"Fixed" the glow plug CEL problem but still starts rough

I have had the problem of the glow plug CEL for a while now. I changed all plugs and did every test in the glow plug troubleshooting forums. Everything passed, so i finally decided to jump the wires like some recommended and that made the CEL go away. BUT, now that the weather is getting colder (still above 0C) the engine is sputtering on start. It takes about 3 seconds of starter cranking to get stable burn. It never took that long last year when it was -35. Could there be another problem? Would changing out the harness make a difference in my case? I also checked the current flow through the plugs with an ammeter and all plugs are conducting same current (about 20amps initially then falling to about 10amps after a few seconds) What else should I do? Thanks

2003 Golf TDI AUTO 200,000KM

What is the temperature. If it's at a certain temperature, the glow plugs come on, but they are almost needed for starting. There is an adaptation with VCDS that will adjust the temperature that the GPs come on.

andrew, I recommend you fix the problem your cel was hinting at.