All help is thoroughly appreciated. I've been driving fine all day today. Later on, I went to start the car, and it would not start. My battery appears to be okay, because I can still turn on the radio and the headlights okay. When I turn the key, the car doesn't even attempt to crank or turn over. besides the warning tone you get when the door is open. That's it.

I looked under the hood and had someone turn the key for me. I hear one click coming from the battery. I hear another click coming a silver box with four skinny metal pipes comig from the top of the unit. That's it. I think it is the starter as the battery is okay and the alternator doesn't appear to starting. Is it that no power is getting to the starter? What's your best guess because I have no idea. I also checked the fuses and none of them appear to be burnt.

 

There are a number of issues that could cause your car not to turn over...(1) Corroded or loose conection at the battery, (2) loose connection at the starter [power or ground], (3) Faulty starter, (4) Faulty stater solenoid.

I'd start by checking the easiest things first, and then if you have no luck, take out the starter and have it tested.

P.S. it helps in diagnosing the issue if you include year, make, model, Manual or TIP, engine and even mileage.

 

when you turn the key on, how many volts does the gauge read? Should be right around 12V. Check your fuses.

 

thanks for the input she is a 2000 2.8 a6 quattro with 140k on the dash and new battery and timing belt job

 

Check
the ground wire at the battery and the wire between the motor and frame.

 

Clean the terminals first (but in my experience with dirty terminals, once you get the first click, all lights go out). Make sure they are on tight.

Then, use a remote starter button and try to start the car. If it turns over (bet it will) then go to the ignition switch and replace it.

Good luck,

Bob