alright so im driving down the on ramp to the 5 north and kinda get on the gas a little to pass a volvo in 3rd, get up to about 4800. shift back down to 4th and all of a sudden the power goes out. power to the engine dies, no power steering, but power brakes and the radio is still on . pull over to the side and try to start it. it gives a chugging noise like it wants to start but keeps dying, possibly fuel pump, alternator? its not a click like if the battery died. so mr. tow truck dude comes out after an hour wait and tows me to my mechanic. mechanic tries to start it and he says, "Oh, no. Ok dis no good right now." and left me with that and hasnt called back. sooooo as im left with that comment, anyone wanna help a brotha out?

 

hopefullly not, but sounds like you may have broke your timing belt. sorry

 

lol no defintly not a broken timing belt

 

I think it may be the alternator since I believe you would be able to start the car if the fuel pump is the problem.
So the problem is solved after you took it to the mechanic or it is still going?

 

yeah thats what im thinking. but sometimeswhen i start it up for the first time of the day it does the same thing....i turn the key and it just chugs like its in 1st without my foot on the clutch...turn it again and it goes. so wouldnt that be the fuel pump? I'll have to wait and see since I got the car to him at around 4 and he seemed pretty busy.im hoping its the alternator. so im left to wait till tomorrow for the damage report.

at least this happened now and not in 2 weeks when im in utah [:'(]

 

Yeah, that could also be the cause of your fuel pump being clogged.
Do you start your car in the morning and leave it on for a little while?
I think it could also be that your engine is cold.
Let's just hope for the best!

 

yeah i always let my car warm up for at least 2 minutes before i drive it.

yeah +1 on that...just hope for the best!!!

 

hope nothing snapped like the tbelt. and sludge hope its not that.

 

Did you have any warning indicators before it pooped out on you? Did you happen to notice any drop in battery voltage on the gauge?

You said it tried to start/chugged, but wouldn't idle - did the engine actually turn over, or did it seem stuck in a stroke? I can't remember if the 2.8 is interference, but if it is, I'd assume the engine wouldn't turn over at all (I'm used to my OHV 302ci muscle car - forgot alot of Audi stuff)