P0303 cylinder misfire

[jconnelly]

Hello from Maryland,

Didn't need a check engine light to hear my B5 running on 3 cylinders. Code P0303.
I had replaced coil packs not very long ago. Tried switching out coil packs from 2 to 3 to try and rule out the coil pack and still not firing on #3. This is new frontier for me in the ignition of this car. Any help with where to look from here?
Thanks!
John

[towcestervag]

replace the ignition transformer that is located on top of the air cleaner as these play up

[jconnelly]

Thank you for your reply. As I said, this engine is a bit of new territory for me. Is there a separate ignition transformer apart from the individual coil packs at each cylinder/plug? I followed the plug/coil pack wire harness up to what looks like a control module in the upper driver's side area of the firewall. Nothing that looks like what I recognize as a coil/ignition transformer. I did disconnect the wire connection to coil at #3 and it is definitely not firing. I did not switch out the plug but will try that as well. Plug failure just doesn't seem likely.
Thanks again,
John

[towcestervag]

what engine number has your car got?
if you give me year built/engine no/type no
i will have a look on elsa disc for you to find out more
most of the ignition transformers were fitted to the air cleaner 2x 8mm headed bolts 5 wires going into both sides

[jconnelly]

Hi,
I won't be back at the car to get the engine # 'till tomorrow AM but the VIN is WVWNA6382WE440011. It is a 1998 Wagon with a 1.8 turbo manual trans. Lovely ride.
I'll find the engine # and post it tomorrow.
Thanks again!
John

[PAKI]

I have a similar problem with my 04GTi golf, it seems to be misfiring as well, i swaped the coils around and the same one still misfired, cleaned out the top engine bay, still same problem, mechanic is not sure. Im thinking of changing the wiring harness all together as it might have cracked as read in a number of posts. if nothing happens ill have no choice but to take it into VW to get raped up the *** with their $140/Hr diagnosis cost