Start/Stop Button "Press Clutch to Start Engine" Problem

[sh!tmagnet]

I swear, cars know when they've just gone out of warranty.

Anyway, I searched around and can't seem to find a definite answer.

So a couple days ago after driving back from a weekend away of drunken debauchery, I hopped in my car(PS its a 2011 S4), put the clutch in and hit the start button; needles swept but engine didn't crank. Tired a few times and finally started.

Since then it's been doing it intermittently. It also displays the "Press clutch to start engine". So I've been making sure the clutch pedal is right to the floor(I swear if it went any lower it'd go through the firewall).

From my searching I've heard everything from something tied in with the cruise control, to master/slave cylinder, to throw out bearing.

I have a VCDS cable, but it's out on loan with a buddy, so I can't scan for codes yet(no CEL bwt).

Has anyone else had this issue, and nailed down what is the cause?

Thanks for the help.

[chaos2984]

my guess is your clutch pedal switch is going bad. Its not going to give an error code most likely. Your going to have to get in there and watch the data group its on and see if it changes when you put the clutch pedal in. If it doesn't change or is slow to change or only changes when you push the pedal all the way to the floor then its bad. Id put my money on that switch. Should be an easy replacement

[sh!tmagnet]

Is the switch on or near the pedal or is it on the transmission? I don't have the Bentley manual yet.

[SteveYem]

My first thought is that it's the switch (or sensor I suppose) that detects the clutch pedal position as permissive to start the engine. I've never actually looked for it on the S4, although in my other car it's actually a plunger-style switch that the pedal arm depresses when the clutch pedal is pressed down.

[sh!tmagnet]

That was my thought but I read somewhere that on some model (maybe b7 or b6?) Its on the transmission

[chaos2984]

The clutch pedal switch should be on the pedal either you release it when you push it so its on the front side of the pedal. Or it depresses as you press the clutch pedal so its behind the pedal. I can check my manual later tonight and find it. It should be on the pedal. Just craw up under the pedal area with a flashlight and look around the pedal and brackets near the pedal and see what you can find. Should be a little box with a plunger

[jrt03]

The clutch switch is mated to the clutch master cylinder

[SteveYem]

The clutch switch is mated to the clutch master cylinder

Oof. That's a shitty move by Audi.

[sh!tmagnet]

The clutch switch is mated to the clutch master cylinder

So as in all one unit or a separate switch that plugs into the master cylinder?

[infinkc]

So as in all one unit or a separate switch that plugs into the master cylinder?

its separate, but a pita to get to, you need to remove the ecu box to get to it.

i have a similar problem, where i need to press the clutch into the floor to get the car started, from what ive read its not the switch, but the clutch going out.

[chaos2984]

its separate, but a pita to get to, you need to remove the ecu box to get to it.

i have a similar problem, where i need to press the clutch into the floor to get the car started, from what ive read its not the switch, but the clutch going out.

well i don't know the type of switch it is you can try unpluging it and see if it starts. If it doesn't then try jumping the harness and if it starts then its a normally open switch. which needs to be closed to start. You can leave it jumped for the time being but you have to make sure you leave the car in neutral or else it will lunge when you try to start it.

[littleredwagen]

I had this on a past Audi and it was the starter, it would take a couple of times to get the starter to crank. This was on a 3.2 FYI

[sh!tmagnet]

Bump

[Leor604]

Can't say for sure what your problem is but, in my case, when I had the same problem they replaced the throw out bearing and the clutch fork (under warranty). My clutch pedal was always a little "gritty" feeling for the last inch of travel. They did the clutch pedal lube TSB but it didn't help so I am not sure that my throw out bearing wasn't a bad one right from day one. Smooth as butter since it was replaced and no longer need to bend the firewall to start the engine.

[sh!tmagnet]

In the pictures I've seen of the master cylinder(ECS tuning) there's a electrical plug connection. Would that be where that sensor would plug into?

[Legacykid]

The clutch switch is mated to the clutch master cylinder

I had this issue years back went to 2 dealerships 3 times. one of which was towed. Finally they changed the whole master cylinder and the issue went away completely. I could double check the paper work for exactly what it was.

[sh!tmagnet]

If you could that would be great. I was gonna go the master cylinder route first anyway as it's easier and cheaper than doing the clutch (not that that wouldn't have been a good excuse to get a stage III from eurocode)

[Legacykid]

If you could that would be great. I was gonna go the master cylinder route first anyway as it's easier and cheaper than doing the clutch (not that that wouldn't have been a good excuse to get a stage III from eurocode)

ok so first the system was bled. then they replaced clutch master cylinder replaced.

then months later removed clutch fork replaced with updated clutch fork. also replaced beering and sleeve.

says there is actually a TSB as well

[sh!tmagnet]

ok so first the system was bled. then they replaced clutch master cylinder replaced.

then months later removed clutch fork replaced with updated clutch fork. also replaced beering and sleeve.

says there is actually a TSB as well

Huh good to know. I'll have to ask them about the TSB. Pretty sure they said there wasn't any outstanding TSB last time I was in.

[Legacykid]

Mind you this was in Feb 2012 then April 2012. So maybe things have changed but I had this exact issue. One of the 3 times I was at the dealer had to be towed.

[sh!tmagnet]

Mind you this was in Feb 2012 then April 2012. So maybe things have changed but I had this exact issue. One of the 3 times I was at the dealer had to be towed.

What year is your S4?

[Legacykid]

What year is your S4?

2011

[jrt03]

We just had a car with the same issue in the shop. Same exact message and a no start concern. Ended up being two things. The clutch and the starter. The clutch was the real concern and the starter was a consiquencal failure due to the issue prior to the total failure of the clutch. I would be willing to say your issue is the clutch. Does the clutch pedal feel normal?

[sh!tmagnet]

Clutch feels fine, no chatter. Engages and disengages fine. But thanks for the input, I think I'm going to be picking up a Euro code clutch/flywheel kit anyway.

[xuandatou]

Guess it would be clutch switch, similar issue happened to my B5 S4, and after I replaced the switch, it never happens again.

[tanklee]

are you able to scan the car? i did a bunch of clutch switches on 4.2 S5s and it had a fault (common issue), but haven't done it on the newer 3.0s.

[sh!tmagnet]

I have the cable but its out on loan with a buddy at the moment. I can't seem to find the switch listed as a part anywhere.

[chuthis]

It sounds like there isn't a definitive answer to this issue. I've had it happen to me off and on for the past year. When it first started happening, I brought it into the dealer but of course they couldn't replicate the issue.

Does anybody have the TSB# that was mentioned earlier in this thread?

[sh!tmagnet]

Finally got my cable back and ran a scan.

Chassis Type: FL (8T0)
Scan: 01 03 05 08 09 10 15 16 17 19 22 36 42 46 47 52 53 55 56 5F
62 6C 72

VIN: WAUMGBFL2BA052170 Mileage: 81450km/50610miles

01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000
05-Acc/Start Auth. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
10-Park/Steer Assist -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
22-AWD -- Status: OK 0000
36-Seat Mem. Drvr -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
47-Sound System -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
53-Parking Brake -- Status: OK 0000
55-Xenon Range -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000
5F-Information Electr. -- Status: OK 0000
62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000
6C-Back-up Cam. -- Status: OK 0000
72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine (J623-CCBA) Labels: 06E-907-551-CAK.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 551 D HW: 8K0 907 551 A
Component: 3.0T SIMOS84 H07 0003
Revision: --H07---
Coding: 0104000A180F0128
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM30TFS0218K0907551D 001003
ROD: EV_ECM30TFS0218K0907551D.rod
VCID: 32611F81651B5F8E527-8067

No fault code found.
Readiness: 0000 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes (J104) Labels: 8K0-907-379.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 379 BJ HW: 8K0 907 379 BJ
Component: ESP8 quattro H04 0050
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 280D1A
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 82010F411D3BAF0E027-80D7

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. (J393) Labels: 8K0-907-064-05.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 064 CG HW: 8K0 907 064 CG
Component: BCM2 2.0 H05 0431
Revision: 00002001
Coding: 0F0100
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 77F7EE95C6F97AA6A59-8022

Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K0 905 852 D HW: 8K0 905 852 D
Component: J764 ELV MLB H37 0042

1 Fault Found:
00955 - Key 1
002 - Lower Limit Exceeded
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100010
Fault Priority: 3
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 9
Mileage: 81135 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2014.11.23
Time: 14:09:29


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC (J255) Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No SW: 8T1 820 043 AQ HW: 8T1 820 043 AQ
Component: KLIMA 3 ZONEN H08 0180
Revision: C1000000 Serial number: 01180920100984
Coding: 66102000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 800505491337BD1E143-80D5

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519) Labels: 8K0-907-063.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 063 P HW: 8K0 907 063 P
Component: BCM1 1.0 H30 0392
Revision: 10030001 Serial number: 00000000652848
Coding: 26009011003CAF212600000300003D0D4F9C92480201016100 0000
Shop #: WSC 06325 123 12345
VCID: 3C7D31B9BF5F99FE88B-8069

Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K1 955 119 A HW: 8T1 955 119 Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB
Component: WWS 150910 H06 0070
Coding: 00FD11

Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8K0 955 559 HW: 8K0 955 559 Labels: 8K0-955-559.CLB
Component: RLS H04 0003
Coding: 025028

Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8K0 941 531 AL HW: 8K0 941 531 AL
Component: E1 - LDS H08 0090

Subsystem 4 - Part No SW: 8K0 907 410 C HW: 8K0 907 410 C
Component: HOMELINK H01 0010

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 10: Park/Steer Assist (J446) Labels: 8K0-919-475.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 919 475 Q HW: 8K0 919 475
Component: PARKHILFE 4K H06 0070
Revision: 11001001 Serial number: 51201026500657
Coding: 30000D
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 47975E55F699CA26159-8012

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags (J234) Labels: 8K0-959-655.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 655 K HW: 8K0 959 655 K
Component: AirbagVW-AU10 H41 0610
Serial number: 003GLD0GJ2TX
Coding: 303937354230303030304A55304C384B3053
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaECUVWAUDI010 003010
ROD: EV_AirbaECUVWAUDI010_AU48.rod
VCID: 458B545DC495D836E75-8010

Seat occupied recognition:
Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K0 959 339 C HW: 8K0 959 339 C
Component: BF-Gewichtss. H02 0040
Serial number: 5810000R1000000W1P

Crash sensor for side airbag; driver side:
Serial number: 6334MSME54620F33B

Crash sensor for side airbag; passenger side:
Serial number: 6344MSME54615658E

Crash sensor for side airbag; rear driver side:
Serial number: 6352QSME656C4C02O

Crash sensor for side airbag; rear passenger side:
Serial number: 6362QSME626F080AP

Crash sensor for front airbag; driver side:
Serial number: 63732SME3B73183E6

Crash sensor for front airbag; passenger side:
Serial number: 63832SME10703828T

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel (J527) Labels: 8K0-953-568.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 953 568 G HW: 8K0 953 568 G
Component: Lenks.Modul H17 0014
Revision: -------- Serial number: 90304JIA000SJ
Coding: 000016
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 3E793BB1A9438BEEA6F-806B

Component: E221 - MFL H02 0010

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments (J285) Labels: 8T0-920-xxx-17.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 920 981 Q HW: 8K0 920 981 Q
Component: KOMBIINSTR. H08 0258
Revision: 00000000 Serial number: EJG53JF9A
Coding: 831D09008300D705020000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 4183404DD8BDF416DBD-8014

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway (J533) Labels: 8T0-907-468.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 907 468 AD HW: 8T0 907 468 K
Component: GW-BEM 4CAN-M H09 0117
Revision: EC000056 Serial number: 5600E1090780B6
Coding: 00C303
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 830F0A450221A606091-80D6

Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K0 915 181 E HW: 8K0 915 181 E
Component: J367-BDM H07 0170

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 22: AWD (J492) Labels: 8K0-907-163.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 163 A HW: 8K0 907 163 A
Component: 4 Wheel Drive H10 0025
Serial number: 003108100001005
ASAM Dataset: EV_AllWheelDiffeQSPCAN 003016
ROD: EV_AllWheelDiffeQSPCAN.rod
VCID: 2E590BF171237B6E36F-807B

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 36: Seat Mem. Drvr (J136) Labels: 8T0-959-760.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 760 D HW: 8K0 959 760 D
Component: MEM-FS H06 0074
Revision: AA000000 Serial number: 00001002103842
Coding: 00581B00000000000000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 3B7F32A5BA519EC6811-806E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386) Labels: 8K0-959-793.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 959 793 M HW: 8T0 959 793 D
Component: TSG FA H08 1401
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 011C13204E00410001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 53AF7A0532C17686791-8006

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. (J393) Labels: 8K0-907-064-46.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 064 CG HW: 8K0 907 064 CG
Component: BCM2 2.0 H05 0431
Revision: 00002001 Serial number: 0135139501
Coding: 0106063A00FA444580B0013200000000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 77F7EE95C6F97AA6A59-8022

Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8K0 959 719 HW: 8K0 959 719
Component: GTO BF H06 0050

Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 951 605 C
Component: LIN BACKUP HO H05 1501

Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8K0 959 591 A HW: 8K0 959 591
Component: J245 PS039 H06 0041

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 47: Sound System (J525) Labels: 8T0-035-223-BOM.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 035 223 AN HW: 8T0 035 223 AK
Component: DSP Prem H10 0190
Revision: 00010001 Serial number: 34882004552501
VCID: 7AF1F7A1F5EB67CEDA7-802F

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387) Labels: 8K0-959-792.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 959 792 M HW: 8T0 959 792 D
Component: TSG BF H08 1401
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 011C13204E00410001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 52A17F010DDB7F8E727-8007

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 53: Parking Brake (J540) Labels: 8K0-907-801-V1.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 801 H HW: 8K0 907 801 H
Component: EPB Audi B8 H09 0100
Revision: 00000003 Serial number: 10000000610221
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 346D1999970F51BE40B-8061

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 55: Xenon Range Labels: 8K0-907-357.clb
Part No: 8K5 907 357 B
Component: Dynamische LWR H02 0010
Revision: 00000001 Serial number:
Coding: 0000004
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 397328AD706DACD693D-806C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio (R) Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No SW: 4G0 035 082 G HW: 4G0 035 082
Component: Radio U SIRIU H51 0133
Revision: AB001007 Serial number: 471I%0A7529436
Coding: 020007010000000001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 244DE9D927EFC13ED0B-8071

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 5F: Information Electr. (J794) Labels: 4E0-035-6xx-5F.clb
Part No SW: 8T1 035 664 F HW: 8T1 035 664 B
Component: H-BN-NA H49 0189
Revision: -------- Serial number: 490I40A7583467
Coding: 010200000206E1EF45000F0E000000030000
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 3B7F32A5BA519EC6811-806E

Subsystem 1 - Part No: 8R0 060 884 P
Component: NAR 2010 0407

Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8F0 919 604 HW: 8F0 919 604
Component: DU7 High H43 0098

Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8T0 919 609 G HW: 8T0 919 609 G
Component: E0380 Bedient H08 0100

Subsystem 4 - Part No: 8R0 060 961
Component: CD-Database 1886

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 62: Door, Rear Left (J388) Labels: 8K0-959-795.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 959 795 N HW: 8T0 959 795 B
Component: TSG HL H06 1401
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 010C13204000210001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 56A98311213363AE9EF-8003

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 6C: Back-up Cam. Labels: 4L0-910-441.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 907 441 C HW: 4L0 907 441 B
Component: J772__Rearview 0040
Revision: --H04--- Serial number: 525PA8-J0791BY
Coding: 1000006
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 38752DA94B67B5DE6C3-806D

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 72: Door, Rear Right (J389) Labels: 8K0-959-794.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 959 795 N HW: 8T0 959 795 B
Component: TSG HR H06 1401
Revision: -------- Serial number: --------------
Coding: 010C13204000210001
Shop #: WSC 06325 000 00000
VCID: 56A98311213363AE9EF-8003

No fault code found.

End ---------------------------------------------------------------------

[tanklee]

does the car not start when you just tap the key in the ignition, but start when you press and hold the key in the ignition? if so, replace the key battery (key battery getting worn out), then report back.

[sh!tmagnet]

I never put the key in the ignition and the battery is new

[tanklee]

hmm, doesn't hurt to give it a shot next time just to rule out the simple stuff. i dont want to condemn anything expensive just yet.

edit:
and you are talking about the key battery right? not the regular battery? just want to make sure. i only see "lower limit" faults in the access/start modules when key batteries go bad.

[sh!tmagnet]

Yes it was the key battery and not the regular car battery haha. Come to think of it, that may have been the day that I tried the second set of keys and it complained about the fob battery. Either way its been good the last few days, but I've been pushing the pedal extra hard to the floor.

[sh!tmagnet]

I will try putting the key in the ignition though like you suggested

[Dubber4life]

I've had this exact issue happen to me (2010 model) about a year ago. It's a known issue and there's a TSB for it. Basically 1 of 2 things has happened, either a) your throwout bearing has failed, or b) your clutch has worn down enough for the throwout bearing to no longer fully disengage clutch. In my case it was the throwout bearing that failed, and in that case if your car is still under warranty it will be fixed for free under warranty. If they find signs of excessive clutch wear or abuse then you would get stuck footing the bill. In your case it doesn't really matter since the car is now out of warranty. I can try and find the TSB number from my invoice when I get home later and post it.

[Legacykid]

My car has recently started to do this again. Except it doesn't say depress clutch to start.. instead it just turns acc. On and when I renegade clutch pedal and press key in it starts fine. I'm out of warrenty and don't want to deal with anything. Could it be the clutch is warn? Have 55k on an 11 s4 doesn't slip ever.

[schirm]

My car has recently started to do this again. Except it doesn't say depress clutch to start.. instead it just turns acc. On and when I renegade clutch pedal and press key in it starts fine. I'm out of warrenty and don't want to deal with anything. Could it be the clutch is warn? Have 55k on an 11 s4 doesn't slip ever.

I have 80,000 on stock clutch I do not have this issue. My throw out bearing did fail when I was under warranty.

[sh!tmagnet]

TSBs are still fulfilled outside of warranty aren't they?

[schirm]

TSBs are still fulfilled outside of warranty aren't they?

No really depends on the service department. They do not have to.

[infinkc]

My car has recently started to do this again. Except it doesn't say depress clutch to start.. instead it just turns acc. On and when I renegade clutch pedal and press key in it starts fine. I'm out of warrenty and don't want to deal with anything. Could it be the clutch is warn? Have 55k on an 11 s4 doesn't slip ever.

This is exactly what mine does. Some days i dont have to jam the pedal down, most i do. Its been like this for a good 20k for me now, i have just grown to live with it till i get the clutch replaced. Its not the switch at the MC, since that would trigger the press clutch pedal to start. The only thing i have read is replacing the clutch fixes this issue, how it does, i dont know. I tried to look for another switch, but never found anything. My clutch still grabs perfectly fine.