...this morning, when turning into my road, suddenly the car started juddering, lacked power, and then spluttered almost to a standstill. Engine management light started flashing like mad, and I immediately started fearing the worst - just been paid, and was suddenly expecting to lose half my month's money in fixing the car.

The AA came out, the guy started the car and said "I bet it's a coil".

Sure enough, he hooked up VAG-COM and one of the coils had failed. He had one in the van, and fitted it for £30.

To say I was relieved is an understatement. Thank you, AA!

Glad you're sorted. Yes, coilpacks are a PITA!

Steve

Glad it was a quick fix.

These coils are an achilles heel in VAG engines. My 2.0 FSi Audi went through all four in the space of twelve months, and the RAC don't hold them in stock, so it was a tow to the stealers each time. They were all done under warranty, but the hassle was annoying.

If one goes on my 1.4 16v Fabia I will change all of them at the same time for peace of mind.

My Golf 1.6 used to eat them up as well, first time it happened I crapped myself. Had them all replaced the three more went over the next few months. Did make it sound a bit like a Subaru at low revs lol

I used to run a BMW 530 with 8 coilpacks and was forever in fear of them packing up !

Never did, though

Must have been an old school 530i to have 8, instead of 6 packs