Rapid clicking noise on startup

[carl]

You know how when the battery goes completely flat, if you try to start the car you get a rapid clicking noise and the headlights flash?

Well, I left my Z4M for 2 weeks while I was away on business, and whilst it starts every time and the lights come on, on starting (and sometimes on shutting down) there is a rapid clicking noise for several seconds that seems to originate from behind the radio.

Any idea what this could be? Is it a symptom of something about to fail?

 

[Sootydog]

Here's a long shot. Could it be the CD spooling up and down

 

[carl]

Hmm, the missus says there is a CD stuck in the slot so it's possible. But when I say rapid clicking I'm thinking about 5Hz.

 

[Sootydog]

Pull the fuse on the radio circuit ( there is a diagram on here somewhere ) and listen again.

 

[carl]

Thanks chaps. I haven't pulled the fuse yet but from further listening including when pressing the eject button, it's definitely the CD player. Panic over.

 

[andysat]

Thanks chaps. I haven't pulled the fuse yet but from further listening including when pressing the eject button, it's definitely the CD player. Panic over.

Phew-at least you know the culprit!