[fanaudical]

I have a 2001 Avant with the 2.8L (it's the wife's daily driver).

It died on her in the driveway yesterday and won't start. Attempting to restart yields an intermittent "catch" where it will fire once or twice and then die.

VCDS reveals no codes. The only condition I'm aware of where it won't start without throwing a code is a bad crank position sensor. I swapped in a known good spare - still no start.

VCDS output tests run normal; injectors fire, fuel pump runs (although I haven't checked fuel pressure).

I pulled plugs, found nothing strange, replaced with new as I was going to eventually and had the old ones out. I verified I have spark on all cylinders when cranking.

Timing belt is in place and camshafts appear in time with crank.

What am I missing?

Thanks for the help.