Old Library

You don't need a tool for the Mk4. If you look in the holes on the engine cover, you should see something that
looks like a black plastic loop. If you pry it a little bit with a screw driver, it will pop up and extend
above the engine cover. Take your screw driver again and stick it through the loop and use it as a handle to
pull off the wires, it takes a pretty good tug. You will need a long extension to get to the plugs, at least
9".

On my 99.5 Mk4 I have to use the special tool. My car did not come with a
tool and I had to buy one. I heard that the newer Mk4's had a loop to pull
on, but cannot confirm. If you replace the ignition leads with an
aftermarket set, you will need the tool. The Neuspeed leads comes with a
cheap plastic puller that tends to break; I got a metal one from the dealer
(I think it was around $50.00 Cdn).

Stacy Iwata
99.5 Mk4 GTI VR6