Features of the ignition system of Volkswagen cars

With the help of the ignition system, a spark discharge is created in the engine cylinders at a certain moment, which ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture. The ignition system of Volkswagen cars is quite reliable and does not require frequent adjustment. However, it also has its own characteristics.

Volkswagen ignition system

One of the main conditions for a successful engine start is a working ignition system. This system provides a spark discharge to the spark plugs at a certain stroke of the gasoline engine.

VW Golf II has a traditional ignition system: G40 - Hall sensor; N - ignition coil; N41 - control unit; O - ignition distributor; P - spark plug connector; Q - spark plugs

The standard ignition system consists of:

• ignition coils;
• spark plugs;
• the control unit;
• distributor.

Some vehicles have a non-contact transistorized ignition system. It consists of the same elements as the traditional system, but the distributor does not have a liquid condenser and a Hall sensor. The functions of these elements are performed by a contactless sensor, whose operation is based on the Hall effect.

All this applies to gasoline engines. In diesel units, ignition refers to the moment of fuel injection on the compression stroke. Diesel fuel and air enter the cylinders separately from each other. First, air is supplied to the combustion chamber, which is very hot. Then, with the help of nozzles, fuel is injected there and instantly ignites.

Setting the ignition of a VW Passat B3 with an ABS engine using the VAG-COM program and a stroboscope

The ignition of a VW Passat B3 with an ABS engine is set as follows.

1. Warm up the car and turn off the engine.
2. Open the timing cover. The mark on the plastic cover should line up with the notch on the pulley. Otherwise, release the car from the handbrake, set the second gear and push the car (the pulley will rotate) until the marks match.
   

   The mark on the timing cover must match the groove on the pulley
3. Open the cover of the distributor - the slider should be turned to the first cylinder.
   

   The distributor slider must be turned in the direction of the first cylinder
4. Open the viewing window plug and see if the marks match.
   

   The coincidence of labels is checked through the viewing window
5. Connect the stroboscope wire and battery power to the first cylinder. Unscrew the nut under the distributor.
   

   The stroboscope cord is connected through the diagnostic connectors
6. On the strobe gun, press the key and bring it to the viewing window. The label should be opposite the top tab. If this is not the case, turn the distributor.
   

   When installing the ignition, the stroboscope is brought to the viewing window
7. Connect adapter.
8. Launch the VAG-COM program. Remove the car from second gear and start the engine.
   

   The VAG-COM program is used to adjust the ignition
9. In the VAG-COM program, go to the "Engine Block" section.
   

   After starting the VAG-COM program, you need to go to the "Engine Block" section
10. Select the "Measurement Mode" tab and click the "Basic Settings" button on the left.
    

    Using the VAG-COM program, you can quickly and accurately set the ignition
11. Tighten the distributor bolt.
12. In the VAG-COM program, return to the "Measurement Mode" tab.
13. Disconnect the stroboscope and diagnostic cords.
14. Close the viewing window.

Ignition coil puller

To dismantle the ignition coils, a special tool is used - a puller. Its design allows you to carefully remove the coil without damaging it. You can buy such a puller at any auto shop or order it on the Internet.

Video: ignition coil puller VW Polo Sedan

Spark plug diagnostics

You can determine the malfunction of candles visually by the following signs:

• deposits on the candle;
• melted electrodes;
• a layer of soot on the tip of the candle;
• traces of oil on the tip of the candle.

You can diagnose a malfunction of spark plugs by a number of external signs.

There are several reasons for the failure of candles:

• wear and tear and exceeding the service life;
• frequent regular driving for short distances;
• high oil level in the engine;
• unbalanced air-fuel mixture.

Replacing candles on a VW Polo car

Replacing candles with your own hands is quite simple. Work is performed on a cold engine in the following order:

1. Press the two spark plug cap latches.
   

   The cover of spark plugs VW Polo is fastened with special clamps
2. Remove the spark plug cap.
   

   After pressing the latches, the spark plug cover can be easily removed
3. Pry with a screwdriver and lift the ignition coil.
   

   When replacing spark plugs VW Polo need to lift the ignition coil
4. Press the latch, which is located under the block of wires.
   

   The VW Polo ignition coil wiring harness is fixed with a special retainer
5. Disconnect the block from the ignition coil.
   

   After pressing the latches, the block of wires is easily removed
6. Remove the coil from the spark plug well.
   

   When replacing spark plugs, pull the ignition coil out of the spark plug well.
7. Using a 16mm spark plug socket with an extension, unscrew the spark plug.
   

   The candle is unscrewed with a 16-inch candle head with an extension cord
8. Take the candle out of the well.
   

   After unscrewing the spark plug is pulled out of the candle well
9. Install the new spark plug in reverse order.

Video: quick change spark plugs VW Polo

VW POLO - Quick change of spark plugs.

Selection of spark plugs for Volkswagen cars

When buying new spark plugs, there are a number of important points to consider. Candles differ in design and material from which they are made. Spark plugs can be:

• two-electrode (with one side and one central electrode);
• multi-electrode (with one central and several side electrodes).

Multi-electrode spark plugs have multiple ground electrodes

For the manufacture of electrodes are used:

• yttrium and copper (available but not very fade resistant);
• platinum (very reliable, resistant to corrosion, but expensive).

When choosing candles, you need to pay attention to the glow number. The discrepancy between this number and the requirements of the manufacturer will give rise to a number of problems. If it is more than the regulated values, the load on the engine will increase and lead to its forced operation. If the glow number is low, due to an insufficiently powerful spark, problems will arise when starting the motor.

It is advisable to purchase original Volkswagen candles, which:

• have high wear resistance;
• qualitatively ignite the mixture;
• function reliably during the entire period of operation.

The highest quality spark plugs are produced by Bosch, Denso, Champion, NGK. Their price varies from 100 to 1000 rubles.

Feedback from car owners about spark plugs

Car owners speak well of Bosch Platinum candles.

I have 2 cars VW golf mk2, both with a volume of 1.8 liters, but one is injection and the other is carbureted. These candles have been on the carburetor for 5 years. I've never pulled them out in all this time. I have driven about 140 thousand kilometers on them. No complaints. A year ago, and put on the injector. The engine runs at a height, noticeably quieter than with other, cheaper spark plugs.

Tijs

http://otzovik.com/review_648713.html

Good reviews can also be found for Denso TT candles.

Good time of the day. I want to discuss which brands of candles to buy for your car at the moment, which will work both on a new car and on a used one. Here I want to recommend Denso spark plugs, which have already proven themselves very positively. This spark plug brand has been a leader in spark plugs for many years. And then there was also the Denso TT (Twin tip) spark plug series, which was one of the first spark plugs in the world with a thin center and ground electrode, which do not contain precious metals, but still provide optimal performance with less fuel consumption, in comparison with standard candles, which makes starting the engine much easier in the winter season. Also, this series of candles is very close to iridium candles, but cheaper in price, not inferior to expensive candles in any way, even, say, they surpass many expensive analogues of other spark plug companies.

Alex757

http://otzovik.com/review_204779.html

Car owners have a number of complaints about Finwhale F510 candles.

I have been using these candles for a long time. In principle, I am satisfied with their work, they rarely let me down. Although there have been cases of buying defective ones, subsequently a headache with returns. In the summer they behave remarkably, but at low temperatures it is slightly difficult to start the engine. This type of candle is ideal for those who are not able to buy expensive candles.

of interest

http://otzovik.com/review_655601.html

Unlocking the ignition lock

The most common reason for the lock to lock is the anti-theft mechanism built into the steering wheel. If there is no ignition key in the lock, this mechanism will lock the steering wheel when you try to turn it. To unlock, with the key inserted into the lock, find a steering wheel position in which it can turn and close the contact group.

Thus, the ignition system of Volkswagen vehicles requires periodic care and maintenance. All this is quite simple to do on your own, without resorting to the services of a car service.