Ignition Coil, Checking

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items:
- Multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent).
- VAG 1527B voltage tester.
- Connector test kit VW 1594.

Test sequence:





- Disconnect ignition wires at ignition coil and remove wire guide -2-.

Checking voltage supply:





- Disconnect 5-pin connector at ignition coil -N152- (arrow).





- Connect multimeter using test leads from VW 1594 to measure voltage at connector terminals 1 and 5.
- Switch ignition on.
- Measure voltage between terminals 1 and 5.
Specification: 9-14.5 volts.
- Switch ignition off.

If the specification is not attained:





- Check wiring between 5-pin connector terminal 1 and Ground (GND) according to wiring diagram.
Resistance max. 1.5 ohms
- Check wiring between 5-pin connector terminal 5 and relay panel for open circuit according to wiring diagram.
Resistance: max. 1.5 ohms.

Checking activation
- Remove fuse 18.


WARNING: During the following test do not touch the terminals of the ignition coil or test leads.


- Switch ignition off.





- Connect VAG 1527B voltage tester with test leads from VW 1594 to terminals of disconnected 5-pin connector.
- Terminals 5 and 2 (ignition output 1).
- Terminals 5 and 3 (ignition output 3).
- Terminals 5 and 4 (ignition output 2).
- Operate starter and check ignition signal from Engine Control Module (ECM).
- LED must flicker.
- Switch ignition off.

If the LED does NOT flicker:
- Replace ECM -J220-.

If LED flickers:





- Connect VAG 1598/18 test box to ECM wiring harness (arrow).
- Check wiring between test box and 5-pin connector for open circuit according to wiring diagram.
- Terminal 2 and test box test box socket 8.
- Terminal 3 and test box test box socket 60.
- Terminal 4 and test box test box socket 52.
Resistance: max. 1.5 ohms.





- Additionally check wiring for short to one another.
- Terminal 2 and test box test box socket 60.
- Terminal 2 and test box test box socket 52.
- Terminal 3 and test box test box socket 52.
Specification: infinite ohms.

If no wiring malfunction is detected and voltage was present between terminals 1 and 5:
- Replace ignition coil -N152-.