🔧 Ignition Coils - Replacement

Your Explorer uses individual ignition coils on each spark plug. Replacing a bad coil is straightforward, but you need to work carefully around the ignition system and make sure each connector snaps back in fully.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool completely before starting. The intake area can stay hot for a long time.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key fob from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging coils. This helps prevent accidental sparks.
• Do not pull on the wire harness. Always press the connector tab before unplugging it.
• If a coil boot tears or stays on the spark plug, remove it carefully before installing the new coil.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• 3-inch extension
• Trim tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Torque wrench
• Dielectric grease
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Battery terminal wrench 10mm

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 per failed cylinder, or Qty: 6 to replace all coils
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool down fully.
• Open the hood and remove the engine cover if equipped.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm wrench.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Use your hands to lift off the plastic engine cover.
• If it feels stuck, pull straight up with even pressure. Do not pry hard.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to loosen the negative battery terminal.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot touch the battery post.

Step 3: Remove the ignition coil electrical connector

• Locate the coil you are replacing on the top of the engine.
• Use your fingers or needle-nose pliers if needed to press the connector tab.
• Pull the connector straight off the coil.
• Don’t yank the wires.

Step 4: Remove the coil retaining bolt

• Use an 8mm socket and ratchet with extension to remove the coil hold-down bolt.
• Set the bolt aside where it will not get lost.
• Torque when reinstalling: 10 Nm (89 in-lbs)

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil slightly and pull it straight up out of the spark plug tube.
• If it sticks, wiggle it gently while lifting.
• Inspect the rubber boot for cracks, oil, or damage.

Step 6: Install the new ignition coil

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the coil boot.
• Slide the new coil straight down onto the spark plug until it seats fully.
• Reinstall the coil bolt by hand first.
• Use the 8mm socket to tighten it to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector onto the coil until it clicks.
• Give it a light tug to make sure it is locked in place.

Step 8: Repeat for any other coils

• If you are replacing more than one coil, repeat the same steps for each cylinder.
• Replace all weak coils if mileage is high.

Step 9: Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect the battery

• Press the engine cover back into place.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for smooth idle.
• Check the check engine light.
• If the engine was misfiring before, clear codes with a scan tool and verify the repair with a test drive.
• If a misfire returns, inspect the spark plug for wear or oil contamination.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$240 (parts only)

You Save: $210-$460 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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