I would not normally post but could not find similar information in this forum (forgive me if the below is common knowledge but I found it helpful).

My 2002 Ambiente 1.9 Tdi refused to start this morning.

Symptoms - starter/battery were ok, but the engine would not 'catch', perhaps for about 1 second if lucky. (Another post made reference to a 'sewing machine' noise - good description).

The very helpful breakdown guy showed me how to open the 'anti shudder valve' which was apparently stuck.

This link shows exactly what to do:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=128812

It's dead simple - there are lots of picures - it even looked exactly like the inside of my car.

Obviously, working the lever with your finger is not a long-term solution but it might avoid you having to call out the breakdown guy, and give you the chance to get the problem fixed in your own time. Anyway, I hope it's useful.

Some queries though:

- I don't fancy fixing this myself, and after paying

For reference, dealer charged