Car went dead in seconds.

[101audi]

I came and parked my 03 A4, turned off the car and in maybe 30 seconds tried to turn the car back on but it just wouldn't start. There is a clicking sound from under the hood but nothing after that. I have a new battery but despite that tried jumping the car. Played with the gear in different positions, checked fuses.. but nothing.... Considering to tow to dealership. Please advise...

Thx
Vic

[schmally]

New battery or not it sounds like one. Try letting the cables sit for a few minutes then jumping off.

[doublezero30]

clearly the battery is run down. you need to figure out if its 1) the battery itself or 2) the alternator not charging the battery. if you manage to get it started, autozone will do free tests on both of these components for you. to me, it sounds like the battery has a bad cell or something along those lines.

[schmally]

make sure they test both at least 3 times with their electronics ..

[diagnosticator]

As already suggested, the alternator or the battery is likely defective, either the battery won't take a charge, is not charging, or the alternator is not able to charge the battery. (No red alternator light ON?) If both the bat and alt test good, then make sure the battery cable terminals at the battery, alternator and chassis ground are all clean and tight. If there is still a no crank problem after confirming all the above, then the starter motor itself is likely faulty.

[101audi]

BUMP...

i towed the vehicle to the dealership and they found out it was the ignition switch. The part cost me $80 and labor cost me $290 since they said they had to remove the steering column and everything.. Do you guys thing it was reasonable???

Thx

[doublezero30]

$290 in labor, so im guessing it pays 2.5hrs...which means it took the tech probably 45mins-1hour....i would have learned how to do it myself. then again, not only am i a cheap bastard but i like to do my own work on my car.

[JoshDub]

2.5 hours worth of work to remove the steering column? Probably a bit steep.

[diagnosticator]

BUMP...

i towed the vehicle to the dealership and they found out it was the ignition switch. The part cost me $80 and labor cost me $290 since they said they had to remove the steering column and everything.. Do you guys thing it was reasonable???

Thx

The dealer is lying. Replacing the ignition switch does not require removing the steering column. In fact it is an easy job. Labor should not have been more than the standard minimum.