Update for you guys, a friend tried resetting the ecu and it started first time. Alos didn't cut out on first test. Then problem came back. He informed me that the key was not the proper Audi key and that it was giving off a weak siganl to the immobiliser. I phoned Audi anda chapconfirmed this could be the prob.

Is there any way to "reset" the key to the car or anything?

Thanks

 

the 97 keys didnt have an immobiliser. if it was your coolent temp sensor you check engine light would be on. vag # 16500 cost $31 us replaced mine yesterday. your prob sounds like the icv valve. take it out and cleen it out. just spray it with carb or brake cleener. here is a write up on it http://audi.kris-hansen.com/icv.htm