VW Tiguan Ignition Coil Symptoms, Diagnosis & Replacement Guide

VW Tiguan Ignition Coil Guide: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Replacement & Best Options

Ignition coils are a critical component of your Tiguan's engine. They convert the low voltage from the battery into the high voltage required to create a spark in your engine. The ignition coils on your VW Tiguan are located on top of the engine, with one coil per cylinder (four total for the four-cylinder engine).

Purchase Links

Symptoms of Failing Ignition Coils on Your VW Tiguan

Engine Misfires
Check Engine Light (Flashing Generally Indicates Misfire)
Rough Idle
Hesitation Under Acceleration
Fault Codes: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 (“Cyl 1, 2, 3, 4, or Random Misfires”)

How to Diagnose a Bad VW Tiguan Ignition Coil

How to Video – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Tiguan
How to Video – 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Tiguan

Scan for Fault Codes: Use a scan tool to identify which cylinder is misfiring
Swap Ignition Coils: Move the suspected faulty coil to another cylinder.
Observe Changes: Check if the misfire moves to the new cylinder

To perform this diagnosis, you’ll need at least a basic code reader. A VW/Audi-specific tool like OBDeleven provides more detailed misfire data, though it’s not required.

How to Remove or Replace 2018-2025 VW Tiguan Ignition Coils – How-to Video on Plugs & Coils

Tools Required:

10mm Socket
Ratchet
Thin 10mm Wrench or Need Nose Pliers

Steps:

Remove the engine cover.
Remove the ignition ground eyelet next to each coil (use a 10mm wrench).
Unclip all ignition coil connectors and push them back off the coils.
Pull up the ignition coil to remove (an ignition coil tool can be helpful).
Replace or swap the ignition coils as needed.

How to Remove or Replace 2009-2017 VW Tiguan Ignition Coils – How-to Video on Plugs & Coils

Tools Required:

Hands

Steps:

Remove the engine cover.
Unclip all ignition coil connectors and push them back off the coils
Pull up the ignition coil to remove (an ignition coil tool can be helpful).
Replace or swap the ignition coils as needed

Which Ignition Coils NOT to Purchase

Avoid unbranded ignition coils from eBay, Amazon, or local parts stores. These coils often fail shortly after installation and may cause persistent misfires.

For reliable performance, stick with trusted manufacturers like Bosch, Eldor, and Beru, or opt for Genuine VW ignition coils. These brands are commonly offered by European e-commerce vendors and are known for their quality.

Purchase Links

This Information Applies to: