Urgent help needed: 2000 Modena clicks but does not crank or start

Hi everyone

I started to experience a rather annoying issue with my 2000 360 Modena that I am hoping someone has some some input into. About a month ago, right before I went on vacation, I tried to start the car and although the security system seemed disabled (2 chirps, after clicking the remote button once to open the doors and once to disarm the alarm), the car would just click but the engine would not crank or (obviously) start. I tried many things like disconnecting the battery, jumping the car, measuring the battery output (no issues there) but nothing worked. I even called the dealer and someone in the service department made sure I was doing nothing wrong. Their recommendation was to have it towed there so it gets examined.

I had to leave for a week and when I came back the car started right up! Everything was fine until a couple of days ago when I noticed both headlights flickering and even turning off for the first 10 minutes after the car was running. The next day after that happened the car won't start again. It definitely feels like a security system being enabled but I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. The click I am talking about comes from the middle of the engine, right under the horse.

If anyone experienced this please let me know, I am trying to rule out all obvious possibilities before having it towed to the dealer.

Thank you

 

Would a bad battery connection cause just this? All other functions - radio, interior lights etc are working.

 

Here's an update: I was able to start the car by pushing it and putting it in second gear. After about 30 minutes of driving it kept starting every time... I will bring it to the dealer tomorrow, I am just hoping it will start in the morning (or I'll have to push it again). Does that pretty much mean it's the starter (or a bad connection)?

 

Well, I have one of those battery testers that I connected to it and it said battery is ok. Now, after the car started I noticed that the lights would turn on even without the engine on (but with the key turned) which was not the case before that. If it is only a battery wouldn't it crank just a little bit? Also, since it starts by pushing it does it mean the starter is fine or on the contrary?

By the way, I did try to jump it but it did not work...

 

I will definitely bring it in, just wanted to see what the feedback is from people. Thank you