Mel

OK, thanks for the advice. It looks like you are correct as it appears to be the coolent temperature sensor, wiring or plug at fault because if it's disconnected the problem is solved. Makes sense I suppose as the plugs stay on thinking the engine is cold. This could also explain the gearchange as the engine would probably be running very rich at high idle as well. I just need to identify if it's a poor connection or whether it is the sensor itself. Thanks again for your help. Mel

Thanks for that, I'll start pulling it to pieces this afternoon and keep you posted. I suspected that it might be an electrical fault upsetting the ECU but didn't know where to start. Mel

Hello, 2003 TDI with auto box. The glow plug light has just begun to stay on for over three minutes when first turning on. The car starts perfectly with the light on but seems to change gear without the clutch! Very hard and clumsy. If I wait for the light to go out before starting the gearchange is fine. Occasionally the light goes out as normal. about two seconds. Otherwise the car appears to be normal Any idea where to start looking