🔧 Ignition Coil Replacement

Your ignition coils sit on top of the spark plugs and turn battery voltage into the spark that lights the engine. On your Equinox, replacing a weak coil can fix misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and check engine light codes.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine. Coils and valve covers can be very hot.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing coils. This helps prevent accidental arcing.
• Do not pull on the coil wire harness. Always release the connector lock first.
• If you found oil in the spark plug wells, fix the leak first or the new coils may fail early.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Trim clip tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Torque wrench
• Dielectric grease
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil set - Qty: 6

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• If you only have one misfire code, you can replace one coil, but many techs replace the full set on higher-mileage engines.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm socket to loosen the negative battery terminal.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot spring back and touch the post.

Step 2: Remove the engine cover

• Pull up evenly on the plastic engine cover to release it from its mounts.
• If it feels stuck, use a trim clip tool gently under an edge.

Step 3: Access the ignition coils

• The ignition coils are mounted on top of the engine, one per cylinder.
• On your V6, you will see three coils on each cylinder bank.

Step 4: Remove the coil connector

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if needed to lift the connector lock tab.
• Press the connector release and unplug the coil harness.
• Do not force the connector.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Use an 8mm socket and ratchet to remove the coil retaining bolt.
• Twist the coil gently, then pull it straight up from the spark plug well.

Step 6: Inspect the spark plug well

• Look for oil, water, or damaged rubber boots.
• If the boot is torn or oily, clean the area before installing the new coil.
• Clean wells help coils last longer.

Step 7: Install the new coil

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the coil boot.
• Slide the new coil straight onto the spark plug.
• Install the retaining bolt by hand first, then tighten with an 8mm socket.
• Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the coil connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks.
• Make sure the lock tab is fully seated.

Step 9: Repeat for the remaining coils

• Replace the other coils one at a time so you keep everything in the right place.
• If replacing all 6, work from front to back and keep connectors clean.

Step 10: Reinstall the engine cover and battery

• Press the engine cover back into place.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten with a 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Check for a smooth idle and no flashing check engine light.
• If the check engine light was on, clear codes with a scan tool after the repair.
• Take a short test drive and confirm the misfire is gone.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$600 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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