Coil sparks?

[Gal]

Hi all.
Just picked up a P reg 1.8 Se and was told that the throttle housing needed cleaning. Soon as I drove it away it juddered like crazy but didn't cut out. Well that is till the clutch was dipped coming into a roundabout. Got it off the main A road and it wouldn't fire up at all
There is no relay 30 on it, can't remember the other one to check, BUT a couple of mates came out to check it and found when cranking the engine over they could see sparks from the coil?
I'm guessing the coil has packed in? Anyone got ideas on this and what the part number should be? Thanks

Don't think having aircon and electric roof makes any odds to the coil

[Gal]

Also got to say when trying to start it up the oil light flashes

[Khare]

Also got to say when trying to start it up the oil light flashes

That's normal.

Coils are very common to go. In fact mine went a few months ago, replaced it, and it went again yesterday! Bought a brand new genuine VAG one now with a year's warranty so should be good for at least 12 months 

I'm not familiar with the 1.8 SE engines, but I'm guessing they're MPI, therefore pretty similar to the 2l 8v GTI engines. If that is the case it should have the ECU relay in the fusebox.

If they could see sparks from the coil that suggests it's had it, they can't be fixed so you have to buy a new/used one (as I experienced though, a £10 used one may only last you a few months).

All coils in the 4 cylinder Mk3 engines are the same, so it doesn't matter if it's aircon or not or 8v/16v. Don't see how you think an electric sunroof will make any difference 

[Gal]

I think I read its an SPI engine?

[Khare]

No idea if it should have ECU relay or not. I would have thought it did   

Anyway, you need a new coil if you can see arching on it 

[boneybradley]

No ebu relay on the spi but they do have the fuel pump relay (There is a guide to replay numbers/location in the maintenence section)

but if the coil is sparking/arcing on the outside that will cause major issues, so replace that first

[javalin]

>I'm not familiar with the 1.8 SE engines, but I'm guessing they're MPI, therefore pretty similar to the 2l 8v GTI engines. If that is the case it should have the ECU relay in the fusebox.
mine (ABS '94 engine) was a SPI - one big injector.  It did have a no30 and no167 (ecu and FP relay)

>If they could see sparks from the coil that suggests it's had it, they can't be fixed so you have to buy a new/used one (as I experienced though, a £10 used one may only last you a few months).
If you can see sparks - then the coil is shot.  Replace it!

James

[Gal]

No relay number 30 in place but does have 167

[Gal]

Also how does it come off? The coil pack I mean? Could only see very little in the dark

[javalin]

take the trim off under the windscreen wipers, then its two nut/bolts one on either side.  Undo, replace and refit, and don't drop the nuts!  The trim fixings need rotating and a gentle lift with a flat bladed screwdriver to come out.

Easy.

J