VW Fox Diesel Misfires: Bad Coil Pack Warning Signs

Had similar symptoms with an 04 VW Polo 1.9 TDI. The constant misfiring and engine stalling turned out to be more than just a faulty ignition coil. Vehicle diagnostics revealed multiple issues, deteriorated spark plugs, corroded wiring harness, and a failing fuel pump. The main culprit was indeed the ignition coil, but replacing just that component would have been a temporary fix. The entire ignition system needed attention. When dealing with high-mileage diesel engines showing these symptoms, its best to have a comprehensive check of the fuel delivery and ignition systems. The repair involved replacing all spark plugs, two ignition coils, and rewiring part of the harness. This resolved both the engine stalling and misfire issues. The Check Engine light cleared after the repair and the jerking completely stopped. This was a serious repair job that required specialized diagnostic equipment to properly identify all failing components. These symptoms should not be ignored as they can lead to catalytic converter damage if left unaddressed. Based on your Fox having similar age and mileage, suggest getting a full diagnostic scan before replacing any parts. Unusual misfiring rarely comes from a single failed component in these engines.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Fox had identical engine hesitation and misfire problems last year. The comprehensive fix definitely helped solve it completely. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much the total repair cost? Also, have you experienced any other issues since getting it fixed? Just want to make sure the repair holds up long term, as Im thinking about keeping my Fox for a few more years.

Got my final bill a few days ago. The entire repair focused mainly on the defective ignition coil and some connection issues. Total cost came to 95€ for fixing the cable and plug connections related to the ignition system. Much cheaper than initially expected. Since the vehicle diagnostics and repair, the engine runs perfectly smooth, no more stalling or misfiring issues. The ignition system works flawlessly now, and the car performs like new. It proves that sometimes what seems like a major problem can be resolved with targeted repairs of specific components. For anyone facing similar symptoms, having proper diagnostics done first can save money by pinpointing the exact issue rather than replacing multiple parts unnecessarily. In my case, the faulty connections to the ignition coil were causing all the trouble. The Fox is known to be reliable once these common ignition system issues are properly addressed. Mine has been trouble-free for several months now, suggesting these repairs should give you many more years of service.

Thanks for the advice. Finally got my Fox sorted last week. Took it to a certified VW specialist who did a proper diagnostic scan first. Turns out the check engine light was triggered by a combination of a bad coil pack and corroded wiring, exactly what you mentioned. Total repair came to 280€ including parts and labor. Bit more than expected but they did a thorough job. They cleaned all connections, replaced the faulty ignition coil and fixed some wiring issues. The engine hesitation disappeared completely and no more misfires since then. Car runs like new now, smooth acceleration, no jerking, and the check engine light stayed off. Really glad I got it properly diagnosed instead of just replacing unusual parts. Definitely learned my lesson about going to qualified mechanics rather than trying to save money with cheaper options.