Starts but won't stay running unless EGR is closed

New here. 2005.5 1.9 BRM TDI and the car will start and run for 3 seconds then shut off. A garage where I broke down checked the exhaust for obstructions. None. MAF was checked & functioning as it should. Fuel is present. VAG did not show any problems. They found the only way to get the car running was to close the EGR valve and disconnect EGR Electronically. With it closed the car starts and runs fine. Got the car home and cleaned intake including the EGR. Put it back together and the same problem. Starts and runs for seconds. Pull EGR, close valve and unplug and it runs fine. Is EGR Normally open on start? I checked Shutter valve and it is open on start and closes to shut down. The valve does not move manually at all.
Monday I will replace the fuel filter and see what happens.
Please any suggestions.

Bad N18?

I wouldn't mess with the filter at this point. Just adds another variable into the troubleshooting you don't need.

check the connection on the egr and make sure that it is not dirty. if that checks out look at the harness leading to the egr. if the wires are not cracked, chaffed, or broken then I would replace the egr valve. I would not think that this has anything to do with the fuel filter.

I would almost bet that the gears in the egr a stripped out. this is a common problem with these

It is bad EGR 100%
I have seen this problem to many times.
You have 2 option:
Put new EGR and problem is fixed,
or do tune with EGR delete.

What is a bad N18? Thank you!
New EGR on order.

N18 is a vacuum solenoid that controls the EGR on AHU's and ALH's. I take it the PD's are totally electric?

trevormarsh said:

What is a bad N18? Thank you!
New EGR on order.

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You do not have N18 , your EGR is electronic control direct by ECU.

New EGR solved the problem!

trevormarsh said:

New EGR solved the problem!

Click to expand...

Your welcome.