Car stalled at stop sign, now it won't start

I second that!
When you have something as critical as the timing belt on an interference
engine, then it is a good idea to replace it as soon as you purchase the
vehicle.

I have managed to save two 16V engines when their timing belts broke at a
stop sign. No noticeable engine damage, only needed the timing belt and
tensioner. They were very lucky, but there was one 16V engine that had it's
belt bread at speed and needed some valves repaired.

Oh and when you do get that engine running again then make sure you check
the engine for sludge. Some people will use some cleaner/flush with the oil
and reduce the sludge inside in the 1.8t engine.
SPECIAL synthetic oil and a nice large oil filter is desired.

Good luck!
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)

"PeterD" > wrote in message
...
> On 17 Nov 2006 14:43:49 -0800, "Sami D." >
> wrote:
>
>>
>>yeh i talked to an audi mechanic today, he said the same thing. damn,
>>and i just bought the effing car.
>>
>>
>>On Nov 17, 4:45 pm, Dave LaCourse > wrote:
>>> On 17 Nov 2006 09:04:06 -0800, "Sami D." >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> >To me it sounds like the starter is turning but its not connecting to
>>> >the engine crank.Sounds like your timing belt went. Hope it didn't eat
>>> >many valves in
>>> doing so.
>
>
> That shows why it is so vitally important to have a competentent
> mechanic inspect the car before you buy it! And to insist on seeing
> all past service records. If previous service records are not
> available, then a wise buyer will assume they have not been done, and
> factor these into the final price.
>
> I'd say you've learned a painful lesson in buying a car, and you have
> my sympathy. Hopefully it won't cost too much to repair.

Hey guys, thanks for all of your comments and suggestions.

Whats really ironic and sad is that before I bought the car, i had it
carfaxed, I called audi and asked if they had service records for the
car (they said they did till 99,XXX miles) and I had it checked out by
a mechanic. The mechanic had gave the car a clean bill of health but
obviously couldn't check the timing belt. As a precaution I decided to
set an appointment with the dealership to go over the records, to do a
diagnostic and to possiblly change the timing bet. This appointment is
(was) for this coming monday. I figured the car should be ok for a
week, but, ^%#*$, the belt broke after 4 days.

So, yeh, as daytripper mentioned, you can try and plan all you want,
but crap happens. I guess there's not much you can do accept kick
something, swear a little bit, accept it and move on.

Dave, thank you for your input. I'm really really hoping that there
isnt any significant engine damage. The car was stopped and it turned
off without any noticeable drama (no noises, vibrations or otherwise
odd behavior). However, I was talking to my passenger, so I could have
missed a slight rattle.

There's still hope that it could be something else! Admittedly its a
very small small hope.

The mechanic I've decided to go with comes pretty well recommended and
he's going to charge me 750 for the timing belt plus any damage repair
costs. (please please GOD let there be none!). Do you guys have any
suggestions as to anything else that I should have checked/replaced
while the engine is open, I guess it'll save labor costs from having to
reopen the engine at a later point to check/fix something else.

I'm definitely going to talk to the mechanic about the sludge problem.
I've been reading up on that on audiforms.com too. Any suggestions for
what kind of cleaner I should use?

The car will be towed to the mechanic on Monday for an assessment and
estimate. I don't know when I'll be able to afford to fix it though,
depends on the quote. I'm out of money right now and college life
doesn't pay much. :s

Anyone want to contribute to the "save the silver A4" fund? lol

thanks for all your help,

//SD


On Nov 17, 8:36 pm, "dave AKA vwdoc1" > wrote:
> I second that!
> When you have something as critical as the timing belt on an interference
> engine, then it is a good idea to replace it as soon as you purchase the
> vehicle.
>
> I have managed to save two 16V engines when their timing belts broke at a
> stop sign. No noticeable engine damage, only needed the timing belt and
> tensioner. They were very lucky, but there was one 16V engine that had it's
> belt bread at speed and needed some valves repaired.
>
> Oh and when you do get that engine running again then make sure you check
> the engine for sludge. Some people will use some cleaner/flush with the oil
> and reduce the sludge inside in the 1.8t engine.
> SPECIAL synthetic oil and a nice large oil filter is desired.
>
> Good luck!
> later,
> dave
> (One out of many daves)
>
> "PeterD" > wrote in messagenews:u7nsl21kcgaccd146m8dlkpfr1onefr0gd@4ax .com...
>
> > On 17 Nov 2006 14:43:49 -0800, "Sami D." >
> > wrote:
>
> >>yeh i talked to an audi mechanic today, he said the same thing. damn,
> >>and i just bought the effing car.
>
> >>On Nov 17, 4:45 pm, Dave LaCourse > wrote:
> >>> On 17 Nov 2006 09:04:06 -0800, "Sami D." >
> >>> wrote:
>
> >>> >To me it sounds like the starter is turning but its not connecting to
> >>> >the engine crank.Sounds like your timing belt went. Hope it didn't eat
> >>> >many valves in
> >>> doing so.
>
> > That shows why it is so vitally important to have a competentent
> > mechanic inspect the car before you buy it! And to insist on seeing
> > all past service records. If previous service records are not
> > available, then a wise buyer will assume they have not been done, and
> > factor these into the final price.
>
> > I'd say you've learned a painful lesson in buying a car, and you have
> > my sympathy. Hopefully it won't cost too much to repair.

dave AKA vwdoc1 wrote:
> I second that!
> When you have something as critical as the timing belt on an interference
> engine, then it is a good idea to replace it as soon as you purchase the
> vehicle.
>
> I have managed to save two 16V engines when their timing belts broke at a
> stop sign. No noticeable engine damage, only needed the timing belt and
> tensioner. They were very lucky, but there was one 16V engine that had it's
> belt bread at speed and needed some valves repaired.
>
> Oh and when you do get that engine running again then make sure you check
> the engine for sludge. Some people will use some cleaner/flush with the oil
> and reduce the sludge inside in the 1.8t engine.
> SPECIAL synthetic oil and a nice large oil filter is desired.
>
> Good luck!
> later,
> dave
> (One out of many daves)
>
> "PeterD" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>On 17 Nov 2006 14:43:49 -0800, "Sami D." >
>>wrote:
>>
>>
>>>yeh i talked to an audi mechanic today, he said the same thing. damn,
>>>and i just bought the effing car.
>>>
>>>
>>>On Nov 17, 4:45 pm, Dave LaCourse > wrote:
>>>
>>>>On 17 Nov 2006 09:04:06 -0800, "Sami D." >
>>>>wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>To me it sounds like the starter is turning but its not connecting to
>>>>>the engine crank.Sounds like your timing belt went. Hope it didn't eat
>>>>>many valves in
>>>>
>>>>doing so.
>>
>>
>>That shows why it is so vitally important to have a competentent
>>mechanic inspect the car before you buy it! And to insist on seeing
>>all past service records. If previous service records are not
>>available, then a wise buyer will assume they have not been done, and
>>factor these into the final price.
>>
>>I'd say you've learned a painful lesson in buying a car, and you have
>>my sympathy. Hopefully it won't cost too much to repair.
>
>
>
Jesus, you wouldn't want to sink the boot in would you...

Poor bugger doesn't need a lecture now - especially from the smart alecs
on this NG.

He asked for advice, not a lecture!!!

Sami D. wrote:

> Hi, I just bought a 2001 A4 1.8T Fwd Trip with 116K miles on it a few
> days ago. This morning the car started up fine (the OK! display came
> on) and I drove to the end of my street where I stopped at a stop sign.
> At the stop, the car turned off by its-self and wouldn't restart after
> that. Here's what happens when I try to restart my car.
>
> 1. All the lights turn on and everything electronic works fine.
> 2. The engine makes a "whiirrrrr"ing noise, but does not turn.
>
> I didn't think it was the battery, but I tried jump starting it
> anyways. That didn't work, so its not the battery.
>
> I've spent a considerable time searching the forum and from the info
> posted I think its the starter.
> To me it sounds like the starter is turning but its not connecting to
> the engine crank. Someone in a previous post suggested that tapping the
> starter with a hammer to see if that works. I'd like to try that but I
> have no idea where the starter is and what it looks like
DO NOT HIT TH STARTER WITH A HAMMER. It contains ceramic magnets that can be
easily shattered.
>
> Also, I'm still not 100% convinced that its the starter because that
> still doesn't explain why the car died in the first place.
>
> So what do you guys think? Starter or something else? Any help would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
> I'd really be grateful if someone in the area (Orlando, FL) would be
> willing to stop by and help me solve this problem or if someone could
> recommend a good (and relatively inexpensive!) mechanic who I can take
> the car to.
>
> Someone in a previous post recommended Hans in altamonte springs, but
> that was a year old post. Any comments or other alternatives?
>
> Also, I'd like to get involved with local Audi owners, I don't know
> much about auto repair but I'm handy with tools and willing to learn.
> If someone has any projects that they need some help on, I'd like to
> help. (Or if someone would like to help/guide me though repairing my
> own car!)
>
> Get in touch with me guys, I'm in the UCF Area. I see lots of nice
> looking A4's cruising along. Where art thou?
>
> Please somebody come around and help me figure out what to do with my
> current problem, it'd be great if somebody could bring a VAG!
>
You may have broken a timing belt. If so do not try to start the engine. You
will ruin the valves because they are out of time with the crankshaft. The
engine may be stuck with the valves resting on the pistons and not allowing the
starter to turn the engine over. If this is you problem (and this is just a
guess) keep it in neutral and flat bed it to a reputable mechanic.

Check on AudiWorld.com for your local Audi owners in the regional forums.

Your problem may be something much less critical like a transmission interlock
switch or ... but be careful.

On Fri, 17 Nov 2006 20:32:04 -0500, daytripper
> wrote:


>>
>>That shows why it is so vitally important to have a competentent
>>mechanic inspect the car before you buy it! And to insist on seeing
>>all past service records. If previous service records are not
>>available, then a wise buyer will assume they have not been done, and
>>factor these into the final price.
>>
>>I'd say you've learned a painful lesson in buying a car, and you have
>>my sympathy. Hopefully it won't cost too much to repair.
>
>In fairness, one could have had all the advantages as listed, and still end up
>with a tb failure in short time. The originally recommended tb replacement
>interval has since been fairly well shown to be optimistic by at least 20K
>miles...
>
>/daytripper
>'00 s4 6spd

I won't argue that! <bg> Though I do believe a good inspection is
vital, there is always the possibility that something will fail
regardless. One reason to buy from a dealer who gives a warranty, or a
used car with a factory warranty that is transferable.

Sometimes you can get a third party warranty on a used car, subject to
inspection...

Any way, I hope the OP's problem is easily fixed...

On 17 Nov 2006 21:48:29 -0800, "Sami D." >
wrote:

>Hey guys, thanks for all of your comments and suggestions.
>
>Whats really ironic and sad is that before I bought the car, i had it
>carfaxed, I called audi and asked if they had service records for the
>car (they said they did till 99,XXX miles) and I had it checked out by
>a mechanic. The mechanic had gave the car a clean bill of health but
>obviously couldn't check the timing belt. As a precaution I decided to
>set an appointment with the dealership to go over the records, to do a
>diagnostic and to possiblly change the timing bet. This appointment is
>(was) for this coming monday. I figured the car should be ok for a
>week, but, ^%#*$, the belt broke after 4 days.
>
>So, yeh, as daytripper mentioned, you can try and plan all you want,
>but crap happens. I guess there's not much you can do accept kick
>something, swear a little bit, accept it and move on.
>
>Dave, thank you for your input. I'm really really hoping that there
>isnt any significant engine damage. The car was stopped and it turned
>off without any noticeable drama (no noises, vibrations or otherwise
>odd behavior). However, I was talking to my passenger, so I could have
>missed a slight rattle.
>
>There's still hope that it could be something else! Admittedly its a
>very small small hope.
>
>The mechanic I've decided to go with comes pretty well recommended and
>he's going to charge me 750 for the timing belt plus any damage repair
>costs. (please please GOD let there be none!). Do you guys have any
>suggestions as to anything else that I should have checked/replaced
>while the engine is open, I guess it'll save labor costs from having to
>reopen the engine at a later point to check/fix something else.
>
>I'm definitely going to talk to the mechanic about the sludge problem.
>I've been reading up on that on audiforms.com too. Any suggestions for
>what kind of cleaner I should use?
>
>The car will be towed to the mechanic on Monday for an assessment and
>estimate. I don't know when I'll be able to afford to fix it though,
>depends on the quote. I'm out of money right now and college life
>doesn't pay much. :s
>
>Anyone want to contribute to the "save the silver A4" fund? lol
>
>thanks for all your help,
>
>//SD
>

Other things to check/fix:

1. Fan belts
2. Water pump
3. I usually check alternator brush wear when doing these since the
alternator is out and easy to work on (brushes are cheap).
4. LOF (of course! <g>)

On Sat, 18 Nov 2006 16:49:43 +1100, John Smith >
wrote:

>dave AKA vwdoc1 wrote:
>> I second that!
>> When you have something as critical as the timing belt on an interference
>> engine, then it is a good idea to replace it as soon as you purchase the
>> vehicle.
>>
>> I have managed to save two 16V engines when their timing belts broke at a
>> stop sign. No noticeable engine damage, only needed the timing belt and
>> tensioner. They were very lucky, but there was one 16V engine that had it's
>> belt bread at speed and needed some valves repaired.
>>
>> Oh and when you do get that engine running again then make sure you check
>> the engine for sludge. Some people will use some cleaner/flush with the oil
>> and reduce the sludge inside in the 1.8t engine.
>> SPECIAL synthetic oil and a nice large oil filter is desired.
>>
>> Good luck!
>> later,
>> dave
>> (One out of many daves)
>>
>> "PeterD" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>>On 17 Nov 2006 14:43:49 -0800, "Sami D." >
>>>wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>yeh i talked to an audi mechanic today, he said the same thing. damn,
>>>>and i just bought the effing car.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>On Nov 17, 4:45 pm, Dave LaCourse > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>On 17 Nov 2006 09:04:06 -0800, "Sami D." >
>>>>>wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>To me it sounds like the starter is turning but its not connecting to
>>>>>>the engine crank.Sounds like your timing belt went. Hope it didn't eat
>>>>>>many valves in
>>>>>
>>>>>doing so.
>>>
>>>
>>>That shows why it is so vitally important to have a competentent
>>>mechanic inspect the car before you buy it! And to insist on seeing
>>>all past service records. If previous service records are not
>>>available, then a wise buyer will assume they have not been done, and
>>>factor these into the final price.
>>>
>>>I'd say you've learned a painful lesson in buying a car, and you have
>>>my sympathy. Hopefully it won't cost too much to repair.
>>
>>
>>
>Jesus, you wouldn't want to sink the boot in would you...
>
>Poor bugger doesn't need a lecture now - especially from the smart alecs
>on this NG.
>
>He asked for advice, not a lecture!!!

Well, we'll keep that in mind! Of course the advise you gave was
incredibly useful to him, wasn't it?

ok I maybe be showing my newbie-ness here, but what a

OP and LOF?



On Nov 18, 9:12 am, PeterD > wrote:
> On Sat, 18 Nov 2006 16:49:43 +1100, John Smith >
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >dave AKA vwdoc1 wrote:
> >> I second that!
> >> When you have something as critical as the timing belt on an interference
> >> engine, then it is a good idea to replace it as soon as you purchase the
> >> vehicle.
>
> >> I have managed to save two 16V engines when their timing belts broke at a
> >> stop sign. No noticeable engine damage, only needed the timing belt and
> >> tensioner. They were very lucky, but there was one 16V engine that had it's
> >> belt bread at speed and needed some valves repaired.
>
> >> Oh and when you do get that engine running again then make sure you check
> >> the engine for sludge. Some people will use some cleaner/flush with the oil
> >> and reduce the sludge inside in the 1.8t engine.
> >> SPECIAL synthetic oil and a nice large oil filter is desired.
>
> >> Good luck!
> >> later,
> >> dave
> >> (One out of many daves)
>
> >> "PeterD" > wrote in message
> . ..
>
> >>>On 17 Nov 2006 14:43:49 -0800, "Sami D." >
> >>>wrote:
>
> >>>>yeh i talked to an audi mechanic today, he said the same thing. damn,
> >>>>and i just bought the effing car.
>
> >>>>On Nov 17, 4:45 pm, Dave LaCourse > wrote:
>
> >>>>>On 17 Nov 2006 09:04:06 -0800, "Sami D." >
> >>>>>wrote:
>
> >>>>>>To me it sounds like the starter is turning but its not connecting to
> >>>>>>the engine crank.Sounds like your timing belt went. Hope it didn't eat
> >>>>>>many valves in
>
> >>>>>doing so.
>
> >>>That shows why it is so vitally important to have a competentent
> >>>mechanic inspect the car before you buy it! And to insist on seeing
> >>>all past service records. If previous service records are not
> >>>available, then a wise buyer will assume they have not been done, and
> >>>factor these into the final price.
>
> >>>I'd say you've learned a painful lesson in buying a car, and you have
> >>>my sympathy. Hopefully it won't cost too much to repair.
>
> >Jesus, you wouldn't want to sink the boot in would you...
>
> >Poor bugger doesn't need a lecture now - especially from the smart alecs
> >on this NG.
>
> >He asked for advice, not a lecture!!!Well, we'll keep that in mind! Of course the advise you gave was
> incredibly useful to him, wasn't it?

"Sami D." > wrote in message
oups.com...
> ok I maybe be showing my newbie-ness here, but what a
>
> OP and LOF?

OP can be 'Original Poster' in this case.

LOF might be 'Laughing On Floor' or 'Little Old Fart' or ? 8^)
Hey you can come up with some new ones if you want! lol (laughing out
loud)

this site should be bookmarked by you
http://www.acronymfinder.com/

later,
dave
(One out of many daves)

On Sat, 18 Nov 2006 19:55:28 GMT, "dave AKA vwdoc1" >
wrote:

>
>"Sami D." > wrote in message
roups.com...
>> ok I maybe be showing my newbie-ness here, but what a
>>
>> OP and LOF?
>
>OP can be 'Original Poster' in this case.
>
>LOF might be 'Laughing On Floor' or 'Little Old Fart' or ? 8^)

Well, as this is a car group, how about "Lube, Oil and Filter"?