MK3 Golf TDI Starting Throttle Blip

[marmitejar]

Hi,
I wonder if anyone can help with my problem with my 1997 Golf TDI Estate.
When I started it the other day, the throttle roared without me doing anything and a cloud of black smoke shot from the exhaust. I also noticed that there is a lack of power.
But today, there was no problem.
Could it be the turbo? or some sort of sensor. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Break it to me gently if you think my car is dying.
It has 209,000 miles on it.
Cheers, Gary

[Dennis616]

Hi,
I also am experiencing the same problem on my 1997 Golf tdi mk3 also with a flashing glowplug light which comes on a minute after driving off.
After switching off it may or maynot reocure and when it does is low on power.
A vw technician told me to check the stoplight switch as this can cause problems like this so I've checked it ok.
It certainly is not something mechanical like the turbo and is more likely to be an intermittant connection or faulty sensor.
Hopefully someone has experienced this problem before and can help or else I may have to get the fault codes read by a dealer.

regards, Andy