Audi A3 Starting Problem

[Griffrich]

Hi All,

Wonder if anyone can assist. My wife's 2009 Audi A3 1.6 petrol has refused to start. All I get is a rapid clicking sound when the ignition is turned, it doesn't sound like it's engaging the starter motor so can't tell if the battery is at fault (I suspect not, all lights, radio etc come on) Despite the recent cold snap it's been fine up until today, any thoughts/guidance would be much appreciated.
Rich.

[PositronicRay]

Sounds like the battery to me.
Try charging or jumping, if it starts it's the battery.

[silentbrown]

Sounds like the solenoid (the clicky thing) isn't engaging the starter motor drive with the flywheel ring gear. (I assume starter motor tech hasn't wildly changed since the 1960's...)

I think a firm thump on the starter motor with a mallet of some kind used to be the first 'fix'. But if the headlights go dim while you're tryng to start it, then try battery/jumpstart instead.

[Griffrich]

Cheers chaps,
Just tried to jump it from my A4 with no luck so it could be more than just the battery. Tried it on the Acumate Batter conditioner the Griff sits on and that just registered that it was charging (no amp read out just amber or green light)

Looks like we'll have to get the local indy to recover it

[silentbrown]

Actually, maybe don't hit it.

http://pmmonline.co.uk/technical/starter-motor-fau...

PMMOnline said:

In some cases, even the warranty claim form shows the reason for failure as "starter motor just clicks" when in fact the likely cause of the failure is due to poor battery condition. On inspection of these warranty returns, we have noticed an impact mark on the side of the starter motor’s body-frame and the internal magnet is broken in half.

Also, you should check some fuses

[Griffrich]

Cheers for all the help chaps, turns out it was just the battery that needed changing, not bad considering it was nearly 7 years old (still on the original) my jump leads probably need looking at!

[Dr G]

The cold weather often finishes them off; I'd be tempted to test alternator output and replace the battery. Last thing you need is it refusing to start again when you're in a hurry or miles from home.