Flashing CEL and....... HELP!!

[SLOW98NB]

I got a good one for all the experienced beetlers out there. ON the way home the car would stutter a bit when i first floored it then would take off. The closer to home i got the worse the stuttering became at 7/8 to full throtle. Then the last time it happened the Check Engine light flashed at me for a few seconds and went back off. Granted I only accelerated at full throttle 4 times on my hour and 5 min ride but it went from "barely noticeable" to "wtf is going on now". Also it runs and idles ok under normal driving which is why i didn't really notice it for a while. PLease help

[NYBugman]

99% probability that one or more coilpacks are dying. VAG the car and look for codes.

[SLOW98NB]

35 miles from dealer and no vag'ers around. I did change plugs back in the summer but not packs. I'm gonna check connections and for other obvious things now. The light only flashed that one time but I was close to home and babied it the rest of the way.
In ur honest opinion is it safe to drive (120 mile round trip) or should i just xpress in 4 new coilpacks from ecs for the cost of just the stealer scanning it?
Thanks NY BUGMAN, ur always a big help ^^^

[NYBugman]

Recently I had a friend whose car would only flash its CEL when he would get into boost. If he would stay out of boost, the car would be fine. He changed his packs and that fixed the problem.

Personally, I would buy the packs and change them before going to the dealer. If it's not the packs, then go. If you do go, drive the car easy, but it shouldn't damage the engine.

[SLOW98NB]

Originally Posted by NYBugman

Recently I had a friend whose car would only flash its CEL when he would get into boost. If he would stay out of boost, the car would be fine. He changed his packs and that fixed the problem.

Personally, I would buy the packs and change them before going to the dealer. If it's not the packs, then go. If you do go, drive the car easy, but it shouldn't damage the engine.

thats it, but only at almost full throttle and/or full boost. Which letter code coil packs are best?? I seen e, r and some others over at ECS but not sure which one is best for my 2000 aph??

btw i checked everything under the hood. No broken vac lines or loose wires. Would a bad alternator or battery somehow be related? Both are Bosch parts but I can find no date on them to see how long ago they were replaced. I was wondering because it seems like the headlights don't shine like they used to. It's hard to see unless the high beams are on. Everything else works flawless like interior lights, stereo,and fans. Maybe the bulbs are ready to go?? I think once I know which packs to order I'll just get them and see where it leads.
Thanks for the help

[SLOW98NB]

well, I ordered the "E" coil said to be for the 2000 model from ECS. I hope this works. It'll be a few days b4 they get but I'll keep u posted

[SLOW98NB]

4 new coil packs in tonight and it runs like a beast again.

Thanks for the help again org'ers