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VW Ignition Coil Problems?
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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"
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
Service rep: So we'll see you at 10:00.
Me: OK. I'll wait for it.
SR: Figure on an hour and a half.
Me: The letter said 45 minutes.
SR: It really takes more like an hour and a half.
Hmmmm.....
Krzys
Well, keep on driving your VW lemon, all I can say is GOOD LUCK
Sounds to me more like the pipe from the turbo thru the intercooler to intake manifoild has poped off. This could sound like a firecracker going off under the hood when it pops off.
In any case, based on your lack of power, I would think this is turbocharger-related. You are feeling how that puny 1.8L engine feels without the turbocharger.
Thanks for your input. Just wanted to see if there are fellow VW owners who had my problem. I thought it would be Turbo Related too since it runs fine during idle, even up to red-line without shaking or rough idling. Now without the turbo, I am having trouble making up hills and accelerating on the Highway... probably only like 80 hp left