How to fix a shaking engine, 2007 VW Passat 2.0T FSI misfire

This walks through how to diagnose and fix the most common cause of a shaking engine in a 2007 VW Passat with a 2.0T FSI engine. Some professionals would recommend all coils be replaced when one goes bad, to reduce the expense and inconvenience of a callback when another coil fails. It’s important to think through the causes of why a coil would fail, and specifically look at the plugs and probably replace all at the same time.
Without a scan tool this is not an easy procedure in this engine, because the short harness does not allow coils to be removed one at a time in a cylinder balance test. However you don’t need an expensive scan tool to do this procedure. Even a code reader would give clear guidance if swapping coils results in movement of the problem to a bystander cylinder.
Off camera I did do resistance testing on the bad coil and I found no difference compared to the other coils on the engine. It's possible that a scope might show a difference in current ramps and waveform analysis, but scope work is usually reserved for coils that pass a cylinder swap test to be sure the signal from the PCM is intact.
The useful thing about the swapping procedure shown in the video is that you easily prove that the computer driver, wiring, and cylinder mechanics are OK if you can get the problem to move to a bystander cylinder.
This amateur presentation is offered in good faith, for free, but with no guarantees as to accuracy or safety. DIY Automechanics will always involve risk. Any misadventure you encounter if you decide to accept those risks is on you.

[@bgregg55]

One thing I love about your videos is there's no fluff. You always get straight to the point & explain things well.

[@angelaracino6236]

You’re a great sleuth the pink Panther would be impressed and proud was nice to see you again, thanks for taking us along. Look forward to the next video.

[@apackwestbound5946]

You are a MANSTER craftsman and one of the TOP educators anywhere on UA-cam. Thank you for your most excellent work! I've been watching your productions for years, they never disappoint.
-Respectfully

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thank you.

[@rightconditions2789]

Man. The wait is worth it.

[@willsrestorations]

That's the way you do it, swap your coils and it tells you everything. Long time no see my friend. Thanks for the video

[@spelunkerd]

Yes, you're right. What I like most about this technique is the way you also prove that the driver, the wiring, and even the cylinder are pretty good if a bystander coil makes that cylinder run fine with no misfires on that cylinder. It's a free double check for other problems that might not appear if you test only the coil. Thanks for stopping by!

[@stuzman52]

Hi Dave! Hadn’t got any notifications from your channel although I’m subscribed. Great work in finding the misfire along with the other added info. Keep up the good work and have a great day! 👍

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, Terry, it's nice to hear from you!

[@stuzman52]

@@spelunkerd Nice hearing from you too Dave!

[@toddgleeson7997]

Looks of great info…keep ‘em coming.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Great detective work ! ENJOYED .. 👍👍

[@jimpetty2961]

ALWAYS GREAT TO WATCH YOUR VIDEOS THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.👍

[@heartlandmechanic]

Great job .

[@samajier2566]

Good job frend

[@kwd57]

Always go OEM for anything electrical.