🔧 Encore - Ignition Coil Replacement

Ignition coils create the high-voltage spark your engine needs to run smoothly. Replacing a weak or failed coil can fix misfires, rough idle, flashing check engine light, and poor power.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully before starting; the turbo area gets very hot.
• ⚠️ Keep the key away from the car while working to prevent accidental starts.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to reduce risk of shorting electrical connectors.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wiring; always release the connector lock first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)
• Torque wrench (in-lb or small ft-lb)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Dielectric grease
• Shop towel
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil(s) - Qty: 1-4 Replace only the bad one, or all four.
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool down completely.
• Disconnect the battery negative cable using a 10mm socket and move it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Take a quick photo of what you see. It helps with reassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover

• If equipped, pull straight up on the plastic engine cover to release the rubber grommets. Use a trim clip removal tool if it feels stuck.
• Set the cover aside where it won’t get stepped on.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils sit on top of the engine, one per cylinder, and each has an electrical connector.
• A coil plugs down into the spark plug hole; it’s normal for it to feel snug.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently lift/release the connector lock (if present).
• Press the tab and pull the connector straight off. Don’t yank the wires.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension to remove the coil bolt.
• Place the bolt somewhere safe so it doesn’t disappear.

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Grip the coil body and twist it slightly left-right, then pull straight up.
• If it’s stubborn, keep twisting gently—do not pry hard on the plastic.
• Check for oil in the spark plug tube. Oil can cause misfires.

Step 6: Prep and install the new coil

• Put a tiny dab of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot (the rubber “cup” at the bottom). Dielectric grease helps prevent moisture and makes removal easier later.
• Align the coil and push it straight down until it fully seats.

Step 7: Reinstall the coil bolt and torque it

• Start the bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten with a 10mm socket.
• Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lb) using a torque wrench (in-lb or small ft-lb).

Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks/locks into place.
• Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s secure.

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

• Repeat Steps 3–8 for each coil you’re replacing.
• Do one coil at a time. This prevents mixing connectors.

Step 10: Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect the battery

• Press the engine cover back onto its grommets until it seats.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket and snug it firmly (do not overtighten).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1–2 minutes. It should run smooth.
• If the check engine light was flashing before, it should stop flashing immediately if the misfire is fixed.
• Take a short test drive and confirm normal power and no shaking.
• If the check engine light stays on, the code may need clearing with a scan tool (many parts stores can do this).
• If you found oil in a spark plug tube, plan to address the leak; coils can fail again if oil keeps getting in.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$450 (parts + labor, depending on how many coils)

DIY Cost: $40-$280 (parts only, depending on how many coils)

You Save: $140-$170+ 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.