Safe to drive with faulty ignition coil?

[sdcruz]

Hi

I know nothing about cars - so I need some advice aimed at idiot level!

I have a 55plate new shape Passat 2.0FSI.

A couple of weeks ago, the car started to lose power with the engine sounding "rough" and the engine management light flashing on and off. The problem was intermittant. I called my local VW garage (Citygate Ruislip) and booked the car in. They replaced the ignition coil (or was it engine coil?! I can't remember!) under warranty.

So I thought all was fine. This weekend, I drove the 100 miles to my parent's house. The first 90 miles were fine, however for the last 10 miles the problem returned with a vengance - the engine now is permanently sounding rough with a loss of power and the engine light is permanently on.

I called VW today and booked the car in for Monday. Is it safe to drive the 100 miles home? And if so, do I need to take any special precautions?

We have a young baby, so would much rather drive than be towed by the AA (but I will do if necessary).

Also, Citygate said that they would only replace the coils as and when they failed. Apparently there are 4 of these things? Does that mean they are all going to fail in turn, which means that I should expect two more trips to the dealer? Can I "convince" them to change them all under warranty in one go?

Apologies for the length of the post.

Thanks

Simon

[james_tiger_woo]

What have the dealer/VW UK reccomended? I'd be more inclined to get a tow myself in case there's further damage - wouldn't it be more inconvenient to get half way and then need a tow instead of just arranging a tow.

I know nothing about cars so I can't advise as to what the Ignition coil is though...

James

[sdcruz]

James
The VW Garage was very vague - they said if I had AA cover I may as well use it. I guess I was hoping to find out what the implications could be if I tried to drive the car home. Is it an absolutely no no, or OK as long as I don't go too fast, or ???

Thanks

Simon

[james_tiger_woo]

I'd've been looking for VW to be saying categorically yes or no really - if they said Yes and there was further damage, the liability would, arguably, be theirs - as they haven't said, I'd get it towed.

Any other opinions?

[jimgironde]

Yes I agree with James.

VW will always look to avoid liability if you cause further damage after the warning light comes on.

You need them to tell you that you can still drive it, they know the problem as they have already looked at it.

Better safe than sorry. A slight inconvenience now or an expensive bill next week?

[sdcruz]

Thanks everyone.

We've had the AA out, they've cleared the computer fault but can't get the problem to replicate. They suggest driving home, but pulling over if the light comes on again and calling them for a tow.

All good fun!

Thanks

Simon

[STEWY L]

don't worry too much about it.
a car will run around the world, almost, on three cylinders.
if the faults not on now just go for it.
you will get closer to home,and even if you need to drive 75mls on three cylinders
i doubt if the bore would suffer too much.
the exhaust may be a little smokey but once you are back on all four that will clear quickly
enough.
regards,
stewy.