98 audi a4 chugging/lose of power/engine cuts out?

Would really need more details on the vehicle. Petrol / diesel etc

Is the engine management light on? Are there any fault codes?

Power lose while driving is most likely to be caused by the mass air flow meter, leak at a vacuum or intake hose, turbo leak etc.

More details please........

What do you hear when you try to start it? Does it just chug chug chug for a long time? Could be a bad fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, bad spark plugs, or a host of other things. If you can get the OBD scanned with a VAG-COM see if you have any faults.

losing power can be down to an air leak spray some carb cleaner over the air lines and manifold. depending on the type of cleaner it will do one of two things engine will speed up or it will cut out. that will mean you have a leak spray the engine when it is upto temp normal running. usually around 10 to 15 min. were ever it makes a change in engine that is were a problem is.

CHECK FOR BROKEN LOOSEN DRIVE BELT.IF DRIVE BELT BROKEN YOU WILL LOSE POWER STEERING, WATER PUMP AND ALTERNATOR STOP TURNING IF LOSE DRIVE BELT. IF DRIVE BELT BROKEN.CHECK FOR FAULTY DRIVE BELT TENSIONER.LOOK FOR SEIZED WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR OR POWER STEERING PUMP.REASONS DRIVE BELT BREAKS.

Not to scare or offend you but it could be many many things. It does help that the check engine light is on, though.
If you can go to a place like Autozone, where they check your check engine light for free, and post what the code was, I can give you a place to start.
I do not mind helping you further with a proper diagnosis procedure either, if you can share your vehicle information.

Sounds like a MAF(Mass air flow sensor, you can start by pulling it out, it's inside the intake box on this car. You can clean it with a high percentage isopropl alcohal or MAF cleaner, this sounds to be the problem, if it is really bad, you can unplug it temporarily, it will not have as much power but it will run better. If cleaning it doesn't fix it, then you will need to replace it, ensure not to touch the sensor itself at all.

I am having the same problem on my Audi A4 2004 FSI, lose power whilst driving at speed with the EPC light coming on. Looks like a design fault of some kind with Audi petrol engins, have read a few forums about this but no clear straight answer. Check the link below:

http://www.audi-forums.com/b6-forum/37371-a4-fsi-epc-light-power-loss.html

The serpentine belt routing diagram for 1998 Audi A4 Quattro 2.8 liters V6 engine:



CS = Crankshaft
F = Fan pulley
Gen = Alternator
T = Tensioner pulley
AC = Air Conditioning
PAS = Power Assisted Steering

Hi i know exactly what is wrong I had the same problem with my A6 change the air mass flow meter or sensor min was wher the air filter is sat writ on the top n£45 from eby good lich.

Mo

check you spark timing...the crank sensor.  Is a check engine light on?