Non-starter - turns over but won't start - VCDS is clear

[wreckxxx]

Hi

My RS4 B5 has started perfectly for years - literally, but has just begun not starting. Engine turns over at normal speed, but doesn't fire up. There is what sounds like a relay clicking rapidly under/behind the right side of the dashboard whilst its trying to start which it doesn't normally do. If I leave it for a few minutes and try again, it's fine, starts within a couple of turns.

It's intermittent - on maybe 1 start in 10 at present, having an 8 month old baby in tow these days a ride home on the back on an AA wagon isn't likely to be as simple as it once was... so I'd rather know if this is the top of a slippery slope to not starting at all or "just one of those things that they do as they get older"

Any ideas what it could be? Anyone had this before?

Feedback welcomed.

Jim

[neckarsulm]

Fuel pump relay?
Can you here it priming?
It's either under boot carpet or back seat (soz can't recall) and should prime when key turned, you can pop the inspection cover off (4 screws?) and get closer to listen to it.

[jimbo1234567]

Fuel pump relay is at fault here. its behind the lower dash under the steering wheel which is removed by 4 m8 bolts. 2 of those are behind the fuse cover on the end of the dash.