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Looks like I might have a coil pack(s) that is going out - how to tell which one?

1K views 13 replies 3 participants last post by  SpazzyD 
#1 · (Edited)
I've had a coil pack go out on my earlier VW (a New Beetle), so I know what symptoms the engine shows for that. Of course, I will go to AutoZone and get the CEL codes done, but I have a hunch it's the coil pack - although this thread shows pretty much exactly what I am getting, and it be other stuff:

https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1878282-Flashing-Check-engine-light-rough-idle-power-gone

For the record, the CEL alternates from flashing to always-on :mad:, and I already have an existing issue with the thermostat stuck open (although I don't think that is problem now as it is not so cold in my area). It's a 2003 Jetta Wagon with 166K miles.

I wonder if the CEL code gives which one of the packs is bad; if it does not, then how does one ascertain which ones need replacing? :confused:
 
#3 ·
Here's the readout:

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

P0300 Random Misfire Detected

P2181 Cooling System Performance (I've had this for years :rolleyes:)

P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

P0300 Random Misfire Detected

P3081 Engine Temperature Too Low (see P2181)

P0130 O2 Circuit (Bank 1, Sensor 1)

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

OK, so it looks like the #3 coil pack is out. I wonder if the P0130 is indicative of that, or is a whole new problem. :mad:

The AutoZone rep said that sometimes the exact pack doesn't show properly, but I have a feeling that he is trying to make a bigger sale. :rolleyes:

So it looks like I will just purchase an change the #3 pack - but I wait for some responses here to buttress this decision.
 
#10 ·
Status

OK, so I got the Bosch coil pack and installed it, and I'm still getting the same issue. :mad::mad:

After clearing the codes by detaching the battery for 10 minutes, the new codes no longer show the O2 sensor, but still show #3 as misfiring. The guy at AutoZone says to check the plug carefully (I will make sure to clean the contacts well), and after that the spark plug - and if not that, an injector problem, which unfortunately sounds like a PITA to do myself and/or something expensive. :( I'll need to wait until it's daytime to continue.

Any ideas?
 
#11 · (Edited)
If the misfire didn’t move when you swapped plugs, then why did you order a new coil? Or did you NOT do that test?

Next would be to check the condition of #3 spark plug. Ie: gap and condition ( is it covered in oil,fuel,burnt)
If that passes then check #3 injector and wiring and lastly compression

Don’t be lazy and do the tests. Otherwise just throw parts at it until it’s fixed



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#12 ·
OK, an update. I am still waiting for my Amazon Prime 2-day package with the Bosch spark plug to get delivered. :mad: However, I did about 80 miles of mostly highway driving today, and I didn't notice the hesitation problem like I had a week ago. I wonder if the injectors were just a bit clogged, but got unclogged by a certain amount of use? Perhaps I should look into some fuel treatment to continue working away at any clogging that could still be there (or is building up)?
 
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