Starting problems Frequently my engine won't start. When turning the key, you can hear the starter relay clicking, but the starter motor won't turn. Some days it starts right away, others after a few clicks, and others after 30-40 clicks. But it always starts. And it starts strongly, not like when the battery is weak. I can see no link between whether the engine is cold or hot. I've replaced the battery, cleaned the contacts on the battery. I suspect the starter motor, but I would have expected it to just fail completely.

There are some things you can do to fix the problem. Check battery connections: Even if the batteries are charged, it is important to make sure the battery cables are clean and tightly connected. Components with loose or damaged wires can interfere with efficient energy transfer. Check fuse relays: Check the vehicle fuse box for any blown fuses or defective relays that could affect the starting system. Transmission Position Sensor: If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the transmission position sensor (neutral safety switch) may not work properly, preventing the vehicle from starting into gear Start the vehicle in both park and neutral and check that is there any difference. Check for safety system problems: Some cars have safety systems that can shut down the engine if there is a problem. Make sure the security light on the dashboard behaves as it should and try to use a spare key if there is one. Starter Motor: The starter motor may be faulty. Turn the key and listen for the clicking sound. If you hear a rapid clicking noise, it could indicate a faulty battery or a faulty starter motor. Hearing a click once could indicate a problem with the starter solenoid. Ignition switch: The ignition switch sends power to the starter when the key is turned. If faulty, it can prevent the engine from cranking. Try to notice a change when you change the key. Fuel Supply: If the engine cranks but does not start, there may be a fuel issue. Check the fuel level and make sure the fuel pump is working properly. Check engine light: If the check engine light illuminates, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be stored in the vehicle computer.

Did you check the starter motor relay , location , under hood power distribution center ? When you turn the key to start the ignition switch sends a 12 volt input to the PCM / ECM - engine computer . The engine computer will then energize the starter motor relay . This is all computer controlled . Hooking up a scan tool to check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes an viewing input data should be the first in diagnosing a problem like this .
040 Starting System Tests Start Here
048 Engine Hard to Start or No Start Scan Data for Starting Problems
How to voltage drop test starter motor circuit

Starter Voltage Drop

Yes it could be your starter the fact that you hear the click tells you that the starter solenoid is in fact working. Do check your connections for looseness or corrosion prior to starter replacement and fix as needed. Possibly has a dead spot on the starter that won't allow starter motor to turn even though the solenoid engages.

do you hear a hising noise if you dont your fuel pump is shot but if you do check your spark plugs and wires..also have some one give you cables see what happens

The starting system consists of:

• starter motor
• starter switch, part of the ignition switch
• starter motor solenoid relay switch
• starter solenoid
• starter drive

When you turn your key to start your engine, it just clicks, right? If so, more than likely this is due to a bad battery. Even though your battery may appear to be fully charged, it may have a dead cell, or worse. If you get a jump, does the vehicle start? If so, replace your battery.

Possible sources of the problem if the engine does not crank or the relay clicks:

1. Battery
2. Starter motor
3. Starter motor relay
4. Ignition switch
5. Damaged fuse
6. Anti-theft system
7. Circuitry

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_69f3cc28d95bf514

I don't know what year and model VW you have but the starting system is generally the same across the board. When you turn your key to the start position it sends voltage to the starter relay if the car has one, and then on to the starter solonoid which is mounted on the starter motor. The relay and the solonoid will click when power reaces them. You normally don't hear the click because of the engine starting up. it is all instantaneous. Now if you only hear a click it means the power is reaching the relay or solonoid but the starter motor is not working. Have a friend listen in the engine compartment when you try to start the car. If the click is in the engine bay then I would assume the solonoid is working but the starter is not. Therefore you have a defective starter. Sorry for the long explanation but I hope this helps.

Check your battery terminals and the hot lead on the starter make sure they are clean and tight. If they are you are most likely will need a starter.

First, make sure you can turn the engine by hand. If you can't then the starter can't turn it either. Have someone else turn the key and look for the source of the click...may be a relay. Go over the starting circuit with a volt meter. Check for power at the starter main terminal and then with the key turned to "start" check for power at the trigger terminal on the starter. Check battery voltage and check relay operation.
You have a neutral safety switch on the transmission if its an automatic and a clutch switch if it's a stick. Check them as well. Make sure battery grounding on fender and block are also clean and secure.

Does the starting solenoid engages? This is would sound like a deep clunk on your starter. When the solenoid engages it close the contact that energize the starter motor, but a worn contact on the solenoid would result in it engaging but not having enough current to turn the engine resulting in a clunking noise when you try to start.
The starter solenoid gets its 12 volt from a relay. This is referred to as the starter relay. If you try to crank, and you hear only a click but the starter do not turn, then the contacts on the relay maybe worn.
To sum it up, if you hear a loud clunk when it dont crank, its the starter solenoid. If you hear just a click but no crank, it could be the starter relay.

Problem is probably the starter motor. The windings probably have a burnt spot and wont turn over readly.