A4 did'nt start this morning...please advise

[michael.kelly25@yahoo.com]

OK so I hope I can get some insight on my 2005 A4 2.0TDi's failure to start-up this morning. I had not drove the car for 4 days. I tried 5 or 6 times but, even though the engine was turning, it would not start up. On the dashboard, the Brakes warning icon was flashing. Very unusual.
I called out an Audi mechanic and he performed a full diagnostic check, but this showed up nothing. He was a bit baffled. He checked a few things in the engine but said nothing was unusual here either. Finally, he disconnected the fuel tube (not sure what this is called) and he turned the key slightly. This caused some fuel to rise up and leak out. The mechanic was happy with this, as it proved to him that the engine was not being starved of fuel. Then he just tried again, and this time after about 15 secs, it started up. He said if it happens again to take it in to the garage. I am a bit depressed aboutr this as I only bought the car 2 months ago and have not used it much. Is there anything in the above story that could indicate what happened, or can I expect more of the same? Thanks for any feedback.

[Roley140]

Doesnt sound too serious, if there was fuel pumping, and the engine started eventually and presumeabhly ran ok, these are all the syptoms of a very tiny air leak in the fuel system. This would manifest itself if the car isn't used for a couple of days. Hopefully the garage should be able to find the leak with a pressure test.

[michael.kelly25@yahoo.com]

Thanks Roley,

The mechanic suggested that if it happens again, I should get the fuel pump replaced. I am purposely leaving the car idle for a few days and will see if the problem recurs. I will mention your suggestion if this is the case.

[Roley140]

There was a recall on the tandem fuel pump on these, I would check this has been done. I understand that there is potential problem whereby the tandem fuel pump can - under some circumstances leak fuel slightly.