stalling problem
 

In the last week my 99 A4 1.8 Quattro (manual trans) has been stalling while driving. Seems to happen mostly at low speeds, after driving for a little while. Definitely am giving it enough gas when accelerating. I put it in neutral and can restart before the car stops moving but this is getting worrisome. The "Service Engine" warning light did start maybe a week earlier and usually is on when I start cold. Wondering if bad spark plugs could do this but doubt it. Had carbon buildup cleaned from throttle and fuel injectors cleaned in January at dealers but would rather not go back there (long story). Any ideas guys?
And can one of you in Toronto show me how the your vag-com works so I can decide if I should get one?
Many thanks.

Re: stalling problem
 

Ummm yeah probably bad coils or spark plugs I would do the coils first

Re: stalling problem
 

Thanks for the suggestion 1move.
I haven't replaced ignition coils before. Is there a video clip somewhere that can show me how? [I found one for replacing my ABS module recently and it saved me a grand over dealer quote by getting it rebuilt and installing myself]. And should I get the coils from a dealer or is there a cheaper & just as good option?
The car doesn't shake or seem to mis-fire (just shuts off) so I'm worried that might not be the problem. The LED display has also stayed off a lot recently, so wonder if there is some other electrical issue.
Thanks again!

Re: stalling problem
 

Coil packs are very easy to change. Remove the Engine Cover and you will see all four lined up. Remove the two bolts (should be 10mm IIRC) on the coil pack and pull it out. Disconnect the connector and install new one. There is a torque spec on the bolts but it is not overly necessary to torque them. Just tighten them hand tight (don't need to be as tight as you can get them).

Your problem could also be a MAF issue. Do you have a 1999 or a 1999.5? (one piece headlights or two piece). If you have the one piece headlights your car is also equipped with a MAP sensor. Unplug the MAF sensor and the stalling should go away (if it is a MAF issue).

The LCD screens are a common issue on the B5 A4's (1996-2001). It seems to get worse with hot weather. Does the screen work at night when it's cooler?

If you plan on diagnosing and repairing the car yourself, a VAG-COM cable is definitely necessary. It is really hard to give you a diagnosis over a forum without the Trouble Codes.

Re: stalling problem
 

Oh yeah, hey... I ordered a set of coil packs from ecstuning.com a while back, but I ordered the wrong part#. They were for a different engine code (stupid me for not double checking), but still for a 99 A4 1.8tQ

Check the part# on your coilpacks and I'll see if mine match up. If so, I can sell to you for cheap, $15 a pop = $60 (assuming you want to change all 4), plus shipping (I'm in Vancouver).

Let me know.