Ignition Power Stage: Testing and Inspection
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: Min. 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: Infinity 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 1 and 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.