1997 2.8 CAB fires then dies immediately.

[Dave F]

Full battery, it sparks and petrol is fine. Always started first turn. Suddenly refuses to do more than fire and immediately stop.  Audi dealers here in France refuse to even look at it. However, had key recoded - not the problem. Seems it could be immobiliser but where next or what else. Local garage towed it in and have looked for the problem but have now surrendered. Have owned the car for over 20 years and this is the first seemingly deadly problem. Any suggestions welcome.

[cliffcoggin]

It is very possibly the immobiliser from the symptoms you describe. If Audi will not touch it I suggest you find an auto electrician or an independant VAG specialist to test it. I assume such people exist in France.

[audia4b5kev]

CRANK SENSOR

[Dave F]

Thanks for your suggestions have found reasonably local VW auto electrician and will contact them and hopefully move things along. 

[cliffcoggin]

Please let us know the outcome. The information may be of use to others.

[IHK 11]

Hi have you checked the fuel pump is priming. I had the same problem when my intank fuel pump died on my coupe 2.3e and it would start then immedietely cut out. Could also be the idle stabilizer  valve. If theres a split in the hose the car might not run. Good luck.

[Dave F]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have found a local garage that works on classic Audis and other makes. They are going to take it on but no promises. The owner agrees that it may be the crankshaft speed sensor so we are now waiting for the first garage to put it together and transport to the second garage, hopefully transport will be covered by insurance which here in France includes breakdown cover. I will feed all received members suggestions to the new repair garage.

[N Morgan]

 Camshaft sensor is a common fault and is low cost and easy to install a new one on  many audi cars. What's current status please 

[cliffcoggin]

Have you resolved the problem Davi?

[Dave F]

On 2/28/2025 at 11:56 AM, cliffcoggin said:

Have you resolved the problem Davi?

In short "No" but visited the new garage in a village nearby on Thursday to find the Dash  and the steering wheel etc out. They tell me it is an immobilisator problem. They apparently have testing equipment beyond that held by Audi these days for older cars. Talked to the owner about clearing or changing the heater radiator while it is dismantled. His response was "one step at a time" seem to know what they are doing. Off the road now for 4 Months lets hope we have it back before the warmer weather arrives. Also need to reproof the lid as We have never replaced it and believe it to probably be the original green one matching the car colour. We have replaced the rear window a few years back but just clean and proof the roof every other year. It rests in the barn on storage charge all through the winter.

[cliffcoggin]

Thanks.