The key that enables the car to actually be called a mode of transportation is the ignition system. In turn, the ignition system also contains its own key to be able to perform its function. This key within another key is the ignition coil.

The ignition coil's sole existence is centered on providing the necessary spark to the spark plugs. This is made possible through the ignition coil's voltage-amplifying feature, wherein it multiplies a trivial amount of battery voltage into the required electrical energy. A mere 12 volts of battery power could be transformed by this mighty ignition coil into 40,000 volts. In older car models, the structure consists of one ignition coil that sends the spark to a distributor, which then distributes the said spark to the waiting spark plug. However, in much modern Volkswagen units, the 'direct ignition' system is already employed. With this scheme, a number of Volkswagen ignition coils are already designed in the ignition system, and is equivalent to the number of spark plugs used in the vehicle. In this way, the distributor is eliminated, and every Volkswagen ignition coil directly ignites a spark to their corresponding spark plugs.

Indeed, the Volkswagen ignition coil's health should be well monitored, since it acts as the heart of the ignition system, a mechanism that triggers the car's ability to actually be in motion. Symptoms of a faulty VW ignition coil include a temperature-related startup trouble, painful engine cranks, absence of spark coming from the plugs, awful engine backfirings, decreased gas mileage, increased fuel consumptions, increased emissions, poor running car performance, and stalled engine. When these signs become apparent, it is advisable to have the ignition coil be inspected immediately.

As with the symptoms, it is also important to know the causes of the VW ignition coil's malfunctioning or early demise. Since the VW ignition oil is normally filled with oil to keep the said device cool, an oil leak could trigger burning and cracking of the ignition coil. Moreover, another normal cause of a faulty VW ignition coil points to a neglect of the other ignition system parts. Worn and uncared-for spark plugs force the ignition coils to painfully operate at the maximum level every time, thus reducing its lifespan. With the symptoms and causes of a malfunctioning Volkswagen ignition coil, proper care and early detection are surefire ways to keep the ignition coil in optimum performance. Failure to act accordingly can only result to much inconvenience, as the car may cease its function, getting relegated to display purposes in the garage.