One of the ignition coils went on my 99 T5 a few months back. I had it fixed at my local shop but now a second one has gone bad. The shop is asking me if I want to replace the 4 remaining ones this time.

I have 3 questions:
1. Is it common for the rest of the coils to go bad once 1 of them goes?

2. How difficult is it to change the ignition coils? Is this something I could do my self? I'm DIY'er around the house and somewhat handy with cars. (I did swap out my abs module when it went bad and have replaced the front hubs on my explorer a few times)

3. Any comments or experience with this ignition coil from IDP?
http://www.ipdusa.com/product.asp?st...361&CAT_ID=365

Thanks!

 

No, the coils don't USUALLY all kick off at once, but it certainly won't hurt to replace all of them. IPD usually has decent quality parts, and they are very easy to change yourself- you remove the spark plug cover, disconnect the wire harness from the coil, unbolt the old coil, pull it out, and install the new one- should take only a couple minutes each.