I've got an Audi A3 3.2L that will always crank, but the key must be released for it to start. This condition is worse if the car has been sitting. After the car is started, it will start normally if we start it again within a few minutes. However, if it sits a few more minutes, we are back to having releasing the key to fire the car. We started with the installation of a new battery. The new battery definitely helped lessen the symptoms. With the old battery, sometimes the car would not start at all even when the key was let go but just endlessly crank. With the new battery after the car has been sitting, the starter will crank endlessly until you let go of the key, but it always starts. Again, after the car has run, it usually can be started normally. We replaced the ignition switch first, the battery next, and now the starter, but the car behaves the same. During cranking, we are seeing 10.9V which to me seems reasonable. This voltage is also measured at the coils. Randomly, I tried to add another jumper at the engine compartment leads and the problem goes away. I see 11.5 V during cranking with the added battery, the original battery in the trunk and a high quality jumper pack in the engine compartment leads. However, I don't think this really solving the issue, but more so, the starter is spinning things so darn fast it maybe is jump starting itself?? So what would allow a car to start by only letting go of the key?
Oh, no codes whatsoever....
Oh, no codes whatsoever....
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