Amarok V6 Starting Issue: ECU vs Starter Mystery

Had almost the same issue with my 2014 VW Touareg V6 diesel. After seeing the check engine light and experiencing those exact symptoms, I got really worried about potential ECU failure. As someone with moderate car repair experience, I first suspected major electronic issues, but it turned out much simpler. The battery connections were corroded and loose, causing poor contact. This created unstable voltage that confused the engine diagnostics system. The workshop did a full electronic diagnostic scan and found multiple error codes due to voltage fluctuations. They cleaned all battery terminals, replaced the connectors, and properly secured all ground connections. Total cost was 155€ including diagnostics. Since the fix, no more starting issues or warning lights. The clicking sound you describe is very similar to what I experienced, it often indicates power delivery problems rather than actual engine or ECU issues. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Any recent work done on the electrical system? When was the last battery replacement? Are there any other electrical issues like flickering lights? Does this happen more often in wet weather? These details would help determine if you are dealing with the same root cause.

Last service was done 1500km ago when they also checked all electronics and fuel injection system. After reading your reply, I checked all battery connections again. While visually they look clean, I noticed one ground wire near the starter motor was slightly loose. However, even after tightening it, the problem persists. The engine fault warning still appears and the engine keeps stalling when attempting to start. The battery is just 8 months old and all other electrical systems work perfectly, no flickering lights or other issues. Weather conditions dont seem to affect it. The clicking sound is consistent whether the engine is cold or warm. The most concerning part is that when the check engine light appears, it stays on longer than before. Could this point to a more serious fuel system problem rather than just electrical connections?

Following up on our previous discussion about your Amarok starting issues, I actually faced a similar progression with my Touareg when the initial electrical fixes didnt solve the problem. After ruling out basic electrical issues, my case turned out to be related to the fuel injection system. The engine software was misreading signals from the fuel pressure sensors, causing the ECU to prevent engine start as a safety measure. This explained why the check engine light behavior changed over time. The workshop found that the fuel pressure regulator was failing intermittently, triggering engine surge conditions that the ECU detected as unsafe. The diagnostic scan revealed multiple fuel system error codes that werent present during the initial electrical checks. In my case, replacing the fuel pressure regulator (320€) and reprogramming the engine control module resolved both the starting issue and warning lights. The fact that your problems persist after checking connections, combined with the changing check engine light pattern, strongly suggests a similar fuel system or ECU-related issue. Recommend getting a specialized diagnostic scan focusing on fuel system parameters. Modern diesel engines have complex fuel injection systems that require specific testing equipment to properly diagnose these symptoms. Would you be able to share what error codes appeared during your last service check? This could help pinpoint if youre dealing with a similar fuel system problem.

Thanks for sharing those details and I now have a much clearer picture of the situation. Your case sounds increasingly similar to what others have experienced with V6 diesel engines where the fuel pressure regulation system starts acting up. After checking the battery connections and finding them secure, combined with the fact that the engine fault warning persists and the check engine light behavior is changing, this really points toward a fuel system problem rather than electrical. I just spoke with my regular workshop and they mentioned that during my last service check, they found error codes P0087 and P0193 which were related to the fuel rail pressure issues. Would be very interested to know if these match any of the codes from your last diagnostic scan. The fact that this happens regardless of engine temperature and weather conditions, plus having a new battery, makes me even more convinced its likely a fuel injection or engine software issue rather than the electrical problems I initially suspected. Think I will schedule a full diagnostic scan next week focusing specifically on the fuel system. The progressive nature of these symptoms, especially the engine stalling and altered check engine light pattern, suggests this needs proper attention before it potentially gets worse.