Ignition problem Opel Astra?

The rapid clicking sound you hear is the starter relay operating then dropping out then operating and dropping out again.

The battery has enough energy to operate low current devices - like the boot and the starter relay but as soon as the starter tries to draw 50+Amps to turn the engine over its voltages drops to a very low level - not enough to hold the starter relay which disconnects the starter motor - and suddenly there's enough voltage to operate the relay again - click-click-clickety-click.

Not enough energy in the battery to turn the engine over - either charge the battery of get a new one.

Good Luck...
March 2016