ignition coils diagnose -- any practical advice?

Nov 05, 2003 2 Replies

Hello all,



I've got a 2000 Passat Wagon, V6 motor. Yesterday the car did not start. It sounds like it is not firing, or when it does fire, not all of the cylinders fire. Either way, it is not starting, it's a long and expensive tow to a dealership, and I am broke.



Can anyone provide me with some practical advice for diagnosing the problem? I need to try to figure out what's going on, and I'd like to avoid an expensive tow and dealer bill.



Also, if it is the ignition coil(s), is this something I can do, or is it a dealer-only repair? If it is something I can do, would anyone care to explain what is involved?



I have never worked on this auto (it is a recent used-car purchase for us), but I am a reasonably competent DIY mechanic, and I've done extensive repairs on my old 87 900 turbo.



Thanks in advance for your time,


-Mike



egold3 at aol


Coils are not a problem on the V6 Passat. What you need to do is find what you have and don't have such as spark from the coil, fuel pressure, and compression. I would start by checking the timing belt first and maybe a compression check which gives a good indication of the mechanical part of the no start problem. How many miles on the car?

Time to replace the mediocre factory battery? Had to do mine (2000) a few weeks ago.

- D.

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