99 Passat Check Engine/Won't start

I have a 99 Passat 1.8 turbo. Car was running fine, no warning lights. We were driving it about 30 mph, irt felt like it wasnt' getting any gas, the motor cut off and the check engine light came on. We coasted into a parking lot, checked the oil and tried to start it and it won't start. When I turn the key the starter sounds like it's just turning. Lights and everything work but the engine won't start. VW said it could be the fuel pump (est. price $600.00) or some cam/crank sensor (didn't bother to ask on this one). Anyone have any ideas? I appreciate any and all ideas and/or comments.

Do you have any idea when the timing belt was changed? Cause if the starter sounds like its just spining it could be theres no compression. I hope not for your sake, but I have had another car (HONDA) do excatly what yours did, and it sounded like the starter was just spining. The timing belt went.

Sounds like timing belt broke, take out black cover (three plastick screws), and pop the two fasteners on black cover for the t-belt and pull on the belt--if it moves--it's broken.

We will check the timing belt. Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions.

I have no idea when the timing belt was changed. I bought the car used in December 05.

Is the hope not for my sake due to the cost or the effort its going to take to replace if it's the timing belt?

i am having same problem with you just today. A 1999 1.8T Passat.

everything I've read about the timing belt doesn't sound good. Seems it ruins the motor when the belt breaks. People are talking about $5000-$6000 repair bills. Guess mine will be sitting till it rots! Dang, and it was paid off!

Does anyone know, does it always ruin the engine when the belt breaks? Is there anyone out there that hasn't had engine damage when their timing belt broke? I need some words of encouragement.

Did you check if you t-belt is broken? Also, if it is, look for new old engine, perhaps it will be cheaper.

I'm waiting for my son to go over and see if the t-belt is broken. Wish he'd hurry up. Should have the news sometime today.

We checked the timing belt, it's broken. I called and they asked me how many teeth are on the belt, anyone have a clue which one I need. If not, I guess we have to take the old one off and start counting.

Check valves they are probably bent. I would worry about getting new head, rather than belt. Look for new motor too, maybe it will be cheaper.

Good luck!