Two days ago, my wife had a minor accident (her fault!) which damaged the right front fender. She was able to drive the A4 1.8T home with no problems. Today, the car won't start. I hear a crackling sound from the ignition and the dashboard display has the EPC light on. I checked the battery with a digital multimeter and it read 11.3.

Any ideas on what I should do next?

 

Jump start it.

 

I jump started it. Drove around the block and let it idle for 30 minutes. Switched off engine and started engine several times. However after 3 hours it won't start again! Same clicking noise. I believe the battery is original and more than 6 yrs. Does the battery need replacement even if the reading is over 11 DCV? Or is it a symptom of a bigger problem? (electrical, alternator?)

Thanks for your help!

 

Have the battery tested. I had one go bad after 2.5 years. Also, the accident could have damaged something that is causing a drain. A wire could have been cut and that wire could be grounding out. Do all electrical things work?

 

Is the clicking coming from the ignition, or could it be the starter clicking?

 

Bad battery confirmed! Replaced and now everything works!
Thanks guys!