🔧 Ignition Coils - Replacement

Your F-150 uses one ignition coil per spark plug. Replacing a bad coil can fix misfires, rough idle, and hesitation. Since this engine is turbocharged, work carefully around the hot valve covers and keep dirt out of the plug wells.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool fully before starting. The coil area and valve covers can stay hot.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging coils to avoid setting fault codes or accidental sparks.
• Keep dirt, sand, and water out of the spark plug wells.
• Use care around the turbo plumbing and intake components. They may be hot or brittle.
• If a misfire has been active, scan and clear codes after repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 1/4-inch ratchet
• 1/4-inch extension
• Torque wrench
• Flat trim tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Dielectric grease
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 per failed cylinder
• Ignition coil boot - Qty: 1 per failed cylinder, if needed
• Spark plug - Qty: 1 per cylinder if plugs are due

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Make sure the engine is off and completely cool.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing coils.
• If your scan tool shows a specific misfire cylinder, replace that coil first.
• Tip: Swap coils only if you are diagnosing a misfire.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery power

• Use an 8mm socket to loosen and remove the negative battery cable.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot touch the battery post.

Step 2: Remove the engine cover or intake ducting if equipped

• Use a flat trim tool to lift off any plastic engine cover.
• If the intake tube blocks access, loosen the clamps with the appropriate hand tool and move it aside.
• Tip: Set removed parts in order.

Step 3: Access the ignition coils

• Locate the ignition coils on the valve covers. Each coil sits directly over a spark plug.
• On the 3.5L turbo engine, access is usually easiest from above.

Step 4: Unplug the coil connector

• Press the locking tab and use your fingers or needle-nose pliers if needed to gently release the connector.
• Pull the connector straight back. Do not yank on the wires.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Use an 8mm socket and 1/4-inch ratchet to remove the coil retaining bolt.
• Twist the coil slightly, then pull it straight up out of the plug well.
• If the boot sticks, pull evenly and avoid cracking the coil body.

Step 6: Inspect the spark plug well

• Check for oil, water, or dirt in the plug well.
• If present, clean it out before installing the new coil.
• If the boot is swollen, torn, or oil-soaked, replace the boot or the whole coil.

Step 7: Install the new ignition coil

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the coil boot if recommended by the part supplier.
• Slide the coil straight onto the spark plug until fully seated.
• Install the retaining bolt by hand first, then tighten with an 8mm socket.
• Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the coil connector

• Push the electrical connector onto the coil until the lock clicks.
• Make sure the connector is fully seated and the wire is not strained.

Step 9: Reassemble removed parts

• Reinstall the intake tube or engine cover if removed.
• Reattach the negative battery cable with an 8mm socket.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs) on the battery terminal, if you are using a torque wrench.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for a smooth idle.
• Use a scan tool to clear any stored misfire codes.
• Road test the truck and confirm the check engine light stays off.
• If misfires remain, inspect the spark plug, fuel injector, or wiring on that cylinder.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $40-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.5 hours.

---

🎯 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.