1996 A4 starting problem

[AudiLady 10]

I have a 1996 Audi A4 Auto saloon and normally the car starts fine. However, every now and then, especially if I leave the car for a day or so, when I go to start the car it won't start and I get a rapid clicking sound when I turn the key. It will only start if I use either jump cables or a car booster. I've had the battery checked and it's fine.

This is driving me nuts. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

[Cuprabob 1,615]

Welcome to the forum.

My guess would be that the solenoid on the starter is sticking

[Tipex 1,738]

Who checked the battery and how did they do it?

It could be knacked if they only checked the voltage and didn't drop test it, certainly sounds like the battery, if it's not the battery at fault, it could be something drawing power from it when the car is switched off, thus flattening it over a couple of days.

If so, it could be a nightmare to find out what is drawing the power, have you had anything electrical fitted recently? New stereo etc?

[AudiLady 10]

Local garage checked the battery. What they did, I have no idea but I trust them as they have been good so far. The car is standard with nothing new recently fitted. I was wondering if, as in a reply to my post, it could be the starter solenoid sticking? However, if it is that I'd have thought it would free itself. I might renew the battery and see what happens. i agree, a battery drain could be a nightmare. Thanks for your reply.

[cruiser647 1,493]

Let us know how you go with the new battery.

Get a Bosch one. Shouldn't be more than £65?

[PetrolDave 1]

Rapid clicking suggests the battery voltage is dropping under load, recovering, dropping under load, .... so I agree the battery is the prime suspect.

[maersk 0]

Poor battery connection to either earth or the starter solenoid.