A3 TDi glow plug problem

[dubiousmaximus]

Can anyone advise on a glow plug problem with a 1999 A3 TDi? The engine sometimes will not start, glow plug indicator does not light when turning the key and it takes 10-20 minutes before it eventually lights and the engine fires.

Twice it has completely refused to start. Both times my local service center replaced a temperature sensor which fixed the problem temporarily - now they say they can find nothing wrong with the car. Naturally I think they are in league with the devil. : \

The glow plug light also flashes while I'm driving but not continually - just twice. Then the engine bucks and loses about 20% power but I can continue the journey. (Latest twist is that the glow plug indicator flashed continually while driving in stop-start traffic, and stopped flashing after reversing the car.) To be honest I don't know what triggers the problem. Any info you might have is welcome!

[a8 tech]

Remove the voltage supply relay for the engine ecu and remove the cover.Look for any cracks accross the cicuit board .Have you any fault codes if none stored replace the relay as there only about 10 pounds and used to be fairly common for your complaint.

[a8 tech]

Sounds like the engine control unit relay is faulty.Remove the relay cover and look for any cracking on the circuit board and replace there only about a tenner

[dubiousmaximus]

I suggested that to the service center so they replaced the brake switch. Don't ask...

In fact it looked like they were right but after a few days the problem came back and it has refused to start since. Been going on for 5 weeks now, on it's 7th attempt at repair. Stay tuned.

[dubiousmaximus]

After the last failure the voltage supply relay was replaced, all running great for 3½ weeks now so that seems to have nailed it. Pity the Audi guys didn't do what you'd suggested in the first place. (Last repair was a different service center, S&R Motors in Donegal town - very helpful.)

Thanks for advice!

[adamss24]

After the last failure the voltage supply relay was replaced, all running great for 3½ weeks now so that seems to have nailed it. Pity the Audi guys didn't do what you'd suggested in the first place. (Last repair was a different service center, S&R Motors in Donegal town - very helpful.)

Thanks for advice!

If all of us will spend a few hours reading trough the posts it will all be much easier....Glad its fixed now ! 95 % of the the posts has been answered before, just do your research.

[a8 tech]

After the last failure the voltage supply relay was replaced, all running great for 3½ weeks now so that seems to have nailed it. Pity the Audi guys didn't do what you'd suggested in the first place. (Last repair was a different service center, S&R Motors in Donegal town - very helpful.)

Thanks for advice!

Glad to help