Checking the capacitor (contact ignition system) (VW Golf 2)

Capacitor (located on the ignition distributor) has a significant effect on the generation of the required ignition voltage. At the same time, it reduces sparking when opening the breaker contacts and thus premature wear of the contacts.

Signs of a defective capacitor are heavily burnt contacts of the breaker, weak spark on the spark plugs and, conversely, strong sparking between the distributor contacts, difficulties in starting the engine. However, a defective capacitor is extremely rare.