muddy,,,
I got a voltmeter [2000 sport tdi
] and as soon as I start the engine, the volt go up to something like 15+,,, so the alternator has to start with the engine,,,
the relay click isn't the glow plugs imo cos IIRC I can hear it even in warm climate. It should be something to do with the cold-engine mode [i.e. different fueling and open egr etc,,,],,, my 2p.