Volkswagen Jetta Ballast Resistor Replacement at your home or office.

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Ballast Resistor Replacement Service

How much does a Ballast Resistor Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Volkswagen Jetta Ballast Resistor Replacement is $410 with $315 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1988 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.6L DieselService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$911.92 - $1391.57
1990 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.6L DieselService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$724.53Shop/Dealer Price$891.93 - $1371.60
1985 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.6L Turbo DieselService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$724.53Shop/Dealer Price$891.93 - $1371.60
1991 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.6L Turbo DieselService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$724.53Shop/Dealer Price$891.91 - $1371.56
1988 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.8LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$724.53Shop/Dealer Price$891.95 - $1371.63
1992 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.6L DieselService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$724.53Shop/Dealer Price$891.93 - $1371.60
1981 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.7LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$765.61Shop/Dealer Price$941.90 - $1448.52
1989 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.8LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$729.53Shop/Dealer Price$897.17 - $1377.02
Show example Volkswagen Jetta Ballast Resistor Replacement prices

What is the Ballast Resistor all about?

Modern ignition systems use electronic circuitry to control voltage during engine starting and operation, but it wasn’t always this way. Older vehicles with points and coils did not have the benefit of circuit boards and computers, so another way to control voltage was needed. The ballast resistor coil was the solution. Think of it as a giant fuse in a way, although it serves a much greater purpose.

The ballast resistor coil plays several roles in your engine and charging system. In terms of position, it’s located between the ignition switch and the positive battery cable. During engine operation, the ballast resistor is responsible for lowering voltage applied to the coil to ensure that it doesn’t overheat and burn out, or damage the battery. During cranking, the ballast resistor allows normal battery voltage into the coil to ensure a good, strong spark for starting the engine.

The ballast resistor is subjected to significant amounts of heat during operation (the resistor’s resistance level increases or decreases with the application of heat and voltage). Over time, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Keep in mind:

  • The ballast resistor is not inspected during normal maintenance.
  • The ballast resistor is subject to significant amounts of wear and tear.
  • Ballast resistors are not generally found on fuel-injected engines.

How it's done:

  • The Ballast Resistor is verified that it needs to be replaced. The battery and battery tray are removed.
  • The defective Ballast Resistor disconnected and removed.
  • The new Ballast Resistor is installed, secured, and connected.
  • The battery tray and battery are reinstalled. The Ballast Resistor is tested for operation.
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the Ballast Resistor and road tested to ensure fan operation.

Our recommendation:

Over time and through normal use, the ballast resistor is subject to a great deal of wear and tear, and heat. This can cause it to fail unexpectedly. When this happens, your vehicle will experience unwanted, and perhaps dangerous, operation. It may crank but then stop running immediately after. Have any starting problems immediately diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ballast Resistor?

  • Engine cranks, but dies immediately when the key is moved back to the run position from the start position

How important is this service?

Without a ballast resistor, your engine will not operate unless you jump the resistor, which is dangerous, as it will eventually burn out the points, and is not recommended. If your engine dies immediately after turning the key back to run from start, likely the ballast resistor needs to be replaced. If the engine runs with the key in the run position, you may have another issue. Have it properly diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics immediately.

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Meet some of our expert Volkswagen mechanics

Real customer reviews from Volkswagen owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(1,520)

Rating Summary
1,410
56
15
16
23
1,410
56
15
16
23

Caster

28 years of experience
176 reviews
Caster
28 years of experience
Volkswagen Jetta L5-2.5L - Oil Change - Novato, California

Chris

16 years of experience
419 reviews
Chris
16 years of experience
Volkswagen Jetta L4-2.0L - Ignition Coil - Burlingame, California
Chris arrived early and was ready to go, quickly completed the work and explained everything to me so I knew what was going on, would highly recommend to others.

Jacob

12 years of experience
329 reviews
Jacob
12 years of experience
Volkswagen Jetta L4-2.0L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Plano, Texas
The work I requested was performed fine. I am only giving a lesser rating because he texted me and told me he would arrive in 30 mins but really was about 1-1.5 hours late. And because I know my 50 point inspection was not done because things he listed as good are not good at all! Example: I have 2 dash warning lights on, a burnt out headlight, about 3 months away from needing new tires, need alignment. So when he says all of that was in good shape on my vehicle report I am inclined to believe that none of it was actually checked. And I was counting on that 50 point inspection to tell me what other work I needed done because I drive this car up to 500 miles a week!! I realize it was an afternoon appointment and he probably was ready to go home and I get it but I was told I would receive certain services included in my price then I want to get those services!!! The 50 point inspection was one of the reasons I chose to go with yourmechanic rather than an independent mechanic that would have been cheaper.

Jamahl

20 years of experience
830 reviews
Jamahl
20 years of experience
Volkswagen Jetta L4-2.0L Turbo Diesel - Oil Change - Sanford, Florida
This was, fortunately, my second experience with Jamal, and it was a duplicate of our first meeting. Very cool,calm, collected Technician. Jamal knows his business and does it the right way, never erring, quick and dependable like a fine tuned machine. I you are lucky enough to live i the Orlando area, you are blessed.

Excellent Rating

(1,520)

Rating Summary
1,410
56
15
16
23
1,410
56
15
16
23
Number of Volkswagen Jetta services completed
16720+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Volkswagen MECHANICS
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