[steveler]

I am needing some help to diagnose a problem with my "N" reg A6 and hope that someone might be able to help from past experience.

The car has for a while been losing power between 2800 and 3200 rpm depending on the weather. Last Monday on the way home it lost all power with a puff of black smoke from the exhaust, but regained it again and drove normally once the clutch was depressed. It did this 3 more times in the space of 20 miles and then refused to start in the morning until it was towed. It then drove about 4 miles and stopped.

It tries to strat with the key, but wont.

When the key is turned the glow plug light comes on and goes straight off. There is power at the glow plugs but the timer (wherever it is) does not let them heat up. Bypass the timer and heat them directly they work ok but the car will still not start.

Can anybody help?? Is the timer part of a larger circuit that will prevent the car starting? Is there anything else that will stop it in these circumstances?

My nearest Audi dealer is 2.5 hours away so the towing cost is not cheap and they are reluctant to offer advice over the phone - funnily enough!!

Heres hoping


Steve