1998 A4 1.8,
140,000 miles, timing belt changed at 110,000.

All of a sudden, it sounds like it is going to die.

Wheezing stuttering, gasping for breath, especially when it has to go uphill, or in traffic, when you accelerate to get moving, it dips down, dies.

So the mechanic here in New Orleans looks it over, the compyter says it is a ok. He finds, however, a totally clogged air filter, replaces it, so here is hoping.

And I am flying! All is well! Pushing it on the highway, no prob, the in the city, no prob, then traffic on st. charles ave... I press down... stutter stutter, it is going to die, it just barely hangs on.

Now here is the thing--I have driven a bit since then, and it has been ok. I don't know what to do or think. Take it back and let him peer mystified at it? (He works on european cars, seems good) Or drive it until it starts with the death rattle again?

Thoughts on what it could be?

Of course the in-laws are in town, and my wife's dad says, "Put a bullet in its head!'

 

Any luck with this? I would simply go through a mini-tune up (fuel filter, injector cleaner, spark plugs,... etc).

Does this only happen when you start from a cold car? or during a warm drive?

Is your check engine light on? I would go to local auto parts store and have them connect their diagnostic unit to look up the codes (free service).

Sounds like you have an in-compatible inlaws car. It may just go away, when they go away j/k

 

I would definitely check for trouble codes first, if you find one it will steer you in the right direction. Good Luck.

 

thank you both for these tips.

Here is the plan: No check engine light. the air filter got cleaned, the fuel filter got cleaned. It stopped stalling when idling. Idled fine for two hours.

Feels good on the road. And then, once, once! In traffic, I depressed accelerator and... stutter stutter, almost dies, comes back. But only once.

So I am going to hope it just goes away.

A ridicuous plan. But what else to do if my local mechanic who works these kinds of cars is baffled, the computer says it's all fine, and my only two other options are: take it the local audi deal, who i suspect will just hose me for a thousand dollars trying to find something, or... get another car.

Will update when it breaks down!
pf

 

Sometimes there will be a trouble code stored without the check engine light on. It sounds like you may be having a sensor going bad. I hate weird problems like this! Good Luck!