Strange Starting Problem

Hi guys,

For a bout a month not, my 1999 gti has been failing to start as it should. On turning the key its as if the starter motor is receiving intermittent power, the dash flickers and the indicator turn on and off. Now the car always starts, but its definitely not a clean start that's for sure. While all this is happening I can hear a relay flicking on and off in the passenger side footwell. Are there any relays over there which affect starting that could be faulty. I know that most relays are on the drivers side but this is definitely coming from the passenger side, behind the glovebox perhaps?

Any advice appreciated,

Sound on passenger side is likely to be ac blend door motor common to be broken.

First check for starting should be battery condition. Sounds to be flat or in bad condition. They only last a few years.
Do you have auto club assistance? They could check for you.
If you have a multimeter check voltage. Generally you want to see 12v off and 14v when running.

So took me a while to get around to sorting this out but it did turn out to be the battery. Showed no signs from the multimeter, all voltages were as they should be, but just wasn't producing enough cranking amps. 150 dollars later for a century battery and she's starting like new again :)


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