🔧 Forte - Ignition Coil Replacement

Your Forte uses one ignition coil per cylinder (“coil-on-plug”). Replacing a weak or failed coil can fix misfires, rough idle, flashing check-engine light, and loss of power.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool completely before starting.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental short circuits.
• ⚠️ Do not pull on wires—only pull on connectors.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt out of the spark plug tubes (misfires can happen if debris falls in).

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension for 1/4" ratchet
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Trim clip tool
• Torque wrench (in-lb or small ft-lb range)
• Compressed air blow gun
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Ignition coil - Qty: 1-4
• 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 fully cool.
• Disconnect the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative cable (black “-”) and move it aside so it can’t spring back.
• Take a quick photo of what you’re about to remove.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Gently pull up on the cover by hand to release the rubber grommets, or remove any fasteners using a 10mm socket (varies by cover style).
• Set the cover aside where it won’t get stepped on.

Step 2: Locate the ignition coils

• The coils are on top of the engine valve cover in a straight row (one per cylinder).
• Each coil has an electrical connector and one small hold-down bolt.

Step 3: Unplug the coil electrical connector

• Press the connector locking tab by hand; if it’s stubborn, use a flat-blade screwdriver gently to help lift the lock.
• Pull the connector straight off the coil.
• Don’t pry hard—connector tabs can snap.

Step 4: Remove the coil hold-down bolt

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension to remove the bolt holding the coil to the valve cover.
• Put the bolt somewhere safe (a magnetic tray is helpful if you have one).

Step 5: Remove the ignition coil

• Twist the coil slightly left-right to break the seal, then pull it straight up and out.
• If debris is around the coil, blow it away first using compressed air blow gun.
• Wipe any dirt with shop towels.

Step 6: Prep and install the new coil

• Put a very small smear of dielectric grease inside the coil boot (the rubber inside the bottom of the coil). Dielectric grease helps prevent moisture and makes future removal easier.
• Push the new coil straight down into the spark plug tube until it seats fully.

Step 7: Reinstall the coil hold-down bolt

• Start the bolt by hand a few turns to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten using a 10mm socket and torque wrench: Torque to 9-10 Nm (80-89 in-lbs).
• Snug, not “gorilla tight”—it’s a small bolt.

Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connector

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

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

• Repeat Steps 3-8 for each remaining coil.
• Do one coil at a time to avoid mix-ups.

Step 10: Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery

• Reinstall the engine cover (push onto grommets or tighten fasteners using a 10mm socket).
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket and tighten securely.

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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, do not drive hard until you confirm the misfire is gone.
• If you have a scan tool, clear any stored misfire codes and confirm they don’t return.
• Road test: gentle acceleration first, then normal driving.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$600 (parts + labor, depending on 1 coil vs all 4)

DIY Cost: $40-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$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.