Howtoo Logo
2012 Ford F-150
2012 Ford F-150
FX2 - V6 3.5L
Bryan specialist avatar

Have a Question? Ask a Specialist

Here is everything needed for this repair

See what I can do

Make Money

With HowToo

OnOff

Here is just the beginning of what I can do!

Select one to see me in action

Vehicle Features

Image Vehicle Features

How do I connect my phone to my stereo?

Vehicle Information

Image Vehicle Information

What is my horsepower and torque

Image Recognition

Image Image Recognition

What is this warning light on my dash?

Troubleshooting

Image Troubleshooting

I have a P0300 engine code

Vehicle Recognition

Image Vehicle Recognition

What vehicle is this?

Find shops near you

Image Find shops near you

Find a shop to do this repair

Vehicle Talk

Image Vehicle Talk

What’s your favorite vehicle of all time?

How to Replace Ignition Coils 2009-2014 Ford F-150 (5.4L V8)

How to Replace Ignition Coils 2009-2014 Ford F-150 (5.4L V8)

Suggested Parts

See all parts background
See All Parts

Tools & Fluids

8mm
8mm
Socket
or (5/16")
10mm
10mm
Socket
or (3/8")
3/8
3/8
Ratchet
3"
3"
Extension
Trim
Trim
Tool
See all parts background
See All Tools

How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2012 Ford F-150

Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips

How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2012 Ford F-150

Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips

Orion
Orion

🔧 Ignition Coils - Replacement

Your F-150’s ignition coils sit on top of the spark plugs and fire each cylinder. If one has failed, you may see misfires, rough idle, loss of power, or a check engine light. The job is straightforward on this engine, but keep the engine cold and work carefully around the coil connectors.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours


⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • Let the engine cool completely before starting. The turbocharged engine and intake parts can stay hot for a long time.
  • Do not pull on the wiring. Release each connector lock before unplugging the coil.
  • Keep dirt out of the spark plug tubes. Debris can cause misfires after reassembly.
  • Disconnect the negative battery cable if you want extra safety while working on the ignition system.
  • If any coil boot is stuck to the spark plug, remove it gently so it does not tear.

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

  • 8mm socket
  • 10mm socket
  • Ratchet
  • 3-inch extension
  • Trim panel tool
  • Pick tool
  • Torque wrench
  • Compressed air nozzle
  • Safety glasses
  • Mechanic gloves

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Ignition coil - Qty: 1 per coil serviced
  • Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
  • Spark plug - Qty: 6 if replacing all plugs at the same time

📋 Before You Begin

  • Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
  • Turn the ignition off and remove the key or fob from the vehicle.
  • Let the engine cool fully.
  • If disconnecting the battery, remove the negative cable first with a 10mm socket.

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

  • Use a trim panel tool or pull up gently by hand to remove the engine appearance cover.
  • Set it aside where it will not crack or get dirty.

Step 2: Access the ignition coils

  • Locate the coil pack on top of each spark plug.
  • If intake tubing blocks access on your side of the engine, loosen the clamps with an 8mm socket and move the tube aside.
  • Keep bolts and clips in a tray.

Step 3: Disconnect the coil connector

  • Use a pick tool to release the connector lock if needed.
  • Press the connector tab and unplug the coil.
  • Inspect the connector for oil, corrosion, or broken plastic.

Step 4: Remove the coil retaining bolt

  • Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the coil hold-down bolt.
  • Lift the coil straight up and out of the spark plug well.
  • Torque spec on installation: 7 Nm (62 in-lb)

Step 5: Inspect and clean the plug well

  • Use compressed air nozzle to blow out dirt from around the spark plug tube.
  • Check the old coil boot for tears, oil, or carbon tracking.
  • If oil is present, the valve cover seal may need attention.

Step 6: Install the new ignition coil

  • Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the new coil boot.
  • Push the coil straight down onto the spark plug until fully seated.
  • Install the retaining bolt by hand first, then tighten with a 10mm socket.
  • Torque to 7 Nm (62 in-lb)

Step 7: Reconnect the electrical connector

  • Push the connector onto the coil until it clicks.
  • Make sure the lock tab is fully engaged.
  • Repeat Steps 3 through 7 for any remaining coils.

Step 8: Reinstall removed intake parts and engine cover

  • Reinstall any intake tube or ducting you moved earlier using the 8mm socket.
  • Press the engine cover back into place by hand.

✅ After Repair

  • Start the engine and let it idle.
  • Listen for a smooth idle and check that the check engine light is off.
  • If the light remains on, clear codes with a scan tool and recheck for misfires.
  • If you replaced one coil due to a misfire, consider checking the spark plugs too.

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$520 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $175-$340 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 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.

Parts
Tools
2012 Ford F-150
Menu
Videos
Earn