06 passat starts then stalls, and gas cap error

[limacina]

2006 Passat 2.0l turbo 4 cylinder 106000 miles
Just in the garage for a new timing belt. While there he checked the check engine light that came on a couple weeks ago.
1. He found the "gas cap loose" code. Gas cap is good, so the leak is probably in a vacuum line or somewhere in the system. The garage has a smoke system that they inject into the lines and look for where it leaks out to solve this. This may be my quickest solution unless someone on here has seen this problem and could suggest where to look first.
2. For a while we've been having an issue with the car stalling. My wife walks out of the store after driving it there and it starts right up, then stalls and wont start for 5-10 minutes.
It's so random, I've been waiting for it to get worse to be able to ID the problem.
Now she says it happens more often.
Anyone seen this issue? I'm thinking it may be related to the fuel cap issue. Almost seems like the engine or fuel pump is loosing its prime.
I know Fuel filter and spark plugs and general tune up should be on the to do list, I'm more interested in responses from people that had the issue and solved it.

[Franco2112]

Could be many things. Take to dealer or a garage with VAG-COM. This will check all aspects of your engine. Hope this helps.
Franco

[Larryirving]

I am having the same problem with my Passat. It has 38,000 miles. Sometimes it starts up with no problem. Then when I come out of a store it starts but stalls instantly. Yesterday it took about 10 times to get it to run.
It has been one thing after another and the warranty ended 2 months ago.
First it was the coil burning up and had to tow it in. Then the Tranny has a major jerk when it down shifts to 4th gear (no all the time) and feels like someone rear ended you.
Now this stalling problem. I have only had it 9 months and love the car but think I may get rid of it before anything else starts.

[Franco2112]

Larry let me try and help you. I find a VAG-COM scan usually will solve most puzzling VW issues. The dealer will charge $85 per hour for this, but will wave that if you have the work done there. I have had my 2000 with minimal issues and when I could not diagnose a problem I paid the $85 to the dealer and am happy I did. Total cost for an unseen puzzling, no start issue, $212 and I was ready to trade it in also. So before you lose thousands on a trade in and then pay more for a new vehicle give the dealer a try for minimal cost. Hope this helps. Please let us know how things work out. One other thing. You had it towed. Check with your auto insurance for tow coverage. You could get some of the tow cost back.
Franco