Pauses before starting, warning lights stay on, clock resets

[Peel]

Hi. Can't find anything by searching so hopefully this will be a useful post. My 2005 GTI sometimes hesitates before starting. About 1 in 5 starts, nothing happens for a second or two after turning the key. It then starts but several warning lights (including power steering and traction control IIRC) stay on for about 30secs. Clock and trip meter both reset.

Hopefully it's not a case of "they all do that sir". Could anyone suggest what I might check or change to sort this? Thank you.

[bacillus]

How old is your battery and do you have a voltmeter to check its voltage?

[lukemk5gti]

This isn't normal.

Sounds like your battery terminal connection is shorting. check and clean off the grit around the connectors then check the cables for breaks.

Replace your battery if you don't know how old it is.

[Peel]

I never updated this thread. Apologies. It was indeed the battery. Had it tested at Halfords, who assured me all was well... A week later I had to be rescued by the AA, who told me to get to the battery shop pronto. No problems since.