Our 2004 VW Passat V6 will not start sometimes after setting in the garage at the house for 24 hours or more. A clicking sound comes from the engine area when the key is turned on. Car was purchased in May 2004 and has been in the shop 5 times. Today I was told that the car had to be locked at all times when parked so engine would "go to sleep" and not drain. Any ideas?

Have you determined what the cause of the clicking sound was? We just bought an 03 passat, brand new. Still on show room floor, never titled. This morning, it would not start. Only had clicking noise. It was left outside last night. Temp has been the 40's. I also notice a low pitch hum from the engine when its off.

Thanks,
Justin

Justin,

I was told by the local Volkswagen Service Department that the car has to be locked when not in use or the systems(?) will not shut down, thereby running down the battery. I have not found anyone who agrees with that. Not even other Volkswagen dealers. My Passat is kept in the garage so we do not tend to lock it. The clicking sound is the starter trying to work but does not have enough juice. Cecil

I can understand why the dealer has said to lock the door. The body module will stay awake and wait for a command if the doors are unlocked. BUT the car should not kill itself in a day or two. That part is crap. I am a GM mechanic and I have not seen a car kill itself in that short a time without a good draw no the vehicle, and I have tracked down some real winners. My mother is having the same problem and we are going to get some result. I am tired of this.

Have you tried to lock the car? FYI I always lock my 99 passat, and (knock on the wood) no problems with starting. However, recently I did not touch my car for two days, and when it was 33 degrees F, the car had trouble starting. But then it is O.K.