HELP - '03 Jetta wont start, clicking noises

sabot37 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 09:27 AM

Went to start my '03 Jetta this morning and it wouldn't turn over. When I go to turn the key it just makes a rapid clicking noise. All the power works. Checked the battery recently and it was fine.
Is there anything I can check myself before taking it into a shop?
Possible related problem - 2 months ago the car and all power completely shut off when I pulled up to a red light while driving. Luckily it turned right back on. The next day I took out the battery, got it checked (it was fine), and put it back in, tightening all the connections as best I could. Haven't had any problems until this morning...
Any help/insight is much appreciated

SkylineUSA · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 09:57 AM

Check your ground.

sabot37 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 10:20 AM

How do I check the ground connection? My car knowledge is fairly minimal
Thanks

Geezir · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 10:24 AM

Check that the negative terminal is tight, and the positive while you're at it. Also make sure there is no green death (green corrosion) on either of the terminals.

Also try giving your starter a few taps with a screw driver or something and then trying to start it.

sabot37 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:20 AM

Thanks for the tips. I checked the battery connections, all is well. No corrosion. Opened up the hood and I'm dumbfounded as to where the starter is.

slappy · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:22 AM

Is It manual or automatic? Possible starter or a bad cell in the battery. A battery can show good voltage but have a bad cell and when a load put on it, there is just not enought volts to turn the motor over. How old is the battery? Is a Interstate battery?

sabot37 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:37 AM

The Jetta is an automatic. The battery is a Duralast, it's about 2 years old. I had it tested a month or two ago after the first problem and it came up fine.

slappy · #8 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:41 AM

If manual - Put car in 2nd gear and roll forward and pop clutch to start car.

If automatic - If it is a starter issue, try putiing into drive and rolling car forward/backward then put back to neutral and try starting.

If you have the car sitting that the only wayo to roll it is backwards then put it in reverse. Works the same for manual or automatic.

Jen's Jetta · #9 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 02:34 PM

Have a friend give you a jump start from his car.
Check those battery connections first.
Your starter is connected to the "Red"positive cable from your battery, give nice rap with a hammer handle, sometimes that will free a sticking spring inside.
Always wear good eye protection when working on any battery issue...