Hi, I'm new here and would like to get some help regarding replacing ignition coils.

I have a 03 A4 1.8T with 60K on it and I had one of the ignition coil replaced at an Audi dealership last year (Yes, I was dumb enough to spend the $$$). Now it seems like another coil is about to blow but the CEL hasn't come up yet. Regardless, I'm planning to change the other 3 on my own. I have a few questions below and hopefully you can help me.

1. Do I need to unplug the battery? Anything other than the engine needs to be disconnected/shut off?

2. Is the spark plug right below the coil? Do I need to worry about that when I pull the coils up?

3. I can feel the car shaking when I accelerate but the CEL hasn't come up yet. If I bring it to AutoZone and do a scan will anything show up?

Thank you all for your help and I really appreciate it!

 

1. Do I need to unplug the battery? NO Anything other than the engine needs to be disconnected/shut off? NO

2. Is the spark plug right below the coil? YES Do I need to worry about that when I pull the coils up? NO Just pull straight up

3. I can feel the car shaking when I accelerate but the CEL hasn't come up yet. If I bring it to AutoZone and do a scan will anything show up? Probably not usually the cel has to be on. Unless your going to scan it w/a vag com.

 

kwik_shift, thanks for the quick reply!

Also, do I need special tools to pop the screws off? Thanks!

 

no but a flat head screw driver will help to unplug the coilpacks.

 

On a side note if you are not triggering CEL it's not(99.9%sure) an ignition coil, unless there is something wrong with your CEL. Coil is just a wound conductor, it works or it doesn't. No kinda working allowed.

 

x2 No middle ground there. Describe the shake. Does the struggle or stutter? A bad inner CV joint can make the car shake on acceleration too.