DIY: Replacing Coil Pack Connectors

[fitzydude]

I replaced a few of my cracked coil pack connectors today and I thought I would share because I didn't see anything for our cars. I've had my car apart so many times and each time it seems like I break a connector, with 113k these plugs are starting to get brittle.

I ordered 5 B8 S4 specific connectors and one VW coil pack connector replacement kit from ECS. The VW kit contains a connector made Bremi that ends up being the same style as the Audi connectors. Most importantly I needed the tool in the kit that releases the pins from the old connectors. The tool is quite expensive from Audi and it looks like you can only get it in an expensive set from other retailers.



I decided to practice removing the pins on the VW connector because it's very easy to damage them. First you'll need to use a pick to pull out the purple slide that holds the pins in place. Then the tool fits into the front of the connector in the slots above and below each pin. You're trying to compress two "tangs" that hold the pins in the plug like barbs on a fish hook.




Once I felt brave enough I went to the garage to attempt removing these on my car. You'll need to remove the intake or move the coolant tank depending on which bank you're working on. Then you'll have to remove the coil pack connectors and dismantle the red sleeves that hold the connectors and wires in place. This is the most difficult part, use a pick and depress the tabs. Be patient and start with the end at the front of the motor while applying pressure to split the sleeve.



Take note of the order of the wires, each plug uses the same sequence in case you get mixed up. Remove the purple slides and use the tool to release each pin one-by-one. Be careful here too, on my second plug I pulled the pin too quickly and bent the tangs upward. If this happens carefully try to bend the tangs back down, if they break you'll need to replace the pin with one supplied in the kit. When you reinstall the pins very gently use a pick to pry the tangs slightly outward. This allows the pins to lock into place and I found they would slide right out if I didn't pry the tangs outward.




Once you reinstall all the pins put the purple slide back in place and reassemble the red sleeve that holds wires and connectors. Here is a shot of my broken connectors, they were only held in place by the two little screws that hold the red sleeve in place.



Thanks, hopefully this helps someone out!

-Alex

[djt81185]

Just wanted to say thanks for this and ask if you have all the part numbers you ordered. Just did plugs today and broke one of the connectors and stripped the barb off the coil pack on another but jammed it all together and cranked down the harness retentions screws to keep it running. Want to fix it right since it's the wife's car.

[fitzydude]

Hey man,

Coil pack connector kit:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-karlyn-p...0wfxoCpF7w_wcB

B8 S4 specific connectors:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ach/8k0973724/

Good luck!

[djt81185]

Just wanted to say thanks. I ended up finding them on my own and got it all fixed except i had a tab on one pin break (on the thick wire the main power I believe) because it was being an absolute nightmare to get out. However it still locked in place with only one pin tab and the plastic locking tab that slides across held it tight. Seems to be working good!

[fitzydude]

Good too hear! I had the same situation happen. The wire was really hard to get out and bent one of the tabs back, luckily it went back it to place but probably isn't holding much tension.