🔧 Ignition Coils - Replacement

On your Explorer, the ignition coils sit on top of the engine and send high-voltage spark to each spark plug. Replacing a weak coil can fix misfires, rough idle, shaking, and check engine lights.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work with the engine completely cool before touching the coils.
• Ignition systems can produce high voltage. Do not pull on coil wiring with the key on.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting. The battery is under the hood.
• Keep dirt and tools out of the spark plug wells.
• If the engine has been misfiring badly, avoid extended driving until repaired.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 1/4-inch ratchet
• 1/4-inch extension
• Trim panel tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Torque wrench
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Open the hood and remove any loose items from the engine bay.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging coils.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery power

• Use an 8mm socket to loosen the negative battery terminal.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot spring back onto the post.
• Keep the cable isolated.

Step 2: Remove the engine cover

• Lift the engine cover straight up by hand. If it is tight, use a trim panel tool gently at the edge.
• Set the cover aside in a clean spot.

Step 3: Unplug the ignition coils

• Press the release tab on each coil connector.
• Use needle-nose pliers only if a tab is stiff, and pull on the connector body, not the wires.
• Disconnect all 4 coil connectors.

Step 4: Remove the coils

• Use an 8mm socket, 1/4-inch ratchet, and 1/4-inch extension to remove each coil hold-down bolt.
• Pull each coil straight up out of the spark plug well.
• Twist slightly if the rubber boot sticks.

Step 5: Install the new coils

• Compare each new coil to the old one before installing.
• Slide each coil boot straight down onto the spark plug.
• Install the hold-down bolt by hand first, then tighten with the 8mm socket.
• Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 6: Reconnect the coil connectors

• Push each electrical connector on until it clicks.
• Make sure the connector locks are fully seated.

Step 7: Reinstall the engine cover and battery cable

• Press the engine cover back into place by hand.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable with the 8mm socket.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs) if using a torque wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Check for rough running, warning lights, or flashing check engine light.
• If the check engine light was on before, clear codes with a scan tool and confirm they do not return.
• If a misfire remains, the spark plugs may also need service.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $170-$280 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 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.