VW Ignition Coil Problems?

samk3

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"

stray_cat

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....

magaron

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?

swschrad

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.

bpeebles

(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.

fish8

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.

pkradd

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.

swschrad

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.

pkradd

No boinnnng! thanx.

outrun

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

5speeder

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.

mliong

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?

wetwillie

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.

mliong

qx4bob

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?

monkwilson

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?

pkradd

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.

5speeder

I'm taking mine in tommorrow for the wheelwell recall. Had a similar conversation:

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.....

snia95

I went to the VW dealer complaing about rough idling while in (D) and (R) and they told me it was the motor mouynts but after reading the msgs on this board im beginning to suspect it's my coil packs. On June 22, 2003 someone wrote that "a coil pack problem usually involves instrument warning lights , very low turbo boost, and rough idle." Im having the same problems w/ my car. I have an appt w/ the dealer tomorrow to replace the motor mounts, the protective shield and the coil packs. Does any suggest that I just have them replace the coil packs and protective shield and see how my car runs then? Does the coil pack recal cover 1999 passats?

pkradd

As far as I can ascertain, there has never been a coil pack recall. I never received a letter. Only the wheel well thingie letter was sent to me. I love my Passat, but this crummy VW attitude from the top on down to the dealers is annoying, at the least. Now that they're in the bottom 5 for quality do you think they'll care? - OK, I know the JD Powers story was concerning the 2000 year models - something most people didn't pick up on I think. To answer my quesion, I'd say No.!

davking

The coil pack action is not a recall because it is not required by the federal government. It is called a customer service action because it is a voluntary action on the part of VAG. I don't think '99 Passat's are included.

5speeder

A co-worker who has an '02 Passat told me this morning he called to make an appointment to have the wheelwell liner done. He asked to have his coilpacks replaced at the same time. The dealer agreed to do it even though he's had not rouble with them.

pkradd

I had no trouble with mine (2001.5 Passat) but decided to get them replaced. No objection by dealer - just a nod, and no charge. VW finally got enough of them to dealers.

jbennett34

Received a recall notice for my Passat W8 today in the mail. Called dealership and they have no coils yet for the W8. Apparently the W8 has different coils than the V6 for 1.8T.

5speeder

A co-worker got his recall notice yesterday (7/22). Haven't gotten mine yet>

shuningliang

Don't even bother to have them repaired or replaced - Just file a Lemon Law suit, get your money back and say "GoodBye" to VW. The End.

pkradd

Unfortunately, you don't know what you're talking about. The coils can be replaced and will fix the car. This is not a Lemon Law applicable problem. I guess there are trolls everywhere on the internet.

krzyss

trolls, trolls are everywhere but they thrive on internet.

Krzys

shuningliang

Too bad, you don't know what YOU are talking about - I got my money back in FULL amount in two weeks after I filed for a Lemon Law suit.
Well, keep on driving your VW lemon, all I can say is GOOD LUCK

mpower338

I was accelerating on the highway this afternoon and after 2k - 3k I heard a poppping noise and it started to stall at 3K. From then on, the car became very noisy with no power. However no engine lights lit.... I made an appointment with the dealer for next week... would this be coil related.... the only concern is no light coming on.

bpeebles

(mpower338) Just a guess based on your explanation.... You did not mention that it is running rough in any way... just lost power.

 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.

pkradd

I received a letter notice that I should replace the coils. Well, I already did a few weeks ago (even though I had not had any problems up to then) when I brought my car in for a recall for the right rear fender liner. VW finally got enough coilsin stock to send a letter I guess. I have had no probelms with my 2001.5 Passat 1.8T with 20,000 miles. Oh yes, the person who says he got his money back through a Lemon Law statute. Why is he lingering on this site if he no longer has a VW? Ummmmmmm.

shuningliang

Why are you still going to the circus if you are no longer a child? Why are you still going to the movies if you are not the film maker? See the logic here! I thought this forum was a place where everyone was welcomed to share experiences and exchange ideas so you could grow and learn. Anyway, for those happy VW owners, I am happy for you; for those unhappy VW owners, do something about it. Believe me, as a former VW owner, I know there is a way out besides countless shop visits and waiting for the recall letters. Remember, knowledge is power - Read as much as you can. That means from ANYWHERE at ANYTIME - not only from VW designated site simply because you are just a VW owner. The End!

mpower338

Hi bpeebles:

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 Anyways, I loved my 1.8T Wagon until three days ago and the dealers I bought from was not very helpful when I took the car in as an emergency. I am still driving the car now since this is my only car. I hope it is not going to permanently hurt the engine before it is fixed.

alpine2

I completely agree with you shuningliang and I appreciate your information and opinion. I am currently without my '01 Jetta 2.0, as it is in the shop having an ignition coil and an oxygen sensor replaced (both ended up being recalls). I found the problem out when my car wouldn't start and it needed to be towed to the dealer. My car only has 21,450 miles on it, has had the oil/filter replaced every 3,000 miles and has been to every maintenance check-up on time! This time would make it the third trip within 4 months for service. Way too many for me. My two year warranty had just also expired 8 days earlier. As I investigated others' problems through various web sites, I was able to find that many, and I mean many, others were experiencing the same exact problems and about around the same mileage. I was able to learn about other problems with the car thanks to others' reviews. I learned about the defective ABS and premature wear on break pads. I am in the process right now, as my car sits in the shop, trying to decide what kind of car I will buy to replace my Jetta. I need a car and the only cars I have owned and loved are Jettas. Unfortunately, I have to be smart and make an informed decision and buy a different vehicle because I cannot rely on my Jetta any more, nor do I trust Volkswagen at all, as I did before. I also am unfortunately not covered by the Lemon Law in my state anymore, but I will do what I can now to avoid any furthur heartache. And regardless of how much this situation sucks, I will always love Jettas and VW!

swschrad

and drive on that... when the silly part comes in, put the dud back on, put the alternate-make unit in the trunk in its box, and you'll have a spare when the next silly part conks out and you have to wire Wolfsburg again.