My 01 TT Quattro has been acting funny at random times when cranking. Engine turns over for maybe 10-15 seconds, cranks, and then sputters out. If I try to give it gas it acts like it's "bogging down" and cuts off. I noticed that it was smoking (which it has never done before) after it cranked the other day following one of these episodes. Any ideas of what this could be or maybe where I should start in troubleshooting this problem. Thanks in advance!!

...anyone?

Does you gauge cluster lights come all the way on when the key is in the on position? Have you had the battery, alt, or starter tested?