Spark Plug and Ignition Coil replacement

5 minute read

Did this as part of a tuneup for my new (to me) CC.  It just passed 60k miles, my previous 3 Volkswagens had ignition coil problems around 60-80k miles so I installed new ones for some preventative maintenance. 

Parts Needed:

Ignition coils
Spark plugs

Tools Needed:

Flathead screwdriver
5/8 / 16mm spark plug or deep well socket
Ratchet
Ratchet extension
Torque wrench (recommended)
Extendable magnet (recommended)

This is an easy job, 15-45 min depending on how much of a hurry you are in.

Step 1:

Remove the engine cover. Pops off with some gentle pulling. 

Step 2:

Use a flathead screwdriver to pop the latches on all 4 ignition coils. The harness isn't very flexible so you'll have to remove all 4 at roughly the same time.  It may need some gentle motivation from your screwdriver. 

Step 3: 

Pop the ignition coils out of the head. They fit pretty snug, so inserting your flathead screwdriver between the head and the lip of the coil and twisting helps pry them out. 

Step 4:

Remove the spark plugs with your ratchet and socket. The extendable magnet helps retrieve them from the head. 

Step 5:

Install the new spark plugs. You don't want to just drop the plug in so I use the extendable magnet to lower them in which is a little more gentle. 

The head is one place that you don't want to screw up the threads, and spark plugs are easy to cross thread so use care when installing. I tighten them by hand with the extension which makes it easier to align and feel if it is threading properly.  After it is hand tight I'll tighten with the ratchet.  

It is highly recommended to torque your plugs down to spec. This prevents over-tightening which can damage your threads, or under-tightening which can cause a plug blowout. Tighten to 18 ft/lbs.

Step 6:

Pop your new ignition coils into the holes. Push down so it is the same depth as they were installed previously. There is a small gap between the head and lip as seen in the photos in Step 2.  

Once all 4 are in you can plug the harness into the coil sockets. 

Here are the 4 old coils and plugs and a shiny new one. 

Step 7:

Reinstall the engine cover and you are done!