How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2011 Honda Accord (Fix Misfire & Rough Idle)
Step-by-step DIY guide with tools, parts list, safety tips, and coil bolt torque specs (12 Nm)
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2011 Honda Accord (Fix Misfire & Rough Idle)
Step-by-step DIY guide with tools, parts list, safety tips, and coil bolt torque specs (12 Nm)
đź”§ Accord - Ignition Coil Replacement
Your Accord uses one ignition coil per cylinder (4 total). Replacing a weak or failed coil can fix misfires, rough idle, flashing check-engine light, and poor acceleration.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Let the engine cool before working near the cylinder head (hot metal can burn).
- ⚠️ Keep the key out of the car so the engine can’t be started accidentally.
- ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring—press the connector tab and pull the plug body.
- ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required, but if you disconnect it, you may reset radio presets and idle memory.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 1/4" drive ratchet
- 6" extension (1/4" drive)
- Torque wrench (inch-pound or small Nm range)
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Shop flashlight
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil - Qty: 4
- Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
- Open the hood and let the engine cool fully.
- Tip: Replace coils one-at-a-time to avoid mix-ups.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)
- Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 6" extension (1/4" drive) to remove the cover fasteners.
- Lift the cover straight up and set it aside.
Step 2: Locate the ignition coils
- Use a shop flashlight to find the 4 coils lined up on top of the engine (one per cylinder).
- Each coil has an electrical connector and a single small hold-down bolt.
Step 3: Unplug the coil connector
- Press the connector lock tab. If it’s stubborn, gently help the tab with a small flathead screwdriver.
- Pull the connector straight off the coil.
Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt
- Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 6" extension (1/4" drive) to remove the bolt.
- Set the bolt somewhere safe (they’re easy to drop).
Step 5: Remove the ignition coil
- Grip the coil and twist it slightly left-right to break the seal, then pull straight up.
- If it feels stuck, keep twisting gently—don’t pry hard on the valve cover.
Step 6: Install the new ignition coil
- Apply a small pea-sized amount of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot (this helps moisture sealing and future removal).
- Push the coil straight down onto the spark plug until it fully seats.
Step 7: Reinstall and torque the hold-down bolt
- Start the bolt by hand to prevent cross-threading.
- Use a torque wrench with a 10mm socket to tighten the bolt: Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs).
Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connector
- Push the connector on until it clicks/locks.
- Lightly tug the connector to confirm it’s secure.
Step 9: Repeat for the remaining coils
- Repeat Steps 3–8 for the other cylinders, one coil at a time.
Step 10: Reinstall the engine cover
- Set the cover back in place.
- Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 6" extension (1/4" drive) to tighten the fasteners snugly.
âś… After Repair
- Start the engine and let it idle for 1–2 minutes. It should run smooth.
- Take a short test drive and confirm there’s no hesitation under acceleration.
- If the check-engine light was on, it may clear on its own after a few drive cycles; otherwise, use a basic OBD2 scanner to clear codes after confirming the fix.
- If you still have a misfire, the next most common cause is worn spark plugs or an injector issue.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$650 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $120-$420 (parts only)
You Save: $130-$230 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.
🎯 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.


















