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VW Ignition Coil Problems? - READ ONLY

243 messages,  Last post on Aug 11, 2003 at 7:24 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Audi A4, Audi TT, Volkswagen New Beetle, Electrical, Engine, Sedan

#206 of 243 Latest update by brownsfan1 Jun 03, 2003 (12:35 pm)
According to my dealer, his inventory, and supposedly other dealer inventories of coils are finally ample to allow the beginning of the recall. Letters are supposedly being sent within this week, and the older VINs will be first for the replacement. So, like so many, I wait anxiously wondering if the dreaded coil-pox will miss me and the coils will be repaired before they fail
#207 of 243 coil-pox, I like that ;) by swschrad Jun 03, 2003 (3:55 pm)
enjoy the vaccine
#208 of 243 Had my coils replaced*Consumer Reports Article by samk3 Jun 08, 2003 (11:00 am)
i have a 2001.5 1.8T passat. when i called last week to schedule a regular maintenance appt i inquired about the coil "recall". their reply was "it is not a 'recall' but we will evaluate the coils and replace if needed, we have them in stock now." in the end, w/o any further prompting from me, they replaced them ( no charge of course).   ps not sure if this has been posted already. yesterday, i recvd current (july) edition of Consumer Reports. they claim readers have reported that dealers "werent following through" on replacing the coils. they add that VWofA has also heard similar complaints. VW told CR that they "instructed dealers to replace the coils on all effected cars, even if the coils have not failed." If owners believe they are "still getting the run around they should call 800-822-8987 and ask for the VW area executive or go to vw.com/VwSFB/index"
#209 of 243 Coils by stray_cat Jun 10, 2003 (9:09 am)
you guys oughta fax them a copy of the official press release from vw/audi and, while you're at it, tell 'em to put that in their pipe and smoke it....
#210 of 243 Passat 1.5T 2002 by magaron Jun 16, 2003 (1:43 pm)
Dealer told me to use premium 91 octane gas only. I have used 91 and also 89 and noticed no difference. What if I use regular 87 octane? Would this damage engine in the long haul? Has anybody any advise?
#211 of 243 considering it's a german auto by swschrad Jun 16, 2003 (2:49 pm)
that's probably good advise, using 91. first, the engine allows lesser fuel, but will probably have its maximum zip with 91.   second, european gas is much lower in sulfur than US fuel, and there are all kinds of posts from import owners (mostly) that they can't get rid of the hydrogen sulfide stink and the dealers can't tune it out. you are most likely to find low-sulfur fuel in 91 across the country than in any other grade. depending on area, YMMV... refineries are starting to get on line with rehabs that will meet the next level of EPA standards, in the twin cities, you can get it in all grades if you hit a Holiday outlet.
#212 of 243 Passat 1.5T 2002 by bpeebles Jun 17, 2003 (6:29 pm)
(magaron) The requirement for higher-octaine fuel has nothing to do with sulphur-content.   Lets review some basics: lower-octane=(faster-burning/Lower-flash point) Higher-octane =(slower-burning/Higher-flash point)   Thus, too low an octane will ignite BEFORE the sparkplug tells it to due the pressurized intake and compression combined. This, combined with a faster burning rate can cause enough pressure to put a hole in the top of a piston.   Virtually ALL turbocharged engines require higher-octane fuel. Running lower-octane fuel can lead to pre-ignition and damaged pistons.   Do you ever hear your engine "knocking", "rapping", or "tapping" on a hot day while accelerating? This is pre-ignition and is DEATH to an engine if allowed to continue.   Unless you wish to flirt with disaster... use the recommended octane for your engine. This is not a recommendation.. it is mandatory for turbocharged and other high-compression engines.
#213 of 243 by fish8 Jun 18, 2003 (4:50 am)
I agree, why buy a car that requires premium fuel and then try to save $.20 per gallon on low octane. Do your engine a favor and go for the premium. Pinging or knocking is bad, but every dealer i have talked to said that slight pining is normal and not to be worried about. Severe knocking is a big problem though.
#214 of 243 by pkradd Jun 18, 2003 (3:20 pm)
I use 93 as there is no 91 here in south Florida. I do notice a ticking sound from the engine compartment when I turn off the ignition on a particularly hot day. It goes away in a minute or two.
#215 of 243 pkradd, that's engine parts settling by swschrad Jun 18, 2003 (5:31 pm)
basically, hot engines tick when they cool down. usually not a concern. if you hear tick, tick, tick, C-R-A-C-K!!, boinggg, boingggg... that's the time to worry about it.

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