🔧 Savana - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Savana uses individual ignition coils to fire the spark plugs. Replacing a weak coil can fix misfires, rough idle, poor power, and a flashing check-engine light.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

Assumption: 4.8L V8 with valve-cover mounted coils and short plug wires.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully; coils sit near hot exhaust parts.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent shorts and accidental starts.
• ⚠️ Pull plug wires by the boot (the thick end), not the wire, to avoid internal damage.
• ⚠️ If the check-engine light was flashing, avoid driving until repaired (catalytic converter damage risk).

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 3/8" extension set
• Torque wrench (inch-lb)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Trim clip removal tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Plug wire puller (specialty)
• Shop light
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (or as needed)
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
• Spark plug wire set - Qty: 1 (recommended if original/aged)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and remove the interior engine cover (doghouse) if equipped for better access.
• Disconnect the battery negative cable using a 10mm socket and move it aside so it can’t spring back.
• If you’re chasing one misfire, note the cylinder number from your scan tool first (if available).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove covers for access

• Remove any plastic engine cover(s) using a trim clip removal tool or flathead screwdriver (depending on fastener style).
• For the interior doghouse, remove the retaining fasteners with a 10mm socket and lift the cover off.

Step 2: Identify the coil you’re replacing

• Each coil sits on a bracket along the valve cover with a short spark plug wire going from the coil to the spark plug.
• Tip: Replace one coil at a time.

Step 3: Disconnect the coil electrical connector

• Use a flathead screwdriver to gently lift the small locking tab (CPA lock) if present, then press the release and pull the connector straight off.
• A CPA lock is a small secondary lock that prevents the connector from backing out.

Step 4: Remove the spark plug wire from the coil

• Use a plug wire puller (specialty) to pull the boot off the coil.
• Twist the boot slightly first, then pull; use mechanic gloves for grip.

Step 5: Unbolt and remove the coil

• Remove the coil mounting bolts using a 10mm socket, 3/8" ratchet, and 3/8" extension.
• Lift the coil off the bracket/valve cover area.

Step 6: Install the new coil

• Set the new coil into position.
• Start the bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten with a 10mm socket.
• Final tighten with a torque wrench (inch-lb): Torque to 89 in-lb (10 Nm).

Step 7: Reconnect the spark plug wire

• Put a small dab of dielectric grease inside the boot (this helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier).
• Push the boot onto the coil until you feel it seat firmly.

Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks.
• If it has a lock tab, re-engage it using a flathead screwdriver.

Step 9: Reassemble and reconnect battery

• Reinstall the doghouse/engine cover fasteners using a 10mm socket.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket and snug it securely.

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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 you have a scan tool, clear stored misfire codes and re-check for returning codes after a short test drive.
• Listen for snapping/ticking near the coils at night or in a dark garage (can indicate a damaged plug wire).
• If the misfire returns on the same cylinder, the next common causes are the spark plug, plug wire, fuel injector, or compression issue.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$90 (parts only, per coil)

You Save: $145-$360 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-2.0 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.