🔧 Altima - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Altima uses one ignition coil per cylinder (coil-on-plug). Replacing a bad coil restores a strong spark, which fixes misfires, rough idle, and loss of power.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental short circuits.
• ⚠️ Pull on connectors by the plastic body, not the wires.
• ⚠️ If you remove spark plugs, keep dirt out of the plug holes.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Torque wrench (inch-pound)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Clean 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 Qty: 4 if replacing all)
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
• Intake/engine cover grommets (if damaged) - Qty: 1 set (optional)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and open the hood.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery terminal and move it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Take a quick photo before unplugging anything.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

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

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils are lined up on top of the engine, one per cylinder, each with an electrical connector.
• Wipe around each coil with clean shop towels so dirt won’t fall into the spark plug tube.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector off the coil.
• If it’s stuck, use a small flathead screwdriver gently on the lock tab (do not pry hard).

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 6" socket extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the bolt holding the coil.
• Set the bolt aside where it won’t get lost.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil slightly left and right, then pull straight up to remove it.
• If it’s tight, use steady force—don’t yank the wiring.

Step 6: Install the new ignition coil

• Put a small dab of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot (this helps sealing and future removal).
• Push the new coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.

Step 7: Reinstall and torque the coil bolt

• Thread the bolt in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (inch-pound) with a 10mm socket to tighten the bolt.
• Torque to 62 in-lb (7 Nm)

Step 8: Plug the connector back in

• Push the connector on until it clicks.
• Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s locked.

Step 9: Repeat for other cylinders (if needed)

• Repeat Steps 3–8 for any other coils you are replacing.
• If one failed, others may be close behind.

Step 10: Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect the battery

• Reinstall the engine cover using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1–2 minutes.
• Listen for smooth idle and verify the check engine light is off (or not flashing).
• Take a short test drive and confirm there’s no hesitation under acceleration.
• If the check engine light stays on, the code may need to be cleared after the repair.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $45-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $135-$150 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.

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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.