Passat Has Become a Bucking Bronco

[bluejudy]

My car:
93 Passat, 4-speed manual, 2 l engine.
V.I.N. WVWZZZ312PE091221

History of Problem:
Car began bucking as I drove it. First it would drive fine, then it would die a little bit, then buck as it picked up again. It felt like it was not getting gas. For awhile, the problem stopped. Then one day it started again and would not stop. No lights came on, but I noticed when I revved it in neutral that the indicator was showing it revving, then showing the revs dropping as it almost stalled, then showing it picking up again.

Diagnostics So Far:
My mechanic said it was the coolant sensor, and that because this was failing, the system did not know how to handle the fuel. He tried 2 new ones, but the problem remained. He took the sensor out, so now my car does not buck. Right now, I have to crank it four or five times in second, then let the clutch out really fast. It goes ahead a few feet and stalls. I repeat this a few times, then really rev it and it will finally MOVE. Then it runs just fine!!!

Now he thinks it's the computer. He thinks the computer is not reading the sensor. Other than that, he says it would be the wiring. This is an honest guy (won't charge me for those sensor that he cannot return, and has not yet charged me for the labour) who has been in the repair biz for 2 decades and has treated me fairly before. If he is making an error, it's not because he's trying to rip me off. I just wonder whether there is any other possible problem? I am scouting around for a computer, but I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for something that I cannot return if the problem is NOT the computer.

Current Status:
I am driving the car as I try to find advice. The coolant sensor is disconnected. The computer is still connected. No lights are on.

Can anyone help?

Thanks.

[veedubmechanic]

is this the 2.0L cis or 2.0L fuel inj?

if fuel inj than i reccomend cleaning the maf sensor as that are a common problem with oil residue buildup!

also check all your fuses under the dash and in the engine bay (sould be some by the battery and coolant resivour)

[bluejudy]

Thank you for taking the time to answer me. Could you tell me what .cis and maf mean please? I know NOTHING about cars. Until I started researching online yesterday, I had never heard of a VIN. I am learning as I go.

My car has a fuel injector. I asked the mechanic about that.