A few days ago, I was driving my 1997 VW Cabrio (automatic transmission) on the highway in a rainstorm. I noticed my car was shaking a bit, thought maybe the road was bumpy. But then it started shaking violently and I pulled over as I thought it was overheating (I've blown the engine on a car before and that is what it reminded me of.) When I stopped, the car died completely. I started it right back up after a few minutes and drove it to the nearest exit. It acted fine until I had to slow/stop to turn, then it did not want to accelerate at all and then suddenly pushed through and continued normally until I parked. I had an oil change a month ago, and all of my fluids were fine. I drove the car earlier that same day in town with no issues. I can't see anything wrong. My check engine light has been on since I bought the car and no other lights have come on. I had the car towed home because I am afraid to drive it and have it die on me with my son in the car again. Any ideas as to what this mystery problem could be?

 

I tried driving it again today. Started up and seemed to run fine. Slowed to stop and it died on me again. Turned it right back on and had to lay on the gas to get it to start back up. Noticed smoke coming from the passenger side of the hood briefly. Opened hood after I parked and no smoke, no sign of anything going on. I'm so confused!

 

Check your wires make sure everything is tight, also open the intake airbox, check the filter make sure everything there is tight as well. Check to make sure there is no water possibly getting in the intake at all or it will stall on you.