Audi 80 Quiz
Body Electrical System

Fault diagnosis - Starter

In this manual: Body Electrical System
Technical Description — 39Engines — 41Exhaust System — 13Cooling System — 28Fuel tank and fuel pump — 12Air Filter and Intake Ducts — 13Mono-Motronic Injection System — 18Digifant Injection System — 19KE-III-Jetronic Injection System — 35MPI and MPFI Injection Systems — 32Clutch — 11Transmission and Driveline — 21Suspension and Steering — 33Brake System — 41Anti-lock brake system — 8Wheels and Tires — 13Body Electrical System — 35Ignition System — 24Lighting — 14Signaling Devices — 7Instruments and Auxiliary Equipment — 54Heating and Ventilation — 7Body Components — 18Troubleshooting — 6Specifications — 13
~2min read

Malfunction Possible Cause Remedy
A. When the ignition key is turned to the "Start" position, the starter turns the engine too slowly or does not operate at all 1. Indicator lights are dim or off
a) battery is discharged
b) cable connections are loose or oxidised
c) short to earth at the starter
2. Indicator lights are bright, starter clicks
a) brushes or their connections in the starter are worn
b) contacts in the solenoid switch are burnt
c) starter winding is damaged
3. Indicator lights are bright, no sound
a) solenoid switch is stuck or overheated
b) terminal 50 contact on the solenoid switch is loose
c) wiring to terminal 50 from the ignition switch to the solenoid switch on the starter is broken		 Start the engine using jump leads from another battery
Check the cable connections
Have the starter repaired in a workshop
Check the carbon brushes
Replace the solenoid switch
Have the starter repaired in a workshop
Ask an assistant to turn the ignition key to the start position and tap the solenoid switch with a screwdriver
Check the connection
Check the wiring with a warning lamp
B. Starter operates but does not turn the engine 1. Solenoid switch drive is seized
2. Pinion or flywheel teeth are damaged		 Have the starter repaired in a workshop
Push the vehicle slightly with the gear engaged. Start again. Replace damaged parts
C. Solenoid switch switches on and off rapidly, starter does not operate Battery is heavily discharged; when the solenoid is energised the voltage drops sharply and it switches off again Charge the battery
D. Starter continues to run when the ignition key is released 1. Solenoid switch is stuck and does not release Switch off the ignition immediately; if necessary disconnect the battery. Replace the solenoid switch
E. Pinion does not disengage after the engine has started 1. Return spring is faulty or broken
2. Pinion or flywheel gear teeth are contaminated or damaged		 Switch off the ignition immediately. Repair (in a workshop)
Clean or replace damaged parts (in a workshop)

Test yourself

A quick Audi 80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.