A click is all i get

[biobug1]

the battery seems to have a charge,air ride airs up,i can roll down windows and sunroof turn on lights horn etc...turn key on panels light up.when i turn it justs clicks,and all the lights and message center go out,except for oil and battery lights.do the mk8 have two solenoids?i know one is on the starter.and what about the starter relay?.and is it possible to replace the solenoid on the starter without removing the starter?

 

[billcu]

I would try cleaning the battery terminals first, bad connections can cause that.

I think if it was the solenoid all the lights wouldn't go out like that.

 

[Jamesvinar]

Anti theft?

 

[Lvnmarks]

Pull the battery and alternator, have them checked out at a good shop. Sounds like a battery issue which is usually followed by alternator issues.

Easy and free.

 

[driller]

My dissenting opinion is that the starter solenoid is going out.

If so, it is easier to replace the entire starter assembly. Install a new connection on the wire to the solenoid as well.

 

[LeoC2]

Could be a bad cell in the battery and/or alternator issue. Had same problem with Moose couple of years ago, replaced battery and alternator and all was good again on Moose-dom.

 

[gbradleyb]

I've seen this happen from loose battery terminal many times. That's what I would guess.

If you think it's the solenoid then try bypassing it with large gauge wire to test if it cranks

 

[MarkVIIIMarc]

Hopefully you figured it out by now.

If not:

I can't see it being easy to replace the solenoid without removing the starter. My starter wasn't DIFFICULT to take out like the oil filter adapter gasket, but it is rather up there.

I second or third the idea of getting the battery tested and if it fails taking the alternator in before R&Ring the starter. It's just soo easy to take them out and you may as well start from a solid base.

 

[Jamesvinar]

Depending on the mileage it might be worth it to replace the starter anyway. On gen 2 it wasnt too bad, if anything it was harder to put back in