Ignition Coil: Testing and Inspection

Ignition Coils With Output Stage, Checking

Special tools, workshop equipment, testers, measuring instruments and auxiliary items required
- Test box VAG 1598/31
- Hand multimeter VAG 1526 or multimeter VAG 1715
- Adapter set VAG 1594
- VAG 1527B voltage tester
- Wiring diagram

Check conditions
- The battery voltage must be at least 11.5 V.
- Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor 2 must be OK, checking. Testing and Inspection
- Engine speed sender must be OK, checking Testing and Inspection .







- Fuse 10 must be OK.


NOTE: Ignition coils and final output stages are one component and cannot be replaced individually


Test sequence

Checking voltage supply







- Pull 4 pin connector -2- off ignition coil to be checked -1-.
- Using multimeter and adapter cables from VAG 1594 measure the supply voltage between contacts 1 + 2 and 1 + 4 of disconnected connector.
- Switch on ignition.
Specification: Min. 11.5 V
- Switch off ignition.

If no voltage is present:







- Check wire between 4-pin connector contact 1 and relay plate for open circuit using wiring diagram.
Wire resistance: max. 1.5 ohms
- Check wiring between 4-pin connector and Ground for open circuit using wiring diagram.
Contact 2 and Ground
Contact 4 and Ground
Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 ohms

If there is no fault in the supply voltage:
- Check activation

Checking activation







- Remove fuse 32


NOTE: Removing fuse 32 interrupts the voltage supply to the injectors.







- Connect VAG 1527B voltage tester with adapter cables from VAG 1594 to Contacts 2 + 3 of disconnected connector.

- Operate starter and check the ignition signal from the ECM.

The LED must flicker

- Switch off ignition.

When the LED flickers and the supply voltage is OK.:
- Replace ignition coils with output stage

The LED does not flicker:
- Check wiring

Checking wiring







- Connect test box VAG 1598/31 to control module wiring harness. The engine control module remains disconnected.







- Check wiring between test box and 4-pin connector for open circuit using wiring diagram.
Cylinder 1 contact 3 + socket 102
Cylinder 2 contact 3 + socket 95
Cylinder 3 contact 3 + socket 103
Cylinder 4 contact 3 + socket 94
Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 ohms

- Additionally check wires for short to one another.

If no fault can be found in the wiring:
- Replace engine electronics control module.