91 TSi AWD won't start, I'm stumped.

DSMmania · Apr 24, 2001

Guys, I'm completely stumped. 91 TSi AWD, pulled it into my garage to park it today after coming from school, shut it off, runs for it's turbo timer 2minutes, and shuts off. I came back out about 10 minutes later, put in a new flasher relay (turn signals/4ways) and now the car won't start. I tried taking that back out and still nothing. I don't have idiot warning lights when the key is trying to start the car or in ACC, nothing. The clock has power, I can manually turn on the interior lights, I have the door ajar with key in ignition buzzer still working, and I can turn on my parking lights and the gauge cluster lights up as usual. Other than that, I have no power regardless of the key position. No radio, no instrument panels, none of my gauges, no turbo timer, no windshield wipers, nothing. Anyone have a clue? I tried charging the battery and jumping it, not a dead battery. I've checked all fuses, under the hood and in the car. I'm totally at a loss. Someone help me!

Curt

[Edited by DSMmania on 04-23-2001 at 11:00 PM]

dustey · Apr 24, 2001

sdsfg

To me is sounds like the battery just went after being run down w/o the power of an alternator, but it should turn over at least if you jump started it, or charged the battery...

my alternator just went out a few days ago, and the only way we got it home was jump starting it and letting it run off the battery. i wish i had an answer for ya, but the alternator is my best (keyword) guess.

Dustin
90 TSI

Viprklr · Apr 24, 2001

If you're getting no idiot lights when you turn the key it sounds to me like your ignition. Do you feel the normal clicking and resistance when you turn the key? If so, check the fuses and your ignition/tt wiring.

Taboo · Apr 24, 2001

I'd suspect the ingition switch or wiring from the switch to the ECU or from the main fusible link to the ignition switch...

DSMmania · Apr 24, 2001

I feel nothing when I put the key in and try to start it. No noises, no vibrations, nothing at all.

Taboo: Do you know where that fusible link is and how do you test those units?

Thanks guys.

Curt

Taboo · Apr 24, 2001

It's the fuse box attached to the battery, the ignition switch feed is the white wire going from the second (outside) 30A fuse (you'll see three fuses there - 20A for MPI, 30A for Radiator Fan and 30A for Ignition). I'd check for continuity first and go from there, but most likely it's going to be in the ignition switch itself - that's my guess...

Viprklr · Apr 24, 2001

DSMmania said:
I feel nothing when I put the key in and try to start it. No noises, no vibrations, nothing at all.

Curt

but do you feel ANY resistance? does it spin freely as if it's not hooked up to anything.

DSMmania · Apr 25, 2001

Hey guys, thanks for all the advice. I got to fiddle around today and after seeing your replies, I started at the ignition and worked my way back the wireing. Low and behold...I found that where my turbo timer harness plugs in, it was apart. Plugged her in, and WHAMO...car again. Thanks for all the help. It's always something stupid and small, isn't it?

Curt

SlowRide · Aug 22, 2002

I am having the same problem. I sure hope it is something stupid and small. I don't have a turbo timer yet but I do have remote start and ignition kill. I will start there and see what happens. If it is the actual ignition switch, where would be the best place to pick up a replacement auto parts stores or satan???

SlowRide · Aug 22, 2002

Viprklr said:
If you're getting no idiot lights when you turn the key it sounds to me like your ignition. Do you feel the normal clicking and resistance when you turn the key? If so, check the fuses and your ignition/tt wiring.

If u do feel the normal resistance when u try to turn it over does that eliminate the possibility of a faulty ignition switch

DSMmania · Aug 22, 2002

This subject is quite old, and actually ended up being my ignition harness was loose and not making full contact. Since I have my turbo timer harness plugged in there, it just wasn't fully snapped in. Hope it gives you something to check, it's a plug up on the steering column a ways. Just look for plugs to be unhooked or not totally together.

Curt

SlowRide · Aug 22, 2002

Sorry to post on such an old subject, but I need all the help that I can get. I realize with something like this that the problem could be different for everybody but it is nice to hear the remedy. As many people that we have onthis forum there is bound to be someone else with the exact same problem. Thanks,
wish me luck.

91 TSi AWD won't start, I'm stumped.

DSMmania

dustey

Viprklr

Taboo

DSMmania

Taboo

Viprklr

DSMmania

SlowRide

SlowRide

DSMmania

SlowRide

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