Overheating electronics on Polo GTI

[Polome]

My car a 2000 model Polo Gti , been a great wee daily car but a couple of weeks ago an electronic burning smell from under bonnet traced to the DIS (as described in manual) solid state spark generator. It’s the solid block that 4 plug leads connect to. I think it’s the precursor to the current system of having individual coils on each plug. The DIS smelt very hot and has since been replaced . However the new one is now smelling hot and is “very” hot to touch and I’m concerned I may have another fault. Do these DIS units run hot normally or can anyone spread some light on my symptoms or may I have another problem…car driving great at moment. Thanks for any reply’s. Cheers. Ian

Edited by Polome on Tuesday 12th December 19:30

[Belle427]

When were the plugs changed last?

[Polome]

Car on 64k and plugs done at 58k a year ago…been well looked after car , on original plug leads though.

Edited by Polome on Tuesday 12th December 20:35

[Belle427]

id replace those for something quality and see how it goes.

[Polome]

I’ve a new set of plug leads so will replace them today…strange thing is car running good with no misfires.

[Polome]

Changed leads today and run car for 5 miles , all running fine. Took surface temps after run….engine casing…90c & DIS…50c . Does 50c seem high for an electronic component?

[Belle427]

They are designed to take some heat due to where they are sat, if it runs well thats all you can do really.
Was it an oe unit or pattern part?

[Polome]

Hi. Bought the DIS from e bay…( been layed up for past few weeks with knee op so can’t drive & restricted on purchase locations) Chinese one at £35 or German (Febi) at £70…I bough febi thinking it was best.
Also new leads from lead manufacturer in uk. Will check plug gaps over week end and hopefully put on some more miles on car. Thanks for your input so far…

[Belle427]

Febi are ok to be fair so see how it goes.

[Polome]

Thought I’d update my post…cars now ran a couple of hundred miles and all well…I’ve measured the surface temp of DIS unit a few times and it varies from mid 50’s deg C running around town to 30 dec C after a fast motorway run on a freezing cold day. I think under bonnet temps influence the variation in readings I’ve taken. Thanks for replies …car now back in good books again. Cheers for ‘24.