Do you want to know what happens when the ignition coil of your Volkswagen breaks down? Your Volkswagen ignition coil takes the low voltage from the battery and increases it to the amount required to create a spark in the spark plug, and this ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine. If the ignition coil is not working as it should, your VW engine will not perform as required, and in some cases, it will not start at all. Although a failure of an ignition coil might not look like a big problem, it can lead to many performance issues and may even result in expensive repairs if not fixed.

Consequences of Ignition Coil Failure in Your Volkswagen

• Lack of Power: The ignition coil is supposed to provide the spark that is needed to initiate combustion in the cylinders, but when your coil is faulty, your engine will not be able to deliver the power that is required. This can lead to a noticeable loss of power, slow acceleration, and a rougher driving experience.
• Engine Misfires: Another sign that may indicate that your car has a faulty ignition coil is when the engine misfires. A misfire is when the spark plug does not receive enough voltage to ignite the fuel that has been injected into the combustion chamber. You may experience your car stalling, shuddering, or accelerating in a rough manner, especially when you are trying to speed up quickly.
• Starting Problem: If the ignition coil is faulty, your Volkswagen might start with a lot of trouble, or may not start at all. Since the spark needed is not present, the fuel in the cylinders will not combust, and the engine will struggle to turn over.
• Warning Light: The check engine light will come on when the computer of your Volkswagen detects a misfire or ignition problem. This is an indication that something is wrong with the ignition system. A diagnostic scan can show one or more codes that indicate ignition coil failure.
• Excessive Exhaust Emissions: If ignition coils fail, raw material can accumulate in the exhaust pipes, which increases emissions. This may lead to your Volkswagen failing an emission test or giving off a fuel odor from the exhaust.

What to Do If You Suspect Ignition Coil Failure

• Diagnosing the Problem: The ignition coil in your VW can easily be tested by a professional mechanic, who will determine if they are faulty or not. With the help of modern diagnostic tools, they can diagnose whether one or more of the coils are bad and whether other components of the ignition system require attention.
• Replacing the Ignition Coil: If the ignition coil has been found to be the issue, then a simple replacement would be the best course of action. Depending on the model of your Volkswagen, your vehicle may have a single ignition coil or an ignition coil for each cylinder. A mechanic will repair the car by replacing the defective coils with new ones to ensure that the engine runs efficiently.
• Checking the Spark Plugs and Wires: Since ignition coil failure can sometimes be attributed to bad spark plugs, it is wise to check and replace the plugs as well. The mechanic will check the condition of the spark plugs and the ignition wires to confirm that they are well maintained.

Bring Your VW To Our Professionals For Ignition Coil Repair

If your Volkswagen is experiencing some of the above symptoms of ignition coil failure, do not wait for the problem to worsen. At Masters European & Japanese Auto Repair, we have the experience in determining and fixing problems related to the ignition system in VWs and other European cars. Our experienced and professional technicians have over 40 years of experience in offering the best repair and maintenance services to drivers within Mill Valley, CA and neighboring communities like Corte Madera, Tiburon, Larkspur, and Sausalito.

If your Volkswagen is not in its best condition, we will employ the latest diagnostic equipment and genuine parts to get it fixed. If you have noticed that your car has developed problems such as engine misfires, power loss, or issues with the starting, you should visit us for a diagnostic service. Our team will assess the problem within a short time and give you the right solution to ensure your Volkswagen is performing optimally.