1996 golf - trouble starting

my 96 golf turns over, but will not start. after i let the engine turn over for a few seconds and then i turn the key back the car seems to want to star, but won't. problem occurs in cold weather. any suggestions?

update: i tested ignition coil and i am getting a spark. the engine still cranks over and then backfires and almost starts as i turn the key off. what could this be?

it's not the cold persay, but that doesn't help. I drive a 97 golf (unless it's wet out), and I experienced the same problem. the problem is that your distributor is wet, or damp. in the cold it cannot dry as rapidly as when it's warm, but try driving your car through a large puddle in the summer. Guaranteed you will have similar problems until the car dries enough to start again. Give it a shot and good luck.

Please did you ever find out the problem? My golf is doing the exact thing.... It's also a gas vw
betty@torontobiofuels.com

is it golf mk3 vr6?

Are you getting gas pressure?

I have the exact same problem! The trouble is that i have another problem. My cooling system seems to have a leak somewhere. I checked my coolant reservoir and it had a leak which i sealed. It still leaks a little but the car is losing coolant faster than it leaks from the reservoir. Could this be part of my problem or are they two seperate issues?