96 2.0 jetta won't start

read some threads about ingnition coil. was wondering about symptoms. try's to start but sputters and coughs then dies. timing belt looks good was changed 16 mths.ago. gets fuel , can smell it anyway. checked vac. lines all seem ok. wires and plugs and dist. cap changed about 8000 miles ago. any ideas?

You are getting some sparking since it sort of runs. To check the coil for arcing just spray it with water in a dark place & look for sparks jumping out of the housing to ground.

thanks boschman, no arc so i borrowed a scanner. got a list of codes. po 300,301,302 303 misfires.p0422 replace cat. converter., p1580, p1582 idle speed control aux. and inputs, p1613 manufacturers control aux inputs,aux outputs and p0501 speed sensor a range/perfomance. well i think thats it. i where do i start. help?

seems p1613 means mil call-up circuit open/short to b+. huh? so in english what does that mean?

I'd clear them and see which comes back. I'm not sure about that 1613, appears to be a communication problem with the check engine light.

thanks if i can get the thing running i will. could this be a fuel problem? all those codes were from who knows how long, i'm not the original owner.

Since it seems you have a spark, I'd check the fuel pressure next. It only requires a simple gauge, there is a 7mm plug in the end of the fuel rail that comes out to test.

thanks i'll check it out.

well, looks like it is my cat converter. dropped it and it started up and ran. backpressure is a _itch.

That must be one severely clogged cat to not even let it start & idle.

yep, what didn't crumble out is a giant inside. i'll post the results after i install anew one .

changed the cat, did a check on the plugs and stuff, now runs pretty good. cya