FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Ignition Coil: Testing and Inspection



Ignition Coil And Power Output Stage Checking

Special tools and equipment
- Test box VAG 1598/22
- Hand multimeter VAG 1526 or multimeter VAG 1715
- Adapter set VAG 1594
- Diode test lamp VAG 1527
- Wiring diagram

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

Checking ignition coil
- Disconnect connector and H.T. cable from ignition coil -N152-.







- Check primary resistance between terminals 1 and 15.
Specification: 0.5 to 1.5 Ohm
- Check secondary resistance between terminals 4 and 15.
Specification: 2.5 to 4 kOhm

If the specifications are not attained:
- Replace ignition coil, item 3.

Checking voltage supply
- Pull 3 pin connector off ignition coil.







- Connect multimeter to measure voltage using aux. cables from VAG 1594 to contacts 1 + 3 of disconnected connector.
- Switch ignition on.
Specification: at least 11 V

If no voltage is present:
- Switch ignition off.
- Check wire between 3 pin connector contact 1 and Ground for open circuit according to wiring diagram.
Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 Ohm
- Check wire between 3 pin connector contact 3 and relay plate for open circuit according to wiring diagram.
Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 Ohm

Checking activation







- Remove fuse 32

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

- Connect diode test lamp VAG 1527 using aux. cables from VAG 1594 and adapters VAG 1594/15 to contacts 2+3 of connector.
- Operate starter and check ignition signal from engine control module.
LED must flicker

The LED does not flicker:







- Connect test box VAG 1598/22 to control module wiring harness.
- Check wire between test box socket 71 and 3 pin connector contact 2 for open circuit according to wiring diagram.
Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 Ohm
- Check additional wires for short to one another.
Specification: Infinite Ohm

If no wiring malfunction is detected and voltage was present between contacts 1+3:
- Replace engine control module.

If the voltage supply and activation is OK:
- Connect 3 pin connector and H.T. cable to ignition coil.







- Connect diode test lamp using auxiliary cables and clamps to contacts 1 and 15 on ignition coil.

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

- Operate starter.
The LED must flicker