So here is my story real quick...I was driving yesterday to class and my b6 a4 broke down on the highway...started shaking, flashing CEL. Had to get it towed to my local mechanic. I knew right away pretty much what it was...the coilpacks and sparkplugs and all that. But...my mechanic wants to put in a new coilpack harness as well. do i need that? it's like an extra 100 dollars plus labor charges. is it necessary to replace the coilpack harness as well as all four coilpacks and spark plugs? It's getting kinda expensive..it's going to end up a couple hundred bucks.

I don't really know anything about the coilpack harness but the guy feels like I should do it...just wondering what you guys think.

Any quick comments/help would be appreciated. thanks.

 

If it helps, the coil pack harness is essentially the same as the spark plug wires. Ask the mechanic why he thinks the harness needs to be replaced. It is a wear item and it is possible that yours is going/has gone bad. Or your mechanic may just be recommending it as a preventative measure. $100 seems a little steep for one though. 1.8T coil pack harness is going for $49.95 at ecstuning.

 

The only way i would say u need to replace ur harness is if when u plug the wires to the coilpacks if it dosent lock or shows wires through the harness. Over time it will short and u will blow and fuse and be stuck on the side of the road. ask me how i know. . But if the look and feel like they can still go for more use then tell him ull you it later.

 

he says he'd suggest it soon but is not essential to be replaced right now. i really dont have the money to for it + labor charges...so im jusdt gonna do the 4 coilpacks and the new spark plug which is going to be about 250 total.

 

I guess thats resonable. You could go that on your own and save about 70 bucks. But yea if the wires dont look brittle or they snap and hold then u should be okay. Just know over time the heat will deterioate the plastic so be gentle. Inspect them before u have the shop work cuz the guy that worked on my car last i think he broke them and i had to get them replaced.

 

i hear ya man, thanks for the advice. the problem is is there's no way i could do this stuff on my own. it ended up costing 300 for 4 new coilpacks and a new spark plug including labor. seemed a little pricey but i know nothing about cars so it'd only be a nightmare me trying to install these even though i've heard they are rather easy to do which is why i was surprised it was so expensive, but eh, what are ya gonna do i guess.