Audi Repair: 99 Audi A-4 Misfire, control modules, spark plugs


Question
The second cylinder from the rear of the engine is misfiring.  I've replaced all of the spark plugs and replaced the ignition coil with no luck.  I'm sure it's this cylinder that's misfiring through trouble shooting and the smell of unburned gas when remove this particular spark plug.  I've heard that a cylinder 2 misfire is caused by a bad Ignition Control Module (ICM) but want to make sure before I buy one for $150.  Is there any other reason that this particular one would misfire other than a bad ICM?

Answer
Before jumping into control modules, check for a broken down ignition wire.  One thing I sometimes do is when it is really dark, start the engine and look at the ignition wires, to see if they leak current.  If you do this inside a garage, do not let the engine run for long since there is a real danger of suffocation!  If the wires are bad you will see lots of sparks from the wires.  Let me know what you find,  Jan