A4 3.2 Starting troubles?

**masteroc** · 09-24-2008 02:21 PM

The car is a 2007 A4 3.2 6MT. It has had this problem since I bought it. When I turn on the ignition (holding in the clutch) it seems like it takes a bit too long to start up. I hear (im guessing) the motor trying to start and it sounds like it can't the first time. We have a 2.0T in the family as well (auto) and it starts "faster" than this one. Just wondering if its something common or if something is wrong and I should call the service dept.

Thanks.

**a4dc89** · 09-24-2008 05:30 PM

How old is the 2.0t, because from what i gather, they changed something with the fuel pump and the newer ones dont have that problem. I have it with my car. search cold start issue another 3.2 has it too.

I asked my dealer and they told me its in the manual or something and it is normal for FSI engines. i dont buy this but whatever

**masteroc** · 09-24-2008 05:42 PM

Both cars are 2007. And yes, it only happens to me when i leave it overnight or for more than a few hours. It is really annoying and it makes the audi line look bad...in fact that was one of the first things that my friend mentioned when I turned it on.

**Zebman** · 09-24-2008 05:56 PM

Let the key sit at the accessory position until you hear the mechanics from the engine stop. The FSI pump will then be ready to optimally deliver fuel. When you don't allow it to prime itself, it cranks over a few times to build pressure in the cam-driven FSI pump. Tah-dah. It's not just Audi; welcome to direct injection.

**masteroc** · 09-24-2008 06:21 PM

Ah, that makes sense! I'll try this from now on. Thanks for the info!

**CX-7&A4** · 09-24-2008 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by Zebman

Let the key sit at the accessory position until you hear the mechanics from the engine stop. The FSI pump will then be ready to optimally deliver fuel. When you don't allow it to prime itself, it cranks over a few times to build pressure in the cam-driven FSI pump. Tah-dah. It's not just Audi; welcome to direct injection.

Doesn't happen in my CX-7(DI turbo). This sounds like an Audi thing.

**a4dc89** · 09-24-2008 07:02 PM

i think it is a result of the fact that the pump is cam driven

**Sanjman** · 09-24-2008 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by masteroc

Ah, that makes sense! I'll try this from now on. Thanks for the info!

no it doesn't because the fuel is also primed when the driver's door opens. but anyways don't know too much about this.

**rmh** · 09-24-2008 09:29 PM

Hmmm, I can't remember when this change was made, but the 2008 A4 models pre-charge the fuel assembly (for lack of a better word) when the driver's door is opened, so when you actually get into the driver's seat, put the key in the ignition and turn it, the car starts almost instantaneously. So, Audi acknowledged a problem in the past, and fixed it at some point, unfortunately I do not have the specific timeline of that fix.