I've had this happen a couple of times over the past few weeks on my '01 Jetta GLS, 2.0. Otherwise performance has been generally okay. Maintenance schedule has been followed to date... The car is at 65k, and has been gently driven over the past year, totalling maybe 6k miles.

When I started the car yesterday morning (second time starting following ~1/2 mile drive), the engine turned over, the car started and then kind of sputtered and shut down... happened another 3-4 times just the same, whether I stayed in park or shifted into drive. If I shifted into drive, I'd make it around 25 feet before dying again. The car felt almost as though it were running out of gas, sputtering to a stop, though there was over 1/2 a tank. On maybe the 5th try, the car started and I gave it some gas, the car revved and stayed running without incident. Once driving there was no issue, the car ran fine. I had driven ~500 miles the day before without any problems...

When I started the car later yesterday afternoon, it started with no problem. Again this morning, it started just fine...

As I stated above, this is maybe the 3rd time in 2 weeks I've had "rough" starts, although the first time that I've had to turn it over more than twice... Once running I haven't had any issues, save for maybe some slightly rough idleing. I tried running OBD-II codes yesterday, but could not get the car and the computer to transmit properly...

My question then is two-fold. First, has anyone else had problems connect via OBD with an '01... I have never tried prior to yesterday with this car, although I have used the tool before with other cars, and I see in their protocols that it has been tested with both 2000 and 2002 Jettas using PWM and ISO protocols respectively. I will try to connect again tonight, and see if I can get any codes back which will likely give a little more feedback on what my problem might be...

Secondly, in lieu of codes, any suggestions as to where to start looking. My initial guess was possibly a clogged fuel filter or failing pumps...perhaps a clogged intake. However, I am aware of a history of MAF and engine coil problems with this car, so I am wondering if I am looking at this too simply... The coils were replaced at around 35k. MIL is on currently, though I have a history of having come on and off, with a clean diagnostic coming back...
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Rob,

Mine is kinda similar execpt it only happens when its cold and wet outside and from what I have been reading, it is possibly 2 items:

Crank Sensor
ECM (Computer)

This one dude had that problem and after he replaced both devices it stopped stalling out and studdering. I hope that helps, now if I can only find someone to help me with my Jetta problem on post:

97 Jetta Won't Start! Please Help!

can anyone tell me where is the camshaft position sensor is located on 98 jetta gt is it located in the camshaft it self at a lost

try doing the simplest thing first change your spark plug wires my vr6 misfired and did not want to idle or rev correctly changed those and it works great now. check your ignition coil for cracks in the connectors, if they are cracked the car will shut off in wet conditions. an easy test is to turn the car on if it will spray a mist of clean water from a squirt bottle on them to see if they spark, if not that change your spark plugs and see what happens do the simple things before you spend a ton of money on parts