Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Ignition Coil, Checking



Ignition Coil N152*, checking
(*Editor's Note: Incorrectly identified in literature as N152, correct identification is N, N128, N158.)

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
- Multimeter
- Diode test lamp
- Wiring diagram

Test requirements
- Fuse S232 OK.
- The Fuel Pump (FP) Relay J17 OK.
- The Engine Speed (RPM) Sensor G28 OK.
- Battery voltage at least 12.5 volts.
- All electrical consumers such as, lights and rear window defroster, switched off.
- Vehicles with automatic transmission, shift selector lever into position "P" or "N".
- A/C switched off.
- Ground (GND) connections between engine/transmission/chassis OK.
- Ignition switched off.

Test procedure

- Perform a preliminary check to verify the customers complaint. Refer to Preliminary check.

Start diagnosis

Note: Mark the spark plug wires before removing to aid in reinstalling.

- Remove the spark plug wires.

Checking spark plug wire resistance

- Using a Multimeter, check each spark plug wire from end to end for resistance.

Specified value: 4 to 6 kOhms

If the specified value was not obtained:

- Replace the faulty spark plug wire.

If the specified value was obtained:

Checking ignition coil resistance






- Using a Multimeter, check the ignition coil from end to end for resistance.

Specified value: 8 to 14 kOhms.

If the specified value was not obtained:

- Replace the faulty Ignition Coil N152.

If the specified value was obtained:

Checking voltage supply

- Remove Fuse S234 to disable the fuel injectors.






- Disconnect the Ignition Coil N152 electrical harness connector - 2 - .

- Crank the engine.

- Using a Multimeter, check the Ignition Coil N152 electrical harness connector terminal 1 to Ground (GND) for voltage.

Specified value: battery voltage.

- Switch the ignition off.

If the specified value was not obtained:






- Check the Ignition Coil N152 electrical harness connector terminal 1 to the Fuel Pump (FP) Relay J17 socket 19/15 for an open circuit or a short circuit to Ground (GND).

- Check the electrical connectors for damage, corrosion, loose or broken terminals.

- If necessary, repair the faulty wiring connection.

If the specified value was obtained:

Checking Ground (GND)

- Using a Multimeter, check the Ignition Coil N152 electrical harness connector terminal 2 to Ground (GND) for resistance.

Specified value: 1.5 Ohms Max.

If the specified value was not obtained:

- Check the Ignition Coil N152 electrical harness connector terminal 2 to Ground (GND) for an open circuit or a short circuit to Battery (+).

- Check the electrical connectors for damage, corrosion, loose or broken terminals.

- If necessary, repair the faulty wiring connection.

If the specified value was obtained:

Checking activation

CAUTION! Do not touch the Ignition Coils connecting parts or adapter cables during the following test.

- Crank the engine.






- Using a diode test lamp, check the following electrical connections.






The LED should flicker for each terminal.

- Switch the ignition off.

If the LED flickers for each terminal and the voltage was OK:

- Replace the faulty Ignition Coil N152.

If the LED does not flicker:

Checking wiring

If the manufacturers test box is being used. Perform the following step.

- Install the test box.

If the manufacturers test box is not being used. Perform the following step.

- Remove the Engine Control Module (ECM) J220.






- Using a Multimeter, Check the Ignition Coil N152 electrical harness connector to the Engine Control Module (ECM) J220 electrical harness connector for resistance.






Specified value: 1.5 Ohms Max.

If the specified value was not obtained:

- Check the wiring connections for an open circuit, short circuit to Battery (+) or Ground (GND).

- Check the electrical connectors for damage, corrosion, loose or broken terminals.

- If necessary, repair the faulty wiring connection.

If the specified values were obtained and voltage supply was OK:

- Replace the faulty Ignition Coil N152.

- Erase the DTC memory. Diagnostic Mode 04: Reset/Delete Diagnostic Data

- Perform a road test to verify repair.

If the DTC does not return:

Repair complete, Generate readiness code. Audi Drive Cycle/Readiness Code

- End diagnosis.

If the DTC does return and no malfunction is detected in the wiring and the voltage supply was OK:

- Replace the Engine Control Module (ECM) J220.

- Assembly is performed in the reverse of the removal.

Final procedures

After repair work, the following work steps must be performed in the following sequence:
1. Check the DTC memory.
2. If necessary, erase the DTC memory.
3. If the DTC memory was erased, generate readiness code.

End of diagnosis.