Audi A6 Starting Issues Point to Faulty Ignition Switch

I experienced a similar issue with my 1998 Audi A4. As someone with basic car maintenance experience, I first thought it was the starter motor since the key turn symptoms matched. After visiting my regular workshop, they diagnosed a blown fuse in the ignition circuit. The dashboard lights were also behaving strangely, which was a key indicator. The car electronics check revealed that the faulty fuse was causing intermittent power supply to the ignition system. The total repair cost was 52 Euro, including diagnostics and the new fuse installation. Since then, the car has been starting perfectly with no issues. The rough running and unusual shutoffs completely stopped. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Does the starter motor make any sound when turning the key? Are there any warning lights on your dashboard? Have you noticed any electrical issues with other car systems? When was the last time you had the car electronics checked? Your symptoms could indicate several issues beyond just the ignition switch, so these details would help narrow down the problem.

Last service was at 49857 KM. Yes, the starter motor makes a clicking sound when turning the ignition key. There are multiple dashboard lights that flash intermittently, including the check engine light. The radio and power windows also act up occasionally. The car electronics havent been checked in over a year. I checked all fuses as suggested but they appear intact. The battery terminals are clean and tight. The alternator was replaced 6 months ago. Could this still be related to the new alternator installation or is the ignition switch more likely the culprit? The starting issues began about 2 weeks ago and seem to be getting worse. I will get it checked by a professional, but want to understand what tests they should perform to properly diagnose the issue. The starting problems are especially bad during cold starts in the morning.

Thanks for the additional details. The symptoms you describe with your A6 are quite similar to what I experienced, but your case seems more complex than just a blown fuse like mine was. The clicking sound from the starter motor combined with multiple dashboard lights flashing points to a potential electrical system issue rather than just an ignition switch problem. Since your alternator was replaced recently, there could be a connection issue there. With my A4, we ran through a systematic diagnostic process that I recommend for your case: Full electrical system diagnostic scan, Voltage testing at the battery while cranking, Testing the starter motor circuit, Checking the ignition switch connections, Verifying alternator output The cold start issues suggest a possible voltage drop. The multiple electrical problems and dashboard light irregularities make me think this could be a wiring harness issue or a faulty ground connection, especially since the alternator was recently replaced. My suggestion would be to have them start with a complete electrical diagnostic before replacing the ignition switch. A proper diagnosis should include testing the entire starting circuit. In my case, the starting issue symptom was similar but turned out to be much simpler to fix than initially expected.

The symptoms you describe sound much more comprehensive than my initial concern about the ignition switch. When I turn the key in the ignition now, I can confirm the starter motor makes a distinct clicking sound, and those dashboard warning lights definitely seem related to a broader electrical issue. Thanks for breaking down the diagnostic process. Ill make sure they do a full electrical system check, especially around the alternator installation from 6 months ago. The cold morning starts are the worst, sometimes I have to turn the car ignition key multiple times before it catches. Given all these symptoms and your experience, I agree this is likely more than just an ignition switch problem. Ill have them check the wiring harness and ground connections first. The car engine start issues combined with the electrical problems like the radio and windows acting up definitely point to a bigger electrical system concern. Ill schedule a full diagnostic this week and make sure they test the entire starting circuit, including checking the alternator output and battery voltage while cranking. Better to get everything properly tested than just replacing parts hoping to fix the issue. Thanks for sharing your experience, it helped put my problem in better perspective and gave me a clear path forward for the repairs.