I have a 98 jetta 2.0 k2, recently replaced dist. And ignition wires after car would not fire after running fine previous day. Serviced car and very next day same problem occured only to learn that it may now be the cam/crank sensor. Car has 209000 miles and motor runs fine when starts. 1) was it worth replacing dist. And wires? 2) is this something commonly overlooked by mechanics? 3) is there difference between cam/crank sensor? 4) is this a job that can be done by average do-it-yourself person with proper instructions? Please comment or contact [email protected] Any input would be greatly appreciated, thank you

Can you spray fuel in the throttle body and get it to run. If so you need to check the fuel pump or the fuel filter. If you are sure it is just not firing then you need to check the coils, dist, rotor and module in the dist to determine which is at fault. You might also want to check the catalytic converter and make sure it is not plugged. It is in the exhaust system ahead of the muffler. Normally there is a o2 sensor in the pipe and if you can remove it and see if the car starts. Too much back pressure on the engine will not allow the fuel to enter the cylinders and fire.

Check the pickup coil in the dist. and make sure you don't have a broken wire. It is under the advance plate in the dist. and has 2 very small wire going to it and one maybe loose or broken and it will keep the module from firing. OOPs you said the module is firing so maybe the new module is not 100% you might want to try another one because the fire should be strong after the module unless the wires are bad and that is probably not the case as it is hard to believe all of them would go bad at one time.
Finally, be sure the module is grounded on the plate in the dist.

you battery have disconnect inside replace battery check alternator charging Am.

Try depressing gas pedal halfway. If that helps it start, then check out the engine coolant temp sensor. If the sensor is off or corroded, the computer won't feed enuf gas.

FIRING ORDERS NOTE: To avoid confusion, remove and tag the spark plug wires one at a time, for replacement. If a distributor is not keyed for installation with only one orientation, it could have been removed previously and rewired. The resultant wiring would hold the correct firing order, but could change the relative placement of the plug towers in relation to the engine. For this reason it is imperative that you label all wires before disconnecting any of them. Also, before removal, compare the current wiring with the accompanying illustrations. If the current wiring does not match, make notes in your book to reflect how your engine is wired. Fig. 1: 2.3L and 2.5L Engines Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Distributorless Ignition System
Fig. 2: 2.6L Engine Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Distributor Rotation: Clockwise
Fig. 3: 3.0L Engines (MPV) Firing order: 1-2-3-4-5-6 Distributor Rotation: Clockwise
Fig. 4: 3.0L Engines (1994 B Series Pick-up) Firing order: 1-4-2-5-3-6 Distributor Rotation: Clockwise
Fig. 5: 3.0L (1995-98) and 4.0L Engines Firing order: 1-4-2-5-3-6 Distributorless Ignition System

You have spark on the coil wire but not coming from the cap. You replaced the cap right. Did you replace the rotor too. Sometimes the rotor burn in the center and the spark goes right thru it in to the distributor shaft.

Do you have spark??? if so, check fuel pressure, these trucks must have 60 psi to run, 50 psi will not work,.

try changing the ignition module ,not sure on this model but i think its inside the dist

SEE IF YOU CAN PULL CODES AND DATA READINGS, IF YES MORE THEN LIKELY ECU OK. CHECK DIST. FOR PLUG FIRE AND INJECTOR PLUSATION, IF NO FIRE OR PLUSATION POSS. BAD IGNITION COIL OR MODULE.OHM COIL.

fuel problem or timing problem i had same problem on 94 aerostar found out the dist. was bad and timing off by 20* bought used dist. adjusted timing runs beautiful

Engines don't jump time when they are not running.

Rotor will point to number 1 plug wire with every other rotation of the crank.

Get an auto repair manual to confirm you have plug wires in right order on distributor cap.

Also suggest finding Factory Service Manuals at library to get troubleshooting charts and diagnostics.