How to Replace an Ignition Coil on an Aircooled Vw (Volkswagen) Beetle

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

If the coil needs replacing, use a stock coil. The only time more spark than the stock coil can provide might be needed is when the engine has a very high compression ratio or extremely wide plug gap.

Steps

1
Make sure the ignition key is switched off.
2
Unplug the wire that goes from the center of the coil to the distributor cap.

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3
To make sure the wires don't get mixed up, use masking tape to tape together one side of the coils wires at a time. Note on a piece of paper if they came from the #1 (negative) or the #15 (positive) side of the coil. If the vehicle has conventional points, the green wire leading from the side of the distributor will go to the negative side of the coil. If the vehicle has been equipped with a points replacement unit, electronic ignition, the red wire from the side of the coil, will go to the positive side of the coil, and the black will go to the negative.
4
Loosen the two 10mm bolts that hold the coil mounting bracket onto the fan housing, and remove the coil.
5
The coil is held in the mounting bracket by a single bolt tightening the bracket to clamp the coil in place. Loosen this bolt sufficiently, and remove the old coil from the mounting bracket.
6
Install the new coil the same way the old coil was removed, making sure that the negative and positive side of the coil face the same way as the old coil.
7
Install the coil with it's mounting bracket to the fan shroud, and plug the wires back into the coil, double checking to make sure the negative and positive wires go to their respective terminals on the coil.
8
Reconnect the center coil wire from the distributor cap.
9
Test drive the vehicle to make sure it operates properly.

Community Q&A

Question

Does the coil point up or down?

Community Answer

It can point in any direction, which ever is most convenient for the wiring.

Warnings

If the vehicle contains points or a points replacement device, such as Compufire or Pertronix, make sure the ignition coil has the ballast resistor. If the coil or primary ignition winding doesn't have this ballast, the distributor will burn up.

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Safety should always be your #1 focus when working on a vehicle. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in this world is so important, that you should EVER practice unsafe maintenance on your vehicles. Always use the proper tools for the job at hand. Common sense is a VERY IMPORTANT. I try to ensure the pages I add are error-free; however, I am human and make mistakes.

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