How to Replace an Ignition Coil

Your vehicle’s ignition coil sends an electrical signal from the computer to your spark plugs. A failing coil can result in a number of problems, such a stalled vehicle, rough idling, or vehicle failure just to name a few. Replacing the ignition coil is a relatively simple and inexpensive process.

Part 1 of 1: Replacing an ignition coil

Materials Needed

battery showing the red and black cables

Step 1: Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the negative battery cable to cut power to the vehicle. Use a socket or wrench to disconnect the clamp bolt holding the cable to the terminal.

  • Tip: Always disconnect the battery when working on electrical systems of any kind.

location of the ignition coil in the engine compartment

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils. Locate the ignition coils on top of the engine. They will be attached to the engine block or surrounding components.

retaining bolts or screws holding the ignition coil in place as well as electrical connectors

Step 3: Disconnect and remove the old ignition coil. You will need to disconnect the bolts or screws attaching the coil to the vehicle. You will also need to disconnect the electrical connectors from the coil.

Determine which connection needs to be broken first depending on your particular make and model.

On some vehicles, the electrical connections need to be unscrewed or unplugged first, while on others, you will need to unbolt the unit before you can disconnect the electrical connectors. You can refer to your vehicle’s service manual to determine the proper procedure for your particular car.

  • Tip: Ignition coils which run multiple plugs from one coil will have multiple electrical connections to remove. Be sure to mark or label these connectors for reassembly. You MUST reattach the wires to the correct corresponding connections on the new coil.

Once the old coil has been disconnected, you can remove it from the vehicle.

new ignition coil prepped for installation

Step 4: Install the new ignition coil. Install the new ignition coil in reverse of the order in which you disconnected the old one.

If you previously disconnected the electrical connectors first, reconnect them last after securing the mounting bolts or screws.

  • Tip: If you had to label multiple electrical connections when removing the old coil, make sure you are reconnecting these wires to the proper terminals on the new coil.

Step 5: Reconnect the battery. Reattach the negative battery terminal to the car battery to restore power to the vehicle.

Hand tighten the electrical connection, and then use a socket or wrench to tighten down the terminal bolt.

  • Warning: Never over-tighten the bolts. This could cause damage and replacements are often hard to find. You want to tighten the bolts just enough so that any engine vibration will not loosen them.

Once the replacement is complete, close the hood.

Step 6: Test the new coil. Start the engine with the vehicle in park to test the new ignition coil. If the vehicle starts and idles normally, you can then test drive the vehicle.

Ignition coil failure can cause one or more cylinders to misfire which can result in driveability issues. By following the above guide, the stressful stuttering and sluggish nature of a malfunctioning coil can be resolved with minimal expenses and in a short amount of time. However, if you find yourself in need of assistance, or you would simply prefer that a professional perform this repair, you can always have one of the certified technicians at YourMechanic come to your home or office to replace your ignition coil for you.


Next Step

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Recent Ignition Coil Replacement reviews

Excellent Rating

(1,771)

Rating Summary
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41
1,655
54
10
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41

Corey

13 years of experience
511 reviews
Corey
13 years of experience
Chrysler Pacifica V6-3.6L - Ignition Coil - Harrisburg, North Carolina
Polite, professional and knowledgeable. Kept me in the loop when there was a shipping delay on the part I needed. Would definitely use in the future.
Acura MDX - Ignition Coil - Charlotte, North Carolina
Corey is exceptional!!! He made a 2005 Acura MDX that was barely making it, run like it was brand new! Corey is HIGHLY recommended!!

Lavell

29 years of experience
405 reviews
Lavell
29 years of experience
Hyundai Azera V6-3.8L - Ignition Coil - Lafayette, California
Lavell is friendly, professional, and definitely knows what he’s doing. Showed up on time and got the job done seamlessly. Always requesting this man for any future work on my car.
Suzuki Grand Vitara - Ignition Coil - San Francisco, California
Had a wonderful experience with Lavell! He was super great at communicating with me when parts were on order and we had to reschedule, and I would definitely use him again.

Michael

28 years of experience
672 reviews
Michael
28 years of experience
Volkswagen Jetta L4-2.0L - Ignition Coil - Mesa, Arizona
Michael is very professional, punctual and knowledgeable. Honest and explains the work required. Appreciate his service.

RYAN

6 years of experience
103 reviews
RYAN
6 years of experience
Mazda 6 L4-2.5L - Ignition Coil - San Antonio, Texas
Ryan was very punctual and super informative with what I needed. I HIGHLY recommend him to everyone!! 5 Stars!!!

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