04 A4 1.8t will crank but not start - need some advice

[Aferrell71]

My 04 A4 1.8t will crank but not start, fuel pump wasn't running so replaced it and the fuel pump and relay. I do have spark, battery is charged and tried to jump it. Replaced the crankshaft sensor and no change. Tried leaving the battery disconnected for a few hours; Still will just crank. It acts like it will try to start for a couple of turns and then just cranks. I cannot get the codes checked as I am about 10 miles out of town and without it running I cannot get somewhere to have the codes pulled.

CEL is lit, EPC light is lit when I turn on the key. I am at a loss at this point and need some help. I seem so close to getting this car started it is pissing me off lol

[Let it snow]

Are you sure you have fuel? Press the schraeder valve on the fuel rail and make sure you have pressure. Check all engine management fuses.

[diagnosticator]

After fuel system repairs the fuel rail needs to be purged of air. Cycle the ign key ON and press the schrader valve in the end of the fuel rail to allow air to escape and fuel to fill the rail. Don't crank the starter until there is fuel in the fuel rail.

[old guy]

If it still won't start after priming the fuel rail try unplugging the MAF sensor.

[Aferrell71]

There is fuel in the rail, cranking it and (a rag of course) I pushed the valve and fuel came shooting out. I will check the fuses next. and I will try disconnecting the MAF sensor. I will check those this afternoon and update.

[fyremanpat]

what codes do you have?

[Aferrell71]

I unplugged the MAF and checked all the fuses, no change at all.

[Let it snow]

Take a look at the timing belt.

[Aferrell71]

I just did, it's not turning.

- - - Updated - - -

I checked it when the problem first started and it was turning

[old guy]

Ouch!

[Aferrell71]

Yeah that's what I was afraid of

[Aferrell71]

Ok sorry I been gone awhile. I cranked the car by hand and both belts are turning. After a couple of turns it got pretty difficult. Looks like it is in time. Could it just be the camshaft sensor?

[old guy]

Ok sorry I been gone awhile. I cranked the car by hand and both belts are turning. After a couple of turns it got pretty difficult. Looks like it is in time. Could it just be the camshaft sensor?

The cam position sensor will not prevent the engine from running. You previously indicated that the timing belt wasn't turning when you cranked the engine. What changed?

[Aferrell71]

Well that is what I noticed before, but then I didn't notice the serpentine belt turning. Or atleast I didn't recall. So I went ahead and cranked it by hand yesterday to see, and they were both turning.

[Aferrell71]

Ok so I replaced the camshaft sensor. Cranked the motor again by hand clockwise. All of a sudden it stopped cranking even with a spark plug out of motor. Would not budge at all so I stopped. I didn't check to see if it will crank counterclockwise yet and will do that this evening.

[Let it snow]

Do not crank the timing belt in the opposite direction.

[Aferrell71]

I read somewhere that if you crank by hand that it could lock up the alternator. Is this true? is that what could be causing the issue now?