87 S4 AT Won't Start
08-28-2008, 05:49 PM
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87 S4 AT Won't Start
I've had my Shark less than a month and now have to figure out what's going on with the fuel/electrical system. Over the last month there have been occassional hiccups when starting (cold and hot). Starter will turn over once without starting then kick in on the 2nd or 3rd try. Other than that engine idles great and runs great.
Yesterday (after sitting for about 1 week) it started immediately and I drove about 2 miles to drop off my son. As I shifted into park the vehicle suddenly shut off (like turning off the key). Attempted to start two times then on the third it kicked in. I thought it might have been cold and decided to keep going.
Drove to my destination (10 miles) and vehicle sat for about 6 hours. I came out and it immediately turned over and started - although the idle seemed a bit low. I gave it a bit of gas and it stalled. Has not started since. Starter turns over but doesn't seem to be getting fuel.
I swapped the horn/fuel pump relay as suggested on our local board and checked the Fuel Pump fuse. The Fuel Pump has been whining since I picked up the car last month and can be heard in the cabin while on the road. Not sure yet if it has failed. One other anomoly, the windshield wiper fluid warning light engaged when it stalled the first time close to home.
I had AAA tow the vehicle to my house because the local 928 owners suggested that it's fixable. Would love troubleshooting suggestions. Thanks.
Yesterday (after sitting for about 1 week) it started immediately and I drove about 2 miles to drop off my son. As I shifted into park the vehicle suddenly shut off (like turning off the key). Attempted to start two times then on the third it kicked in. I thought it might have been cold and decided to keep going.
Drove to my destination (10 miles) and vehicle sat for about 6 hours. I came out and it immediately turned over and started - although the idle seemed a bit low. I gave it a bit of gas and it stalled. Has not started since. Starter turns over but doesn't seem to be getting fuel.
I swapped the horn/fuel pump relay as suggested on our local board and checked the Fuel Pump fuse. The Fuel Pump has been whining since I picked up the car last month and can be heard in the cabin while on the road. Not sure yet if it has failed. One other anomoly, the windshield wiper fluid warning light engaged when it stalled the first time close to home.
I had AAA tow the vehicle to my house because the local 928 owners suggested that it's fixable. Would love troubleshooting suggestions. Thanks.
08-28-2008, 05:58 PM
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08-28-2008, 06:45 PM
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relay relay relay
08-28-2008, 06:56 PM
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Steve good job not having it towed to a mechanic ... you can find the problem. I can come out there later too. Start with what Aryan posted ... that's a great peice of procedure for you ... You need to verify that you have fuel, spark and so-on ... the basics.
Heinrich
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08-29-2008, 07:52 AM
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Intermittant faults are usually a relay or a connector. LH ECUs just fail, but not intermittantly.
I would recommend fitting new LH, EZK and FP relays.
I would recommend fitting new LH, EZK and FP relays.
08-29-2008, 03:40 PM
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My '87 S4 failed to start after I put in some Autothority chips. Thought I bumped a relay loose, so I swapped them several times, still nothing. Then I borrowed one of Rixter's LH ECUs and it started up. Turns out my LH ECU was right before failing and when I swapped in the chips, I finished it off.
Swap in a buddy's LH ECU and see if it starts (since you know your relays are good).
Swap in a buddy's LH ECU and see if it starts (since you know your relays are good).
09-04-2008, 11:22 AM
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Thanks to Heinrich for helping confirm LH failure. We plugged my LH into his 87 S4 5spd (Godzilla) and experienced the same injector clicking and no start.
