I own an 04 TL, 2 times this month, I have gone to start the car and nothing happens, it won't turn over, won't start..nothing. I place the key in the ignition and go to turn it and nothing, not even ticking or any noise at all...after doing this 8 times eventually it seemed like it caught on something and finally turned over.. Like it attached itself back to a spring or something, I know it sounds retarted but its hard to explain. If anyone could give me any feedback on what could be going on, that would be great.. Someone told me they think it may be the starter but the whole thing is, it wasnt making any noise at all when I was turning the key. Anyway, I am confused as to what it is.. someone give me some advice! Thanks!

 

First of all, the first thing to do is replace your battery (if you haven't done so already). Next, is to clean the battery terminal connectors with a wire brush and get off all that oxidation build up that can accumulate after a while. Put grease over the terminals and the connectors to prevent oxidation. If this doesn't work, then a plan B is in order. Plan B would probably involve a new starter or something more. Report back and let us know.

 

Perhaps it's the battery? You can get it checked out at places like Pepboys, etc. That's my initial guess.

Edit: What he said above me... :P

 

First of all, how old is the battery? That may or may not be the problem.

This CAN and HAS happened merely due to bad/loose/corroded connections at the battery terminal/s. Be aware, the connections can look perfectly normal and still be bad, so don't rely on looks. Actually loosen and remove the cables from the connectors, check and clean them, and then re-tighten the connectors (be sure you have your navi/radio codes handy).

 

The battery is 2 months old, I replaced it, because I had it checked and it wasn't running high enough of amps or voltage.. The main reason I replaced it was because I would notice at start up, it didn't seem to be giving enough "juice" at start up. Thanks for everyones help, I had a POS Jetta before and I am trying to learn all I can about the AWESOME TL's!

 

In that case, I'd first check/redo the connections.

Did you do it yourself or have a shop do it? If it was a shop, you could take it back and have them take a look at it or you could do it yourself.

If you did it yourself, I'd redo the connections and see if that helps.

Some non-OEM battery terminals do not fit all that well with the cable connectors. Redo the connections and make sure everything is tight.

 

I had advanced auto parts put it in, I did not buy the battery from them though. I just went outside and checked for corrosion and there is none. Could it me the Solenoids? (Did I spell that right?)

 

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Check the ignition switch if all of the above is okay. Probably need the dealer to do this.

 

Great... I hate the OVER PRICED dealer..lol

 

When you say "checked', was that just a visual inspection? If it was, that's no guarantee that the connections are good. You need to physically remove and re-tighten the connectors.

And yes, it could still be a bad starter or solenoid. It's not uncommon for 04 starters to die at this age.

But first, since you just replaced the battery, be sure it's not just a bad connection. I had this happen to me after SEARS put in a DieHard. It ran fine for about a week and then one day, nothing. The connections looked good, but turned out to not be fully tight. The guys at SEARS got in a hurry and did not completely tighten one of the cable connectors.

 

Yea I did a visual inspection, when I get off work I will make sure the connections are good, I really appreciate all the help. I will check back later to let you know if that's the case. The thing is, that this is only happening once in a while..

 

It could be many things.

When it won't start, does everything else function normally? When you it's acting up and you put the key in the "on" position does the radio work normally? When you try to start it, do the interior lights dim, does the radio shut off (if on)?

I know there's a relay for the starter because sometimes mine buzzes. It could be something cheap and simple like that. It's really easy to troubleshoot if you know someone with a little mechanical knowledge and a volt meter.

 

when your car does this, is a green or red light blinking on the gauge cluster in the shape of a key? If yes, the problem lies with the immobilizer system, but I doubt it is that since it cuts of fuel, not electric.

When your car doesn't start, does everything else work in the stall position (one before starting)? such as the radio and the gauges? If yes, then the problem is more than likely the starter or ignition switch.