🔧 Ignition Coils - Replacement

On your Equinox, the ignition coils sit on top of the engine and can be replaced one at a time. If you’re chasing a misfire, it’s a good idea to inspect the spark plug and coil boot at the same time, because a bad plug can damage a new coil.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool fully before starting. Coils and the intake area can get hot.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging coils to avoid accidental shorts.
• Do not pull on ignition wires by force; release connectors and bolts first.
• If the engine has a misfire, do not keep driving it. A misfire can damage the catalytic converter.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 7mm socket
• Ratchet
• Small extension
• Torque wrench
• Flat plastic trim tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 per cylinder replaced
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
• Ignition coil bolt - Qty: 1 per cylinder replaced, if damaged

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Make sure the engine is cool.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• If the engine cover is equipped, remove it before reaching the coils.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery power

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

Step 2: Remove the engine cover

• Use a flat plastic trim tool to lift the engine cover straight up.
• Set it aside carefully so the mounting tabs do not break.

Step 3: Unplug the ignition coil

• Find the coil on top of the engine at the cylinder you are servicing.
• Press the connector lock and release it by hand or with needle-nose pliers if needed.
• Pull the connector straight off the coil. Do not yank the wire.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 7mm socket, ratchet, and small extension to remove the coil bolt.
• Keep the bolt in a safe place if you are reusing it.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil gently and pull it straight up out of the spark plug tube.
• If it is stuck, wiggle it slightly while pulling upward.
• Pull straight up only.

Step 6: Inspect the spark plug tube and boot

• Look for oil, water, cracks, or white corrosion in the tube.
• If the old coil boot is torn, replace the coil and inspect the spark plug for damage.

Step 7: Install the new ignition coil

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the coil boot.
• Slide the new coil straight down onto the spark plug.
• Reinstall the coil bolt by hand first.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the coil connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks locked in place.
• Make sure the harness is fully seated and not pinched.

Step 9: Reinstall the engine cover and battery cable

• Press the engine cover back into place.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Tighten it snugly. Do not over-tighten.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Listen for a smooth idle and check that the misfire is gone.
• If the check engine light stays on, clear the code with a scan tool and recheck for pending faults.
• If the engine still runs rough, inspect the spark plug in that cylinder next.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $185-$470 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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