How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2013 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI V8
Step-by-step coil swap instructions with tools/parts list, safety tips, and 80 in-lb (9 Nm) torque spec for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
How to Replace Ignition Coils on a 2013 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI V8
Step-by-step coil swap instructions with tools/parts list, safety tips, and 80 in-lb (9 Nm) torque spec for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
🔧 1500 - Ignition Coil Replacement
Your 1500’s 5.7L uses one ignition coil per cylinder (8 total). Replacing a coil is straightforward: unplug the electrical connector, remove the coil bolt, swap the coil, and reinstall.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-2.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully before working near the exhaust manifolds.
- ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental shorting and misfire codes while unplugging coils.
- ⚠️ Pull on connectors by the plastic housing, not the wires.
- ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug wells; blow debris out before removing coils.
🔧 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 low-range Nm)
- Flat trim tool
- Pick tool
- 7mm socket
- Phillips screwdriver
- Shop air blow gun
- Clean shop towels
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Ignition coil - Qty: 1 (or Qty: 8 if replacing all)
- Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
- Open the hood and let the engine cool.
- Disconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm socket and isolate the cable so it can’t spring back.
- Replace coils one at a time to avoid mix-ups.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)
- Pull up on the cover to release it from the grommets (use a flat trim tool if it’s tight).
- Set it aside on a clean towel.
Step 2: Make space (only if needed for access)
- Loosen the intake hose clamp using a 7mm socket or Phillips screwdriver (whichever your clamp uses).
- Move the intake tube slightly out of the way to reach the passenger-side coils, if necessary.
Step 3: Identify the coil you’re replacing
- Each coil is bolted to the valve cover and sits directly over a spark plug.
- Wipe the area with clean shop towels so dirt won’t fall into the plug well.
Step 4: Unplug the coil electrical connector
- Use a pick tool to gently lift the connector lock (a small safety tab that prevents accidental unplugging).
- Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off by hand.
- Don’t pry hard—tabs break easily.
Step 5: Remove the coil retaining bolt
- Remove the coil bolt using a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension.
- Keep the bolt where it won’t get lost.
Step 6: Remove the coil from the spark plug
- Twist the coil boot slightly, then pull upward to remove the coil.
- If dirt is visible around the plug well, blow it out using a shop air blow gun before installing the new coil.
- (A “boot” is the rubber sleeve on the bottom of the coil that seals to the spark plug.)
Step 7: Prep and install the new coil
- Apply a very small amount of dielectric grease inside the new coil boot (just a thin film).
- Push the new coil straight down until you feel it seat onto the spark plug.
Step 8: Reinstall the coil bolt and torque it
- Start the bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten with a 10mm socket.
- Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lb) using a torque wrench (in-lb or low-range Nm).
Step 9: Reconnect the coil electrical connector
- Push the connector on until it clicks.
- Re-engage the lock tab fully (use a pick tool only if needed).
Step 10: Repeat for remaining coils (if replacing more than one)
- Work one coil at a time and double-check each connector is fully seated.
Step 11: Reassemble and reconnect battery
- Reinstall the intake tube and tighten the clamp using a 7mm socket or Phillips screwdriver.
- Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it onto the grommets.
- Reconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm socket.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds. It should run smooth with no flashing check-engine light.
- If the check-engine light stays on, drive normally for a couple trips; if it doesn’t clear, scan for codes (a parts-store scan works).
- Recheck that every coil connector is clicked in and locked if you still feel a misfire.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $180-$450 (parts + labor) for 1-2 coils; $700-$1,300 for all 8
DIY Cost: $35-$90 per coil (parts only); $280-$720 for all 8
You Save: $100-$600+ by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-2.0 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.


















