🔧 Escape - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Escape uses coil-on-plug ignition coils (one coil per cylinder) to create spark. Replacing weak or failed coils can fix misfires, rough idle, poor acceleration, and a flashing check engine light.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool first; coils sit on a hot cylinder head.
• ⚠️ Keep the key out of the vehicle so the engine can’t be started accidentally.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect the battery: use the correct procedure and don’t let the wrench touch body metal.
• ⚠️ Pull on connectors by the plastic tab—never by the wires.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" extension for 1/4" ratchet
• Torque wrench (in-lb capable)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 4 Replace as a set for best reliability
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
• Ignition coil boots (if not included with coils) - Qty: 4

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely.
• Optional but safest: disconnect the negative battery cable (black). Use a 10mm socket to loosen the clamp and move it aside so it can’t spring back.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Grip the cover and pull straight up to release it from the rubber grommets.
• Set it aside where it won’t get stepped on.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils sit on top of the engine valve cover in a row, one per cylinder.
• Each coil has an electrical connector and a small hold-down bolt.

Step 3: Unplug one coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight back.
• If it’s stuck, use a small flathead screwdriver gently to help lift the tab—don’t pry hard. Plastic gets brittle with age

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet and 3" extension to remove the bolt.
• Put the bolt somewhere safe; it’s small and easy to lose.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil gently left-right to break the seal, then pull straight up.
• If the rubber boot stays stuck down on the spark plug, use needle-nose pliers carefully to pull the boot out.
• Boot = the rubber sleeve on the coil

Step 6: Prep and install the new coil

• Put a very small dab of dielectric grease inside the new boot opening (a pea-sized smear). Helps prevent sticking and moisture
• Push the new coil straight down until you feel it seat onto the spark plug.

Step 7: Reinstall the hold-down bolt and torque it

• Start the bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten with an 8mm socket, then torque with a torque wrench (in-lb capable) to 62 in-lb (7 Nm).
• Do not over-tighten—threads are in aluminum

Step 8: Reconnect the coil connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks and feels locked.

Step 9: Repeat for the remaining coils

• Do the coils one at a time so you don’t mix up connectors.
• Use shop towels to wipe away any dirt around the coil holes before installing the new coils.

Step 10: Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery (if disconnected)

• Press the engine cover back onto its grommets until fully seated.
• If you disconnected the battery, reinstall and tighten the negative cable using a 10mm socket.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes; it should run smooth with no shaking.
• If the check engine light was on for a misfire, it may take a few drive cycles to turn off. A scan tool can clear codes immediately.
• Test drive 10-15 minutes and recheck for any new warning lights or rough running.
• If misfire remains, the next common items are spark plugs and fuel injector issues.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$550 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $130-$230 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.2 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.