Volkswagen is often regarded as a highly dependable European automobile manufacturer. As a result, the last thing you want to experience is a defect in your car while going on a trip. As a Volkswagen car owner, one of the faults your vehicle can develop is an ignition coil problem.
A faulty ignition coil will degrade your driving experience and create a variety of problems in your vehicle. There are many reasons why a Volkswagen’s ignition coil could fail, and when this problem surfaces, your car will display some symptoms to alert you that you need the services of a skilled mechanic.
The Ignition Coil
An ignition coil, as the name implies, is an ignition component that allows gasoline to be ignited in the engine’s combustion chamber. The generated energy is what drives the vehicle and makes it move from one point to another. It’s the beginning of the engine cycle.
For there to be ignition of fuel in your Volkswagen, the ignition coils transfer electrical current to your vehicle’s spark plug. In other words, the ignition coil is an intermediate component that transfers electric current from your car’s battery to the spark plugs. When these ignition coils fail, they disrupt the mechanism through which gasoline is combusted in your engine.
The most common reasons for the failure of the ignition coil
The ignition coils might fail for a variety of reasons:
- Low Battery: One of the primary causes of this issue is insufficient battery power. This happens when your vehicle has a low battery current. A low battery will put a strain on the coils as they attempt to convert the little current to enough power in order to activate sparks for fuel burning. This excessive strain will prematurely wear down your Volkswagen’s ignition coil, leading to a malfunction.
- Overheating: Another cause for your car’s ignition coil to fail is an overheated engine compartment. The engine generates a lot of heat when running, and the ignition coil component will become brittle and fail with time. The heat might potentially short-circuit the coil. As a result, very little power is delivered to your VW spark plugs.
- Moisture: Moisture is another possibility for Volkswagen ignition coil failures. This moisture is caused by leaks that make their way to the ignition coils, producing corrosion.
- Vibrations: Finally, high vibrations from harsh driving might cause the ignition coil of your vehicle to fail.
Indicators of ignition coil failure
When the ignition coil of your VW develops a malfunction, your vehicle will exhibit several symptoms. Some of the more noticeable indicators are as follows:
- Engine misfiring: When your vehicle has little to no electrical current supplied to the spark plugs, the engine may begin to misfire. This will manifest itself as a hesitating cough of the engine when you try to start your automobile.
- Stalled engine: In certain situations, your Volkswagen may fully stall, requiring you to restart the vehicle. This is due to the inconsistency of the electric current flowing through the ignition coil. A stopped engine might be dangerous, especially if you are on the highway. Before calling a tow truck, stop at a safe place on the roadside. Don’t continue driving with a faulty ignition coil for your safety and those around you.
- Check engine light: The light on your dashboard can illuminate due to irregularity in electrical current. When this happens, it means that combustion is not taking place properly. Although a check light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, a vehicle repair shop should be able to perform a diagnostic check to confirm the issue.
Ignition Coil Repairs at DART Auto
If your Volkswagen’s ignition coil is not 
working properly as it should, then you need to take it down to a competent repair shop. DART Auto is the place to go. We are the leading Volkswagen repair shop in the whole of Colorado. We gladly serve Volkswagen and other European car owners in Englewood, Littleton, Centennial, and Denver, CO.
Our highly-skilled experts will assist you in restoring the smooth driving experience that your car was built for. Whether you want a quick Volkswagen repair or you need a trusted place where you can schedule routine car maintenance, we are here to help. Call us now, and we’ll handle the rest!
