Replacing HT Lead on VW Polo

S

StNick

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2005
Messages
720
Reaction score
0
Location
Durban
Hey guys,

About a year go, my VW Polo 1.4i started to feel like a VW Polo 0.4i, and sounding like a VW Diesel V6. Upon taking it to my local VW dealership, I was told that it needed a new HT Lead. They replaced this for me to the tune of R550 or so (parts and labour).

Fast forward 6 months, and the same problem arose. VW replaced another HT Lead for me, same price. They did however suggest I replace all four, but since I knew one of them was already new, I told them to get stuffed.

Now, you guessed it, same problem. This time, I think I'd like to try a different approach and save myself some money for a change. This will be the first time I've let someone that isn't from VW touch my car (it's long since out of warranty now) so I am a little nervous, but I figure this is an easy job.

I should tell you that I know NOTHING about cars and engines, but even I can see that replacing the HT Lead is as simple as plugging in a cable that's literally right in front of the engine. I'm even prepared to do it myself... The trick will be to find the faulty one though! Does anyone have any suggestions? Can I get the part from Midas (or similar)?

Any help or advice is appreciated, thanks.
 
I'm not sure what's an HT lead, but why don't you try another dealer/workshop?
 
You can get High Tension (HT) leads of a higher quality than the OEM's at Auto Zone or Midas for a fraction of the dealers price, and they would most likely fit them free or show you how to do it.
 
Thanks for the very useful responses...

I think I'll do the test that Werner suggested, and then head over to Midas (not sure of any Autotune / Goldwagen in my area).

So there's no risk of electric shock or something like that?
 
StNick said:
Thanks for the very useful responses...

I think I'll do the test that Werner suggested, and then head over to Midas (not sure of any Autotune / Goldwagen in my area).

So there's no risk of electric shock or something like that?
Click to expand...
It can give you a non-lethal zap if you mess with the HT leads while the engines running, but no risk when its off.
 
Bougi Cords, for a Opel Corsa (which is also inline 4) it costs R350 for a set (of 4 naturally). Sold by Midas, Autozone, Partman, Goldwagen. Replacement is easy-peasy. It's a bit worrying that the leads lasted such as short time tho. Usually they last 10+ years (at least I've seen 1998 model Corsa's that still run with original leads).

You should maybe replace the spark plugs with the manufacturer recommended plugs at the same time. Gap must be checked regardless of what people tell you (yes they do come pre-gapped but I've had so many that didn't have the correct gap).

Can't help you with part numbers unfortunately :(

Best phone a VW, ask for parts and then ask them which spark plugs you should use. If you are afraid of changing them yourself buy the parts and take it to a local bosch service center or something. Make sure to watch them doing it ;)
 
Thanks for the help once again. Tried Autozone and Midas, neither had the leads for my make/model. Ended up going to my VW dealership (Alpine Motors) again, however this time, I bought the part myself and will replace it at lunchtime. Managed to find a very helpful consultant that came and tested the leads for me and told me which one I needed. Stark contrast to the a-hole from last time that refused to come out and look without booking it in first.
 
Best is to patch it up and trade it in for something with more power and much better looks. Drop by your local GM dealer and check out the new 2010 Corsa 1.4 with 74kw on tap.
 
murraybiscuit said:
yeah, much cheaper than bougi cords.
Click to expand...
StNick said:
Hey guys,

About a year go, my VW Polo 1.4i started to feel like a VW Polo 0.4i, and sounding like a VW Diesel V6. Upon taking it to my local VW dealership, I was told that it needed a new HT Lead. They replaced this for me to the tune of R550 or so (parts and labour).

Fast forward 6 months, and the same problem arose. VW replaced another HT Lead for me, same price. They did however suggest I replace all four, but since I knew one of them was already new, I told them to get stuffed.

Now, you guessed it, same problem. This time, I think I'd like to try a different approach and save myself some money for a change. This will be the first time I've let someone that isn't from VW touch my car (it's long since out of warranty now) so I am a little nervous, but I figure this is an easy job.

I should tell you that I know NOTHING about cars and engines, but even I can see that replacing the HT Lead is as simple as plugging in a cable that's literally right in front of the engine. I'm even prepared to do it myself... The trick will be to find the faulty one though! Does anyone have any suggestions? Can I get the part from Midas (or similar)?

Any help or advice is appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
On my 2003 polo clasic 1.6 I replaced the ht leads three times this year already. Each time i used bogi cords. Will the ones you buy from the agents be of a higher qaulity?
 
Delas said:
On my 2003 polo clasic 1.6 I replaced the ht leads three times this year already. Each time i used bogi cords. Will the ones you buy from the agents be of a higher qaulity?
Click to expand...
That ain't right, does it usually solve the problem when you replace the HT leads?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X