How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2013-2018 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 (Engine: V6 3.6L)
Step-by-step DIY ignition coil replacement with tools, torque specs, safety tips, and testing instructions
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2013-2018 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 (Engine: V6 3.6L)
Step-by-step DIY ignition coil replacement with tools, torque specs, safety tips, and testing instructions for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
1500 - Ignition Coil Replacement 🔧
Nice job taking this on. On your 3.6L V6, each cylinder has its own ignition coil on top of the spark plug (coil-on-plug). We’ll do this safely and step by step.
Quick check: Are you planning to replace all 6 coils or just one that’s failed?
Also, do you have a basic socket set and a torque wrench (tool that tightens bolts to a specific setting)?
I’ll assume you’re doing all 6 and have basic tools. If not, tell me and I’ll adjust.
Tools & Supplies Needed 🧰
- 🔩 Basic tools
- Ratchet (1/4" or 3/8" drive)
- 8 mm socket (coil and engine cover bolts)
- 10 mm socket (battery terminal)
- Short extension (2–6") for your ratchet
- Torque wrench (inch‑pound or low-range foot‑pound)
- 🧤 Other helpful items
- Flat plastic trim tool or small flat screwdriver (to gently lift connectors)
- Dielectric grease (non‑conductive grease for electrical boots)
- Shop rags
- OBD2 scanner (to clear codes if you had misfire codes)
- 🆕 Parts
- 6 ignition coils for 2015 1500 3.6L (coil‑on‑plug type)
Safety First ⚠️
- 🛑 Engine cool – Let the engine cool completely to avoid burns.
- 🔋 Disconnect battery – Remove the negative (–) battery cable with a 10 mm socket and move it aside so it can’t spring back.
- 🧤 Wear gloves and eye protection – Protects from sharp edges and dirt.
1500 - Accessing the Ignition Coils 🧱
Your 3.6L has 6 coils on top of the engine, under the plastic engine cover.
- 🔧 1. Remove engine cover
- Stand at the front of the truck, hood open.
- The large plastic cover on top of the engine is held by a few 8 mm bolts and rubber grommets.
- Remove the visible bolts with your ratchet and 8 mm socket.
- Lift the cover straight up; it may pop out of rubber mounts. Pull evenly, don’t yank one corner hard.
- Set the cover aside.
- 👀 2. Locate the coils
- You’ll see three coils on each cylinder bank (left and right sides of the V‑shaped engine).
- Each coil is a small black unit with a 2‑wire electrical connector and a single mounting bolt.
1500 - Removing an Ignition Coil 🔌
Do one coil at a time so you don’t mix up connectors.
- 🧲 3. Unplug the coil connector
- Find the small locking tab on the coil’s electrical connector.
- Press the tab down with your thumb; if it’s stiff, gently help it with a small flat screwdriver or trim tool.
- While holding the tab, pull the connector straight off the coil. Do not pull on the wires.
- 🔧 4. Remove the coil bolt
- Use your ratchet, extension, and 8 mm socket to remove the single bolt holding the coil to the valve cover.
- Keep the bolt in a safe place; you’ll reuse it.
- ⬆️ 5. Remove the coil
- Grip the coil body and twist it gently left and right to break it loose from the spark plug.
- Pull the coil straight up and out of the spark plug well.
- Inspect the boot (the rubber tube) for oil or heavy corrosion. If you see oil, the valve cover gasket may be leaking.
1500 - Installing the New Ignition Coil 🆕
- 🧴 6. Prep the new coil
- Put a very small amount of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot opening. This helps sealing and future removal.
- 📏 7. Install the coil
- Line up the coil boot with the spark plug hole.
- Push the coil straight down until you feel it seat on the spark plug.
- Make sure the mounting ear lines up with the bolt hole.
- 🔩 8. Reinstall the coil bolt
- Install the original 8 mm bolt by hand first to avoid cross‑threading.
- Then tighten with your ratchet.
- Torque spec (coil bolt): ~70 in‑lb (about 8 N·m)
- If you don’t have an inch‑pound torque wrench, snug it just past finger tight. Do not crank down hard; the threads are in aluminum.
- 🔌 9. Reconnect the electrical connector
- Push the connector onto the coil until you hear or feel a click.
- Gently tug to confirm it’s locked.
Repeat for All Coils 🔁
- 🔁 10. Do the remaining 5 coils
- Repeat steps 3–9 for each coil.
- Work methodically from front to back on one side, then the other.
- If you had a specific misfire code (like P0302), make sure that cylinder’s coil is replaced and the connector is fully seated.
1500 - Reassembly & Final Checks ✅
- 🧱 11. Reinstall engine cover
- Place the plastic cover back over the engine, lining up the rubber grommets and bolt holes.
- Press down to seat the grommets.
- Install the 8 mm bolts and snug them down. Just snug; they’re only holding plastic.
- 🔋 12. Reconnect battery
- Reconnect the negative (–) battery cable.
- Tighten the 10 mm nut until snug; don’t overtighten.
- 🚗 13. Start and test
- Start the engine. It should idle smoothly with no shaking.
- If you had a check engine light, use an OBD2 scanner to clear any stored misfire codes.
- Take a short test drive. Check for smooth acceleration and no warning lights.
Common Beginner Tips 💡
- 🧠 Label connectors – If you feel unsure, put a small piece of tape with numbers on each connector and coil as you go.
- 📸 Take pictures – Snap a photo before you start so you know how everything should look when reassembled.
- 🧽 Keep dirt out – Don’t drop anything into the spark plug holes; if you see loose dirt, gently blow or brush it away before removing coils.
What’s Next? 🛠️
If you tell me whether you had any specific misfire codes (like P0301, P0302, etc.), I can confirm which cylinder is which on your 3.6L and double‑check your work plan.
HowToo makes it easy: below this answer you’ll see the correct ignition coils, dielectric grease, and any tools you’re missing, all with fast shipping. You can add them to your cart directly from the tools and parts section.
Guide for Ignition Coil replace for these Ram vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ram 1500 | - | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2017 Ram 1500 | - | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2016 Ram 1500 | - | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2015 Ram 1500 | - | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2014 Ram 1500 | - | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2013 Ram 1500 | - | V6 3.6L | - |
















