Ignition Coil: Testing and Inspection

Ignition coil power output stage, checking

Special tools, testers, measuring instruments and auxiliary items required

- VAG 1598/22 Test Box
- Fluke 83 multimeter
- VW 1594 Adaptor kit
- VAG 1527 B Voltage tester
- Wiring diagram

Checking requirements

- Battery voltage must be 11.5 Volts minimum
- Camshaft Position sensor must be OK, checking See "Camshaft Position Sensor" under "Powertrain Management", Testing and Inspection
- Engine Speed sensor must be OK, checking Refer "Ignition System", Testing and Inspection.

- Fuse 32 OK.
- Ground connections, (item 6 must be OK).

Activation, checking

- Disconnect harness connector from all fuel injectors.
- Disconnect 5-pin harness connector -1- from Power Output Stage for ignition coils -2-.





- Connect VAG 1527 B Voltage tester to terminals 1 + 3 using jumper wires from VW 1594 adaptor kit.
- Operate starter and check ignition signal from ECM.
- LED must flicker
- Repeat check between terminals 2,4,5 and 3 (Ground).

If LED does not flicker:

- Check wiring

Power Output stage, checking

- Re-connect 5-pin harness connector on Power Output stage.
- Disconnect 4-pin harness connector -1- from Ignition coil Power Output Stage -2- .






- Connect VAG 1527 B Voltage tester to terminal 1 of Ignition coil Power Output Stage -2- and battery positive (+ ) using jumper wires from VW 1594 adaptor kit.
- Operate starter.
- LED must flicker
- Repeat check between terminals 2,3 and 4.

If LED does not flicker

- Replace Power Output stage, (item 2 )

Checking ignition coils

- Switch ON ignition.
- Connect diode test lamp VAG 1527 with aux. cables from VAG 1594 to terminal 1 of 4 pin connector and to battery negative (-)
- LED must light up







- Repeat check between terminals 2,3 and 4.

If LED does not flicker on one terminal:

- Check for open circuit between 4-pin harness connector and (relevant ignition coil) 3-pin harness connector (terminal 1) using wiring diagram.






- Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 Ohms

If wiring OK
- Replace ignition coil

Wiring, checking

- Switch OFF ignition.
- Disconnect 5-pin harness connector -1- from Ignition coil Power Output stage -2-.






- Connect VAG 1598/22 Test Box to Engine Control Module harness connector.






- Check wiring between Test Box and 5-pin harness connector for open circuit using wiring diagram. Terminal 1 + socket 70 Terminal 2 + socket 78 Terminal 3 + socket 2 Terminal 4 + socket 77 Terminal 5 + socket 71 Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 Ohms