🔧 Patriot - Ignition Coil Replacement

The ignition coils sit on top of the spark plugs and create the high voltage needed to fire the plugs. Replacing a weak or failed coil can fix misfires, rough idle, and a flashing check engine light.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cold engine to avoid burns around the cylinder head.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorts.
• ⚠️ Do not pull on the wiring—only on the connector body.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug tubes; contamination can cause misfires.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)
• Torque wrench (in-lb or low-range ft-lb)
• Trim clip tool
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Compressed air blow gun
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (or replace all 4)
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
• Spark plugs - Qty: 4 (optional, recommended if due)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the transmission in neutral, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool fully.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket and move it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Blow off loose dirt from the top of the engine using compressed air blow gun. Clean first to prevent misfires.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Remove any push clips using a trim clip tool.
• If the cover is held by bolts, remove them with a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Lift the cover straight up and set it aside.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils are the small modules on top of the valve cover, each sitting over a spark plug.
• Each coil has an electrical connector and typically one small retaining bolt.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab by hand. If it’s stubborn, gently assist with a small flathead screwdriver.
• Pull the connector straight off the coil (do not pull on the wires).

Step 4: Remove the coil retaining bolt

• Remove the coil bolt using a 10mm socket, 6" extension (1/4" drive), and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Place the bolt somewhere safe so it doesn’t get lost.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil gently left and right to break the boot seal, then pull straight upward.
• If dirt is visible in the spark plug tube, blow it out using the compressed air blow gun before installing the new coil.

Step 6: Prep and install the new coil

• Apply a very small amount of dielectric grease inside the new coil boot. (Dielectric grease helps prevent moisture intrusion and eases future removal.)
• Push the coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.

Step 7: Reinstall the coil retaining bolt

• Start the bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten using a torque wrench (in-lb or low-range ft-lb).
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs)

Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector onto the coil until it clicks/locks into place.
• Lightly tug the connector to confirm it’s fully seated.

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

• Repeat Steps 3-8 for each remaining coil.
• Replace all 4 for best long-term reliability.

Step 10: Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect the battery

• Reinstall the engine cover using the 10mm socket or trim clip tool as applicable.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.

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✅ 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 go out. If it stays on, scan for codes and verify each coil connector is fully clicked in.
• Test drive for 10-15 minutes and recheck for rough running or flashing check engine light.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$260 (parts only, depends if 1 coil or all 4)

You Save: $145-$190+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 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.