I am giving this a chance to see if I can get some help restoring this 96 jetta GLS. I bought it for a dollar. Luckily, it runs or I should say it idles. This brings up the first problem. When you depress the accelerator it chokes out and dies. I dont know if its the MAF sensor, the fuel filter, pump, injectors. Maybe someone else had this problem. Another issue that I am having is the alarm. The freak'n thing goes off all of the time, randomly. The previous owner knew nothing about wiring or steroes and tried to install a full set up himself. I dont really care about audio right now. I just want to get the car running well.

 

I have it running rough. I am checking the MAF sensor and the throttle assembly. I had it driving up to third gear. All fluids need to be replaced including the gas. Reverse is toast, there is a lot of grinding and puttering. The engine did a lot of back firing. If anyone has suggestions or has had this problem please assist me. I am in the process of dismantling the car.

 

how is the fuel?
check the intake boot
i am geting a 96 friday for $250 all it needs is a rear window regulator

 

The fuel is old. I had it up to 5500 RPM, smoked like a cigar. The rpm's surge and putter. I have to replace the Charcoal canister. There is a broken line on it.
When you say the intake boot are you talking about the air intake. I know that the transmission needs an overhaul and so does the fuel system. The rear and passenger window regulators are shot too.
Good luck with your car.

 

throw some fuel injector cleaner in there and see what it does. When you hit the gas and it starts to die it's getting flooded, and sounds like it running real rich. Gonna have to tweak the whoel system...my uncle has a machine you can hook up to map your whole system...like an engine managmenet system. maybe another shop has something like that.

 

My guess is your fuel pump or its hoses are sucking in air. Im willing to bet thats it.