the opti that was causing it so i dont want to sink time and effort into it if its a lost caust at least before the damn snow comes. need to get another car before then to. thanks

 

I was thinking it wasn't even cranking, that's whay I mentioned switches. Your problem is probably ignition related. Plugs can cause hard starting if they are fouled. Scan you PCM for codes to see if there is any stored info.

 

I should explain better i guess. Before it wouldnt crank at all then start up. Now it wont crank at all then have trouble starting. its hard to explain when your completely confused on what it could be.

 

There could be many different things affecting hard starting. As far as the starter not turning, check to make absolutely sure that your battery connections are good and your battery is in good condition. The signal (+12vdc) to your solenoid starts at the ignition switch, then goes through a set of contacts on the Theft Deterrent Relay which is controlled by the Theft deterrent module. The same 12v signal also goes to the coil of that relay through the Trans. Position Switch. The coil circuit of that relay is completed to ground through another set of contacts in the Theft Deterrent Module, as long as conditions for starting are met (ie: the right key in the ignition). You say sometimes it turns over and sometimes it doesn't, I'd be looking at the trans. position switch first. Get a good Diagram and you will see what I'm talking about as far as the path of the starter solenoid circuit is concerned. If your security light goes out when you have the key in the run position then most likely the VATS system is not the problem.