VW Coil Pack/Ignition Coil Guide

[rs4-380]

Coil Packs

Fist off, the term "coil packs" is generally misused when referring to VW applications. A true coil pack contains the coils for all cylinders in one block, or pack (who would have thought?). When referring to the commonly discussed VW-coil-pack-failure issue the correct terminology should be coil-on-plug ignition as each spark plug has its own coil, located on the top of the plug. For various reasons people have taken to referring to this type of ignition system as a "coil pack" system. I am not trying to change the naming convention, just trying to make you aware of it.

Engines that use a coil pack
2.0
12v VR6 (pre 2002.5)

Engines that use individual coils (coil-on-plug)
All 1.8t's
24 VR6 (post 2002.5)

Issues with coils and coil packs
The problem here is that both systems are failure prone (not in general, it just seems to affect VW's choice of components). The issues are outlined below.

12v VR6
-Issue
The issue with VR6 coil packs actually predates the issues with coil-on-plug systems as it started with the MKIII VR6s. The problem comes when the actually casing of the coil pack cracks. Whether from heat, vibration, or something else the cause is not really known, but they will crack. Coil packs generate high voltages, when the coil are exposed (by cracks in the casing), the spark can actually jump to either ground, or another plug wire. This causes engine misfires.

-Symptoms
As mentioned above engine misfires, a flashing check engine light, reduced power and bucking are all symptoms of a cracked pack. The behavior is usually exaggerated in wet or foggy conditions as the moisture in the air provides an easier path for the spark to jump.

-Diagnosis
An easy way to check if your coil is causing your check engine light is to fill a spray bottle with water, start your car somewhere dark (or at night), and spray water onto the coil pack (a black brick like object on the drivers side of the engine (the spark plug wires end on the pack)). If you see sparks, your pack is cracked.

-Is VW aware?
Yes, as noted earlier this issues goes back to the transition of VR6's from distributors to coil packs. HOWEVER VW has never made any official recall of these coil packs, 12v VR6 engines are not included in the recall that went out in 2003 for 1.8t's and 24v Vr6's.

-Fixing the problem
One solution is to buy a new coil pack, they are expensive however. Many of our vendors sell 12v VR6 coilpacks. Another solution is to fix it yourself. This involves filling the cracks (basically coating the pack) with a heat resistant epoxy product. The process is easy, cheap ( under 5 bucks for the epoxy), and it works. It is often referred to buy the name of the product most commonly used, "JB Weld". Three threads that can help you with the process (which anyone can do, it is not difficult)-
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=763654
http://www.gti-vr6.net/library....html
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=585374
http://chris.quietlife.net/passat/coilpack.html

a 12v VR6 coilpack

24v VR6 and all 1.8t's
-Issue
VW has had serious problems with its individual (coil-on-plug) ignitions. For whatever reason, the actual coils (the little boxes on top of your spark plugs), died, and died frequently. This causes loss of power, misfires, crappy throttle response, etc.

-Symptoms
Check engine lights, power loss, complete engine shutdown, misfires, basically you should check your coilpacks (if they have not been replaced) anytime you have engine problems.

-Diagnosis
A scan of the engine codes by the dealer, a friend, or someplace that does it for free can give you insight into the problem. Anything relating to misfires or the ignition system can probably be attributed to the coils. Many times the car will not be able to be driven at all, in this case your best bet is to just have it towed to the dealer. Users in the 1.8t forum and the 24v Vr6 forum are particularly adept at diagnosing coil pack related problems.

-Is VW aware?
Yes they are, and they have issued a recall. At this point in time the earlier supply issues are gone, and your dealer should have plenty of the revised coils in stock. It seems that the newer cars (late 2003's and later) have received the new packs during manufacture, and therefore are not affected (although that is not a rule). Contact your dealer if you think you have coil pack problems. In addition, at this point most dealers will replace all the packs if one goes out and they are an earlier revision.

-Fixing the problem
The coils available now (J and L revisions) seem to have dealt with the problems. Once again contact your dealer.
This thread http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=575535, is an account (some 50 pages long) of the entire saga chronicled on the Vortex.

2.0's
2.0's use two coils in what is called a wasted-spark ignition system. The coil fires two cylinders at once, but since only one of the cylinders is on the compression stroke, the other spark is "wasted". Coil pack problems on 2.0s are extremely rare as they share no components with either of the above two systems.

TDI's
Diesels are compression-ignition engines, no spark plugs, no ignition system. (lucky you!)


Modified by rs4-380 at 8:08 AM 1-12-2005

[rs4-380]

Anyone have a picture of a 24v or 1.8t coil that will be around for awhile and you don't mind being added to this?

Modified by rs4-380 at 1:13 PM 7-13-2007

[mahmgb]

24V Ignition Coils (pic borrowed from the 24V FAQ)

Updated coil on top, defective version on bottom.

[mlambrinov]

Where can I buy a coil pack from for a 01 Jetta GLX? Can you point me to a vendor as well as to a site that has a photo (s) of a coil pack

THx
Michael

[BHB]

nice writeup Dave.. added to the DIY/FAQ

[tmoney13xx]

i have a 2002 1.8T... with just about 100k miles

if my coilpacks go bad, did VW place a mileage limit on recieving a new part? like am i gunna have to pay for em or will they take care of it?

[VMI 02 GTI]

I'm on the lookout for coil pack retainers...are these a good idea and where can I find them? I have seen them on heavily modded 1.8Ts, but the search term comes up empty. Please help!

[Bora_Azul]

Quote, originally posted by VMI 02 GTI »

I'm on the lookout for coil pack retainers...are these a good idea and where can I find them? I have seen them on heavily modded 1.8Ts, but the search term comes up empty. Please help!

brackets that go over the individual coilpacks? They're mostly custom, although i believe the Audi TT's have a form of them. You can try making your own. Also the banner advertiser John@20squared (or whatever the name is) is going to be making a few sets to sell. Talk to him if you'd like

[VgRt6]

Dave- You migh want to mention that the VR6 also uses a "wasted spark"-type coilpack. I posted the Bentley description of how it works a while back, along with the Bentley instructions for testing the coilpack.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=793322

[vrsixt9]

replaced my not to long ago. som pix of them.

http://i45.photobucket.com/alb...5.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/alb...6.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/alb...8.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/alb...1.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/alb...3.jpg

[ianacole]

PM enginerd (I think that's his SN). He had a bunch made up and was selling some awhile back.

[tojones]

I called VW customer relations on my 03 which was manuf. in late 02. This year was clearly on the recall, but for whatever reason they told me it was not on recall. hmm...I wonder why. My freakin packs are failing

[kempas]

looking to see if i can upgrade my ignition system for a 2.0 8v jetta; also have a big ass sound system: already have yellow top optima battery and upgraded ground wires. was told i can't respool alternator. (can i put 120A version of alt. on my car since it came stock with a 90A?? ) 120a is from a 00golf 2.0L thanks for any help

[smrf010]

Does repairing the coil pack make it work perfectly normal? Will you still get the correct amount of voltage?

[LSinLV]

Quote, originally posted by smrf010 »

Does repairing the coil pack make it work perfectly normal? Will you still get the correct amount of voltage?

yes.

[RobertH]

I am working on a 98 Beetle (Wasted spark system). I am getting missfire codes for cylinder 2 and 3. Are 2 and three common on the coil pack? If so I could be able to swap 2 and 3 with 1 and 4 to prove or eliminate the coil as the culprit.

[BlackGLS]

Is there a way to test a coil pack to see if it's bad without a vag com. I suspect I might have a bad coil pack, but I don't have a vag com, and the shop down the road can't fit me in tomorow, and I really need my car for my job

[RobertH]

you can check the secondary winding of the coils with a multimeter (resistance)

Measure between terminals for cylinder 1 and cylinder 4, and cylinder 2 and cylinder 3. should read 4.0 k to 6.0 k Ohms.

This may not catch a coil that is breaking down under load or from heat. But it the basic go/nogo test.

while your at it check you ignition leads 8k to 14k Ohms.

Good luck

[reeze03gli]

how long are they suppost to last?? i just rolled over 100k in my 24v...send me a PM if you got info..

[loburi]

why not get bolt down coilpacks.......... pn 06B905115E

[billymeister]

this helped me

[brandn3w]

This is a great thread! I just had one go out on me and I've only had the car for 6 days. Replaced it with a friend and 20 miles later another just went, ha.

Oh well, thank God it isn't anything major and that there is such great information out there on this site from all of you! Trying to land a set of BERU off a member, God-willing get them overnighted and the A4 back to normal!

[Flurrymail]

To make a story short, and have a happy ending like me , just buy the 1.8 T coilpack (coil-on-plug x 4) manufactured by Hitachi (Japan). They have the top of the plug filled with some ceramic epoxy-like stuff that seems really sturdy and heatproof.

I bought them at ECSTuning.com over a year ago, and they haven't failed not even once. My engine is a brazilian AUQ block (180hp), that works perfectly in the hot Caribbean sun and still makes 15.3s @ 1/4 mile with no mods whatsoever. The kit bought at ECS was marketed for an AWP engine code, so it's OK to use them on AUQ.

The OEM's are italian-made (?) Bremis, and the third and last one I bought at the dealer (before the Hitachi kit) failed in a record time of just 10 days . They sucked big time (and money).

[rdwong]

i got a gti mk4, ignition coil replaced.... new one lasted 2 days.... not even, exactly 40 hours.
gosh....

are the R ones the same as L ones? i checked it with the multimeter, the new r one got 79 ohms and the other L ones have 49.....
help please?

[scrilla]

Quote, originally posted by rs4-380 »

2.0's use two coils in what is called a wasted-spark ignition system. The coil fires two cylinders at once, but since only one of the cylinders is on the compression stroke, the other spark is "wasted". Coil pack problems on 2.0s are extremely rare as they share no components with either of the above two systems.

Just thought Id mention that I had my coilpack fail in my 2001 2.0 golf. When I pulled it out, there were 3~4 visible cracks in the case. Dealer initially wouldnt do anything as there was no recall for the 2.0. I took the coil pack in and handed it to the service manager and he offered me a $100 inhouse credit, so that atleast helped. Symptoms were rough idle and occasional misfire under load.

[Brake_Dust]

[dubmass]

I just replaced the coils and plugs in my 1.8t and im getting misfires and CEL and all that but i dont know what the hell it is

[DGOMDK]

That there is no info on the firing order on VW GTI 1.8T???????

This needs to be updated or I'm totally blind.

Well I guess I should've added this:

1-3-4-2


Modified by DGOMDK at 12:46 PM 1-13-2010

[alwarnecke]

My cylinder 3 coilpack went out on me ('01 Jetta 1.8T), and I'm trying to decide between two replacements:

- one is the stock VW coilpack, or OEM I guess
- the other is NAPA brand

Both are about the same price. Since VW's are known to fail, should I go with the NAPA brand? Anyone else know anything about NAPA?

[DGOMDK]

Go with OEM....There may be a recall already or in the near future. Ask your local VW dealer/Service to see what they can do.

I just replaced all 4 per the future recall. When compared with old "new" coils are a totally different part number. Good luck!

[tobin]

Great post!! This saved me about $800 to replace the Coil Pack on my 2001 Jetta GLX (94k miles).

I used JB Weld ($6 at Ace Hardware). The key for me was sketching out which plug wired went on which ports. The Coil Pack is easy enough to take out and put back in.

Check out these posts as well:
http://www.gti-vr6.net/library....html
http://chris.quietlife.net/passat/coilpack.html

I'm savoring this victory over overpriced parts/labor!!

[Sonic303]

So 24v VR6 are issued a recall?? I had them check my vin number to see if mine applied and they said NO!!

Should I try going to another dealer... Or...?? I just replaced 2 like a week ago, and another 2 fakd up just this Saturday. Those $50 could've went into my gas tank

[Kiddie Rimzo]

Quote, originally posted by Sonic303 »

So 24v VR6 are issued a recall?? I had them check my vin number to see if mine applied and they said NO!! Should I try going to another dealer... Or...?? I just replaced 2 like a week ago, and another 2 fakd up just this Saturday. Those $50 could've went into my gas tank

not recalled http://www.vwcoils.com/Page1.aspx

[xspeedracer]

http://www.034motorsports.com has both types of coil packs and hold downs.

[xspeedracer]

Most likely are re-boxed oem coilpacks if you have any friends with access to Worldpac they have them really cheap