🔧 Explorer - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Explorer uses coil-on-plug ignition coils (one coil per cylinder) to create the spark that runs the engine. Replacing a bad coil can fix misfires, rough idle, flashing check-engine light, and loss of power.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine; coils sit near hot parts.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorts.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring; use the connector tab to unplug.
• ⚠️ If the check-engine light is flashing, avoid driving until repaired (can damage the catalytic converter).

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 10mm wrench
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 1/4" drive extension set
• 7mm socket
• 8mm socket
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Torque wrench (inch-pound)
• Flashlight

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil(s) - Qty: 1-6
• Ignition coil boot(s) (if separate) - Qty: 1-6
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and let the engine cool fully.
• Open the hood and keep a flashlight handy (rear coils can be tight to see).
• Use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable and move it aside.
• Tip: Replace one coil at a time. This prevents mixing up connectors.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Use an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the engine cover bolts (if your cover uses them).
• Lift the cover off and set it aside.

Step 2: Choose the coil you’re replacing

• Each coil sits directly on top of a spark plug.
• Use a flashlight to clearly see the coil, its electrical connector, and the small hold-down bolt.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• If there’s a connector lock, gently release it with a small flathead screwdriver.
• Press the connector tab and pull the connector straight back by hand.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 7mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet and a 1/4" drive extension to remove the coil bolt.
• Put the bolt somewhere safe so it doesn’t fall into the engine bay.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil slightly left-right by hand to break the seal.
• Pull the coil straight up and out.
• Tip: Don’t pry on plastic parts.

Step 6: Prep the new coil (and boot)

• If your new coil uses a separate boot, install the ignition coil boot onto the coil.
• Apply a small smear of dielectric grease inside the end of the boot (this helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
• Wipe any oil or debris off the spark plug well before installing the new coil.

Step 7: Install the new coil

• Push the coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.
• Reinstall the hold-down bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (inch-pound) to tighten the bolt: Torque to 7 Nm (62 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the coil connector

• Push the connector in until it clicks/locks.
• Gently tug it to confirm it’s fully seated.

Step 9: Reinstall the engine cover

• Set the cover back in place.
• Use an 8mm socket to reinstall and snug the cover bolts (do not over-tighten).

Step 10: Reconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm wrench to reconnect the negative battery cable.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes; it should run smooth with no shaking.
• Take a short test drive and confirm no hesitation under acceleration.
• If the check-engine light stays on, the code may need to be cleared (a parts-store scan tool can do this).
• If you see oil in the spark plug well, the valve cover gasket may be leaking (common cause of repeat coil failures).

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$900 (parts + labor, depends on how many coils)

DIY Cost: $40-$420 (parts only, depends on how many coils)

You Save: $210-$480+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.5 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.