HEllo
This is the second time i have posted here. THe first time was a great experience, i am hoping to repeat that...blah,blah, blah..anyway.

I stopped at a gas station tonight right after leaving the house, filled the tank, started the car, and started to drive. I didn't get very far! The cars rpm's just slowly dropped with no pedal response, and then died. I started it back up and it sort of started and did the same thing. AFter that it won't start at all. The engine is getting plenty of power, although i have not checked the spark (how do i do that). The engine sounds like it really wants to start, its just not getting gas, or maybe spark. But i think gas, because i do not smell gas at all, and pumped the pedal numerous times. I have never had a problem like that, and i was driving it all day, went in for about 5 hours then this happened.

Anybody have an idea of what it could be? I am thinking fuel pump. I am a pretty good shade tree mechanic, but i do not know where the pump is on this car, can you tell me?

Thank you very much for reading this, and thank you in advance for the help.

pulling back liner. To check the spark, you'll need to pull one of the wires and insert a tester (can be had from local auto parts store), or insert a small screwdriver and hold it near a metal part on the block (be careful where you place the screwdriver/wire!). Then you have someone crank the engine over while you look for a spark (or indicator on the tester).

Great, Thank you very much, i will test that out immedietly! Does it sound like the fuel pump is the problem? That was my guess. I will also check the spark of the plugs and make sure that is there too.

Thank you very much for your help. I will post again after i test it out.

Thanks again for the help.

To help with diagnosis, the day after it happended, i went to start it and it started up and went to 1000 rpm and then died again. So again it barely started just like after it originally died.

Thanks again for all the help

Sounds exactaly like the fuel pump. But first check the spark, then check the fuel pump relay, but my money is on the pump. How many miles are on the car?

Perfect, thank you very much for the feed back. I went to check the spark, but actually the socket size to get the plug out it an unusual size. I am planning on putting an old spark plug in the wire and test it. That should be fine...correct?

The car has 170,000 miles on it. I also have the A6 wagon, is that the fuel pump under the rear seat? it seems to be a very simple thing to switch, hopefully thats right.

Thanks again.

it running for a few seconds after cranking the engine, sometimes as you turn on the ignition, if it does not run at all then the pump is the best bet.

You must drain nearly all the fuel into safe containers or another car. The pump is submerged and difficult to get out the first time you do it. You have to try turning it about 10-12º anti-clockwise until you feel it click, then it lifts out with all its wiring and pipes. Not a fun job.