Hi, I was wondering if someone could help. Last month I noticed glow plug warning flashing and engine light on the dash. I took the car to an authorised Audi dealer for a service/ investigation and was told that there is some rodent damage to a wire and a block connector; they quoted me £315 for the repairs. Today, I had a look under the bonnet and saw a couple of small wires sticking out and a block (or two?) connector missing - follow the links below. Unfortunately, Audi didn't provide me with any details (didn't even tell me they removed the connector). Does anyone have an idea what the wires are for and is it dangerous to drive with that type of damage/ without the connector/s? I don't feel the price I've been quoted is fair... Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

Audi A1 1.6 TDI, 2017 

https://ibb.co/ByTCckj
https://ibb.co/XsSjGcJ

https://ibb.co/86032Gy

Hello Ewelina,

Thanks for being in touch, and sorry to hear you are having issues with ‘stray’ rodents. 

Although I can understand you thinking that the Audi dealer’s quote is expensive, I think it’s worth bearing in mind that their labour charges are likely to be in excess of £100/hr ( not inc. VAT?). If you consider that, and the fact that they are unlikely to have a recorded scheduled time for this repair, then it may not be as unreasonable as you might first think.

If this were mine, I would be seeking advice/quotation from a trusted local auto electrician, and you might find his quote may be lower. 

However, my overriding concern would be to eradicate these rodents (where do you park the car overnight?) since they can do untold damage to any part of a vehicle they take a fancy to, and although £315 may be an expensive bill to  contend with, I think you could find yourself open to much more expensive bills, if you don’t sort out the primarily cause with some urgency. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.