VW Coil Packs Replacement?

[BreenM]

HI
Does anyone know if replacing the coil packs in a 2002 VW Polo is an easy job. A friend of mine's car was cutting out and after the diagnostics was told it was a coil. The bill was �180 in total. a month later now same thing again. Reading about it on the net this seems to be a very common problem with VWs and in most cases when one goes then the rest soon follow. I'm guessing this is maybe what's happened to him. Would it be cheaper and easier for a novice to just buy and replace them rather than forking out that cash each time. I know bits and pieces about cars and was hoping this could be done quite easily.

Thanks

[derekpara]

We had the same problem with my son's Golf last week. just after a full service. Car misfiring on one cylinder which was diagnosed as a faulty coil pack. I bought one from a main dealer at a cost of �28 and the fitter put it on free of charge. I watched him do it and it took no more than three minutes ! Each cylinder has a coil pack which just unplugs from the plug top and a connector. No more difficult than putting on a USB lead. Once you find out how to remove the engine cover the rest is easy.

Yes it seems to be a common failure with VWs. This is the second time it's happened to us.

[david1702198]

very common fault on the 1.0ltr vw engine. p i s s easy to change. most modern cars have individual coil packs. renaults newer engines have them and they fail all the time. called pencil coils on their engines.

[BreenM]

Sorry should also have asked without diagnostic equipment is there any way I can tell which ones are faulty? and also will it be obvious the one that was replaced i.e cleaner and newer. i am fairley ok at dabbling with cars but that was older cars this being newer I don't know much about the coils and as it's for a friend I haven't even seen the car. if i could identify another 1 faulty one. then about �30 i hear could replace it rather than crazy garage prices.. cheers guys

[derekpara]

Without diagnostic equipment I think it's just a case of trial and error. With the engine running start one end and disconnect the lead from the coil pack. If the misfire becomes worse, replace and move on to the next until there is no change. I suggest you put a dab of Tippex on the new one to identify it. Good luck.