Ignition Coil: Testing and Inspection

ENGINE WILL NOT START

IGNITION COIL, CHECKING

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items
Multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent)
Connector test kit VW 1594

Test sequence
Disconnect connector and ignition wire from ignition coil N152.
Connect multimeter with test leads from VW 1594 to measure resistance.






Check ignition coil primary resistance with multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent) between terminals 1 and 15.
Specification: 0.5-1.2 Ohms
Check ignition coil secondary resistance with multimeter between terminals 4 and 15.
Specification: 3-4 k Ohms
the specifications are not attained: Replace ignition coil N152.

IGNITION COIL POWER OUTPUT STAGE, CHECKING

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items
• VAG 1598/18 test box
• Multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent)
• VAG 1527B voltage tester
• VW 1594 connector test kit
• Wiring diagram

Checking voltage supply
Disconnect 3-pin harness connector from ignition coil.






Connect multimeter to measure voltage between connector terminals 1 and 3 using adapter cables from VW 1594 test kit. Switch ignition on.

Specification: Mm. 9 volts If no voltage is present: Switch ignition off.
Check wire for open circuit between 3-pin connector terminal 1 and ground, according to wiring diagram. Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 ohms






Connect VAG 1598/18 test box to ECM wiring harness.
Check wire for open circuit between test box socket 38 and 3-pin connector terminal 3, according to wiring diagram. Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 ohms

Checking activation
Disconnect harness connector for fuel injectors 1 and 4, and remove fuse 18.






Connect VAG 1527B voltage tester to connector terminals 2 and 3 using adapter cables from VW 1594 and VW 1594/15 adapter.
Operate starter and check ignition signal from Motronic ECM.
• LED must flicker
Switch ignition off if LED does not flicker:






Connect VAG 1598/18 test box to ECM wiring harness.
Check wire for open circuit between test box socket 8 and 3-pin connector terminal 2, according to wiring diagram. Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 ohms
Additionally check wires for short to one another. Specification: zero ohms, (no continuity)
If no wiring malfunction is detected and voltage was present between terminals 1 and 3:
Replace Motronic ECM J220
If the voltage supply and activation is OK: Re-connect 3-pin connector and high-voltage cable to coil.






Connect VAG 1527B voltage tester to coil terminals land 15.

WARNING! During the test, DO NOT touch the ignition coil terminals or the high-voltage cables.

Operate starter.
• LED must flicker
If necessary replace ignition coil power output stage N157.