🔧 CR-V - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your CR-V uses coil-on-plug ignition coils (one coil per cylinder) mounted on top of the engine. Replacing weak or failed coils can fix misfires, rough running, and flashing check-engine lights.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and keep the key away from the vehicle while unplugging coils.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect the battery, you may lose radio presets.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring—only pull on the connector body.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Torque wrench (inch-pound or small ft-lb)
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Clean shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• OBD2 scan tool (basic code reader)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (or Qty: 4 if replacing all)
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully (at least 30 minutes if it was running).
• If you want maximum safety: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative battery terminal and tuck it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Tip: Replace coils one at a time to avoid mix-ups.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Use a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the engine cover fasteners.
• Lift the cover off and set it aside.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The 4 ignition coils sit on top of the engine, lined up over the spark plugs.
• Each coil has an electrical connector and one small hold-down bolt.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight off.
• If the tab is stuck, gently help it with a small flat-blade screwdriver (don’t pry hard).
• Tip: Wiggle the connector—don’t yank the wires.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 3" socket extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the bolt.
• Put the bolt somewhere safe so it doesn’t disappear.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil gently left-right to break the seal, then pull it straight up.
• Use a clean shop rag to wipe dirt away from the coil area before pulling it out (helps keep debris out of the spark plug tube).

Step 6: Install the new ignition coil

• Apply a small smear of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot (this helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
• Push the new coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.

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

• Start the bolt by hand first (prevents cross-threading).
• Use a torque wrench with a 10mm socket to tighten the bolt: Torque to 12 N·m (9 ft-lb).

Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connector

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

Step 9: Repeat for the remaining coils (if replacing more than one)

• Repeat Steps 3–8 for each coil you’re replacing.
• Tip: If only one coil failed, matching parts matters.

Step 10: Reinstall the engine cover

• Set the cover back in place.
• Use a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet to tighten the fasteners snug (do not overtighten).

---

✅ After Repair

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal (if removed) using a 10mm socket.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 1–2 minutes. It should run smooth.
• Use an OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored misfire codes and recheck for codes after a short drive.
• If the check-engine light flashes or it still misfires, stop driving and scan for codes—there may be a spark plug or injector issue.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $200–$550 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $50–$320 (parts only, depending on 1 coil vs all 4)

You Save: $150–$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.