car cranks but does not start

[mhayes]

hi i have a question about my 96 jetta gl i drove it fine one day and a few hrs later i went back out to restart it and it would just crank and not start. it does not spark so we replaced the ignition coil figuring that would do the trick but it didnt so i was wondering if anyone had the same problem maybe you could help me please thanks
meghan

[Ontjetta97]

three things to make the car start:
spark, fuel and compression

a) check for spark at the plugs...since u already replaced the coil
- no spark...check engine for proper ground...corroded connections etc
...could be neutral start switch
...could be ignition switch
b) Compression...check to make sure timing belt has not broken, fraid or jumped a tooth

c) fuel...make sure there is fuel at the injectors
could be fuel pump relay or simple fuse.

check for the simple things first before you assume by swapping out with expensive parts