What causes the 2012 Audi A6 to jerk and stall when starting?
3 Answers
It is caused by a misfiring cylinder. Here are the specific details: 1. Misfiring cylinder: A misfiring cylinder in an Audi A6 means that one or more of the engine's four or six cylinders are not working or not working properly, leading to uneven power output and engine shaking. The simplest diagnostic method for a misfiring cylinder is the "cylinder cut-off test." Additionally, it is necessary to check whether the engine has severe carbon buildup or if any components are aging. 2. Causes: "Misfiring cylinder," "cylinder cut-off," "cylinder misfire," and "cylinder failure" all refer to the same issue—a cylinder not working or not functioning properly. The most common cause is a problem with the cylinder's spark plug, such as an electrical fault, incorrect electrode gap, electrode erosion, or excessive carbon buildup on the electrode.
I've been driving this car for years, and the jerky starts plus stalling are quite common in the 2012 Audi A6. The most frequent issue is with the fuel system, such as an aging fuel pump or a clogged filter, leading to unstable fuel supply, especially prone to stalling during low-speed starts. Another major culprit is the ignition system; worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause uneven engine ignition, resulting in jerky movements. Transmission problems are also common—if the transmission fluid deteriorates or the level is low, gear shifts can become very jerky, even causing stalling. Carbon buildup on the throttle body or intake tract can also reduce efficiency. I remember one time my car had this issue, and cleaning the throttle body fixed it. In short, don't wait for it to worsen; I recommend getting a comprehensive check-up as soon as possible, like visiting a professional shop to inspect fuel pressure and spark plug condition.
I'm a car enthusiast and often research these kinds of issues. The 12-year-old A6 stalling during take-off could be due to sensor failures, such as a faulty mass airflow sensor which controls air intake—incorrect signals can confuse the ECU. Worn spark plug gaps or aging coils are common causes of uneven ignition. Insufficient or degraded transmission fluid often leads to jerking, and in precision vehicles like Audis, outdated ECU software is another frequent culprit. A friend's car had similar symptoms and improved after replacing the spark plugs. Don’t overlook checking the fuel system; a clogged filter can drop fuel pressure. Address it promptly to prevent minor issues from escalating, and regular maintenance post-inspection can help prevent recurrence.
