What is the reason why the Audi A3 won't start and shows a brake system failure?
2 Answers
It may be caused by the car running out of fuel, a dead battery, or incorrect gear position. It is recommended to check each possibility one by one to determine the cause. The following is a related introduction about the Audi A3: 1. Introduction: The Audi A3 is a sedan produced by Audi, developed based on the Volkswagen MQB platform. The body features lightweight design and aluminum materials, and is powered by multiple engines including the 1.4TFSI and 1.8TFSI. 2. Features: ESP system, direct gasoline injection FSI six-cylinder engine. High-torque TDI technology with injector injection, combined with DSG gearbox and clutch, 5-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions, and a new tiptronic automatic transmission, as well as four-wheel drive options.
I've owned several Audis in my lifetime, and one of my A3s also encountered a starting issue with a brake system fault warning. That time I tried for a long time but couldn't start it, and the dashboard warning lights were on. Possible causes could be a stuck electronic parking brake or brake light switch, because automatic transmission vehicles require pressing the brake pedal to send a signal during ignition. If the signal is interrupted, the system may falsely report a fault and prevent ignition. Battery aging might also be a factor, such as insufficient power to support brake module operation. I quickly used a multimeter to test the battery, which turned out to be normal. Later, I discovered it was a faulty switch under the brake pedal. Replacing it solved the problem. However, if the electronic control unit is problematic, it would be more troublesome. I suggest first checking the switch or connection wiring before rushing to tow the car – try some simple diagnostics yourself.