Volkswagen Repair: 1997 Jetta TDi, amp fuse, engine cranks

Question
Hello,
I have a 1997 Jetta TDi. I recently experienced hard starting problems at cold temperatures. I replaced the glow plugs and still had the problem. I found no glow plug relay in location 12. I ordered a Glow plug relay, and installed it where I thought the missing relay would go. It killed the electrical system. I checked all the fuses under the dash and they were Ok. Did a fusible link blow? Where do I start to look for it? The engine Cranks, but does not start. The radio Plays, but there are no instrument warning lights such as glow plug, CEL, etc. Any Ideas?
Thanks Jerry  

Answer

TDI_Bridge Apparently the 97 does not have a relay, but is supposed to have a "bridge" instead, effectively a jumper. Here is an excerpt from a thread of the TDI Club web site:

1997 TDI Diesel has the MIL on and 1551 faults of 01050 and/or 01266, check if relay bridge part #3A0941817 is in position 12 on the fuse relay board. Install relay bridge if missing. Check for correct glow plug relay part #028911253 with production date of 180 located above relay board. If part # or production date is different replace relay. Check 80 AMP fuse located next to the glow plug relay. Replace fuse if defective.  

See the entire thread here:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=296051
See item #20.

Hope this helps you pin down the trouble.