[Steph]

I've never used a forum before. But I'm hoping I'll be able to find out some answers here rather than pay hundreds of £££ before I know what is wrong..

I own a Audi Q3 2012.

A couple of days ago I noticed the clock on the dashboard had reset to 00:00. When I reached my destination I turned off the ignition and noticed that all over my dashboard lights and Audi MMI screen were flickering, fading on and off. And then back on again... When the lights are off. I am unable to start the engine. When the lights are on the engine starts fine.

There is no performance effected and I have had 2 errors on screen which have now disappeared

1. ESC fault
2. No Key Identified

Am I right in thinking it could be a dodgy battery?
Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

 

[simonali]

Get it tested is the simple answer. Most garages will have a specific testing device but it can be done with a plain voltmeter as long as you can get the car to run because you need to check the voltage the alternator is providing versus what the battery is putting out on its own.

 

[Gromit]

Hi, welcome to the club!


Simon's right - get it tested a.s.a.p. If it is the battery that's cream-crackered - and it certainly seems likely - then it's going to fail completely very soon and you'll be in a world of trouble as so much depends on it. Security and locking systems, power steering, you name it, all rely on a functioning battery.


You don't need to go to an Audi main dealer, any half-decent garage will do. Steer clear of places like Qwik-Fit though - they'll tell you anything to make a sale and they're not the best technically, either.
..

 

[m80]

The dodgy part seems the connection to one of the poles, presumably the positive. Loosen the clamp, clean it and apply di-electric grease.

Check the battery as it is still a good idea, but after several hours the engined has stopped, and possibly without any additional draws, close the doors, wait several minutes for the lights to turn off and the battery regain its stable voltage.

 

[Mike88]

Sounds like an earthing issue to me.

 

[simonali]

I once had an Astra that worked fine, then I popped into a shop to get a newspaper came out and it were dead as a dodo. I had to call the AA and as soon as he saw what the car was he went to the back of his van, got a 10mm spanner and proceeded to tighten up the battery clamps. He told me it was super common on that model and that the factory needed to employ someone with stronger wrists to fit the batteries, as the terminals were always loose on them!

 

[Steph]

*Update*

So on Saturday morning I couldn't get the car to start at all. Everything working fine and it was trying it's best to start but I had no luck. I rang my breakdown recovery as I have Home start and I had it delivered to a autoelec garage which I had recommended to me.

Conclusion: No power to fuses 31 (Information display control unit) & 32 (Control unit with display in the dash panel insert)

Unfortunately, the garage I had it taken to aren't Audi specialists so couldn't repair (something to do with getting hold of an engine map??) but he has powered the fuses from another as a temporary fix. The car is running fine and got me home and it will tire me over until I get it to an reputable Audi specialist.

If anybody could recommend one in the Liverpool area I'd be forever greatful

Thank you for your replies I really appreciate your help

 

[m80]

Seems like a stuck relay. Personally I think I'd go with the traditional whack (possibly on the relay box and not randomly) before trying anything else.

 

[spike]

Hi Steph


It would be a bit of a trek but WOM Automotive have a great reputation and would really look after you


Contact Us


Cheers Spike

 

[Steph]

Once again another update...

The 2 wires that lead to the fuses were corroded. They've now been replaced.

£420 including VAT. Not really ideal whilst I'm on Maternity leave but atleast it's fixed and I don't have to worry about the car not starting and being stranded with a newborn

Thank you for your help

 

[DavidS]

Not ideal that they corroded and definitely not a great price. Is the bulk parts or labour?
Glad it’s fixed though.

 

[Gromit]

'OW MUCH??

'Strewth! Obviously I don't know their labour rate or precisely how much work they had to do but it sounds a bit hefty to me. Glad you're sorted though and back on the road.

 

[benigbrent]

I think you better go to a mechanic. The people there can assist you with your dilemma, it will be a cheaper solution as well, to visit a workshop.