2013 Audi A4 Cranks but Wont Start (11 Issues 100% Fixed!)

You’re all dressed up and ready to hit the road, but your 2013 Audi A4 Cranks but Wont Start.

Frustrated and confused, you wonder what could be causing this issue. With so many potential causes, it’s hard to know where to start troubleshooting.

From dead batteries to blown fuses, there are several reasons why your Audi A4 may not be starting.

And with such a range of possibilities comes a wide range of costs for repairs – anywhere from a few dollars for replacing a fuse to several thousand for engine failure.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break down some common causes of an Audi A4 that cranks but won’t start and provide tips on how you can troubleshoot the issue yourself before resorting to costly repairs or replacement parts.

So grab your diagnostic tools and let’s get started!

Reasons Why Your 2013 Audi A4 Cranks but Wont Start:

Reason	Symptoms	Possible Solution
Dead battery	The car won’t crank or turn over.	Jump start the car or replace the battery.
Faulty alternator	The battery may be charged, but the car still won’t start.	Have the alternator tested or replaced.
Failed starter	The starter engages, but the engine doesn’t turn over.	Have the starter replaced.
Clogged fuel filter	The engine doesn’t get enough fuel to start.	Replace the fuel filter.
Bad fuel pump	The fuel pump doesn’t deliver fuel to the engine.	Have the fuel pump replaced.
Flooded engine	Too much fuel is in the engine.	Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and crank the engine until it starts.
Immobilizer system	The immobilizer system is preventing the car from starting.	Enter the correct code into the immobilizer system to start the car.
Engine control module (ECM) failure	The ECM is not sending the correct signals to the engine.	Have the ECM replaced.
Wiring problems	There is a short or a loose wire in the electrical system.	Have the wiring system checked for problems.
Mechanical problems	There is a problem with the engine or another major component.	Have the car towed to a mechanic for further diagnosis.

1. Weak Battery

One of the most common causes of a vehicle not starting is a weak battery. This is also true for 2013 Audi A4s that crank but don’t start.

To check if your battery is weak, you can perform a voltage test using a multimeter. If the voltage reading drops below 12 volts, then the battery is likely the culprit.

If you’ve confirmed that the battery is weak, you have two options: jumpstart it or replace it with a new one.

Jumpstarting your Audi A4 requires another vehicle with a charged battery and jumper cables.

Make sure to follow proper safety procedures when jumpstarting your car and never allow the clamps to touch each other during the process.

Replacing an old or failing battery with a new one should solve any issues related to cranking without starting in your 2013 Audi A4.

How to Test 12V Battery?

If you suspect that the cause of your 2013 Audi A4 cranking but not starting is due to a weak battery, the first step is to test it.

Testing a 12V battery isn’t complicated and can save you time and money by identifying the issue.

To begin testing, use a multimeter or voltmeter to measure the voltage of your car’s battery.

A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts when at rest. If your battery reads lower than this, then it’s likely that it needs recharging or replacement.

Next, try starting your vehicle with the headlights on. If they dim significantly or go out completely, then it could be an indication that your car’s alternator isn’t charging properly.

You can also perform a load test on your battery using a specialized tool called a load tester. This device applies an electrical load to the battery while measuring its output voltage under this heavy load condition.

Checking for any corrosion and cleaning all connections between cable terminals will ensure proper connection to starter motor and ground wires saving you from further problems in future startup as well as prolonging life expectancy of cables themselves if done regularly every few months (especially during winter season)

How to Jumpstart Your Audi A4?

If your 2013 Audi A4’s battery is weak and needs a jumpstart, follow these steps:

1. Park the vehicle with the good battery next to your Audi A4.

2. Connect the positive (+) cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.

3. Connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of your Audi A4’s battery.

4. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.

5. Connect the other end of the negative cable to a metal surface on your Audi A4’s engine block, away from the battery and any moving parts.
6. 6. Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it run.

2. Corrosion on Battery:

Another potential cause of your 2013 Audi A4 cranking but not starting is corrosion on the battery terminals. Corrosion can prevent the battery from delivering enough power to start the engine.

To check for corrosion, inspect the battery terminals for a buildup of white or greenish-blue powdery substance.

If you see corrosion, you can clean it off using a mixture of baking soda and water and a wire brush. Make sure to disconnect the battery cables before cleaning the terminals.

Once the terminals are clean, reconnect the cables and try starting your vehicle. If the corrosion was the issue, your car should start up without any problems.

How to Clean Battery Corrosion?

Battery corrosion is a common issue for cars and can be one of the reasons why your 2013 Audi A4 won’t start.

When battery terminals are corroded, it prevents them from making good contact with the battery cables.

Therefore, before you go ahead to replace your car battery, you should clean the corroded battery.

To clean the corroded battery on your Audi A4:

1. Start by disconnecting both terminal cables from the car’s battery.
2. Mix baking soda and water in a bowl until you get a paste-like solution.
3. Dip an old toothbrush into this paste and start scrubbing off any visible corrosion on the terminals.
4. Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove any stubborn deposits that may not have come off easily with just brushing.
5. Wipe off all loose particles with a cloth moistened with water.
6. Reconnect both terminal cables back onto their respective posts on the car’s battery.

By cleaning up your corroded battery thoroughly, there will be improved contact between the connection points of your car’s wiring system consequently stabilizing voltage power supply provided by batteries.

Which carry out electrical functions necessary for starting engine cranks as well as other electrical components of vehicle or system memory that require stable voltage power.

It is important to handle batteries carefully during this process as they contain dangerous chemicals and could be explosive if mishandled during cleaning or replacement process to avoid unintended incident on location.

Where maintenance takes place especially when looking at safety measures when working under confined space position i.e., under hood work so appropriate individual protective gear should be used while working in these situations

3. Weak Key Fob Battery:

Another possible cause of a 2013 Audi A4 cranking but not starting is a weak key fob battery.

If the key fob battery is weak, it may not be able to send the necessary signal to the car’s immobilizer system to allow the engine to start.

To test if the key fob battery is the issue, try unlocking and locking the car using the key fob. If it doesn’t work, replace the battery and try again.

Replacing the key fob battery is a simple process. Use a small screwdriver to open the key fob and replace the battery with a new one. Make sure to use the correct battery type and orientation.

4. Broken Starter Motor:

A broken starter motor can also be a reason why your 2013 Audi A4 cranks but won’t start. The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over and if it’s broken, the engine won’t start.

Replacing a starter motor is a more complex repair and should be done by a professional mechanic. It’s important to choose a high-quality replacement part and have it installed correctly to prevent further issues.

5. Defective Alternator:

A defective alternator can also cause your 2013 Audi A4 to crank but not start. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the car’s electrical system.

If it’s not functioning properly, it can drain the battery and prevent the engine from starting.

6. Clogged Fuel Filter:

A clogged fuel filter can also prevent your 2013 Audi A4 from starting. The fuel filter removes impurities and debris from the fuel before it reaches the engine.

If it’s clogged, it can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine and prevent it from starting.

To check if the fuel filter is the issue, you can perform a fuel pressure test using a fuel pressure gauge.

If the fuel pressure is low, it could be a sign that the fuel filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.

7. Fuel Pump Failure:

Fuel pump failure is another common cause of a 2013 Audi A4 cranking but not starting.

The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine. If it’s not functioning properly, the engine won’t receive the necessary fuel to start.

To check if the fuel pump is the issue, you can perform a fuel pressure test using a fuel pressure gauge.

If the fuel pressure is low or nonexistent, it could be a sign that the fuel pump needs to be replaced.

Replacing a fuel pump is a more complex repair and should be done by a professional mechanic. It’s important to choose a high-quality replacement part and have it installed correctly to prevent further issues.

8. Blown Fuse:

A blown fuse can also be a reason why your 2013 Audi A4 cranks but won’t start. Fuses protect the electrical components of your car from power surges and short circuits.

If a fuse blows, it can prevent power from reaching essential components like the fuel pump or starter motor.

To check if a fuse is blown, use a fuse tester or visually inspect the fuses for any signs of damage. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.

Replacing a blown fuse is a simple and inexpensive repair that can solve the issue of a car that cranks but won’t start.

9. Defective Spark Plugs:

Defective spark plugs can also cause your 2013 Audi A4 to crank but not start. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine and if they’re faulty, the engine won’t start.

To check if the spark plugs are the issue, remove them and inspect them for any signs of damage or wear. If they’re faulty, replace them with new ones.

Replacing spark plugs is a relatively simple repair that can be done by a DIYer. However, it’s important to have the correct tools and follow proper safety procedures before attempting this method.

10. Rodent Damage:

Rodent damage is another possible cause of a 2013 Audi A4 cranking but not starting. Rodents can chew through wiring and other components, causing electrical issues that prevent the engine from starting.

To check for rodent damage, inspect the wiring and other components under the hood for any signs of damage or chew marks.

If you find any damage, it’s important to have it repaired by a professional mechanic to prevent further issues.

Preventing rodent damage can be done by parking your car in a garage or using rodent repellent sprays and traps. Regular inspections under the hood can also help catch any damage early on.

11. Engine Failure:

Engine failure is a worst-case scenario and a less common cause of a 2013 Audi A4 that cranks but won’t start.

It could be a result of a variety of issues, including a blown head gasket, damaged pistons, or a seized engine.

To check for engine failure, you’ll need to have a professional mechanic perform a thorough diagnosis. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairing or replacing the engine can be a costly and time-consuming process.

Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent engine failure, but in some cases, it may be unavoidable.

How to Fix 2009, 2012 and 2013 Audi A4 Cranks but Wont Start?

Fixing a 2013 Audi A4 that cranks but won’t start will depend on the underlying cause of the issue. Here are some possible solutions based on the common causes mentioned above:

1. Weak Battery – Jumpstart the battery or replace it with a new one.
2. 2. Corrosion on Battery – Clean the battery terminals using a mixture of baking soda and water and a wire brush.
3. 3. Weak Key Fob Battery – Replace the key fob battery with a new one.
4. 4. Broken Starter Motor – Replace the starter motor with a high-quality replacement part installed by a professional mechanic.
5. 5. Defective Alternator – Replace the alternator with a high-quality replacement part installed by a professional mechanic.
6. 6. Clogged Fuel Filter – Replace the fuel filter with a new one or clean it using a fuel pressure gauge.
7. 7. Fuel Pump Failure – Replace the fuel pump with a high-quality replacement part installed by a professional mechanic.
8. 8. Blown Fuse – Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage.
9. 9. Defective Spark Plugs – Replace the spark plugs with new ones.
10. 10. Rodent Damage – Have any damage repaired by a professional mechanic and prevent further damage by parking in a garage or using rod.

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