Intermittent complete loss of power

[CEL555]

Yesterday I had just completed the weekly shop. Got in the car set off and noticed almost straight away that there was no power at all. Like the turbo had fallen off.
Shortly after the glow plug light on the dashboard started flashing continuously.

I limped home. Switched the engine off. started it again and the light had gone out. Went for a quick drive and everything is back to normal.:confused:

This morning, set off for work. Same as yesterday, no power and the glow plug light is flashing again. Pulled over, switched off and switched back on again and yep, back to normal.

Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing this? Little concerned that next time it happens I wont be as lucky with the switching off and back on again. The manual is not very helpful at all and does not explain or mention a 'flashing' glow plug light.

The car is a 2005 3.0Tdi Sline Quattro, manual transmission if that makes any difference to anything.

Would be very grateful of peoples suggestions as to what might be the cause.

Thanks

Chris

[Piddles]

Take it to your local VAG specialist. Your ECU will have stored the error codes and they'll extract them with their computer. Cost should be minimal.

crank/cam Sensor would be a wild guess.

Let us know how you get on.

[CEL555]

Piddles, thanks for reply. I have just been down to JBS in Chesterfield. They are closed today - open again tomorrow so will get it booked in. Last time they charged me £90 just for diagnostics :aargh4:

Hoping it is some kind of sensor that wont cost a fortune to replace. No strange noises and the engine sounds fine, just zero power when the light comes on.

Read other posts on here but don't think the solutions apply to me, such as faulty brake pedal switch or brake lights.

Will post update when I have news from them.

Cheers

Chris

[Boxa786]

I would recommend a cheaper VAG specialist, you shouldn't have to pay more than £40 for a diagnostics check!

If they don't know what the codes mean, make a note and post on here or google them.

I have a strong feeling it will be the air mass sensor. If it's not this, you could be looking at EGR valve or Turbo.

[CEL555]

Ok results are in. It's the turbo charger control motor that is faulty £240 all in for a 'repair' kit that Audi sell.

Does this sound like a reasonable cost to fix it?

Thanks in advance

Chris

[OnlyShallow]

Could be a problem with the inlet manifold. I think this may be an issue with the 3.0 TDI engine.

[CEL555]

Just been to pick it up... only £60 this time to tell me what's wrong with it. :aargh4:

Seriously annoys me that I have to pay so much for them to tell me whats wrong with it and then tell me it's another £240 to fix it. I'm sure this didn't use to happen?

Before anyone says it. Yes I could go elsewhere, but where else is there close to Sheffield? Any suggestions welcomed.

Anyway, rant over..... Below is a scan of the print out they gave me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/Terzo/Untitled.jpg

[CEL555]

Anyone? or is this so un common no one has heard of it?