I have an '04 a4 1.8T. When trying to start it, it was clicking loudly. We jumped it and it started fine. I am hoping it was a one time thing with the battery and there wasn't enough juice for the starter and now everything is okay. But I also read it may be a sign of the starter going bad.

Is it easy to replace? Are there any DIY instructions anywhere? I looked, but with no luck.

 

Starter is probably ok. Sounds like low battery or dirty/loose connection of the battery cables. Clean them. Your battery may just be shot.

 

I think it is the original battery. The connections are clean. It has 80k on it. Is there any special battery needed for Audi's?

 

I would definitely check the battery first, but if it is the starter these instructions might help. Good luck.

Audi > B6 Platform > 2002 - 2005

Electrical Equipment

27 - Starter

Starter - 1.8L 4-cylinder Turbo engine, removing and installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

VAG 1331 Torque wrench (or 5 - 50 Nm equivalent)

VAG 1332 Torque wrench (or 40 - 200 Nm equivalent)

Starter - 1.8L 4-cylinder Turbo engine, removing and installing Page 1 of 3

Disconnect battery

Lift vehicle.

Release fasteners -

Remove nut at starter solenoid terminal B+ -

terminal.

Disconnect electrical connection for terminal 50 -

Remove insulator from positive connection on starter where applicable.

Remove harness clamp -

Remove bolt -

Starter - 1.8L 4-cylinder Turbo engine, removing and installing Page 2 of 3

Remove bolts -

Remove starter from below.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal, noting the following:

Reconnect battery. Required steps .

Tightening torques

Component - fastener Nm

M10 45

Starter to transmission bracket - bolt M12 65

Terminal B+ to starter - nut 16