Maintenance work on the ignition system (VW Golf 2)

Ignition systems are generally maintenance-free, but maintenance does require checking the electrical connections and spark plugs.

Checking the distributor cap

Remove the distributor cap by using a screwdriver to press both side clamps.

The inside of the lid should be dry.

Check the internal connection contacts for wear and corrosion; if necessary, clean the contacts with sandpaper.

Check the ease of movement and the degree of wear of the central carbon contact by pressing on the contact with your finger.

Check for leakage currents on the distributor cap. Leakage currents are identified by thin, uneven marks on the surface of the distributor cap.

Wipe the distributor cap with a clean, dry cloth and inspect it for microcracks. Replace the distributor cap if necessary.

Remove the distributor rotor and check for microcracks. Both contacts, in the middle and on the edge, should shine; if necessary, clean the contacts.

(The original text can be found at: VWMANUAL)

Apply one drop of oil to the felt on the distributor shaft.

Put on the distributor rotor, snapping the protrusion in the rotor into the groove in the distributor shaft. Turn the distributor rotor in both directions, checking the reliability of the fastening.

Install the distributor cap.

Checking electrical connections

Check the tightness of all electrical connections on the ignition coil and distributor.

Clean corroded connection contacts with sandpaper or a wire brush, and spray with contact spray if necessary.



The contacts must be dry, otherwise clean the contacts and spray with contact spray.

Bend the spark plug wires and check for cracks in their insulation. Replace the spark plug wires if necessary.

To clean electrical connections and seals on connector covers and housings, you can use the cleaning and sealing kit, part number VV 000998351. It contains sealing compound, contact and aerosol, brass brush and sealing rings.

Checking ignition systems

Caution! Check the spark plugs on a cold or warm engine. When unscrewing the spark plugs on a hot engine, the threads of the spark plug holes in the cylinder head made of light metal alloys can be damaged.

Conventional spark plugs installed on vehicles manufactured before August 1985 should be removed every 15,000 km, cleaned and the gap between the electrodes adjusted.

Extended life spark plugs are replaced every 30,000 km.

Check the distance between the electrodes and compare with the data table 8.

On spark plugs with one ground electrode, it is necessary to adjust the distance between the electrodes. There is a special tool for this. If you do not have one, tap the side of the ground electrode to reduce the distance between the electrodes. When bending the ground electrode with a small screwdriver, you should rest it against the edge of the spark plug thread, but in no case against the ground electrode, since it can be damaged.

Screw the spark plugs in by hand until they touch the cylinder head.

Tighten the spark plugs with a spark plug wrench to a tightening torque of 25 Nm.

Caution! If you do not have a torque wrench, screw in the spark plugs by hand until they touch the cylinder head. Then tighten new spark plugs with a flat seat another 90 degrees, and new spark plugs with a conical seat, as well as used spark plugs with a flat seat, by about 15 degrees. When unscrewing the spark plugs, they may break off or damage the threads in the cylinder head. In this case, it is necessary to repair the threads using a UTC or Heli-Coli insert.

Connect the spark plug caps in accordance with the ignition sequence. Make sure that the spark plug caps and spark plug wires are securely fastened by shaking them in different directions.