YACT: Car won't start.... its not the battery... it sounds like its almost gonna start but... no, help please!

[dug777]

Originally posted by: skyking

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: skyking
If you have a plug socket handy, the safest way to test spark is to pull the plug, hook the wire to it, and touch the plug body to ground. dug's way is more fun tho, so long as you are not the one trying to set up the arc

That's why i made it very clear no one should me touching any metal...although i can't imagine it would give you that much of a jolt would it? I've never been stupid enough to try...

Are you kidding? HEI will give you a small religious experience

Glad i never tried it then

 

[Brutuskend]

Tune up?

Timing belt/chain?

 

[AbsolutDealage]

My guess is fuel. Clogged filter / crimped line / bad pump, in that order.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: AbsolutDealage
My guess is fuel. Clogged filter / crimped line / bad pump, in that order.

that's great, but it makes sense to check spark first, since it's easy & free

 

[thomsbrain]

you don't have fuel or you don't have spark, it's that simple. my vote goes to the fuel pump(s) or the distributor.

the problem is not your battery and it is NOT your alternator, since you don't need a working alternator to start the car, as long as the battery has juice.

 

[Ophir]

Is it throwing a code (check engine light on)?

If so, it might be the ECU. My '00 A4 had the same symptoms you describe but the check engine light was on. ECU was bad - diagnosed with a OBDII VAG tool. Bought a used one online and reprogrammed it; problem fixed.