Checking the capacitor (VW Golf 2)

The capacitor is only available with contact ignition distributors. It is fixed outside the ignition distributor housing and has a greater ability to obtain the required ignition voltage. At the same time, the capacitor reduces sparking when opening the breaker contacts and thus prevents premature burnout of the contacts.

If the breaker contacts have burned out or they have burned out relatively quickly after the last replacement, then the capacitor is faulty. Capacitor failures are very rare. In addition to burning out contacts, they can cause difficulties in starting the engine due to a weak spark or its absence. Capacitor failures can also cause difficulties in switching from low to high speeds. The capacitor can be thoroughly checked only with special measuring equipment that measures the condition of the capacitor insulation and its capacity. However, in most cases it is enough to inspect the contacts or install a new capacitor for testing. A faulty capacitor must be replaced with a capacitor of the same type.