🔧 CR-V - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your CR-V uses one ignition coil per cylinder (coil-on-plug). Replacing bad coils can fix misfires, rough idle, flashing check engine light, and loss of power.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully before working near the valve cover.
• ⚠️ Keep the ignition OFF and the key away from the vehicle while unplugging coils.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect the battery, use a 10mm socket and remove the negative terminal first.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring; always release connector locks first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4")
• Torque wrench (in-lb or Nm) (specialty)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Replace in pairs or all four (recommended) - Qty: 1-4
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool.
• If you have a misfire code (like P0301-P0304), note which cylinder it points to (1-4).
• A torque wrench is a tool that tightens bolts to an exact setting so you don’t strip threads.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the ignition coils

• Remove any plastic engine cover (if equipped) using a 10mm socket with a 1/4" ratchet.
• Locate the four ignition coils on top of the engine (lined up on the valve cover).

Step 2: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight off the coil.
• If it’s stuck, gently help the tab with a small flathead screwdriver (don’t pry hard).

Step 3: Remove the ignition coil hold-down bolt

• Remove the coil bolt using a 10mm socket, 6" extension (1/4"), and 1/4" ratchet.
• Set the bolt aside where it won’t get lost.

Step 4: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil slightly, then pull it straight up to remove it from the spark plug tube.
• If it feels stuck, wiggle gently—don’t use tools to pry on the valve cover.

Step 5: Prep and install the new ignition coil

• Put a very small smear of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot of the new coil.
• Push the coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.

Step 6: Reinstall the hold-down bolt and torque it

• Install the bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten using a 10mm socket and torque wrench (in-lb or Nm) (specialty).
• Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs)

Step 7: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector onto the coil until it clicks.
• Light tug confirms it’s locked.

Step 8: Repeat for the remaining coils (if replacing more than one)

• Repeat Steps 2-7 for each additional coil.
• If you’re chasing a single misfire, you can swap a coil to another cylinder to see if the misfire “moves.”

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes; it should run smoothly.
• Test drive for 10-15 minutes and confirm no flashing check engine light.
• If the check engine light stays on, the code may need to be cleared with a scan tool.
• If misfire returns, the next common cause is spark plugs or a fuel/air issue.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$650 (parts + labor, depending on how many coils)

DIY Cost: $45-$360 (parts only, depending on how many coils)

You Save: $150-$400 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.