starter is clicking but will not start

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! Ah, the dreaded click-click-no-vroom from your Passat! It's like your car is clearing its throat but then decides it just doesn't want to sing. You say the battery is fully charged, which is a good start, but that click is often the sound of the starter solenoid trying its best but not quite making it, or the starter motor itself not wanting to join the party. Even with a charged battery, the electricity has to make a clean journey. First suspects are always the connections. Make sure your battery terminals are sparkling clean and tighter than new shoes. Then trace those main cables – especially the one going to the starter and the ground connections. Corrosion or a loose connection there can be like a kink in a garden hose, stopping the full flow of power. If those are all ship-shape, the starter solenoid, which is often part of the starter motor assembly these days, could be on the fritz, or the main starter motor itself might have decided to retire. It's getting the signal, but not doing the work. If you need any further advice or want help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554