🔧 Accord - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Accord uses a coil-on-plug ignition system (each spark plug has its own ignition coil). Replacing a bad coil can fix misfires, rough idle, flashing check engine light, and poor acceleration.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns (coils sit on top of the cylinder head).
• ⚠️ Keep the key out of the ignition so the engine can’t be started accidentally.
• ⚠️ Disconnecting the battery negative cable is recommended to prevent accidental shorts.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring—only on connectors and the coil body.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• 10mm wrench
• Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Shop light
• 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 4 (replace all four)
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and let the engine cool completely.
• Open the hood and keep the key away from the car.
• If you choose to disconnect the battery: use a 10mm wrench to remove the negative cable and move it aside so it can’t spring back.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Look at the top of the engine. If there’s a plastic cover, remove its fasteners with a 10mm socket and 3/8" ratchet.
• Lift the cover off and set it aside.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils are the 4 identical units lined up on top of the engine, each with an electrical connector.
• Take a quick photo for reference.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector release tab and pull the connector straight off.
• If it’s stuck, gently help the tab with a small flathead screwdriver (don’t pry hard).
• A “connector” is the plastic plug with wires that clicks into the coil.

Step 4: Remove the ignition coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 6" socket extension, and 3/8" ratchet to remove the single bolt holding the coil down.
• Set the bolt somewhere safe (it’s easy to lose).

Step 5: Pull the coil out

• Grip the coil body and twist it slightly left-right to break the seal, then pull straight up.
• If needed, use needle-nose pliers only to help lift the coil by its sturdy body—not the wiring.

Step 6: Prep and install the new coil

• Put a tiny smear of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot (the rubber “sock” on the bottom of the coil). Dielectric grease helps keep moisture out and makes future removal easier.
• Push the new coil straight down onto the spark plug until it fully seats.

Step 7: Reinstall the coil bolt and torque it

• Thread the bolt in by hand first (to avoid cross-threading).
• Tighten with a 10mm socket and 3/8" ratchet, then use a torque wrench: Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Plug the connector back in

• Push the connector on until you feel/hear a click.
• Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s locked.

Step 9: Repeat for the other cylinders (if replacing more than one)

• Repeat Steps 3-8 for each coil you’re replacing.
• Replace all four if high mileage.

Step 10: Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery

• Reinstall the engine cover using a 10mm socket and 3/8" ratchet (snug, do not over-tighten).
• If disconnected, reconnect the battery negative cable using a 10mm wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes. It should run smooth with no shaking.
• Check that the check engine light is not flashing. If it is flashing, shut the engine off and re-check each connector is fully clicked in.
• If the check engine light stays on, the stored code may need to be cleared after the fix (a scan tool can do this).
• Take a short test drive and re-check for any warning lights or rough running.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$600 (parts + labor, depending on how many coils)

DIY Cost: $60-$320 (parts only, depending on how many coils)

You Save: $190-$280 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.

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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.