Yr 2000 A3 1.6 sport won’t start

[Gareth Tully]

Hi everyone. We have a problem with our beloved Audi A3 sport 1.6 litre Year April 2000

Periodically this car just won't start.
Its doesn't even turn over as if there is a flat battery.
No lights on dash board and it fails to start with jump leads. On two occasions mechanics have arrived at the house and took the  car is away, but when it  arrived at the garage it started first time.
It was left at the garage overnight and started successfully every time they tried it. On another occasion we called road side assistance and car started just as the assistance people arrived.
In the early weeks of lock down it was driven to the local shops and failed to start when we came back from the shop.
It sat there for a week and would not start, then suddenly it stared again. 

Has anyone had a similar problem and what was the solution? 

Thanks 

[Steve Q]

Have you had the battery checked to make sure it's working properly? 

And is the key working as it should? 

Is it happening when the engine is cold or hot etc? 

[Gareth Tully]

Hi Steve 

 

yes it happens from a cold start. Each time it goes the computer shows nothing!   Sometimes the car restarts when the mechanics arrive which is embarrassing. 
But the electrics are failing
The indicators come on for no reason
The electric roof is no longer working
The central locking system also failed. 
About 2 years ago I had to replace a battery then tried a number of starter motors. 
But the flat dead noise when we attempt to start the car is not that grating noise more often associated with a failed starter motors :
Both fuel and air filters are replaced by an authorised VW dealership :
Thinking  with the compression test don't know has that been looked at
Or voltage check under motor load operation!?
 

[Magnet]

Hello Gareth,

Make of replacement battery, and as Steve suggests, have you had it tested? 

Kind regards,

Gareth.