2001 Volkswagen Passat: misfire or rough idle

Filed Sep 28, 2009 · Brakes, Engine · 106,000 miles · MA

I brought my vehicle into firestone for a rountine tune-up and to replace my axle. Because of firestones mis-diagnosis of the tune-up, they determined it was the engine coil. My vehicle had to be towed to audi of brookline for a complete diagnostic and they found this.....a pre-existing condition - e.c.m..the engine coil was only a symptom of the bigger problem in the faulty e.c.m. Misfiring. Prior to bringing my vehicle into firestone, it was operable. Because of their tampering with the ignition coils; my vehicle was subsequently destroyed. Regarding the diagnostic report, the current and passed condition of my vehicle, which is normally a healthy, safe, vehicle, is as follows: "fuel delivery inspection at present time, ignition system check, and power provided to coils tech found no communication between engine control module (e.c.m.) and a.b.s. Control module because a.b.s. Control module was disconnected. Reconnect and access a.b.s. System and fault detected customer aware of the a.b.s. Problem and warning has been on for a while. That is true, and not the reason for this letter. Continued: found e.c.m. Fault for #3 ignition coil open circuit. Pin check wires on #3 ignition coil plug #3 post from connector to e.c.m. Found height resistance in wire, replaced #3 connector and re-tested ok. Also clean and replace terminal on top of valve cover for proper ground. Start engine and road test vehicle, found engine misfire on #1, #2, #3, #4 ignition coils". I have to replace all 4 ignition coils, catayltic converter, and e.c.m. This is the second ignition coil replaced in the 1 year I've owned the vehicle. This car has more mechanical errors than imaginable. The estimated cost of repairs is in the thousands. I can't afford to maintenance this tempermenatl vehicle. I will have to junk the car. I refuse to fix this vehicle. Pushing for a recall!!

Filed Aug 14, 2009 · Engine · IL

I have a 2001.5- 2.8 dohc vw passat with just over 106k miles.at around 98k miles I started to experience a loss of power in the engine and got multiple misfires on the scan of the engine. This happens intermittently, although mostly when I start the car at the beginning of the day, regardless of temperature. Fast forward 6 months, after already replacing the coil pack twice, I still have the same problem. The dealership wants to charge me over $600 dollars to try and figure out what "might" be the problem. They're still not sure. If anyone is having this problem, please let me know if you've figured out what it is.

Filed Jan 27, 2003 · Electrical · 42,600 miles · OH

I was making a left hand turn into oncoming traffic when what I now know as one of my ignition coils failed. The car initially lost significant power and then from there continually drove as though it was misfiring. Fortunately, the car I was turning in front of had time to slow down. I now wonder if vw is just waiting around until someone actually gets hurt from something they call "not a safety issue." they probably hope that the people this happens to don't complain at all and that this will die down unnoticed as to not hurt their precious reputation. I drove it slowly to the vw dealership the next day. They only replaced one of the coils. Interestingly enough, even though my car has long been out of warranty as a result of miles, vw paid for the part and the labor. If that isn't a sign the part should be recalled, then I don't know what is. Unfortunately, I have 3 more times that this could potentially happen. I would like immediate results in having the other 3 replaced. I was told this would not happen. What company admits they knowingly have parts that are expiring earlier than they should (in most cases affecting 1/2 power loss in a car) and then only replaces the ones that goes bad?????

Filed Jan 16, 2003 · Transmission · 26,000 miles · NJ

This issue caused my car to misfire so bad I was unable to get my car to accelerate and nearly caused an accident. This issue could leave many stranded and has already caused major problems for hundreds of owners. *ph *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**770852

Filed Dec 18, 2002 · Electrical · 18,500 miles · NY

Failure of ignition coil pack. Very rough idle, loss of power, stalling. Car is at dealership over 2 weeks still awaiting parts to repair. No definitive time schedule given by dealer or vw of america as to when parts will become available and repair can be made.