Why: Ignition coils are a part that regularly fails and spark plugs are a maintenance item.
Recommended Maintenance Interval:
Audi recommends replacing the spark plugs at 55K miles and then every 60K miles there after.
Background information:
There was a recall on the ignition coils for a bunch of Audis. It was the 28F2 recall. If you pop your hood and see a little yellow sticker that looks like this then it was performed on your car but if you don’t then it might be a good idea to call your local Audi dealership with your VIN number handy to have them check.
Previous steps required:
- Removing the MAF boot and top half of the engine air box. http://audirevolution.net/forum/index.php?topic=2919.0
- Loosening the coolant tank so that it can be moved around for clearance. http://audirevolution.net/forum/index.php?topic=2921.0
Parts Required:
- Ignition coils - if replacing - get the latest part number which is 077905115T.
- Spark plugs - Bosch or NGK were both used by Audi so either is fine.
- Silicone spray - not required but helpful
- Anti-seize - not required but helpful
These parts break easily while performing these repairs or may already be broken from previous repairs: - Ignition coil connector - part number 4B0973724
- Ignition coil wiring harness covers - part numbers left 4Z7971824B and right 4Z7971824A
Tools required:
- 5/8 spark plug socket
- Long locking extension
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20141104_204407_resized_zps283039c8.jpg
- Ratchet
- T20 Torx socket and ratchet
- 90 degree pick tool - not required but very helpful
- Ignition coil puller special tool - not required but very helpful. Some people use zipties or a big pick tool to get leverage on the ignition coils and other people just pull them straight out. I am lazy and I painted my valve covers so I finally broke down and got the special tool.
Steps:
- Remove the engine oil dipstick and set aside.
- Remove the four T20 Torx bolts that hold the ignition coil wiring harness covers in place.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20140902_185837_resized_zps1cee673f.jpg
- Pull the ignition coils up a little bit. Go slowly and move down the line until they are high enough that you can get your finger between the wiring harness cover and the valve cover. I use the ignition coil puller tool since my valve covers are painted, they are the gloss black ones a few pictures down.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20140902_190143_resized_zpsaf390633.jpg
- Disconnect the electrical connectors from the ignition coils. You have to go slowly and take steps going down the line of ignition coils. The proper way to do this is to use your thumb by pushing the connector on the ignition coil, pulling the release tab down with your thumb until it clicks free, and then pulling the connector off. Unfortunately the connectors break easily and get mangled so I use a small 90 degree pick tool to release them like so:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20140902_190422_resized_zps7d8a01a9.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20141105_151229_resized_zps8af25b15.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20141105_151214_resized_zps04efa6a2.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20141105_151138_resized_zps3a896244.jpg
Your engine bay will not look the same as the one will the black valve covers since I have other modifications like the JHM supercharger.
- Once you have the ignition coils free, go ahead and pull them fully out.
- Replace the spark plugs with the spark plug socket, long locking extension, and ratchet. There is a torque spec for the spark plugs but nobody actually uses it. I have found that when it feels tight that is good enough. Also some people like to put anti-seize on the threads of the spark plugs but I have never found these spark plugs to get that stuck in place.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20141105_150030_resized_zps52694bfb.jpg
- Before putting the ignition coils back in I like to spray the rubber boots in the ends of them with silicone spray to lubricate them so that they come off easy the next time.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20141105_151128_resized_zps36fc3969.jpg
- Put the ignition coils in loosely and reconnect the connectors. Then push the ignition coils down onto the spark plugs.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20141105_151253_resized_zpsc8e3f716.jpg
- Put everything back and enjoy.