sounds like youve got a duff battery or charging system.the ratchet sound will be the starter motor solenoid chattering.when you have the engine running using a multi meter and check across the battery terminals you should have a reading of approx 14volts when you rev and hold the revs at around 1500rpm.if so system is ok so suspect the battery.are acid levels ok ,are terminals tight,is battery strap to chasis ok.leaving the car sitting for no matter how long idling will not charge the battery ,it needs higher rpm to bring in the charging system.
xs11
January 2010