Ignition Coil: Testing and Inspection

Ignition Coils With Power Output Stages, Checking

Special tools and equipment
- VAG1598/31 test box
- VAG1526 Multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent) or VAG1715 multimeter
- VAG1527B voltage tester
- VAG1594 connector test kit
- Wiring diagram

Test requirements







- Fuse no. 18 must be removed from the fuse holder.


NOTE: By removing fuse 18, voltage supply to the fuel injectors is interrupted.


- Fuse no. 20 must be OK.
- Battery voltage at least 11.5 V
- Engine speed (RPM) sensor OK, checking. Testing and Inspection
- Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor OK, checking. Testing and Inspection
Checking voltage supply







- Measure supply voltage between terminals 2 + 3 and 1 + 3 of disconnected connector using the multimeter and adapter cables from the VAG1594 connector test kit.
- Switch ignition on. Specification: at least 11.5 V
- Switch ignition off.

If there is no voltage:







- Check wire between 4-pin connector terminal 3 and relay carrier for open circuits according to wiring diagram. Wire resistance: max: 1.5 Ohms
- Check each wire, from 4-pin connector terminal 1 to Ground (GND) and from terminal 2 to Ground (GND) for open circuit. Wire resistance: max: 1.5 Ohms

If there is no malfunction in voltage supply:

Checking activation







- Using adapter cables from the VAG1594 connector test kit, connect VAG1527B voltage tester to

Terminals 4 + engine Ground (GND) of disconnected connector for cylinder 1.

- Operate starter and test ignition signal from Engine Control Module (ECM). LED should flicker.
- Repeat test at connectors for fuel injectors 2 through 6.
- Switch ignition off.

If LED flickers and voltage supply is OK:
- Replace relevant ignition coil with power output stage
- Check DTC memory, repair any malfunctions and then erase DTC memory.
- Read readiness code. If DTC memory was erased or the Engine Control Module (ECM) was disconnected from the continuous B+ supply, the readiness code must be re-generated. Refer to Monitors, Trip and/or Drive Cycle (Readiness Codes)/Reading Readiness Code. Testing and Inspection Refer to Monitors, Trip and/or Drive Cycle (Readiness Codes)/Generating Readiness Code. Testing and Inspection

If LED does not flicker:

Checking wiring







- Connect VAG1598/31 test box to control module wiring harness. Engine Control" Module (ECM) is not connected.







- Check wires between test box and 4-pin connector for open circuits according to wiring diagram. For:

Cylinder 1 terminal 4 + socket 102
Cylinder 2 terminal 4 + socket 110
Cylinder 3 terminal 4 + socket 94
Cylinder 4 terminal 4 + socket 111
Cylinder 5 terminal 4 + socket 103
Cylinder 6 terminal 4 + socket 95

Wire resistance: max: 1.5 Ohms

- Also check wires for short circuit to each other. Specification: Infinity Ohms

If no malfunctions are found in the wires and there was voltage between terminals 1 + 3 or 2 + 3:

- Replace Engine Control Module (ECM).