trying to help out a friend of a friend.
its an 032LQ ECU, and he insists that it will loose the stock software if the battery goes dead...i know this isnt true, but it wont start.
scanned with VCDS and there are some codes, but nothing that should keep it from starting up. it was super cold out the other night when i was there, and i tried to do a TBA, but couldn't. i now realize this is from the coolant temp being below 5deg C.
could not having a TBA keep it from starting? ive tried to search everywhere, but couldn't find any solid evidence of that happening before.
having him check fuel pressure at the rail to start. he also mentioned there was a mouse in there at some point...so that could be a real headache for him!

thanks for any help/info/ideas/thoughts

no tune, i asked. twice! cuz thats what i was thinking too.
he said he heard the fuel pump prime before i got there when he opened the door, but i didn't while i was there. even with the key, and after letting it sit for 30min and going back to try again.
i didn't think about the crankshaft sensor, and didn't even look at tach whilst turning it over. ill have him do that.

thanks for the advice!! ill report back with more info, or when its figured out. hoping he can check the fuel pressure here soon and let me know

Also if it has been sitting long enough, and had fuel in it (especially if it has high ethanol content), the injectors, filter, checkvalves, etc might all be gummed up to hell.

The fuel pump continuously runs (should) when you start the output tests.

no not yet,  him and his girlfriend just had a kid, so it could be a while!