2005 1.9tdi Fuel Pump?

[Cycocycle]

My 2005 1.9tdi stopped dead on the road two nights ago. Maintained full electrical power. Starter turned the engine no problem but no hope of starting. I suspected fuelling and a Vag com check confirmed a fuel pump low pressure issue going back 8000kms (I only have the car 2 weeks) . A quick check revealed no power reaching the in tank electric fuel pump however the guage/light work OK. I removed the pump and tested the motor which worked fine under direct power supply.
I am not familiar with how these pumps work in terms of the conditions required for them to start running, do they run constantly, is there a trigger signal etc. Its difficult to say if certain behavior is atypical when you dont know what the typical behavior is. It evidently did get power at some stage as the pump reservoir was full of fuel and the car started but cut out again (possibly when this reserve of fuel was depleted).
I found one pretty badly burned relay to the right of the steering column and the vag com reading also showed a climate control fault even though it seems to be working fine. Connecting or disconnecting the positive lead on the battery also results in a reasonably strong sparking noise. Does this indicate an unusually heavy loading on the battery or would this be normal?
Any help or insight into any of these seemingly random issues greatly appreciated.

[DSG4ME]

Sparks are a sign of a well charged battery,

I've replaced my pump recently, £93 from GSF 15 mins to fit, I didn't try it out of the car but the new one buzzes away nicely, I recommend you get a new seal for it from VW as well