🔧 Impala - Ignition Coil Replacement

On your Impala, each cylinder has its own ignition coil mounted on top of the valve cover. Replacing coils is straightforward on the front bank, but the rear bank typically requires removing the upper intake manifold to access the coils.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully before starting (hot intake parts burn).
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorting.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the intake ports—cover openings immediately.
• ⚠️ If you remove the intake manifold, replace its gaskets (vacuum leaks cause rough running).

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3" extension (1/4" drive)
• 6" extension (3/8" drive)
• Torque wrench (inch-pound, 20–200 in-lb)
• Torque wrench (foot-pound, 10–80 ft-lb)
• Trim clip remover
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Shop towels
• Masking tape and marker
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (single) or 6 (replace all)
• Upper intake manifold gasket set - Qty: 1
• Throttle body gasket - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool completely.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Use masking tape and marker to label any vacuum lines or electrical connectors you unplug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• Pull up firmly on the decorative engine cover to release the grommets (use a trim clip remover if it feels stuck).
• Set the cover aside.

Step 2: Identify which bank you’re working on

• The front bank is closest to the radiator (easiest access).
• The rear bank is closest to the firewall (usually requires intake manifold removal).
• Do front bank coils first for practice.

Step 3: Unplug the ignition coil electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight off by hand.
• If it’s stubborn, gently help the tab with a flat-blade screwdriver (don’t pry hard).

Step 4: Remove the ignition coil bolt and coil

• Remove the coil retaining bolt using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Twist the coil slightly, then pull straight up to remove it from the spark plug.

Step 5: Install the new coil

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot (the boot is the rubber sleeve that seals to the spark plug).
• Push the new coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.
• Install the coil bolt by hand first, then tighten with a 10mm socket.
• Use a torque wrench (a tool that tightens bolts to an exact setting): Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lb).
• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 6: Repeat for other front bank coils (if replacing more than one)

• Repeat Steps 3–5 for each coil you’re replacing on the front bank.

Step 7: (Rear bank) Remove the air intake ducting

• Loosen the intake duct clamps using an 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Unplug any sensors on the duct (press the tab and pull off).
• Remove the ducting and set it aside.

Step 8: (Rear bank) Remove the throttle body

• Unplug the throttle body electrical connector by hand.
• Remove the throttle body bolts using a 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
• Remove the throttle body and the old gasket.
• During reassembly: Torque throttle body bolts to 10 Nm (89 in-lb).

Step 9: (Rear bank) Remove the upper intake manifold

• Disconnect vacuum lines and any electrical connectors that prevent manifold removal (label them using masking tape and marker).
• Remove the intake manifold bolts using a 10mm socket, 3/8" drive ratchet, and 6" extension.
• Lift the manifold off carefully.
• Immediately place shop towels in the intake ports to prevent anything from falling in.

Step 10: (Rear bank) Replace the rear ignition coils

• Remove and install rear bank coils the same as Steps 3–5 using a 10mm socket.
• Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lb) for each coil bolt.

Step 11: Reinstall the upper intake manifold with new gaskets

• Remove the shop towels from the ports.
• Install the new upper intake manifold gaskets onto the manifold.
• Set the manifold in place and start all bolts by hand.
• Tighten bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern using a 10mm socket.
• Torque intake manifold bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lb).

Step 12: Reinstall the throttle body and intake ducting

• Install a new throttle body gasket, then bolt the throttle body on using a 10mm socket.
• Torque throttle body bolts to 10 Nm (89 in-lb).
• Reconnect the throttle body connector.
• Reinstall the intake ducting and tighten clamps using an 8mm socket.

Step 13: Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery

• Push the engine cover back onto its mounting grommets.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 2–3 minutes. It should run smooth with no flashing check engine light.
• Check for hissing/whistling sounds (sign of a vacuum leak around the intake manifold).
• If you had a check engine light before, use a scan tool to clear codes and confirm none return after a short drive.
• Recheck that every connector and vacuum line you unplugged is reconnected.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$450 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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