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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

#216 of 243 by pkradd Jun 19, 2003 (5:12 am)
No boinnnng! thanx.
#217 of 243 Ticking.. by outrun Jun 19, 2003 (6:56 am)
Is most likely the exhaust system cooling down. They're interconnected and begin contracting as soon as the hot air from the 1.8T stop pumping through them.   Also, the 1.8T shouldn't knock or tick with 89 or 87 octane. With built-in knock protection, the engine will just reduce power and reduce fuel economy to prevent detonation (also called reduced timing). The money one saves with getting 87 is offset with poorer gas mileage. So just get 91 and enjoy the full power of the engine. In really really hot weather, and going up a hill with the A/C on MIGHT cause slight detonation with 87. There's only so much the engine management can do.   As for the coil issue. I had my '02 Passat 1.8T serviced (20k) two weeks ago. I asked them to replace the coils. They wrote on the invoice "Customer states engine light is on. Replaced coil packs".   Creative warranty writeup. But fine in my books.   -Craig
#218 of 243 Now that we are by 5speeder Jun 19, 2003 (8:35 am)
back on topic, our '02 Passat had its first ig coil pack go Tues. afternoon when my wife was driving home from work. Called the dealer immediately and they said call VW roadside assistance. Roadside assistance sent out a tow truck. Dealer replaced all 4 coil packs the next morning.   I was a bit surprised since a tech at the dealer told me last winter that the coil packs typically go when the temperature is cold, that the below zero days are the ones when he sees the most Passats towed in. Tues. afternoon when my coil pack failed it was 88 degrees. I was pleased I didn't have to fight with the dealer to get all four replaced. Supplies must be replensished, at least around here.
#219 of 243 Coil packs and pings by mliong Jun 20, 2003 (9:05 am)
This may be a dumb question, so please pardon my idgnorance..   The recall states that the Coils on all 2001.5 to 2003 Passats are affected, including the VR6 Passats, but not a certain V6 engine on the Passat.   I remember a VR6 engine a while back, but have seen no mention of it on the newer Passats - can someone clarify this?   Additionally, aren't the car's computer and sensors supposed to be able to compensate for a variance in the fuel used in them so as to correct the ignition timings to avoid knocking?
#220 of 243 Coil packs and pings by wetwillie Jun 20, 2003 (10:46 am)
The VR6 configuration is offered only in the Golf (GTI) and Jetta. It is a narrow angle V (15 deg.) that is shorter than an inline 6 and narrower than a traditional V-6 (60 deg.) so as to shoe horn in the smaller A4 engine bay.   Such fitment constraints do not apply with the Passat, so it employs VW's 30 valve V-6 (Audi design) which, oddly enough, produces less HP than the 24 valve VR6 (190 vs 200)   I dont believe the coilpack problems include the Passat V-6. It includes the VR6 and all 1.8 turbos, VW and Audi alike.   You are correct, all engines have knock sensors that retard timing to accomadate the more volatile lower octane gas, this, of course, results in poorer performance.
#221 of 243 thanks! by mliong Jun 20, 2003 (2:32 pm)
#222 of 243 2002 passat gls for $18M with 7000 miles by qx4bob Jun 20, 2003 (3:50 pm)
found a vw company car with only 7000 miles and talked them down to $18M from $20M....but this waaayyy below nada, edmunds, and kelley retail values. the car drives rock solid and has a clean carfax report. is this too good to be true or do the vw dealers get such a good deal when their execs give up the cars?
#223 of 243 No sigh of relief yet...5 failed coils on a 4 cylinder! by monkwilson Jun 27, 2003 (7:27 am)
I had my first coil go on my 2001.5 1.8T Passat (35K miles) in December. I was told the rest would likely go as well, but supply was low and they would not replace any coil that had not yet failed. In January another two went at once, along with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, combination valve and air pump motor. Since then I've had the fourth coil fail, the usual headlights go (again), dashboard lights and even a trunk latch break. Two months ago, the engine light began blinking again and I was told there was a "misfire" but everything was fine. I then stopped driving it on a regular basis. Two weeks ago, with 38k on the car, one of the "new and improved" replacement coils failed. I've been told by VW that they will not allow me to terminate my lease early (the car doesn't quite meet our Lemon Law - yet). This car hasn't been reliable since it hit 35k. I'm supposed to have confidence that the remaining 3 replacement coils won't fail? Anyone had this happen yet?
#225 of 243 Coil Packs Replaced by pkradd Jul 11, 2003 (2:37 pm)
Sorry to hear about your problems. I bought an extended warranty on my Passat just in case of any problems. I don't intend to keep it more then two more years anyway.   I brought my 2001.5 Passat 1.8 Tip in for its 20,000 mile service. Actually I only had 19,200 on the car. Yes, not much mileage so far. I received notice of a recall for a replacement of something in the right rear wheel housing. The letter said it would take about 45 minutes. The dealer said, an hour and a half. I said, "the letter says 45 minutes". The service rep said, "but we have two other cars". I said, "I called for an appointment and was given this time". Obviously scheduling appointments means nothing to them. Anyway, I decided to get the 20K service as well. Had a discount card to take a few bucks off the price. I asked if they would check the coil packs as well. They finished the service the next day.... I had a free loaner, and they put in new coils. Now I usually follow the adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". But I was at the mileage point where some people started reporting failures. The service receipt said it was replaced under a recall. Really? Never received any such letter. I'm knocking on wood that the coils are now a non-issue. We'll see.

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