When returned from having new springs, I had an ECU fault flagged, glowplug error, which shows about 20 seconds after startup, for about 30 seconds. The local garage (VW specialist) said he had reset the ecu, and reckons the ecu has a fault that requires sending to a specialist, I'm not convinced. I need to get a cable and link up the laptop, I have a copy of Yani's early free program.
If the ECU needs specialist work, I think I might ask Gus at Alfa Tune for an opinion, and if it needs his expertise would it be possible to remap for economy.
"It" is now in again having new front shockers, so the springs are off again, as one has an oil leak which may have been caused by the very sudden collapse of the front suspension.

i'd be doing a resistance check on the glow plugs/wiring from the module, only take a minute.

Well if you are ever near Southampton/Hedge End/M27/J7 you are welcome to drop by for a Diagnostic readout. Same goes for anybody if you PM me and I'm around (which is usually often as I'm retired)

maybe time to sel it quick and cheap :devil:

Dave - I despair

Keith - if one of your glowplugs has gone then they are cheap and easy to replace. One of mine went a few months back, it cost £10.38 from ebay (NGK) and took about half an hour to change start to finish. The only weird bit is that you'll need a 9mm box spanner or DD socket to change them.

Pull the engine cover off, pull each glow plug connector off in turn (long nose pliers help) and measure the resistance of each plug in turn. Chances are one of them will be open circuit. It's really not unusual for glow plugs to fail.

Your local garage sounds a bit iffy - there's a fair likelihood that the shock absorber piston rod was damaged during spring replacement but obviously you can't prove that. I'm a little concerned that they are telling you your car has an ECU fault which in reality is just a duff plug. They are aware it has five cylinders, I assume?

HTH.

Thanks for all the kind offers and help. In this small town we have a large Audi dealership, and a couple of service men. The one I have used is an official Audi/VW service point. As the car passed the MOT while they were changing the springs it is unlikely that the damage to the shocker was visible. When I got the car back it was showing the "glow plug error" about 20 seconds after startup for about another 30 seconds. At present it seems fairly harmless, but I will be looking at the suggestions and let you know.
We were recently trying to look at alternative cars, but I really need an auto, so not easy.
Thank you again gentlemen.