🔧 Ignition Coils - Replacement

On your Equinox, the ignition coils sit on top of the engine and deliver spark to each cylinder. Replacing a weak coil can fix misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and check engine light codes.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool fully before starting. Hot engine parts can burn you.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging coils.
• Do not pull on the wire harness; use the connector tab to release plugs.
• If you are replacing one coil, it is still smart to inspect the spark plug in that cylinder.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Trim tool
• Dielectric grease
• Torque wrench
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 per cylinder replaced
• Ignition coil bolt - Qty: 1 per coil if needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely.
• Open the hood and make sure you can reach the top of the engine safely.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing any coil connectors.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery power

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

Step 2: Remove the engine cover

• Lift the engine cover straight up by hand.
• If it feels stuck, use a trim tool to gently help release it.

Step 3: Unplug the ignition coil

• Locate the coil on top of the engine.
• Press the connector lock tab and pull the electrical connector straight off.
• Do not pry on the wires.

Step 4: Remove the coil retaining bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the coil bolt.
• Set the bolt aside if you are reusing it.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil slightly and pull it straight up out of the spark plug tube.
• If it is stuck, rock it gently side to side while pulling up.

Step 6: Install the new ignition coil

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the coil boot.
• Push the new coil straight down until it seats fully on the spark plug.
• Install the bolt by hand first.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the harness

• Push the connector onto the coil until it clicks.
• Lightly tug the connector to make sure it is locked.

Step 8: Reassemble and restore power

• Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it back into place.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten it with the 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for smooth idle.
• Check that the check engine light is off.
• If a misfire code was present, clear it with a scan tool after the repair.
• Take a short road test and confirm the engine accelerates smoothly.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $145-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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