also check and see if you are getting spark. it may be bad coil,or solonoid. good luck ignition module on the distributer
it could be a bad lock up torque converter(if equiped with it). vehicle dies when coming to a stop.
Sounds like your electronic control module is going bad
it is propaly you fuel pump i had the same problem
Battery, Alternator, Gas?, Spark plugs, loss of pressure in the enguine? is the car turning over at all? does it want to start? Does it do anything when you turn the key?
It could be the fuel pump.
possible ignition modual, what is your fuel presure, does car restart immediatly or after it sits for a while Possibly clogged fuel filter, or bad fuel pump.
Could be a transmission problem, assuming an automatic transmission.
Could be a fuel delivery problem, start with replacing the fuel filter.
Start with a new fuel filter since it is relatively cheap, then check the fuel pump if the problem persists. Actually, the problem was with the Distributor Stator.
I experienced this same problem before too. The security system could be the problem. The imobaliser shuts of the car if it thinks there is a problem with the ignition(if it was hotwired).
clogged fuel filter
If your 1997 Passat dies sometimes, you might have an issue with the alternator not charging the battery. You could also have a problem with the distributor or the coil.