🔧 Regal - Ignition Coil Replacement

Replacing ignition coils on your Regal means removing the engine cover, unplugging the coil connectors, and swapping the coil(s) on top of the spark plugs. Bad coils can cause misfires, rough running, flashing check-engine light, and poor power.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine; coils sit on a hot valve cover.
• ⚠️ Keep the key fob away from the car while working to prevent accidental electrical wake-up.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable if you’re nervous around electrical connectors.
• ⚠️ Don’t pull on wires; only pull on connectors.
• ⚠️ If the check-engine light is flashing, avoid driving until repaired (can damage the catalytic converter).

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)
• Torque wrench (in-lb or small ft-lb range)
• Flat trim tool
• Pick tool
• Dielectric grease
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1-4
• Intake manifold/throttle body gasket - Qty: 0-1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and let the engine cool fully.
• Open the hood and remove any loose jewelry or long sleeves.
• If disconnecting the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative terminal and tuck it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Tip: 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

• Lift the plastic engine cover straight up by hand. If it’s stubborn, gently pry up with a flat trim tool.
• The cover is held by rubber grommets (rubber “push-in” mounts).

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils sit on top of the engine, one per cylinder, plugged directly onto the spark plugs.
• Each coil has an electrical connector on it.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Use a pick tool to gently lift the connector lock tab (if equipped), then press the release and pull the connector off.
• A lock tab is a small safety catch that prevents the plug from backing out.
• Tip: Wiggle the connector—don’t yank the wires.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet and 6" extension to remove the coil bolt.
• Set the bolt aside where it won’t get lost.

Step 5: Pull the coil out

• Twist the coil slightly left-right by hand to break the seal, then pull straight up.
• If it’s stuck, use a flat trim tool to gently pry under the coil ear (light pressure only).

Step 6: Prep and install the new coil

• Put a tiny smear of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot. Dielectric grease is non-conductive grease that helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier.
• Push the new coil straight down until it fully seats on the spark plug.

Step 7: Reinstall the coil bolt and torque it

• Thread the bolt in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the coil bolt: Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the coil connector

• Push the connector on until it clicks.
• If there is a lock tab, re-engage it using the pick tool gently.

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

• Move to the next coil and repeat Steps 3-8.
• Tip: If only one failed, matching brands helps reliability.

Step 10: Reinstall the engine cover and reconnect battery

• Press the engine cover down evenly until all grommets snap in.
• If disconnected, reconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm socket.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes. It should run smooth.
• Check that the check-engine light is off and there’s no shaking.
• If you have a scan tool, clear misfire codes and confirm they don’t return.
• Road test gently for 10 minutes, then recheck for any warning lights.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$400 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$250 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.2 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.