4th coil pack went on me last night while on the highway, thankfully had the vag and a spare
 

3 times I had a spare.. the first time I didn't. All of them died with about 5-8k between each one. I am hoping now that all 4 have been replaced that I wont have a problem for a while, but I did pick up another spare today.

In conclusion, anyone that has not had a coil go on them yet, I suggest buying one to put in your trunk. Sure saves a headache.


Macbook aluminum + Vmware + Vagcom + spare parts = lifesaver (or at least saves a flatbed and wasted time)

For the record, you can easily diag which cylinder it is without VAG-COM.
 

<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/2879211.phtml">AWM is even easier.</a></li></ul>

Is that the reference to "musical coil packs" ? I knew that could be done but wasnt sure how. Also,
 

Id rather stay in the car as long as possible, its freezing outside. Thanks for the link in case I dont have the vag on me.

it'll happen again. keep a spare. I keep 2, a spare for the spare. never leave home without one.

just pick a coilpack, pull it, if the engine drops to 2 cyl, pick again.
 

when you pull one and it stays at 3 cyl, replace that one, and go back to 4cyl.

good info.

It seemed like all 4 were good, except while accelerating. Nothing sounded different
 

even with the hood up and the cover off.

Can the coils die just enough to keep idle, but not accelerate?

Yes. Read my post again.
 

You can pull the running ones off and hear the spark arcing. The weak one will not arc, or will not arc from as far out.

yes. sometimes they'll be fine at idle and low load.

4th? You're coilpacks must have been assembled on a tuesday...
 

I've replaced a total of 12 since I've owned the car.

I keep four in my trunk.

Yup...four.

I figure I have another 20k til they're going to need replacement again...*crosses fingers*