2001 volswagon beetle starts and runs for about 3 seconds

check your timing - sounds like It skipped timing. chain or belt could be worn

Get it towed into a repitable shop to have it check out,

Alternator!!! Boost the car, if starts let it run for a few min. Once the car has stayed running for a couple of min, unhook the negative terminal on the battery, if it stays running, the battery is junk. If it dies, the alternator is junk. But this is just my past experience, and it worked.

Never know.

With the car running rough it could cause the harsh shift but if it is staying at 5000 rpms then the ****** is about to go out on you. The rough idle sounds like a vacuum leak. If you can keep the car running at idle listen for a sucking type sound. That would indicate where the vacuum leak is.

Looks like immobilizer problem.Only diagnostic equipment can find and fix the problem.

Try cleaning throttle body with throttle body cleaner. Sometimes deposits build up and choke off air at the butterfly valve.

trun on the switch an open the driver door an unhook the postive battery post then hook it back up with the key on an door open the try ot start it

I have this same problem! EXACTLY. Did you ever find the problem??? Mine is 2000 Beetle.

computer possibly has noticed a reason to shut down engine try checing the oil low oil psi will cause the computer to shut down engine before damage occurs

Hi There,
Try this: You will need 2 people - Have someone Spray Starting Fluid in the throttle then start the car and have someone spray the fluid continuously into the throttle. If the car continues to run you have a fuel problem, but if it stalls out, replace the coil pak. Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa!